recommended route
Stage 1
Part 1 of the Viking trail, Grisslehamn to Trästabron (the Trästa bridge)
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Photo: Gisela Norén, Paxwalk
The Viking trail is part of the St Olav Waterway from Åbo towards Trondheim, ending up at Nidarosdomen. Part 1 of the Viking trail starts at Grisslehamn and follows small roads leading through Roslagen and Uppland. The road is from the Middle Ages or earlier and there is evidence of it being used by pilgrims.
The trail leads on to paths and tracks trough beautiful landscape and coastal views. For those wanting to walk the entire stretch from Åbo to Trondheim, the pilgrim’s way is 1 200 kilometres long.
Grisslehamn was Sweden’s gateway to the east for several hundred years. Grisslehamn is an old fishing village strategically placed by the Sea of Åland. Grisslehamn gained its importance and its name and started expanding as a community in 1756 when the postal services was moved here from the town further south at Väddo that is today called Old Grisselhamn. Today, Grisslehamn is a picturesque fishing village. The harbour is the centre of activities during summer with lots of tourists and visitors strolling around in the charming harbour with its fish shops and traditional fishing boats.
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Show elevation profileSafety information
In case of emergency or illness call 112. Healthcare information for minor ailments can be found by calling 1177 or visiting 1177.se on the internet.There is usually drinking water and public toilets by the churches. Look for signs for safe drinking water.
Further information on the freedom to roam
Tips and hints
How do I estimate the time it will take me to walk the distance? About 3 kilometers per hour is a realistic estimate, but time should be added to make room for stopping at a nice vantage point. It is during the breaks, while you are enjoying nature, that your batteries will be recharged for further walking.
There is usually drinking water and public toilets by the churches. Look for signs for safe drinking water.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
When starting out through the village of Grisslehamn, you pass the grocery store ICA and then head towards the old country road at the western side of Väddo by way of a local path and an illuminated trail. Please follow trail markings. You will walk a short stretch along road 283 which is quite heavily trafficed during summer. Remember to always walk on the left side of the road. It is important to follow the trail markings.
This part of the trail starts by the harbour - look for a notice board opposite the ICA grocery store.
By the Trästa bridge the road shoulders are wide. Please be careful to walk on the correct side of the road which in Sweden is on the left facing the traffic. The road is busy during summer.
This is a relatively easy walk, but remember to wear comfortable shoes and take a backpack that is not too heavy. Freshwater can be found at the Q-star petrol station. At Grisslehamn there is a public toilet at the Eckerölinjen ferry terminal. If you plan to walk part 2 the same day, please be aware that the next place to find fresh water is by the churchyard at Häverö church.
Parking
Parking is available in the harbor.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
This is a relatively easy walk, but remember to wear comfortable shoes and take a backpack that is not too heavy. Freshwater can be found at the Q-star petrol station. At Grisslehamn there is a public toilet at the Eckerölinjen ferry terminal. If you plan to walk part 2 the same day, please be aware that the next place to find fresh water is by the churchyard at Häverö church.Related Offers
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- 6 Waypoints
- 6 Waypoints
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