20 JUNE 2026
Vikingaleden - Stage 12
Vikingaleden Stage 12 - Marma - Älvkarleby. Stage 12 is part of Upplandsledens Stage 16.
Stage Description
Stage 12 is the final stage of the Viking Trail and stretches from Marma to Älvkarleby along the Dalälven river, a total of 13 km. This section is one of the most popular on the entire trail — level sandy terrain, mostly along the riverbank, with easy and enjoyable walking. This stage corresponds to stage 16 of the Uppland Trail.
Along the way you pass a bird tower with views over Storfjärden, the Ambricka rest area, the Lanforsens rapids, the Gropholmarna nature reserve and Älvkarleby Falls — a powerful waterfall where salmon and sea trout migrate upstream in autumn. In Älvkarleby there is a hostel, grocery store, restaurant and café. Marma's starting point has a bus stop and train station approximately 500 metres away.
Pilgrimage Tradition and History
Stage 12 concludes the Viking Trail and the Swedish section of the St Olav Waterway. In Älvkarleby the trail connects to the Pilgrimage Trail, which continues northward towards Trondheim in Norway and Nidaros Cathedral — the final destination for pilgrims walking the entire St Olav Waterway from Turku in Finland. The total distance from Turku to Trondheim is approximately 1,200 kilometres and is recognised as a cultural route by the Council of Europe.
The Viking Trail in Roslagen was inaugurated in June 2019 and is the Swedish land section of the world's first certified pilgrimage trail on water. Reaching Älvkarleby means having completed the Swedish stage and standing on the threshold of the Norwegian continuation towards Nidaros Cathedral, where St Olav — Scandinavia's pilgrimage destination since medieval times — rests.
Practical Information
The trail is marked with the red and white markings of the Uppland Trail and Viking Trail, as well as the Olav Cross. Parking and bathing area in Marma. Kiosk, barbecue and grocery store in Marma. In Älvkarleby: hostel, grocery store, restaurant and café. Bus and train stops in Marma (approximately 500 m) and Älvkarleby. More information and maps are available at paxwalk.se and stolavwaterway.com.