Long before our roads were paved and numbered, there were paths that carried people through the landscape for very different reasons than today. The pilgrimage routes were such roads, routes that for centuries brought people north to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, one of the most important shrines in the Nordic region.
Explore the sections of the Pilgrim Trail between Vänersborg and Åmål:
- Section: Vänersborg - Sikhalls camping
- Section: Sikhalls camping - Holms church
- Section: Holm church - Upperud
- Section: Upperud - Högelund
- Section: Högelund - Edsleskog
A historic road
Those who walk the Pilgrimage Trail in Dalsland and Värmland do not just follow a marked path, but step into one of the oldest stories in the Nordic region, a story of movement, searching and people's way through nature.
Pilgrimages in Sweden were most active between 1050 and 1550. Although Gustav Vasa banned them in 1527, the tradition continued for several decades. Many of the Swedish pilgrims traveled by boat via Västergötland to Sunnanå, and then walked north towards the great saint's goal of Nidaros through, among other places, Edsleskog in Åmål municipality.
The final destination was the tomb of Saint Olaf in Nidaros (today's Trondheim), one of Europe's oldest and most important pilgrimage sites. According to tradition, Olof died on July 29, 1030 after the Battle of Stikklestad, north of Trondheim. His body was brought to the city and hidden on the site where Nidaros Cathedral would later be built, the cathedral that for centuries drew pilgrims from all over the Nordic region.
Towards the wilderness
The pilgrimage trail does not follow the canal, but moves through the same landscape where waterways and paths have shaped people's routes for centuries. It winds through both Dalsland and Värmland, two landscapes with shared lake systems, deep forests and a wilderness character that gives the hike its unique character.
After Upperud, the experience changes. The stretch towards Edsleskog becomes more demanding and goes straight into a wilderness area where you need to plan carefully and carry your own food, water and equipment. A more independent and adventurous stage awaits and staying in Upperud is a perfect way to start the journey ahead.
Fast facts
About the Pilgrim Trail
A historical network of hiking trails leading to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, where the saint Olof the Holy is buried. The trail is the Nordic equivalent of Santiago de Compostela.
Two trails, two types of terrain
The entire Dalsland Pilgrimage Trail stretches from Vänersborg in the south to Edsleskog in Åmål municipality in the north. From Vänersborg to Upperud, the trail runs mostly along country roads past just over a handful of medieval churches. For those who want to experience genuine Dalsland primeval forest, a trip along the northern part of the Pilgrims' Trail is recommended, which at times can be compared to hiking along the High Coast.
And the beauty of pilgrimage is that you don't have to walk the whole distance to have a lasting experience. Even shorter stages, an hour here, a morning there, can provide the same sense of calm and presence.
Section: Vänersborg - Sikhalls camping
19 km
The trail is a continuation of the Göta Älv Pilgrimage Trail, which ends in Vänersborg. It is drawn across the lush valley forest plain, mostly along low-traffic country roads. This means that this stretch is really easy to walk.
The pilgrim trail starts just north of Dalbobron. Follow the pilgrim signs north along the western side of Lake Vänern and pass Ursands camping with minilivs and café. The trail continues north and takes you through two summer cottage areas, Stigsberget and Bäsingebol. Just north of these, the trail joins the old highway, which it then follows. Eventually you reach Sikhalls Camping, where you can camp, have a coffee and stock up on provisions.
Section: Sikhalls camping - Holms church
29 km
Continue across the Dalbo plain on easy country roads surrounded by fields and farms. If you want to eat well, you can take a small detour to Nuntorp Gård, where they serve lunch, Saturday menu and pizza. You pass many beautiful churches along the way. Feel free to stop at Grinstad church with the leaning tower and Grinstad country store where you can stock up. The trail passes the outskirts of Mellerud's urban area. Then it is not far to Holms church. Close to the trail at Holm's church is Vita Sandar's campsite and Mellerud's golf club, both of which offer accommodation and food.
The first two sections are also very suitable for cycling. The landscape is flat and the roads are not particularly busy.
