Vikingaleden - Stage 7

Stage Description

Stage 7 is the longest stage of the Vikingaleden trail and stretches from Gimo to Österbybruk, a total of 23.7 km. You walk between two beautiful Uppland industrial heritage sites through varied forest, across bogland and mostly along marked trails. The stage is classified as moderately difficult with an estimated hiking time of 5 hours. Highlights along the way include Glamsmossen, a broad wetland landscape, and Aspbo nature reserve with swimming opportunities and a fire pit.

The trail passes the Sågarbo and Glamsmossen rest areas. In forest areas affected by storm Alfrida, storm-felled trees and overgrown sections may occur — pay extra attention to the trail markings, especially where summer grass may hide the path. From Gimo, the trail starts west of Gimoherrgård.

Pilgrimage Tradition and History

From stage 7 onwards, Vikingaleden converges with Upplandsleden and follows it northward, marked with both the Upplandsleden and Vikingaleden red-and-white blazes. Vikingaleden is the Swedish section of St Olav Waterway, the pilgrimage route from Turku in Finland to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The Uppland industrial heritage landscape that the stage passes through bears witness to the Walloon ironworking era during the 17th and 18th centuries — a period when workers from Belgium and France came here and transformed both the landscape and communities.

Gimo and Österbybruk are two of the well-preserved industrial heritage sites in Uppland that tell the story of this era. Österbybruk is the destination for stage 7 and stands out for its historic industrial heritage environment.

Practical Information

The trail is marked with the Upplandsleden and Vikingaleden red-and-white blazes and the St Olav Cross. Parking is available west of Gimoherrgård. Swimming facilities and a fire pit are located at Aspbo nature reserve. Pay attention to the markings in storm-damaged areas. More information and maps are available at paxwalk.se and stolavwaterway.com.