The S:t Olavsleden trail
The 580 kilometer long St. Olavsleden is the northernmost pilgrimage route in the world. From Selånger in Sweden to Trondheim in Norway, the trail stretches across mountains, past lakes, and through forests. Along the way, you’ll walk on paths, gravel roads, and asphalt. The route is divided into five sections, which are described on this page.
The S:t Olavsleden in short
Map of S:t Olavsleden
This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).
Discover S:t Olavsleden
Olav Haraldsson was born in 995 and became the king of Norway in the early 11th century, though he later lost the throne. In his final year, he landed in Selånger with the intention of entering Norway to reclaim power. Things did not go Olav’s way, however, as he was killed in the decisive battle at Stiklestad. When his grave was opened a year later, his hair and nails had grown, leading to his canonization.
Pilgrimages began shortly thereafter. Today, not only pilgrims walk the route – S:t Olavsleden is visited by all kinds of hikers, as well as cyclists and horseback riders. Walking the entire route from the Gulf of Bothnia to the Atlantic Ocean takes about 30 days. However, you can easily plan your own journey, starting or ending wherever you like. There are train connections along much of the route from Sundsvall to Trondheim, which can help with planning your specific hiking itinerary.
See and do along the trail
In addition to cultural and historical sites, several events take place along the trail during summer and fall. For example, the music festival Storsjöyran is held in Östersund at the end of July, and the Autumn Market in Åre takes place at the end of September. Each year in late July, the Olavsfestdagene is held in Trondheim. This is one of Norway’s largest cultural festivals, featuring performances, church services, and concerts.
Don’t miss
A visit to the delightful history museum Jamtli in Östersund is a must. Climbing Åreskutan in Åre is also an incredible experience.
Transport to the trail
You can drive or take the train to Sundsvall. From the train station, you can start walking directly – it’s only about 10 kilometers to Selånger. The route from Sundsvall Central Station to Selånger is marked with the pilgrim symbol. From the final destination in Trondheim, you can take the train back to Sundsvall. The trail begins here (Google Maps link).
Trail markers
S:t Olavsleden is marked with the pilgrim symbol on posts and trees.
Hiking tips for S:t Olavsleden
Here are hiking tips for those who wish to hike a section of S:t Olavsleden. Each tip includes several daily stages.
Of course, you can also hike in the opposite direction to the order of these tips.
Sub-section 1: Selånger–Borgsjö
86 km, 4–9 hours of hiking per day over 4 days
Accommodation: S:t Olavsleden’s accommodations
You begin your hike through the rolling agricultural landscape of Selångerdalen. In Vattjom, you’ll reach the trail’s first S:t Olav’s spring. After the village of Fränsta, you’ll hike along Kärleksstigen, which winds beside the Ljungan River. In Borgsjö, the endpoint of this section, you’ll find one of the most famous springs. Don’t forget to visit Borgsjö Church, known as the King of Wooden Towers in the Nordics and one of Sweden’s most beautiful rococo churches. There are opportunities to swim at various spots along this stretch.
Sub-section 2: Borgsjö–Östersund
100 km, 4–8 hours of hiking per day over 6 days
Accommodation: S:t Olavsleden’s accommodations
At the beginning of this section, you leave Västernorrland County and enter Jämtland County. The trail largely passes through forest up to Bräcke. After that, it follows Lake Revsund all the way to Pilgrimstad. Here, you’ll find a spring with water that is said to heal ailments, at least according to legend. Next to the spring is the chapel Pilgrimernas Hus. From Brunflo, you’ll hike north along Brunfloviken into Östersund, which is the only city in Jämtland.
Sub-section 3: Östersund–Åre
120 km, 6–8 hours of hiking per day over 6 days
Accommodation: S:t Olavsleden’s accommodations
Through Frösön, you continue west via Rödön, Nälden, and Alsen. The stretch between Alsen and Kluk is elevated, with beautiful views of the mountains and Lake Alsen. Upon reaching Mörsil, you’ll hike alongside the E14 highway to Järpen. Between Järpen and Undersåker, you’ll pass the 14-meter-high Ristafallet, a popular attraction. As you approach Åre, you’ll often have a view of the majestic Åreskutan.
Sub-section 4: Åre–Stiklestad
112 km, 5–8 hours of hiking per day over 6 days
Accommodation: S:t Olavsleden’s accommodations
On the second and third days towards Skalstugan, the route follows a road with vehicle traffic. This somewhat monotonous road walk soon gives way to two days of mountain hiking in spectacular scenery. Expect plenty of photo stops as you hike along Karl Johansväg through sparse birch forest, surrounded by mountain peaks. This section crosses into Norway. During stages 2–5, it’s good to bring food, as you’ll pass fewer communities.
Sub-section 5: Stiklestad–Trondheim
137 km, 5–8 hours of hiking per day over 7 days
Accommodation: S:t Olavsleden’s accommodations
On your way to beautiful Trondheim, you’ll need to make a route choice. The inner trail goes through dense forests along forest paths and gravel roads, and you’ll need to bring food. The outer trail leads through towns near Trondheim Fjord, but it mainly follows asphalt roads. Before reaching Stjørdal, you’ll hike through Hållådalen, a beautiful cultural landscape with rock carvings that are 3,000 years old. Your goal, Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, is the second-largest cathedral in the Nordics. It was built over S:t Olav’s grave in the late 11th century.
Accomodations along the trail
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