Section: Holm church - Upperud
15 km
Now the trail turns into a wilder landscape and you leave the highway behind you. The stretch between Holms kyrka and Edsleskog is classified as medium difficulty. The trail continues north and passes Linderud farm, crosses the busy E45 highway and continues north, including through Svankila nature reserve. The stage finish in Upperud is the hiking center Upperud 9:9, where there is a café, accommodation and information about the trail. In Upperud you must not miss the Dalsland Art Museum. Here you can look at art and exhibitions and enjoy the view from the museum café. If you want to make another detour, the famous aqueduct in Håverud is only 2.5 kilometers away. The Upperud/Håverud area offers a wide range of accommodation, food and different types of attractions!
Please note!
The stretch from Upperud towards Edsleskog is much more demanding. Here you are hiking into a wilderness area and therefore need to plan carefully and bring your own food, water and equipment. Be ready for a more advanced and independent experience
Section: Upperud - Högelund
16 km
After Upperud, the Pilgrims Trail changes character and becomes a distinct wilderness trail in difficult terrain. The trail is very hilly and often goes far from settlements. The hiker gets to experience a fascinating landscape with different types of forest and many lakes with opportunities for swimming. The trail runs mostly on small paths and offers some tough passages in very hilly terrain. The reward is the area's very best viewpoints. Since it is about 46 km to the final destination in Edsleskog, you should plan and pack for an overnight stay in a tent or shelter. The stage destination is the secluded village of Högelund. Here there is a campsite with an overnight hut for four people.
Section: Högelund - Edsleskog
21 km
The last stage of the Pilgrim Trail between Högelund and Edsleskog also offers powerful nature experiences. The route is characterized as a wilderness trail in moderately difficult terrain, the trail runs alternately between gravel roads, tractor roads but old forests, lakes and long ridges largely characterize the landscape. Along the trail there are three campsites strategically placed by lakes and viewpoints. The final destination of the stage and the entire Pilgrim's Way is the memorial to Dalsland's cathedral in Edsleskogs. For those who want to treat themselves to a night in a comfortable bed, Edsleskogs Wärdshus is recommended.
Pilgrimage trail in Värmland
Follow the beautiful hiking trail through western Värmland, from Lurö and Värmlandsnäs through Säffle, Arvika and Eda municipalities, all the way to the Norwegian border. The 56 km trail offers a mix of forests, lakes, mill history and tranquil nature.
Discover more hiking trails
12 km - Dals Ed
The wooden stick
On the border between Sweden and Norway you'll find Tresticklan, the wild heart of Dalsland. Everything awaits you here, from quick 3-kilometer tours to longer hikes of 12 km through dramatic heights, boulders, pine heaths and mirror-like lakes. An adventure for those who want to experience nature for real.
54 km - Dals Rostock
Kroppefjällsleden
Kroppefjälls Vildmarksområde with its 12 nature reserves in southern Dalsland with its 80km marked hiking trails. The longest is the Kroppefjällsleden.
8 km - Mellerud
Ramslöksleden
From the aqueduct in Håverud, you can hike through ramson-scented deciduous forests over pine and oak-covered mountain ridges up through Buterud Nature Reserve. Here you have a magnificent view of Åklången and the Dalsland Canal.
8 km - Dals Ed
Ice Age Trail
The 8 km long trail that tells more about the history of how the landscape at Ed has been shaped by the ice sheet. Join us on an exploration along the Ice Age Trail around Lilla Le and over to Stora Le's beach.
3 km - Årjäng
Hiking in Blomskog
Not far from Ekeby camping you will find this charming hiking trail where you walk past Borgåsgubben and Stenkärringen.
Looking for an easier hiking trip?
Nature by day, good food and a comfortable bed at night
Getting out into nature should be easy. That's why we've listed several ready-made packages and hiking trips that include accommodation and food. It can hardly be easier than that!
A detour from the trail?
Along the Dalsland Canal you'll find everything from fishing, swimming, culture and fantastic herb gardens all in one trip.
