Selånger - Trondheim
- 29 or 30 days, self-guided -

OVERVIEW

The St. Olav Path, or S:t Olavsleden, is the world’s northernmost pilgrim path, stretching 580 km from Selånger in Sweden to Trondheim in Norway. The trail leads over mountains, through deep forests and along lakes, passing historic sites connected to the legacy of St. Olav. It is often called Scandinavia’s answer to the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

This is the full St. Olav Path: 580 km through forests, along lakes and across mountains, ending at the Trondheim fjord. Walking the entire route creates a true pilgrim rhythm: walking, eating, resting – living in the moment. You’ll enjoy beautiful nature, meaningful encounters and the challenge of pushing your limits.

01. Travel day – Overnight in Selånger or Sundsvall

Choose a hotel in Sundsvall or a B&B in Selånger near the official starting point.

02. Selånger – Matfors (ca. 20 km)

The route starts at the ruins of Selånger Church, where Olav Haraldsson began his journey to Norway. Easy walking through farmland.

03. Matfors – Stöde (ca. 24 km)

A demanding walk along Lake Stöde with quiet spots to rest or swim.

04. Stöde – Viskan (ca. 17 km)

Easy walking through green countryside towards the geographical centre of Sweden.

05. Viskan – Fränsta (ca. 17 km)

A pleasant day with a visit to Fränsta Church, home to a 13th-century statue of St. Olav.

06. Fränsta – Borgsjö (ca. 13 km)

Through quiet country roads to Borgsjö, known for the legend of St. Olav’s spring.

07. Borgsjö – Lombäcken (ca. 17 km)

Forest paths and gradual climbs. Overnight in a simple forest cabin without electricity.

08. Lombäcken – Bräcke (ca. 26 km)

Continue through woods and villages to Bräcke, a former railway town with a Wild West feel.

09. Bräcke – Gällö/Revsund (ca. 25 km)

Along Lake Revsund, where Olav is said to have split a stone with his boat. A tough stage.

10. Gällö – Pilgrimstad (ca. 20 km)

Visit Revsund Church and Hålbergsgrot cave. Drink from another St. Olav spring. From Revsund: 14 km.

11. Pilgrimstad – Brunflo (ca. 25 km)

A long but pleasant walk to Brunflo, at the start of Lake Storsjön.

12. Brunflo – Östersund (ca. 15 km)

Short and easy. Östersund is a great place for a rest day and home to the excellent Jamtli Museum.

13. Östersund – Rödön (ca. 23 km)

Across Frösön island, passing Sweden’s northernmost rune stone, towards Rödön peninsula.

14. Rödön – Vaplan (ca. 22 km)

Past farms, hills and St. Olav’s spring at Vikeränget.

15. Vaplan – Alsen (ca. 19 km)

Easy walking with mountain views and prehistoric rock carvings at Glösa.

16. Alsen – Mörsil (ca. 25 km)

A long, demanding day through forest and hills with rewarding lake views.

17. Mörsil – Hålland (ca. 20 km)

Follow the Indalsälven River past Ristafallet waterfall.

18. Hålland – Åre (ca. 21 km)

Arrive in Åre, Sweden’s ski capital, via forests, meadows and the ‘troll path.’

19. Åre – Tännforsen (ca. 23 km)

Past Duved into wilderness towards Tännforsen, Sweden’s largest waterfall. A tough day with a lot of asphalt.

20. Tännforsen – Medstugan (ca. 24 km)

Past historic stone bridges from the 19th century. Some asphalt walking.

21. Medstugan – Sul (ca. 35 km)

Cross the mountains into Norway. Long but scenic stage – but there are options to shorten this stage.

22. Sul – Vuku (ca. 32 km)

Through valley and pine forests into open farmland.

23. Vuku – Stiklestad (ca. 12 km)

Short hike to historic Stiklestad, where Olav Haraldsson fell in battle in 1030.

24. Stiklestad – Munkeby (ca. 22 km)

To Munkeby pilgrim cabin near medieval monastery ruins – and monastery cheese!

ALTERNATIVE 1: INNER ROUTE

25. Munkeby – Markabygda (ca. 22 km)

Mixed terrain on forest tracks and wetlands along Lake Tomsvattnet, with wide mountain views.

