We are of course very enthusiastic about the different regions the St. Olavs Path passes. But you don’t just have to believe us: take it from these locals! Here they give you their favourite spots in their specific region.
Selånger
by Emelie Lauro
Selånger pilgrimscenter: a few minutes walk from Lilla Äppelgården B&B you will find the beautiful farmhouse from 1907 which has been developed into a very popular pilgrim center. As soon as you enter the building, you are filled with a calm and a harmonious feeling. The pilgrim center is an oasis; close to nature and with a herb garden where you can sit and plan and prepare your hike. The center has a nice gift shop and good fika, ”Swedish coffee”. A place you want to visit often!
Uvberget: if you want to experience an extra day of hiking near Selånger, a visit to beautiful Hulitjärn and Uvberget is a must. About a 30-45 min walk from Lilla Äppelgården you have a fantastic view in 180 degrees, from east to west, over the villages around Selånger. Uvberget is located about 185 m above sea level. A bonus hike for nature lovers!
Have you left Selånger and are on your way to the next overnight stay? Then take the opportunity to visit the places in Matfors:
Matforsfabriken: coffee shop and flea market in the old industrial factory in Matfors. In the summer you can try playing football-golf.
Det goda bruket: furniture, clothes, coffee, food, good cakes in a cozy environment. Cou can sit down and treat yourself to a good coffee.
Borgsjö area
by Sara Stierna
If you want to take a break from your hike, you can visit the Boda Borg adventure house. It has challenging indoor activities for both brain and body. Boda Borg also has a hostel and the large, magnificent buildings, which are beautifully situated by the pilgrim trail and the river Ljungan, have a rich history. If you want even more excitement you can stop at Midadventure, which is located just after Torpshammar. They offer many activities, like a high-altitude park, a disc golf course, kayaking and there is a nice little lake with a water slide and a jumping tower. If you like this lovely spot, which is also located near the Ljungan rivier, and want to enjoy the sunset, you can rent a cottage.
In Borgsjö you will find Sockenmagasinet. Artisans in the area sell their products in this old grain warehouse, which is located right by the trail and near the church. In the forest behind the warehouse and the church’s parish are the remains of Borgsjö Skans, an old defense facility that until 1679 was manned to keep watch on the border with the neighbouring province of Jämtland (which was then Norway). You should also take the time to visit Borgsjö’s Rococo-style church, which is widely known, both for its beautiful belfry and its two St. Olav statues.
Around Borgsjö there are three cozy cafés. Tingshuset, which is located at the hembygdsgård, which also has museum and hostel. There is Mitt musteri where you can have coffee with a view of the apple trees and the must factory. If you enjoy this beautiful place, you can also spend the night in one of their lovely rooms. Mitt musteri is located a few kilometres from the trail on the other side of the E14. Directly along the trail just after Borgsjö you can have a coffee at the cozy Löfstrandhs café, which was previously the village’s store – there still is a small shop inside. This is a perfect place to stop and rest your legs before the hike continues with a fairly steep climb up Orrberget. As a reward for the struggle uphill, you get a beautiful view of the valley at the top of the hill.
Östersund
by Jack Shepherd
Naturreservat Tysjöarna: I love walking or running here. Five minutes from town and you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. 5 or 7 km paths take you through woodland and on planks over wetland. It is famous for its migrating birds in spring and autumn.
Captain Cook’s: As a Brit, a pub is always close to my heart. This pub is “home” for me now; friendly staff, a good selection of local beers, live music, pub quizzes and decent food.
Mörsil
by Ann Marie Thörne and Kerstin Strömberg
Römmen’s summer café, part of the hembygdsgård (local community centre) in Mörsil. They serve really good sandwiches and – of course – Swedish fika.
A lovely hike is when you follow the St. Olav path north from Mörsil, over the hills where tuberculosis patients had to take strengthening walks about a hundred years ago. Mörsil had at least three sanatoriums when tuberculosis was at its worst.
Kretsloppshuset (‘Natural Cycle House’) in Mörsil town. It is an all-year greenery that serves locally produced, organic and fair trade food. It might be a bit more expensive than regular places, but it is well worth your money.
Åre
by Maria Lexhagen
Refreshing swim in the natural pools of Ullån. See Google Maps. On the left hand side of the main road you can walk across the mire to the water falls and stream.
Lakeside picnic place with a beautiful view (Fröåtjärn). Google Maps.
Werséns restaurant, great bistro type food and bar, and a real local hang-out.
Grädda bageri, great bakery with delicious ice-cream, art exhibition.
Bergstugan: wonderful café/restaurant in the heritage site of Fröå copper mine.
Trondheim
by Chin-Yu Lee
Bakklandet is a charming area with colorful wooden houses, cafes, restaurants and bars. This is a popular place for tourists and locals alike.
A walk by the Trondheim Fjord between Brattøra and Skansen, and maybe also a bench to sit and meditate on.
Trondheim kunstmuseum shows both exhibitions from their extensive collection of Norwegian and international art and contemporary art exhibitions. They have two branches. TKM Bispegata is right by the Nidaros Cathedral. The same ticket also applies to TKM Gråmølna.
