Vikingaleden - Stage 2

Stage Description

Stage 2 stretches from Trästabron (Trästa Bridge) to Häverö Church, a total of 8.7 km. The trail offers beautiful walking through varied nature — old paths and forest roads lead through deciduous forests and pasture lands, past house foundations and stone-built farms and through small village settings. The stage has moderate difficulty with 17 meters of ascent and 22 meters of descent. Estimated walking time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Early on the stage you can see Väddökanalen. Along the way you pass Gässvikssjön, a pleasant rest spot for a coffee break. Häverö Church, which is the stage destination, has toilets and fresh water. In a bird box near the church you can find a pilgrim stamp. Alternatively, you can make a 2 km detour to Trästa Prayer House to stamp your pilgrim passport.

Pilgrim Tradition and History

Vikingaleden is the Swedish part of St Olav Waterway, a medieval pilgrimage route that connects Åbo in Finland with Nidarosdomen in Trondheim, Norway — a distance of approximately 1,200 kilometers. The route is recognized as a cultural route by the Council of Europe. Along stage 2 you pass ancient monuments and older road routes that bear witness to how people have moved through these areas since prehistoric times. The churches along the route were historically important rest stops and gathering places for pilgrims.

Roslagen and eastern Uppland formed a natural corridor for movements eastward towards Åland and Finland. Häverö Church is a living reminder of the Christian pilgrimage tradition that flourished during the Middle Ages.

Practical Information

The trail is marked with Vikingaleden's rust-red markings and the Olav Cross. Parking is available at the bridge and at the beach. Fresh water and toilets are available at Häverö Church. Pilgrim stamp is in the bird box at the church. More information and maps can be found at paxwalk.se and stolavwaterway.com.