26. Markabygda – Borås (ca. 25 km)

Dirt roads through quiet marka countryside, passing Lake Ausetvatnet to a farm hostel in Borås.

27. Borås – Ersgard (ca. 21 km)

Via Vollhaugen to historic Stjørdal and its church. Overnight at scenic Ersgard farm with river swimming.

28. Ersgard – Hommelvik (ca. 14 km)

Easy coastal stage on mostly asphalt via Lånke Church and the village of Hell, then along the Malvik Trail to Hommelvik.

29. Hommelvik – Trondheim (ca. 24 km)

Follow the fjord via Vikhammer, Ranheim Church and the Ladestien coastal path to Nidaros Cathedral – your journey’s end point.

30. Travel day

Extra nights in Trondheim are optional.

ALTERNATIVE 2: OUTER ROUTE

25. Munkeby – Laberget (ca. 21 km)

Walk via Levanger and its arboretum to the Trondheim fjord.

26. Laberget – Hellberg (ca. 25 km)

Tough day on asphalt past Falstadsenteret and Ekne Church to the fertile Frosta peninsula.

27. Hellberg – Tautra (ca. 23 km)

Beautiful route with constant sea views, ending by crossing the bridge to Tautra and its monastery ruins.

28. Tautra – Trondheim (boat/train + ca. 2 km)

Boat or train to Trondheim. Short walk to Nidaros Cathedral.

29. Travel day

Extra nights in Trondheim are optional.

Optional

You can divide these days into two walks:

Matfors – Stöde (ca. 26 km) into Matfors - Nedansjö (ca. 10 km) and Nedansjö - Stöde (ca. 14 km).
Pilgrimstad - Brunflo (ca. 25 km) into Pilgrimstad - Hållsta (ca. 9 km) and Hållsta - Brunflo (ca. 16 km)
Östersund - Rödön (ca. 23 km) into Östersund - Frösön (ca. 10 km) and Frösön - Rödön (ca. 13 km).
Alsen - Mörsil (ca. 25 km) into Alsen - Kluk (ca. 10 km) and Kluk - Mörsil (ca. 15 km)
Medstugan - Sul (ca. 35 km) into Medstugan - Skalstugan (ca. 10 km) and Skalstugan - Sul (ca. 25). We cannot book Skalstugan for you, but can help you contacting them. It is also possible to book a short transfer by car for 10 km asphalt, so that you can start your hike towards Sul from Skalstugan.

The route is long and requires good fitness. There is not a lot of steep climbing involved (see FAQ) and the terrain is generally manageable, but hiking day after day for a month can be demanding. Some days are long, and weather conditions can make the walk more challenging. Many hikers choose to split the route over several years, completing a section each time.

You walk on a variety of surfaces: nature trails, gravel paths and asphalt roads. Approximate ratio:

45% gravel
36% asphalt
19% nature trails

To walk the full route, you should be in good physical condition. We recommend well-worn hiking boots, a comfortable backpack and walking poles. Planning the full journey takes time, so start early and feel free to contact us with questions.

You stay in pilgrim accommodations ranging from simple to comfortable: cabins, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs, small hotels and private homes. Bed linen is included, so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag. In some locations you can choose between different accommodation types, which may affect the price. There are about two places along the route where you may need to share accommodation with other pilgrims.

Most meals are included, but this depends on the accommodation chosen at each location. We are happy to walk through the itinerary with you so you know exactly which meals are included where. Gluten-free or vegetarian meals are possible (may cost extra). Vegan meals are available in most places, but might be challenging for some accommodations - but we can help with menu options. If meals are not available, either a restaurant is nearby or a kitchen is available for self-catering.

Summary

Self-guided hike along the St. Olav Path, from Selånger (Sweden) to Trondheim (Norway)
Available from May to September
30 days or 29 days, of which you walk 28 or 27, with an average of 21 kilometers per day.
Inner route: € 3,560 (one person, single room)
Outer route: € 3,450 (one person, single room)
Inner Route: € 5,960 (two persons, double room)
Outer Route: € 5,790 (two persons, double room)