Hike along the Pilgrimage Trails of West Sweden

In recent years, the interest in pilgrimage hiking has grown enormously. Many people seek the calm of nature, combined with good food and comfortable accommodation. In West Sweden, there are six pilgrimage trails waiting to be explored.

What is a pilgrimage hike?

A pilgrimage hike is an ancient tradition where you walk at a peaceful pace towards places of spiritual or cultural significance. It’s a chance to take a break from everyday life and gain new perspectives. The word pilgrim comes from the Latin peregrinus, meaning “stranger”. As a pilgrim, you leave behind what is familiar and journey towards the unknown — welcoming new experiences, encounters and insights along the way, whether alone or with others.

Falköping – Varnhem

One of the most beautiful pilgrimage routes in West Sweden is the 44-kilometre trail between Falköping and Varnhem. It winds through a gently rolling cultural landscape, passes two medieval monastery ruins, and offers the chance to experience the rich and vibrant birdlife around Lake Hornborga.

 

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Gothenburg – The Göta Älv Trail

When you set out on the Göta Älv Pilgrimage Trail, you’re walking in the footsteps of your ancestors. The route is rich in cultural heritage and takes you through beautiful natural surroundings along the Göta River. The trail begins in Gothenburg and ends in Vänersborg.

 

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Lödöse – Skara (Essunga Trail)

This historic hiking route connects the medieval port town of Lödöse with Skara – one of Sweden’s oldest towns and an important ecclesiastical centre. The trail winds through scenic landscapes and areas rich in cultural history.

 

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Hjo – Kungslena

This historic trail takes you from the idyllic small town of Hjo, located on the shores of Lake Vättern, to the medieval village of Kungslena. Along the way, you’ll pass cultural, historical and scenic sites, with plenty of information boards where you can learn more about the local heritage and life in times past.

 

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Skara – Husaby

The trail begins at the impressive cathedral in Skara and heads north through a diverse landscape rich in history and natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass the spa town of Lundsbrunn, a heritage railway, and the remains of an old bishop’s castle before arriving at Husaby Church, situated at the foot of Mount Kinnekulle.

 

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Dalsland 

The Dalsland Pilgrimage Trail has a fascinating story to tell — one that stretches over 100 kilometres, from Vänersborg in the south to Edsleskog in the north. For centuries, countless pilgrims have travelled this route on their way to Nidaros, now known as Trondheim, in Norway.

 

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Pilgrimage – a tradition revived

Pilgrimage hiking was common as far back as the Middle Ages, right up until the mid-1500s when King Gustav Vasa banned the practice. Fortunately, the tradition has seen a strong revival in modern times.

Today, the motivation is usually not religious, but rather a longing to reconnect with nature and take a break from the stresses of everyday life. Why not give it a try yourself?