About Us

The St. Olav Foundation was established in 2023 as a private initiative. Its mission is to research, preserve, and promote Estonia’s archaeological and architectural heritage along the historic waterways that once connected Scandinavia with the East and are marked by sites associated with the cult of St. Olaf. In doing so, the Foundation contributes to research on Estonia’s cultural identity and helps strengthen Estonia’s cultural ties with Norway through the shared heritage of St. Olaf.

As a result of the Foundation’s work, Estonia became a member of the Route of St. Olav Ways, a Council of Europe Cultural Route, in 2024. The Foundation is responsible for coordinating the development of the St. Olav Ways in Estonia and integrating the country’s cultural routes into the wider Nordic network of St. Olav pilgrimage routes. To achieve this, it works closely with local communities, municipalities, research institutions, and international partners. Community involvement and voluntary participation are central to the Foundation’s approach, as a European Cultural Route can only be developed through the joint efforts of local residents, businesses, municipalities, and partner organisations.

In addition, the Foundation organizes conferences and training events, publishes scholarly and educational materials, promotes knowledge of Estonia’s early history and the cultural heritage associated with St. Olaf, and supports the sustainable development of cultural tourism in Estonia’s coastal regions.