St Olav Rombo Way

St Olav Rombo Way is Sweden’s longest pilgrim trail, with origins dating back to the 11th century. It begins in Köping and winds its way through the landscape all the way to Trondheim in Norway. Along the trail, you will encounter magnificent views and compelling stories from Sweden’s rich history. It is a journey for both body and soul—an opportunity to slow down and reflect upon the path of life.

Pax et Bonum

St Olav Rombo Way spans 850 kilometers, beginning in Köping in Västmanland and ending in Trondheim on Norway’s Atlantic coast. The trail is divided into 32 stages, varying in length from 8,5 km to 152,5 kilometres. As a rule, these stages run from one church to another. Some stages make for manageable day hikes through lowlands and populated areas, while others are more demanding, requiring hikers to camp in tents and navigate in challenging high-mountain terrain.

å långt det varit möjligt följer leden den ursprungliga medeltida sträckningen. Romboleden är markerad med rödgrå S:t Olavsmärken och röda markeringar på stolpar, stenar och träd. På vissa sträckor stenrösen och orange ledmarkeringar.

As far as possible, the trail follows its original medieval route. St Olav Rombo Way is marked with red-grey St. Olav symbols, as well as red markings on posts, stones, and trees. In some sections, there are also stone cairns and orange trail markers.

Each part of the Romboleden is maintained locally on a voluntary basis by municipalities, parishes, and associations.

St. Olav and the Age of Pilgrimages

The origins of the Romboleden trail date back to the 11th century. Pilgrims began traveling to Trondheim because the Norwegian King Olav is buried there, in Nidaros Cathedral. He was the first king to unite Norway, and he abandoned the Old Norse religion in favor of Christianity. It is said that he subsequently fled Norway for Köping, where he secured boats and made his way to Novgorod, Russia. St. Olav was canonized in 1031, and for five centuries, Nidaros Cathedral served as a major destination for pilgrims. However, the Reformation took place in Sweden during the 16th century; the country ceased to be Catholic, and the pilgrimages came to an end.

The modern-day St Olav Rombo Way *Romboleden* derives its name from an old term used by the people of Dalarna to refer to the plains region near Lake Mälaren: *Rombo-* or *Rumboland*.

Pilgrim Passport

Would you like to hike with a pilgrim passport and collect stamps at the end of each stage? In the Middle Ages, a pilgrim passport allowed a pilgrim to travel freely throughout Europe, unhindered by regulations or borders. Today, it serves as a wonderful keepsake. Pilgrim passports are available at the start of most stages.