Vikingaleden - Stage 10

Stage Description

Stage 10 stretches from Lövstabruk to Västland, a total of 19.4 km. The trail is moderately difficult with 46 metres of ascent and 56 metres of descent, and the elevation variation stays within the range of 9–41 metres above sea level. The estimated walking time is approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. The stage follows Upplandsledens stage 14 and corresponds to this route heading north towards Västland. At the stage destination Västland, Västland Church awaits.

The trail runs through the Uppland forest landscape with mixed terrain of forest paths and gravel roads. Stage 10 is one of the more demanding stretches in its central northern section and requires good preparation with water and provisions.

Pilgrimage Tradition and History

Vikingaleden is the Swedish section of St Olav Waterway, the pilgrimage route from Turku in Finland to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim — a total of approximately 1,200 kilometres and recognised as a cultural route by the Council of Europe. Lövstabruk — the starting point of stage 10 — is one of the finest examples of Walloon iron works heritage in Sweden, with a well-preserved works environment and architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The pilgrimage trail runs from this historic industrial landscape northwards towards the coast and the Dalälven river.

Västland Church is the endpoint of the stage and bears witness to the Christian church culture that has permeated these regions since the Middle Ages and which is an important part of the pilgrimage journey's tradition.

Practical Information

The trail is marked with Upplandsledens and Vikingaleden's red-ochre markings and the St Olav Cross. Fill up with water and bring provisions — service points are sparse along the route. Public transport is available to and from the destination. More information and maps can be found at paxwalk.se and stolavwaterway.com.