What is St. Olavsleden?
St. Olavsleden is a pilgrimage route from the Middle Ages – from the Swedish east coast to the Norwegian city of Trondheim – which has recently been reopened. More information can be found on the page 'About St. Olav' and on the official website of the route, www.stolavsleden.com.
Can you also travel from Oslo?
There is a whole network of pilgrim routes going to Trondheim. Nordic Pilgrim only helps planning your journey along the route from Sundsvall to Trondheim and the St. Olav Waterway, from Turku to Eckerö. For more info about other routes: pilegrimsleden.no/en.
How long is St. Olavleden?
After measurements with GPS equipment, it seems that the route is 580 kilometres. However, some hostels and sights do not directly lie along the road, so chances are that you will have walked more than 580 kilometres after doing the complete St. Olavsleden.
What is the coastal route?
After Munkeby in Norway there are two options to reach Trondheim: the usual route and the coastal route. The last stage of the coastal route is by boat – and because this boat leaves on just 3 days during 3 months of summer, good planning is required. The coastal route is a bit shorter, but the accommodation is more expensive than the regular route.
Is walking St. Olavsleden difficult?
On St. Olavsleden you walk on paved and unpaved roads and forest trails. Some stages are more difficult than others: some days you walk uphill for quite some time. But overall the pilgrim’s route is doable. Good equipment and planning are however required. It can be pretty tough to walk the complete route – you should be in good physical shape! And mentally: you will not meet many other hikers and the route crosses sparsely populated areas, so you will be on your own long stretches of time.
When is the best time to walk St. Olavsleden?
St. Olavsleden is accessible from May to late September. During other periods the risk of snow in the mountains is considerable. It is possible to walk the lower parts of the route offseason. Would you like to know which parts are currently accessible? Please contact us.
Travel advice
You will have to book the journey to/ and from Sweden/Norway yourself. These costs are excluded in our prices.
There are several possibilities to travel to Sweden. It can be a puzzle to find the best or cheapest trip. We are happy to help you find the best option.
You can also start your own puzzle by visiting these websites:
Can I walk St. Olavsleden without help?
No need for assistance? Do you want to plan everything yourself? That is possible. There are some great guide books out there and there is information to be found on www.stolavsleden.com. But if you need help with planning or booking, please contact us.
Can you cycle St. Olavsleden?
Yes! And we can also help you with that. On www.stolavsleden.com are maps available for both cyclists as people who would like to do St. Olavsleden on horseback.
On horseback?
Yes, you can also experience St. Olavsleden on horseback – or with horse and carriage! The whole route or just a short trip: everything is possible. Please contact us for more info.
Can I bring my dog?
Many pilgrims choose to travel with their best four-legged friend: their dog. This is possible: most accommodations accept dogs - just be sure to check beforehand. However: special rules apply for entering Sweden and Norway with your dog. Norway has different rules than Sweden and you will have to see a veterinarian before crossing the border. More info about Sweden. More info about Norway. Norway also has certain breeds that are not allowed in to the country. At the moment that applies to the following breeds: Pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Fila Brasilerio, Toso Inu, Dogo Argentino and Ceskoslovenský vlciak.
What kind of accommodation is there along St. Olavleden?
The accommodation along the route varies from simple huts to pilgrim cabins and small hostels and hotels. Nordic Pilgrim chooses all accommodation with care. However, the standard varies per accommodation – this is because there is not yet much available, as the route is relatively new.
What should I take with me on my trip?
Sleeping bag and/or bed linen, thermos/water bottle, backpack, rain gear, (warm) clothing and equipment, good walking shoes (preferably waterproof), first aid supplies and blister plasters; passport. Trekking poles can be a great tool. Also make sure you are insured.
Who is Nordic Pilgrim?
Nordic Pilgrim is run by Ruben Heijloo and Sacha Kraan. Ruben lived in Sweden from 2011 to 2018 and is involved in the development of St. Olavsleden. In 2013 he walked and cycled the route himself. Videos of his trip can be found on the official website and YouTube channel of St. Olavsleden.
For the St. Olavsleden Nordic Pilgrim is assisted by Jack Shepherd, who lives and works in Östersund. Jack fixes transport and helps pilgrims who need assistance.
New to the team is Sacha Kraan. Sacha walked the St. Olav Waterway in the summer of 2021. The St. Olav Waterway runs from Turku (Swedish: Åbo) in Finland, to Eckerö on Åland.
KvK: 72925558 / BTW: NL143714053B01
Are there many height differences?
Even though the route crosses the mountains between Sweden and Norway, the height differences are not extreme. These are not the Alps! Juanma González made the very cool drawing below: St. Olavsleden compared to the Camino in Spain. Click on the picture for a larger version.
