FAQ
The St. Olav Path, or S:t Olavsleden, is a medieval pilgrimage route from the Swedish east coast to the Norwegian city of Trondheim, reopened in 2013. The route is part of a wider network of pilgrim trails leading to Trondheim. More information can be found on the page 'About' and on the official website www.stolavsleden.com.
The St. Olav Path is just one of several pilgrim paths in the nordic countries. We offer hikes along five of them. Which one is best for you? We compare them on the 'About' page.
After measurements with GPS equipment, the route appears to be 580 kilometers long. However, some hostels and sights are not directly along the trail, so chances are that you will walk more than 580 kilometers if you complete the entire path.
On St. Olav Path you walk on paved and unpaved roads and forest trails: 45% gravel roads, 36% asphalt, 19% natural trails. Some stages are more challenging than others; some days you walk uphill – although no real climbing is involved. You therefore need to be in good physical condition and use high quality hiking gear. Overall the route is very doable for trained hikers, but walking the complete route can be demanding: there are long distances, few facilities, and you may not meet many other hikers, as the trail crosses sparsely populated areas.
A pilgrim hike, especially the longer ones, can be physically demanding. Good training and proper equipment are essential. For some trails, including sections of St. Olav Path and Olav Path, we also recommend using hiking poles to help with balance and reduce strain on knees during climbs and descents.
Every country has its own SOS or emergency app, which you should install on your phone. This allows emergency services to track your location if needed. And make sure to add us as your contact, so we can follow your progress along the route. You can always call us if you need assistance.
After Munkeby in Norway there are two options to reach Trondheim: the Inner Route (regular route) and the Outer Route (coastal route). The last stage of the coastal route is by boat or taxi/train – and because this boat usually only runs on 3 days a week during 3 months of summer, good planning is required. The coastal route is a bit shorter, but accommodation is more expensive than along the regular route.
Accommodation along the trail varies from simple huts to pilgrim cabins, guesthouses and small hotels. That is part of what makes walking a pilgrimage unique. Nordic Pilgrim selects all accommodation with care. However, comfort levels vary and facilities are limited. A private hotel room with bathroom is simply not available every night along the route.
Even though the route crosses the mountains between Sweden and Norway, the height differences are not extreme. These are not the Alps! Juanma González made the great drawing below comparing St. Olav Path to the Camino in Spain.
The St. Olav Path is accessible from May to late September or even October. During other periods the risk of snow in the mountains is considerable. It is possible to walk the lower parts of the route outside the main season. The climate on the Norwegian side is more moderate than on the Swedish side, which makes the hiking season in Norway slightly longer.
You will need to book your journey to and from Sweden/Norway yourself. These costs are not included in our prices.
There are several ways to travel to Sweden. Finding the best or cheapest option can be a puzzle. We are happy to help you find the best solution.
You can also start planning by visiting these websites:
Yes! If you want to plan everything yourself, that is possible. There are good guidebooks available. We recommend the books by Ria Warmerdam: www.op-vrije-voeten.nl/uitgeverij. Information can also be found on www.stolavsleden.com and www.pilegrimsleden.no. If you need help with planning or booking, please contact us.
Yes. Maps are available on www.stolavsleden.com for both cyclists and riders who want to do the trail on horseback. We also recommend the cycling guides by Gea van Veen: viagaia.nl/en/webshop/cycling-guides
Yes, many pilgrims walk with their dog. Most accommodations accept dogs – but always check in advance. There might be an extra fee for cleaning. Important: special rules apply when entering Sweden and Norway with a dog. Norway has stricter regulations than Sweden and you will need to visit a veterinarian before crossing the border. Norway also has certain dog breeds that are not allowed in the country. At the moment, this applies to the following breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino and Ceskoslovenský vlčiak.
Thermos/water bottle, backpack, rain gear, warm clothing, good hiking shoes (preferably waterproof), first aid kit and blister plasters, passport. Trekking poles can be very useful. Also make sure you have valid travel insurance.
Some tips: www.outdooractive.com/en/knowledgepage/packing-list-for-long-distance-hikes/803135181/