St. Olav Waterway: A Self-Guided Nordic Trail
Follow the breath-taking Nordic scenery from Turku - Grisselhamn.
The trail is well-marked with St. Olav emblems. Whether you're seeking spiritual reflection, a nature-filled adventure, or a cultural journey, the St. Olav Waterway delivers an unforgettable experience.
The St. Olav Waterway is a stunning pilgrimage trail through the Finnish Archipelago
Weaving through the Finnish and Åland Islands, this self-guided route combines hiking like you've never seen before.
Explore the St. Olav Waterway, a Nordic island-hopping trail combining history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Easily accessible via public ferries, this well-marked route offers flexible stages to suit any schedule, with great accommodation and transport options. Perfect for both experienced hikers and casual adventurers, the Finnish section GPX combines easy navigation for your journey.
Where does st olav waterway start and finish?
The official start and end point is in the cathedral in Turku, Finland to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The entire trail is 1200 km travelling through Finland, Sweden and Norway. Our GPX focuses only on the Finnish section.
How Long Does It Take to Walk the St. Olav Waterway?
We recommend walking from Turku to Mariehamn on the Åland Islands, a section with excellent transport connections. While it’s possible to complete this portion in a week, to fully enjoy the rich scenery and cultural experiences, we suggest allowing 10–12 days. This section includes ferry crossings which are free for foot passengers.
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Major Points of Interest along the Finnish St Olav Waterway
- Turku Cathedral: The starting point of the trail and a historic gem in Finland.
- Åland Islands: Known as the "Islands of Peace," they offer serene landscapes and cultural heritage tied to St. Olav.
- Kökar Island: Home to ancient ruins and a Franciscan monastery, blending natural beauty with spiritual significance.
- Local Saunas and Sea Views: Unique features of this trail include opportunities to relax in traditional Finnish saunas while staying in accommodation.
- Culinary Delights: We couldn't get enough of Karelian pie, a slipper-shaped, savoury breakfast pastry and Toast Skagen, toasted bread and a prawn salad. We also fell in love with Lonkero, known as the Finnish Long Drink, a mixture of gin and grapefruit soda. Very yum!
History of St Olav Waterway
The history of the St. Olav Waterway follows medieval pilgrimage routes that were once used to travel to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, dedicated to St. Olav, Norway’s patron saint. Olav himself is believed to have travelled through these islands, evidenced by the churches and cultural landmarks bearing his name throughout the Finnish archipelago and Åland Islands.
St. Olav was a Viking king who ruled Norway from 1015 to 1028 and after his death, Olav was canonized as a saint. His life and legacy are integral to Norwegian history and the spread of Christianity in Scandinavia.
