We receive a lot of questions about the Inner and Outer Route. Here follows a short explanation. The St. Olavsleden (from Selånger to Trondheim) splits into two for the last part in Norway: at Munkeby you can choose to take the Inner or the Outer road to Trondheim. What are the differences between these two routes?
The Inner Route
This is the path that was communicated as the official route in 2013, when the St. Olavsledene was reopened. Here you walk through deep forests, past swamps and deep lakes – a continuation of the landscapes you have seen earlier during your hike. The Inner Router is slightly longer than the Outer, with more wild nature and fewer shops – although from Vikhammer on it mainly goes through urban areas. Accommodation can be difficult to find in some places. Ask us for more information if you need help.
The Outer Route
More recently, the Outer Route has been offered as an alternative. This path goes via the historic town of Levanger over the Frosta peninsula to the island of Tautra. You largely follow the fjord of Trondheim and walk on more asphalt than the inner road – with also long stretches on stony beaches and meadows that lie directly on the water. The route is approximately two days shorter than the Inner Route, you pass more shops, but more importantly: the last stage must be done by boat. This boat departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from June to August. So you need to plan your hike more carefully. You can also take a taxi from Tautra to the nearest station for the train to Trondheim. Again: if you have any questions, please contact us.
Coastal Pilgrim Path
We are proud to introduce two new packages along the Coastal Pilgrim Route (Kystpilegrimsleia) in Norway: a mixture of beautiful hikes, guided tours and ferry trips.
Winter experience
Discover the magic of winter along the historic St. Olavsleden Pilgrim Trail on this 7-day self-guided tour. Start in Östersund, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and enjoy local cuisine and cozy accommodation.
Walk in the footsteps of Viking King Olav on two short scenic hikes to a Viking Runestone and a stunning frozen waterfall. Ride horseback along the pilgrim route and ski through the peaceful winter landscape.
Explore the Jamtli Museum and the vibrant mountain village of Åre, with optional activities like dogsledding and snowshoeing. The tour includes transport, meals, and all equipment. This journey offers the perfect mix of nature, history, and relaxation.
Guided group tour 2025
We are very proud to introduce a guided group hike from Sweden to Norway in the summer of 2025. Over mountains, through forests and along the Trondheim fjord. Plus: a visit to the annual St. Olav Play in Stiklestad.
My Finnish dream
My special bond with Finland started four years ago. I had been a big fan of the Nordics for over twelve years and that is why I had decided to move to Finland. Once there, I immediately fell in love with the nature and the peace that the country radiates. Unfortunately, after a while I developed severe physical complaints that made it impossible for me to walk or stand on my legs. The Finnish doctors could not help me and I could not take care of myself, because of these physical problems. For that reason, my Finnish dream fell apart and after a year I had to move back to the Netherlands.
Moving to Sweden
Over the years we have met quite a few people who were interested in moving to Sweden, Norway or Finland after completing their hike. Not surprising: there is a lot of space and unspoiled nature, there are a lot of (professional) opportunities and in the countryside houses can be affordable.
Exploring Gudbrandsdalsleden
In August and September 2024, we had the opportunity to explore parts of the Gudbrandsdalsleden - the pilgrim route from Oslo to Trondheim.
Returning as volunteer
Mireille from Belgium walked the St. Olav’s Trail from Sweden to Norway in 2023. She liked one of the accommodations she stayed at so much that she returned a year later as a volunteer.
St. Olavsleden on bicycle
The St. Olavsleden (St. Olav path) is mainly known as a hiking trail, but cyclists can also follow in the footsteps/tire tracks of Olav. And with the arrival of a new travel guide (link) for cyclists at the end of 2024, more will soon follow. But how do you approach something like this, a pilgrimage route by bike? We asked Suze and Ton from the Netherlands.
Happy hikers
One of the best things of running a company like Nordic Pilgrim, is to see people arriving at their final destination, often after a long journey. Take Sue from the USA, for example. She started her hike in Selånger on June 1st. After almost one month of hiking she arrived in Trondheim on the 28th and wrote:
10 years of Nordic Pilgrim
In the commotion of the coming hiking season, we almost forgot our own anniversary: Nordic Pilgrim has been around for ten years! In 2013, founder Ruben was asked by the Swedish St. Olavsleden project to ‘test’ this route
