Follow the tracks of pilgrims
The 580 kilometer long St. Olav's Way stretches from Selånger outside Sundsvall at the east coast of Sweden to Trondheim (ancient Nidaros) at the western coast of Norway. The trail will be reopened in September 2013, but large part of the trail is allready possible to hike.
St. Olav's Way (S:t Olavsleden in Swedish) is often referred to as Scandinavia's answer to El Camino. In September the ancient trail will be reopened properly during a week long event in both Sweden and Norway with a grand opening finale in the Nidaros Cathedral on September 7th.
On its way from Selånger to Trondheim, the trail passes several points of interests in the district. The trail enters Åre municipality just north of Semlan and head south to Mörsil where the first Swedish sanatorium for TBC sufferers was built in 1891. Next to the old sanatorium you find an oasis of today at Kretsloppshuset whos ecological kitchen is a travel reason on its on. Following the trail west, you pass ancient buildings and the lake Liten where several places to stop for a swim reveals themselves.
From Järpen towards Åre, the trail passes by the church ruin in Slagsån and Undersåker church before it heads down to follow the Indalsälven river, passes the St. Olav spring in Hålland and the 14 metre high waterfall Ristafallet, before it heads upp the hills to lead you above the European road E14 between Undersåker and Såå. In Såå the trail crosses the E14 south to continue on the old road to Åre where it passes Åre old church where you find a small statue of St. Olav in a tricorn hat.
Continue west and the trail brings you to Duved via Tegeforsen waterfall. In Duved you will see the beautiful wooden Duved church on your way to Millestgården. Follow the main road E14 a couple of kilometers before you head north on the road Skalstugevägen towards Norway. The fantastic vaulted stone bridges are worth a visit on their own.
Read more about St. Olav's Way and the Reopening Week 2013 at stolavsleden.com.