Are you the trail manager for your municipality, responsible for a pilgrimage church along the trail, a communicator at a tourist office, or running an accommodation associated with St. Birgitta Ways Pilgrims Welcome? On this page, those collaborating with us can order materials, download descriptive texts and images, register your pilgrimage accommodation, and find other useful information for your work with St. Birgitta Ways.
All trails should aim to be marked in the field according to the National Framework for Hiking Trails, regardless of the specific marker used, as outlined below.
Since SBW (St. Birgitta Ways) is a collection of various trails leading to Vadstena, the method and frequency of marking with the SBW emblem will vary.
Description of Some Marking Variants for St. Birgitta Ways in the Field
One of the following options is desirable to be part of the St. Birgitta Ways family:
One of the above options is desirable to be part of the Saint Birgitta Ways family. The longer the stretches marked consistently, the better. A dialogue across municipal boundaries is recommended to achieve this. Regional trail coordinators are encouraged to initiate such discussions.
SBW Markers
SBW markers can be ordered or downloaded further down on this page.
National Framework for Lowland Trails
You can read about marking recommendations according to the Quality Criteria for the National Framework | Visit Skåne (visitskane.com). Note that field markings must be clear and function in both directions. The density of the markings depends on the terrain, and the goal should be that after passing one marker, the next one should be visible—especially important after crossroads. Permission to mark is required.
Colors
Color code NCS: S 0580-Y50R. The same orange color is recommended for marking lowland trails throughout Sweden. Pilgrimage trails may have additional marking requirements.
Questions and Comments
Contact: eva.hagstrom@svenskakyrkan.se
© The images may only be used for the purpose of sharing information about St. Birgitta Ways and Vadstena Pilgrims Center. Please include a photo credit where possible. Photographer credits are provided with each image. (Click on the image for hi-res)
Here you will find texts that you can use in your communication about St. Birgitta Ways. You are also welcome to copy texts from our website.
St. Birgitta Ways - The Pilgrim Paths to Vadstena
St. Birgitta Ways are for everyone who wishes to embark on a pilgrimage to and from Vadstena, regardless of background or motivation. The trails range from steep wilderness paths through deep forests to winding gravel roads through varied flatlands. Almost every daily stage passes by bodies of water, inviting you to take a swim or a break. Several times a day, you can rest in a cool church, experience peace and a sense of history, and perhaps feel part of something greater.
St. Birgitta Ways is the collective name for all the pilgrimage routes leading to Vadstena, and in time, they will connect the major pilgrimage destinations in the Nordic countries (Trondheim and Turku) and across Europe (Rome, Santiago de Compostela, and Canterbury). A Nordic collaboration is now emerging between St. Olav’s Way – heading towards Trondheim www.pilegrimsleden.no – and St. Birgitta Ways – on the way to Vadstena.
Pilgrimage is an ancient tradition found in all world religions. In the Middle Ages, it was very popular in Sweden, but it was banned by King Gustav Vasa. Over the past 50 years, interest has been growing again, and many see it as a necessary pause in life, offering time for reflection and deepening. Many testify to unique and life-changing encounters along the way. The trail is named after one of Sweden’s most famous figures, Saint Birgitta. Her message of peace and simplicity is still highly relevant today and can inspire the necessary societal transformation we face.
This trail is part of Saint Birgitta Ways.
Saint Birgitta Ways is the collective name for all pilgrimage routes with different names that lead to Vadstena and aim to connect all major pilgrimage sites in the Nordic region and Europe. The trail is named after Saint Birgitta, Sweden's most famous person and the patron saint of Europe. Her message of peace and simplicity is still highly relevant today and can inspire society's transformation. Here you can find more information about Saint Birgitta Ways, pilgrimage, and tips for accommodation, dining, and activities. www.stbirgittaways.com
This trail is part of Saint Birgitta Ways.
Saint Birgitta Ways is the collective name for all pilgrimage routes with different names that lead to Vadstena and aim to connect all major pilgrimage sites in the Nordic region and Europe. The trail is named after Saint Birgitta, one of Sweden's most famous figures and the patron saint of Europe. She lived and worked in Vadstena during the Middle Ages, and her relics are found in the Monastery Church in Vadstena, which is the destination of the pilgrimage. Her message of peace and simplicity is still highly relevant today and can inspire the transformation of society that we are facing. Here you can find more information about Saint Birgitta Ways, pilgrimage, and tips for accommodation, dining, and activities: www.stbirgittaways.com
Along the Birgitta Ways, a network of people is currently emerging who want to engage with you as a pilgrim. Pilgrim's Welcome is a certification awarded by the Pilgrims' Center in Vadstena to those who offer special services for pilgrims and have knowledge of the pilgrimage routes to Vadstena. Simply put, good places for pilgrims.
You can find our Pilgrim's Welcome locations along the routes here>>
Or perhaps you want to register your business? It’s easy! Just click on the button. We will then contact you and provide you with a "pilgrim kit" to display for your guests. Membership in Pilgrim's Welcome is free and is renewed at the beginning of each new season. You can renew your membership by updating your information.
Become a Pilgrims Welcome
Pilgrim Food - for Growers and Restaurateurs (In Swedish Only)
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