Vikingaleden - Stage 1

Stage Description

Stage 1 is the opening stretch of the Vikingaleden and runs from Grisslehamn Harbour to Trästabron, a total of 8.2 km. The trail starts at the information board in the harbour, diagonally opposite the ICA store, and then leads south along road 283 for a short distance before turning onto forest paths and woodland trails. The stage has 118 metres of ascent and 98 metres of descent and is classified as easy, although parts of the route may have uneven terrain following previous forestry operations. The estimated walking time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Grisslehamn is a historic fishing harbour and has for centuries served as Sweden's easternmost port towards Åland and Finland. From here pilgrims crossed the Åland Sea, and it was at this coast that the Swedish and Finnish pilgrim routes met.

Pilgrimage Tradition and History

The Vikingaleden in Roslagen is the Swedish land section of St Olav Waterway — the world's first certified pilgrimage route on water. The route connects Turku in Finland with Trondheim in Norway via Åland, Grisslehamn, Uppland and Gästrikland. The entire route stretches approximately 1,200 kilometres and is recognised as a cultural route by the Council of Europe. Pilgrims walk in the footsteps of the Middle Ages towards Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, where St Olav — the patron saint of Norway — rests.

Grisslehamn is marked with the Olav Cross, the symbol that guides pilgrims along the entire route. In Sweden, the Vikingaleden was opened in June 2019 and is marked with rusty-red pilgrim crosses along the way.

Practical Information

The trail is marked with Vikingaleden's rust-brown/orange-coloured marking bands and the Olav Cross. Start at the information board in Grisslehamn Harbour. Pay attention to the markings — road 283 is heavily trafficked during summer. Parking is available at the harbour. Pilgrim stamps can be obtained along the trail. More information and maps can be found at paxwalk.se and stolavwaterway.com.