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Turku - Eckerö
- 15 days, self-guided -

OVERVIEW

The St. Olav Waterway starts in Turku (Finland) and ends in Eckerö (Åland). It follows the trail pilgrims walked and sailed in the Middle Ages on their way to Nidaros. Olav is the patron saint of Åland, and there are Olav churches on both the Finnish archipelago and Åland, meaning Olav himself may have passed through the area on his journey from Novgorod to Sweden.

The St. Olav Waterway is the first pilgrim trail connecting Finland and Sweden over the sea. This trail combines beautiful hikes with island hopping and takes about two weeks. The

total distance is 340 kilometers, including ferries, while the distance you actually walk is approximately 215 kilometers.

This is a self-guided hike from Turku (Finland) to Eckerö (Åland) follows the trail pilgrims walked and sailed in the Middle Ages on their way to Nidaros. The journey is a combination of hiking and taking ferries. The schedule that you see below is just a suggestion. You can plan in resting days or combine stages. Ask us for the possibilities.

01. Travel day – Overnight stay in Turku

Take a stroll in Turku after your journey. Visit the cathedral to get the first stamp for your pilgrim pass. The historic city centre has several excellent restaurants for a relaxing dinner.

02. Turku – Kirjala (ca. 23 km)

A long but enjoyable first stage, passing urban areas, forests, rock formations, and beautiful sea views. Several spots along the way are suitable for a picnic or short rest.

03. Kirjala – Pargas (ca. 8 km)

A shorter hike, leaving time to settle into your new accommodation and explore Pargas’ historic district, Gamla Malmen.

04. Pargas – Pensar (ca. 19 km)

Pass the impressive Pargas mine en route to the first ferry. Halfway, you can stop at a local pub, but don’t linger too long as the ferry schedule is fixed. Pensar Island features peaceful nature paths.

05. Pensar – Nagu (ca. 17 km)

After a ferry crossing, follow a quiet road toward Nagu. Spot deer along the way. Cross two bridges with scenic views, but watch for traffic. Nagu offers a cozy harbor, restaurants, and supermarkets.

06. Nagu – Korpo (ca. 30 km)

A scenic trail through old roads and pretty villages. There is no supermarket along the way and only one summer café, so bring snacks and a packed lunch. Take ferry number three to Korpo.
Optional: You can get a lift for approximately 10 km.

07. Korpo – Kökar (ca. 9 km)

Reach the ferry after five kilometers; enjoy the boat ride and the view. Upon arrival at Kökar, it’s an hour’s walk to your accommodation. Rest and prepare for a free day tomorrow.

08. Rest day on Kökar

Kökar is a historical and remote island, perfect for relaxation. Its stunning nature features barren rocks, pockets of lush forest, wild fields, and protected bays.

09. Kökar – Lemland (ca. 16 km)

Sail past the smallest Finnish municipality, Sottunga, towards Åland. Walk to your accommodation. Visit the Church of Lumparland, Åland’s oldest surviving wooden church (1720s).

10. Lemland – Lemböte (ca. 15 km)

Enjoy varied landscapes of rocky hills, forest paths, and village roads. Maneuver through ice-age stone fields and enjoy the surrounding nature. A tough but rewarding day.

11. Lemböte – Mariehamn (ca. 21 km)

Mostly urban walking today. Pass the single church dedicated to St. Olav on Åland: Jomala. Overnight near Mariehamn, a lively town with shops, restaurants, and a museum. Optional bus to the city centre.

12. Mariehamn – Gottby (ca. 21 km)

Start through urban areas and a motorway, then follow a pleasant road past cozy villages toward Gottby.

13. Gottby – Frebbenby (ca. 30 km)

A relatively easy walk through woods, fields, and small villages. No cafes or supermarkets; plan your own picnic. Optional lift available for the first kilometers.

14. Frebbenby – Eckerö (ca. 16 km)

Walk past farmlands and forests to the medieval church of Hammarland for a stamp. Cross smaller and larger roads carefully. Five kilometers before the end, get your final Waterway stamp at the church in Eckerö.

15. Travel day (ca. 2 km)

Finish the last two kilometers to the ferry to Sweden. Congratulations – you have walked over 230 kilometers! From Eckerö, you can also return to Mariehamn and take a ferry to Stockholm or Turku. Nordic Pilgrim can assist with accommodation and ferry bookings.

Optional

Combine with day 2 and day 3 (from Turku to Pargas) for a longer hike, or walk from Kirjala directly to the Pensar ferry (day 3 and day 4).

If you have the early ferry from Kökar, you can also combine day 9 and 10.