Grisslehamn - Trästabron (The Trästa bridge)
At Grisslehamn the Viking trail, which is part of the St Olav Waterway, meets the pilgrim’s trail running from Åbo through the Finnish archipelago with its last leg towards Sweden at Eckerö.
Part 1 of the Viking trail
The Viking trail is part of the St Olav Waterway from Åbo towards Trondheim, ending up at Nidarosdomen. Part 1 of the Viking trail starts at Grisslehamn and follows small roads leading through Roslagen and Uppland. The road is from the Middle Ages or earlier and there is evidence of it being used by pilgrims.The trail leads on to paths and tracks trough beautiful landscape and coastal views. For those wanting to walk the entire stretch from Åbo to Trondheim, the pilgrim’s way is 12.000 kilometres long.
Grisslehamn was Sweden’s gateway to the east for several hundred years. Grisslehamn is an old fishing village strategically placed by the Sea of Åland. Grisslehamn gained its importance and its name and started expanding as a community in 1756 when the postal services was moved here from the town further south at Väddo that is today called Old Grisselhamn. Today, Grisslehamn is a picturesque fishing village. The harbour is the centre of activities during summer with lots of tourists and visitors strolling around in the charming harbour with its fish shops and traditional fishing boats.
Visit the Albert Engström Museum and Studio and the optical telegraph at Grisslehamn. Grissleham is also perfect for staying the night with different lodging alternatives from basic standard to hotel. Make sure to enjoy good food and a rest at a local restaurant or café of which some serve food made from locally sourced ingredients.
By the Trästa bridge the road shoulders are wide. Please be careful to walk on the correct side of the road which in Sweden is on the left facing the traffic. The road is busy during summer.
Details
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8,2 km
Duration: 2:07 tim
Ascent: 118 m
Descent: 98 m
Parking
Parking is available at the harbour.
Start & Directions
This part of the trail starts by the harbour - look for a notice board opposite the ICA grocery. When starting out through the village of Grisslehamn, you pass the grocery store ICA and then head towards the old country road at the western side of Väddo by way of a local path and an illuminated trail.