Self guided winter tour in Viking Olavs footsteps

Our self guided tours

If you book a self-guided tour with Mid Scandinavia Tours, everything will be arranged for you upon arrival. This is the perfect way to travel if you prefer to explore on your own while avoiding the hassle of planning your vacation. You will also have your own contact person from Mid Scandinavia Tours, who is just a phone call away if you have any questions or need help at any point during your journey.

All itineraries are created by people who call the region home, which is why many of our travellers feel that booking a self-guided tour adds something extra to their experience. Before your tour begins you will be in touch with your contact person and have a personal online welcome meeting.

When you arrive in Scandinavia, you will receive a compendium containing information about the area, along with all train, bus, and activity bookings printed and neatly organised. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your Mid Scandinavia adventure.

From Coast to Coast – A Mid Scandinavia Train Adventure

The Mid Scandinavian Train Adventure follows the Midland Railway from Sundsvall in Sweden to Trondheim in Norway. Along a big part of the railway we are traveling close to the St.Olavsleden pilgrim trail so it’s no coincidence that the railway was built here—this has been an important travel route for centuries.

As early as the Viking Age, King Olav sailed to Sundsvall and continued on foot along parts of this route all the way to Trondheim. Today, this is a well-known pilgrimage route in St. Olav’s memory, and on day two you will get the to hike a part of this trail together with a guide.

During this four-day journey, you will witness the landscape transform right outside the train window—from coastal scenery to farmland, across the barren mountain plateau, and finally back to coastal views as the tour concludes in Trondheim.

This tour is a combination of guided and self-guided experiences. Some parts of the journey you will explore on your own, while others will be shared together with a guide from Mid Scandinavia Tours.

However, our team will always be available by phone during the self-guided parts of the tour should you have any questions or need assistance.

Meet your guide Jennifer:

My name is Jennifer, and I’m the founder of Mid Scandinavia Tours—a company dedicated to taking people off the beaten tourist track to the place we love and call home.

I grew up in Jämtland, the heart of Scandinavia. After several years working as a tour guide in New Zealand, Sweden, and Norway, I decided to start my own tour company. I also took a bus driver’s license so I could drive the coach tours myself—and that was the beginning of my journey.

Today, Mid Scandinavia Tours proudly welcomes travelers to Jämtland through both group tours and self-guided experiences.

//Jennifer Kristensson

This is included:

All transport during the tour (train and bus).
3 nights of accommodation, 2 people in each hotel room. We take an extra cost for single room upgrade. All rooms have shower and WC. Bed linen and towels are included.
3 breakfasts
2 lunch
2 dinners
Support available on call
Guide that meets you the first day on the tour for a welcome meeting.
Booklets with information about the places you visit.
Entry to Sundsvall Museum
Pool access at Storlien Högfjällshotell
Full-day guided tour along St. Olavsleden
A travel guarantee is also included in this price. This means that if Mid Scandinavia Tours AB fails to provide the tour, we are affiliated with the Swedish Travel Guarantee organization in accordance with Swedish law. In such a case, compensation would be paid out to you. Conditions are available at: https://www.kammarkollegiet.se/engelska/start/all-services/travelguarantees/sdg/information-about-travel-guarantees

This is not included:
Tickets to Sundsvall and from Trondheim (starting and end point for the tour).
Alcoholic beverages and all other drinks except from water.
Snacks and evening refreshments; however, you will pass grocery stores.
Travel incurrence
Luggage locker at Sundsvall train station

Price and booking information:

In late summer 2026, we are offering the following Mid Scandinavian Train Adventure dates:

1–4 August

8–11 August

15–18 August

Price:

The total price for the Mid Scandinavian Train Adventure package is 14,495 SEK per person. The price for singel room uppgrade is 2400 SEK.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 participants. We reserve the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of participants is not reached (2 people) – in that case, your booking fee will be fully refunded.

How do I get to Sundsvall and from Trondheim?

The fastest and most convenient way to connect to the Mid Scandinavian Train Adventure is to take one of SJ’s train from Stockholm to Sundsvall. You can fly in to Sweden to Arlanda airport. The journey from Stockholm/Arlanda airport takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

From Trondheim we recommend to take the transfer train from central Trondheim to Trondheim airport. To save money and be sure to get a seat, book your train and flight ticket in time. Please feel free to reach out if you would like more detailed information

How to book and pay?

