FAQ

The St. Birgitta Way (Swedish: Birgittaleden) is a pilgrimage trail in southern Sweden that follows routes linked to Saint Birgitta (Bridget) of Sweden.

There are two main routes. Both trails pass through beautiful forests, farmland, and historic points of interest, ending at Vadstena Abbey Church, where St. Birgitta’s relics rest.

- Söderköping or Linköping–Vadstena (about 130 or 70 km)

Retracing Birgitta’s path from Vreta Abbey to the abbey she founded in Vadstena.

- Jönköping–Vadstena (about 140 km)

Part of a longer pilgrimage network connecting southern Sweden with Vadstena. This is the trail that Nordic Pilgrim offers as a package.

The St. Birgitta Way 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.

The total distance from Jönköping to Vadstena is 140 kilometers. At the moment, Nordic Pilgrim offers no tours along the other stages along the Birgitta Ways.

The route is easy to moderate, with some shorter stages that can be tough. The hikes near the water can be challenging when the weather is bad – there are parts where you walk over boulders that can be quite slippery when wet. Always check the forecast before you start your hike!

Good equipment and planning are essential, and you should be in good physical condition.

A pilgrimage hike, especially the longer ones, can be physically demanding. Good training and proper equipment are essential. For some trails, we also recommend using hiking poles to help with balance and to reduce strain on your knees during climbs and descents. There are one or two days along the St. Birgitta Way where poles can come in handy - but they are not necessary.

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. 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.

Accommodation along the route varies from simple rooms to cabins, small hostels, and hotels. Nordic Pilgrim selects all accommodations with care. However, standards differ because options are limited.

Not really. There are some small hills along the trail. The highest is Omberg, a larger hill you cross near the end of the hike. Its altitude is 263 meters.

Because this trail is located further south than the other routes, the weather is more moderate. It also does not cross any mountains. You can hike the trail from May until well into October.

Would you like to plan everything yourself? That’s possible! You can find plenty of information on the official website. The Pilgrim Center in Vadstena also provides excellent guidance.

However, if you’d like assistance with planning or booking – or need general information – please don’t hesitate to contact us.

You’ll need to arrange your own travel to and from Sweden. These costs are not included in our prices. There are several ways to travel to Jönköping – by train, bus, or car. We’re happy to help you find the best solution for your trip. If you travel by car, we can give you great tips on where to park it during your hike. From Vadstena, it can be a bit of a puzzle to get back or continue your trip, but we can help you find the best connections.

Yes, although you would miss some of the best parts, especially along the coast, as those sections are not accessible for cyclists.

Many pilgrims choose to travel with their four-legged friend — and this is possible! Most accommodations accept dogs, though it’s best to check in advance.

However, special regulations apply when bringing a dog into Sweden: Travelling to Sweden with dogs and cats – Norden.org.

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: Packing list for long-distance hikes – Outdooractive