About
PILGRIM PATHS
A pilgrimage trail is more than a walking route – it’s a journey with purpose. Unlike regular hiking trails, which focus on recreation and nature, pilgrimage paths invite you to slow down, reflect, and connect with the world around you. They lead to meaningful destinations rich in history and tradition, passing villages, landmarks, and moments of quiet inspiration. It’s not just about the destination, but what the journey brings,
step by step. For purely nature-focused trails, other paths like Sweden’s Kungsleden exist – but they are not featured here.
Nordic Pilgrim offers hikes along several pilgrim paths in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, most of which are part of the St. Olav Ways, named after Saint Olav. The fifth path is the St. Birgitta Way in Sweden.
OLAV HARALDSSON
In the summer of 1030, Norwegian Viking Olav Haraldsson landed at Selånger on Sweden’s east coast after years in exile in Russia. His goal was to reclaim the Norwegian throne and unite the kingdom through Christianity. Earlier travels across Europe had introduced him to the faith, and he was baptized in Normandy – a turning point in his life.
From Selånger, Olav journeyed west toward Stiklestad, about 100 kilometers north of today’s Trondheim, traveling through the Ljungan Valley, along Lake Revsund, and over the mountains near Frösön and Duved, following the ancient Skalstugeväg into Norway.
On July 29, 1030, his journey ended at the Battle of Stiklestad,
here he was killed. His body was secretly brought to Nidaros (Trondheim). Soon after, a solar eclipse and stories of miraculous healings circulated. Within a year, Olav was reburied with honor, and Nidaros Cathedral was built at his shrine. He was canonized as Saint Olav, a symbol of faith and unity across Scandinavia.
Nidaros Cathedral quickly became one of the medieval world’s greatest pilgrimage destinations – alongside Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. Thousands traveled from across Europe to visit Saint Olav’s shrine. Pilgrimage routes faded only with the Reformation in the 16th century.
S:T OLAVSLEDEN (ST. OLAV PATH)
After 500 years, the 580-kilometer S:t Olavsleden was reopened in 2013. Meaning “Saint Olav’s Way,” it retraces Olav’s historic journey from Selånger to Trondheim. Today, travelers walk it for adventure, history, or the simple joy of moving forward step by step.
GUDBRANDSDALSLEDEN (OLAV PATH)
The Gudbrandsdalsleden, the main route from Oslo to Nidaros since the Middle Ages, stretches 643 kilometers through mountains, forests, valleys, and villages. It was one of the first modern pilgrimage routes revived in Norway. For over a thousand years, travelers have followed this path toward Trondheim and Saint Olav’s legacy. Nordic Pilgrim offers tours along the final three weeks of this historic route.
KYSTPILEGRIMSLEIA (COASTAL PILGRIM PATH)
The Coastal Pilgrim Route intersects with the Sunnivaleia – the Path of Saint Sunniva (10th century) – adding history and legend to the journey. The trail follows Norway’s dramatic coastline, through fjords, islands, and quiet fishing villages. From Egersund, it heads north via Stavanger, Bergen, and Ålesund to Trondheim. Nordic Pilgrim offers trips along the most scenic stretch: Bergen to Selje and back.
Unlike inland trails, the Coastal Route is not fully marked. Travelers combine boat and bus to reach key points along the way, capturing the true spirit of Norway’s seafaring past.
OLAVINREITTI (ST. OLAV WATERWAY)
The St. Olav Waterway begins in Turku, Finland, crossing the archipelago to Eckerö on Åland before joining routes to Sweden and Norway. Following the same island-hopping route used by medieval pilgrims, it combines walking and sailing. Saint Olav is the patron saint of Åland, and historic churches mark the landscape. Opened in 2019, it’s the first pilgrim trail to connect Finland and Sweden by sea.
S:T BIRGITTALEDEN (ST. BIRGITTA WAY)
The St. Birgitta Way (Swedish: Birgittaleden) is a pilgrimage trail in southern Sweden that follows routes linked to Saint Birgitta (Bridget) of Sweden (ca. 1304–1374) There are two main routes, but Nordic Pilgrim only offers hikes along the southern path, from Jönköping to Vadstena. Following the 14th-century saint along Lake Vättern, travelers experience her spiritual legacy and the serene landscapes that shaped her life. The path winds along rocky coastal trails, forests, fields, and sleepy villages, offering a glimpse of medieval Sweden. Vadstena, the endpoint, hosts Vadstena Abbey, founded by Saint Birgitta, where her devotion continues to inspire visitors.
ROUTE COMPARISON
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St. Olav Path – Balanced and cross-border; a long, rewarding trek with good infrastructure, but relatively more asphalt.
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Olav Path – The classic, most traditional inland pilgrimage; physically demanding but rich in heritage and wild nature.
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Coastal Pilgrim Path – Coastal, wild and cultural, ideal for relaxed travel with boat journeys and shorter hikes.
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St. Olav Waterway – Coastal island route combining ferries and walks; light and peaceful.
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St. Birgitta Way – A shorter route in Sweden following the coast of Sweden's second biggest lake; ideal for new pilgrims.
Please note that the distances shown in the overview represent the total trail lengths. Nordic Pilgrim's packages do not (yet) cover the entire routes.