Booking and payment are done here on Mid Scandinavia Tours website during the spring of 2026. We use Stripe as our booking and payment systems. VISA/Mastercard works.

Upon booking, a first instalment of SEK 4,500 per person is required. This payment is non-refundable in case of cancellation. The full participation fee must be paid 40 days before the start of the tour. A payment link will be sent to you by email.

Are there any additional costs?

No. But if you want to drink beer/wine with the meal or snacks you buy them yourself. The activity you cost in Åre is also at your own cost but we will put together a compendium with things you can do free of cost in Åre. The SPA at the hotel that you are staying at day two are a optional activity and therefore at your own cost.

Can I extend my stay?

If you wish to arrive in Sundsvall the day before, we can help you out with adding on a night to the tour. The same applice to the the end of the tour in Trondheim. The same applies to the end of the tour in Trondheim.

Can I bring pets?

We like animals, but in this case they are not allowed due to bus and train transport.

How challenging is the hiking?

The hike on day two is not physically demanding in terms of terrain. It is mostly flat throughout and does not include any steep sections. We will walk at a relaxed pace, with the guide making regular stops to share information about what we see along the way.

We will also take time to rest during a longer lunch break. However, the total distance is approximately 10 km, so you should be comfortable walking this distance.

What kind of shoes and any special clothing should one bring?

Stable sneakers/hiking shoes with a slightly thicker sole. Avoid shoes/boots that are too heavy and bulky.

A fleece sweater and rain gear are good to bring, even though we hope we won’t need to use them. Swimwear if you want to swim in the evening or use the spa or pool.

What information do I get before and under the tour?

Before the tour, you will meet your guide in an online information session, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and go through the tour concept together.

Around two weeks before arrival, you will receive your train ticket from Sundsvall to Östersund, as well as your lunch reservation in Sundsvall.

When you meet your guide in Östersund, you will receive a booklet with information about the places you will visit, along with the remaining train and bus tickets and hotel reservations.

Is the guide with us the entire time?

No, the guide will meet up with you before the dinner the first day and be with you the whole day on the hike (day two). The rest of the time you will be traveling alone but always have your guide at Mid Scandinavia Tours accessible by phone.

What happens if I need to cancel?

The traveler must notify Mid Scandinavia Tours of any cancellations by email to: je******@*****************rs.com. Individual cancellation received less than 35 days before the scheduled arrival date is nonrefundable. Cancellation made more than 35 days before arrival will receive a full refund, except for the deposit, which is non-refundable. In the case of Force Majeure, Mid Scandinavia Tours have the right to cancel the contract.

Special dietary requirements?

Approximately two weeks before arrival, we will send out an email with details and schedules. The email will also include instructions on how to report special dietary requirements and allergies.

Is the hike suitable for children?

No, it’s in first place developed for adults.

Can I travel using my own car?

Yes, absolutely — but it does not affect the price.

1. SUNDSVALL TO ÖSTERSUND – The stone-built city Sundsvall

Your journey begins at Sundsvall station, which is easily reached by the SJ morning train from Stockholm Arlanda Airport or Stockholm Central (approx. 3 hours).

Sundsvall is a beautiful stone-built city that was reconstructed after the great fire of 1888. Remarkably, the entire city centre around 600 buildings was rebuilt in just six years.

Upon arrival, we recommend taking a walk through the historic streets. Sundsvall Museum, located about a 10-minute walk from the station, offers free entry and tells the story of the town.

At lunchtime, a table is reserved at the well-renowned Hotel Knaust. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the forest industry brought great wealth to the region, and Hotel Knaust became a popular meeting place for the elite.

After lunch, you will take the SJ train from Sundsvall to Östersund (approx. 2.5 hours). From the station, it is a short 5-minute walk to your hotel. In the evening, a guide from Mid Scandinavia Tours will meet you at the reception and accompany you to the dinner restaurant, where you will also receive more information about the rest of the tour.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, Three-course dinner
• Included activities: Visit to Sundsvall Museum
Accommodation: Hotel in central Östersund

2. FULL DAY IN ÖSTERSUND – See a runestone and visit an old church

Enjoy a nice hotel breakfast before setting off on a full-day hike. Your guide will meet you at the hotel reception, and together you will explore a fascinating section of St. Olavsleden.

