The St. Olav Waterway

The St. Olav Waterway starts in Turku (Finland) and ends in Eckerö (Åland). It follows the trail pilgrims walked and sailed in the Middle Ages on their way to Nidaros. Olav is the patron saint of Åland and there are Olav churches on both the Finnish archipelago and Åland, which means Olav himself may have passed the area on his way from Novgorod to Sweden. The St. Olav Waterway is the first pilgrim trail connecting Finland and Sweden over the sea. The total distance is 340 kilometers, including ferries – because there is a lot of island hopping involved. However, the distance that you actually have to cycle is approximately 215 kilometers.

Program

Feel free, breathe deeply, and savor the the Nordic Riviera – one island at a time. By bicycling instead of walking, you have the possibility to really explore the Finnish archipelago. To visit places that are often just out of reach for hikers. This trip lends itself to explore the archipelago – off the beaten track.
This part of the St. Olav Waterway starts in Turku (Finland) and ends in the capital of Åland: Mariehamn. It follows part of the trail pilgrims walked and sailed in the Middle Ages on their way to Nidaros. The schedule that you see below is just a suggestion. You can plan resting days, combine stages or continue your trip with a hike from Mariehamn to Eckerö. Ask us for the possibilities.

No need to bring your own bike! We arrange everything.

01. Travel day. Overnight stay in Turku

It is pleasant to take a stroll after a long journey – and Turku is the perfect place for that!

02. Day in Turku

Turku is a great place to explore a bit further. After picking up your bike in the city center, you can leisurely bike around. Take a look at the cathedral; the place where you can get the first stamp for your pilgrim pass. There are many great museums to visit – and there is the mighty Turku Castle. There are several good restaurants in the historic city centre where you can unwind before a good night’s rest.

03. Turku - Pargas (approx. 32 km)

The first stage runs through Turku and its outskirts, and is very enjoyable. You then come across all kinds of scenery: forest, rock formations and beautiful sea views. On this day you pass several spots for a picnic or short stop. You can also visit a lookout point – overlooking the sea. Leave your bike at the bottom of the stairs and walk up to the lookout point.

04. Pargas – Pensar (approx. 19 km)

Pargas – Pensar (approx. 19 km). 
You pass the impressive Pargas mine towards the first ferry. Halfway the trail you can have a drink at a local pub, but the ferry’s schedule is leading, so don’t sit for too long. Pensar Island is peaceful and has a nature path. By bike you can explore this small island easily in one day.

05. Pensar – Korpo (approx. 50 km)

A ferry brings you and your bike to Kirjainen, where you continue your trip via Nagu in the direction of Korpo. You can skip the busy car road by taking the gravel route north of the island – passing the local tractor museum. A short ferry trip brings you to Korpo, where it is just 10 kilometers to the accommodation.

06. Korpo - Kökar (approx. 10 km)

After only five kilometers you reach the ferry. This boat ride takes longer than the previous ones, so enjoy the view while having a drink aboard. After arriving at Kökar it is a short ride to the accommodation. Check in, relax and enjoy the thought that you have a resting day tomorrow.

07. Day on Kökar

This historical and remote island is the perfect place to relax a bit. Nordic Pilgrim chose this island for good reasons. What most of all attracts visitors to Kökar today is the stunning nature, composed of barren rocks with pockets of lush forests, wild fields and protected bays for swimming. By bike you can really explore the island.

08. Kökar - Lemböte (approx. 28 km)

On day eight you can take it easy and this starts already on the boat. You sail past the smallest municipality of Finland, Sottunga, towards Åland. From there you cycle to your next accommodation. The Church of Lumparland, is the oldest surviving wooden church in Åland, dating back to the 1720’s. There are parts of the route that are not suited for bikes – but this is self explanatory.

09. Lemböte - Mariehamn (ca. 25 km)

After spending a day in nature, this day you mostly cycle through urban areas. You can see the single church dedicated to St. Olav on Åland: Jomala. After dropping off your bike, you can explore the capital of Åland some more, before checking in at your accommodation.

10. Travel day

From Mariehamn you can take the ferry back to Turku, onwards to Stockholm, or you can continue your pilgrimage to Eckerö by foot.

10 days of which you bike 8 days, an average of 28 kilometers per day. But this trip lends itself to explore off the beaten path.

April-October

This is not a difficult trip – especially for trained cyclists.

You spend the nights B&B’s, hotels and cabins. The accommodations have a higher standard than for example along the Gudbrandsdalsleden. You don’t have to bring your own sleeping bag and don’t have to sleep in dorm rooms.

Meals are included, but not in all accommodations: 6x dinner, 9x breakfast, 8x packed lunch.

Accommodation, meals (as indicated under ‘meals’), bed linen, bicycle (hybrid), ferries, booking, assistance through app (if needed), STO Guarantee.

Luggage transfer, plane-, bus- and train tickets. You will of course be helped to find the trip that suits you best.

Included is a 21- or 24-geared hybrid bike, equipped with “puncture proof” tires, front and back hand brakes, bottle holder and a rack. Also included: 2-sided water-resistant panniers with rain-cover. You can drop off the bike in Mariehamn for transfer back to Turku – also included in the price.

This offer is covered by the STO Garant guarantee. You can find the conditions for this guarantee scheme on STO Garant’s website (www.sto-garant.nl/en/downloads).

Contact us for more information: info@nordicpilgrim.com or +31 6 12834782.

The exact price for this entire trip we can give after we have made a personal itinerary. The prices below are an estimate.

  • € 1.940 (one person, single room)
  • € 2.990 (two persons, double room)
  • Electric bike: + € 330 per bike
  • + € 13 for STO Guarantee

Summary

Self-guided bicycle trip along the St. Olav Waterway, from Turku to Mariehamn.

  • Available from April to October

  • 10 days of which you bike 8 days

  • Including bike rental and bike transfers

  • € 1.940 (one person, single room)

  • € 2.990 (two persons, double room)

  • Electric bike: + € 330 per bike

  • + € 13 for STO Guarantee

Contact us for more info