Saaremaa Teataja
A new and inspiring initiative has been launched on the islands of Saaremaa and Muhu – the development of the St. Olav Way, which forms part of the wider network of European Cultural Routes. This is not simply a hiking trail, but a cultural route based on historical heritage, following paths close to the former Viking Age maritime route.
The St. Olav Way begins at Sääre in Sõrve and follows the southern and eastern coasts of Saaremaa to Kuivastu, continuing through Muhu to the Estonian mainland and ultimately to St. Olaf’s Church in Tallinn. The route traces ancient routes once used by travellers heading from Gotland towards Novgorod, with stops at chapels and churches such as those at Sõrve, Saastna and Vormsi.
International and Historical Dimension
The route is dedicated to the Norwegian king Olaf II, who was canonised as a saint and in whose honour nine pilgrimage routes have been established in Norway under the name St. Olav Ways, together with several branches in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Estonia has also joined the network, with the initiative to establish the route originally promoted by former Norwegian Ambassador Else Berit Eikeland. The St. Olav Foundation has made the development of the complete route in Estonia one of its principal missions. The Estonian St. Olav Way is included in the Council of Europe’s official network of Cultural Routes.
Today, pilgrimage is becoming increasingly popular around the world as people seek opportunities to slow down, recover, spend time in nature and reconnect with themselves. Routes such as the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Via Francigena in Italy and the St. Olav Ways in Scandinavia attract thousands of travellers every year. For them, walking through landscapes rich in cultural history provides both physical and mental renewal. Pilgrimage has become an international trend appealing to religious and secular travellers alike, offering silence, meaning and the tranquillity of nature in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Local Contribution and Cooperation
Saaremaa Municipality, in cooperation with the Visit Saaremaa team, has assumed responsibility for developing the Saaremaa and Muhu section of the route. The first potential sections from Sääre to Kaugatoma have already been surveyed and mapped on foot, and plans are in place for the next sections. Preparatory work is being carried out in cooperation with local service centres, experts and hiking enthusiasts. The aim is to map one or two new sections each month, while negotiations with landowners will also be necessary before the route can be waymarked. In addition to designing the route itself, it is extremely important to compile the information and services needed by those travelling along it.
What Will the St. Olav Way Bring to Saaremaa?
- International visibility: Joining the St. Olav Ways network will increase Saaremaa’s visibility among hiking and pilgrimage enthusiasts worldwide.
- More visitors: Climate change and increasingly hot summers are encouraging European hikers to look increasingly towards the Nordic countries.
- Community involvement: Development of the route creates new opportunities for local people, including accommodation, catering and guiding services.
- Educational value: Schools will have a new opportunity to organise hiking days while learning about nature and cultural heritage.
- A route for everyone: The St. Olav Way invites both residents and visitors to slow down and experience a peaceful journey through Saaremaa’s beautiful natural environment.
Developing the Necessary Infrastructure
For the St. Olav Way to function as a complete cultural and pilgrimage route, it is essential to develop and improve the supporting infrastructure along the way. Accommodation, catering, rest areas, transport and luggage-transfer services, as well as other facilities meeting the needs of hikers and pilgrims, will be required.
We encourage local entrepreneurs, residents and communities to consider how they could contribute to the network of services along the St. Olav Way, whether through home accommodation, food services or experience-based activities such as guided tours, local handicrafts and workshops.
Everyone Is Welcome to Get Involved!
The Visit Saaremaa team welcomes all contributions to the development of the St. Olav Way. Volunteers, people with knowledge of local nature and heritage, and anyone interested in providing services or supporting the development of the route are encouraged to participate.
The St. Olav Way is more than a route – it is an opportunity to connect the past with the future, local communities with visitors, and people with nature.
Anu Lomp
Head of Tourism and Marketing, Visit Saaremaa
Those exploring the St. Olav Way included guide trainee and hiking enthusiast Lii Kirves; Kersti Markus, Professor of Art History at Tallinn University and member of the Supervisory Board of the St. Olav Foundation; Kaire Ley, an expert on the nature and traditions of Sõrve; and Egle Puhk, Development Specialist at Visit Saaremaa. Photo: private collectiono: erakogu