You will learn more about the Viking Age in Jämtland, and after just 20 minutes of walking in the footsteps of Saint Olav, you will reach the northernmost runestone. From there, the hike continues to a historic stone church built in the 12th century—an important stop along the pilgrimage route. The church is especially known for housing relics of Saint Lucia, making it a place of spiritual significance for both pilgrims and visitors.

Your guide will bring lunch, which you will enjoy together outdoors in nature. After a total hike of approximately 10 km along gravel roads, forest paths, and quiet asphalt roads, you will arrive at your accommodation for the night.

Dinner can be chosen from the hotel’s menu, and we highly recommend trying the hotel spa (optional activity). Luggage transport will be arranged, so you won’t need to carry your bags during the hike.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Included activities: Guided historical hike, visit to a runestone and church, outdoor lunch
• Hiking distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Hotel outside Östersund

3. ÖSTERSUND TO STORLIEN – A train journey west

Take the public transport bus from your hotel to Östersund train station and then the SJ train to Åre. Åre is one of Sweden’s oldest tourist destinations. As early as the industrial era, visitors came here to breathe the fresh mountain air and escape the stress of everyday life.

Today, Åre is a lively mountain village, best known as a winter destination but equally attractive in summer. In addition to outdoor activities, the village offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and shops. You can also visit Åre Old Church, where the famous statue of Saint Olav is located.

In the afternoon, continue your journey by train west to Storlien, another charming mountain village where you will spend the night. Storlien Högfjällshotell is a well-known historic hotel that has hosted many Swedish celebrities over the years. Nearby, you can also see a cabin owned by the Swedish Royal Family, who frequently spend time in the area.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and take advantage of the pool in the evening (included in the tour price).

Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Optional activities: Activities in Åre (e.g. https://adventureare.com)
Accommodation: Hotel in Storlien

4. STORLIEN TO TRONDHEIM – Across the border to Norway

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then pack your bags, check out, and leave your luggage at the reception. The hotel is located above the tree line, and just outside the entrance you will find a short mountain hike (approx. 20 minutes) offering beautiful views over the surrounding landscape. We recommend starting your day with this walk.

Your train departs from Storlien station at around 9:30 am, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

Upon arrival in Trondheim, you can use the compendium provided by Mid Scandinavia Tours, which includes suggestions for things to see and do in the city and a self-guided tour in Trondheim. Take time to explore the town before continuing your journey home. No accommodation is included on this day, but we can arrange an extra night upon request at an additional cost.

Included meals: Breakfast

Take a look at our other two self guided tours

Self guided winter pilgrim tour

Discover the magic of winter along the historic St. Olavsleden Pilgrim Trail on this 7-day self-guided tour. Start in Östersund, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and enjoy local cuisine and cozy accommodation.

Walk in the footsteps of Viking King Olav on two short scenic hikes to a Viking Runestone and a stunning frozen waterfall. Ride horseback along the pilgrim route and ski through the peaceful winter landscape.

Explore the Jamtli Museum and the vibrant mountain village of Åre, with optional activities like dogsledding and snowshoeing. The tour includes transport, some meals, and all equipment. This journey offers the perfect mix of nature, history, and relaxation.

7 days
Start and ends in Östersund, Sweden
When: December-April

Self guided from Trondheim to Jämtland

Discover the best of Norway and Sweden on this twin-centre itinerary. Start your adventure in Trondheim, a historic and vibrant Norwegian city brimming with cafés, bars, and Michelin-starred dining, earning its title as Norway’s foodie capital. Explore the inspiring Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace with its crown jewels, and Stiftsgården, Scandinavia’s oldest wooden palace.

Board the train and journey into Sweden’s Jämtland region, a paradise of rolling mountains, pristine lakes, and endless forests. In Östersund, stroll charming streets, savour local delicacies and experience outdoor activities. It has been selected as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and for good reason.