S:t Olavsleden Matfors-Stöde

In the early summer of 1030, the Norwegian Viking king Olav Haraldsson landed in Selånger, which was then the major harbor bay in northern Sweden. He had been in exile for a few years and from the Bothnian Sea he began his journey to Norway and his death in Stiklestad on July 29, 1030. The St. Olav Trail begins at Selånger's church ruins and according to tradition, St. Olav erected a copper-clad cross here with the words Land for tribe in the name of Jesus. The church was built in the early 1100s and collapsed in the late 1800s. Towards Stöde, the journey is scenic on the south side of the lake with opportunities for swimming, and you pass Loböle village farm. In Stöde church there is a sculpture of St. Olav, and next to Ljungan is a herb garden that is a fragrant and peaceful meditation place. There is an outdoor swimming pool along the trail and a homestead on the top of Huberget. Baggnäsgården used to be an inn where travelers could exchange horses ? and still two-legged guests can rest. The hike continues on Ljunganåsen.