Vikingaleden - Stage 9

Stage Description

Stage 9 runs from Risön to Lövstabruk, a total of 16.2 km. The stage offers varied terrain — partly along easy-to-walk gravel roads, partly along the shores of Lake Finnsjön and on a fine trail along an old railway embankment. The stage is classified as easy with 32 metres of elevation gain and 45 metres of descent. Estimated walking time is approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes.

The start at Risön — a picturesque small farm in the northern part of Florarnas nature reserve — offers overnight accommodation in a cottage year-round. Along Lake Finnsjön there are bathing opportunities in several places. The stage destination Lövstabruk is one of Sweden's finest ironworks from the 18th century with a well-preserved works community and architecture of exceptional quality. Bring insect repellent during the summer.

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. Florarnas nature reserve, where stage 9 begins, is one of Uppland's most untouched natural landscapes. Lövstabruk is the stage's historical highlight — a well-preserved works community that provides a vivid picture of the Walloon iron-working era during the 17th and 18th centuries, when immigrant metalworkers from the Habsburg Netherlands established a new industrial tradition in Uppland.

The old railway embankment that the trail partly follows is a reminder of a later industrial period — the time when the railway connected the works communities in the region.

Practical Information

The trail is marked with the rust-red markings of Upplandsledens and Vikingaleden as well as the St Olav Cross. Overnight accommodation in a cottage at Risön (open year-round). Bathing opportunities along Lake Finnsjön. Bring mosquito repellent and insect protection during the summer. More information and maps are available at paxwalk.se and stolavwaterway.com.