St. Olav Waterway

A Pilgrimage across Land and Sea

One of the most remarkable pilgrimage routes in Finland is the St. Olav Waterway, which forms part of the international St. Olav Ways network and is recognised as an official European Cultural Route. This unique trail stretches from the historic town of Turku through the stunning Archipelago Sea, eventually leading toward Trondheim, Norway, the final resting place of Saint Olav.

What makes the St. Olav Waterway special is its blend of walking and island-hopping – a pilgrimage that crosses both land and sea, offering breathtaking views, quiet island villages, and a deep connection to Nordic cultural history.

There is a pilgrim passport available for St. Olav Waterway. You can either buy your passport at Turku Cathedral or purchase one online. The passport is in three languages. You can request a stamp for your passport from churches or from different service providers along the way. For the route between Turku and Korpo, there is a special pilgrim passport for kids.

There are several ways to experience the St. Olav Waterway. You can hike, bike, or even sail or kayak part of the way. Another option is to choose public bus transportation for part of your journey. Transportation on public passenger ferries from island to island will allow you to rest in between the more physical parts of your journey. You can either plan the entire trip yourself with the help of digital maps or consider a ready-planned self-guided package or group tour.

You can explore the St. Olav Waterway and plan your journey on the platform Outdooractive.

Pictures: Leonie Wieduwilt