Pilgrim trails

Småland is part of the large network of hiking trails of 4000 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela in Spain to Trondheim, the old Nidaros in Norway. On the The Church of Sweden’s own website for pilgrims, there is information about the “outer hike” – arranged hikes, short and long where the physical place is the goal – as well as the “inner hike” – the inner goal of modern people, which often revolves around finally having time to think, ponder and reflect in peace and quiet. A pilgrimage can be a temporary break in a hectic life. Regardless of who you are and why you set out, the hike and the meetings along the way can be a nice experience.

The word pilgrim comes from the Latin peregrinus, which means stranger. As a pilgrim, you set out from the familiar to the unknown. You receive new experiences, encounters and insights, alone or together with others. Many who today call themselves pilgrims are historically interested in the saints of the Middle Ages and walk in their footsteps. Others do so because their faith includes pilgrimages or pilgrimages to holy places.

The pilgrimage movement is growing explosively across Europe. The new status of European Cultural Route (sanctioned by the Council of Europe) for certain selected Olofsvägarna in Norway, Sweden and Denmark has brought opportunities, but also responsibilities.

Pilgrim in Sweden is a collaborative organization for various organizations in society, primarily at regional level such as museums, tourist organizations, local government organizations, churches and communities at diocesan and national level, hiking and outdoor organizations, study associations, municipalities, etc. Pilgrim in Sweden is contributing to the first preliminary study – “Step 1-Step” – being carried out to obtain a map of the country’s pilgrimage routes and their organizations.

There are four main trails to choose from that meet in Småland in the Nydala area. Nydala Kloster (monastery) was once a large and significant Cistercian monastery, founded in 1143. Here you will find interesting remains from the 400-year monastery period, before Gustav Vasa’s reform in the 16th century.

At moderate distances (approx. 15-20 km) you will be able to find a bed and something to eat. The standards vary and range from manors and hotels to youth hostels or B&B’s. Contact the tourist offices along the trails for information on accommodation, places worth a detour and where to buy provision.