Vikingaleden - Stage 11

Stage Description

Stage 11 stretches from Västland to Marma, a total of 16.5 km. You walk due west through relatively flat forest landscape with minimal elevation change — 38 metres of ascent and 31 metres of descent. The stage is classified as moderately difficult and is estimated to take approximately 4 hours. The terrain consists mostly of forest trails, easy-going at the beginning and end but occasionally rocky in the middle.

Along the stage there are shelters at Västland and at Dalälven with a fireplace, as well as the rest cabin Honolulukojan. The stage destination Marma on the Dalälven shore offers a kiosk, grills, a grocery store and parking. Marma lies along an old communication corridor that connects Uppland with Gästrikland.

Pilgrimage Tradition and History

Vikingaleden is the Swedish part of St Olav Waterway, the pilgrimage route from Åbo in Finland to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Stage 11 corresponds to Upplandsladen's stage 15 and is one of the final sections in Uppland before the route crosses Dalälven and enters Gästrikland. Dalälven is a natural border that historically marked the transition from Uppland to Gästrikland — a stretch that pilgrims throughout the ages have passed through on their way northward.

Marma, which is the stage destination, is a natural gathering place by the river and the starting point for the final stage towards Älvkarleby and onwards towards Helgonleden and Trondheim.

Practical Information

The route is marked with Upplandsladen's and Vikingaleden's red-painted blazes as well as St Olav's Cross. Shelters with fireplaces at Västland and Dalälven. The rest cabin Honolulukojan along the way. Parking, kiosk and grocery store in Marma. More information and maps are available at paxwalk.se and stolavwaterway.com.