Marking of the Ingegerdsleden pilgrimage trail

Signage and quality development of the Ingegerdsleden pilgrimage trail

The Ingegerd Trail is a well-known pilgrimage trail of approximately 110 km between the Great Church in Stockholm and Uppsala Cathedral. The trail, named after Princess Ingegerd (later Saint Anna), offers a variety of natural environments, cultural and historical sites, churches and historical attractions and has become a popular route for both pilgrims and outdoor hikers.

Although the trail is described in guidebooks and digitally on map services, it currently has limited physical markings in the terrain. This makes it difficult for many to find and follow the trail, which limits its use and accessibility — especially for those hiking on their own or for the first time.

The PaxWalk Uppland association, which is the project owner, is working to create a coordinated organization for the pilgrimage trails in Uppland and has a broad network of local actors, accommodation facilities, churches and associations that want to develop the Ingegerdsleden into an attractive and accessible pilgrimage destination.

Thanks to this project, PaxWalk Uppland can begin work on marking and developing the Ingegerdsleden along part of the trail – the stretch between Steninge Slott and Uppsala Cathedral. The project's goal is for the Ingegerdsleden to be signposted and marked in the terrain along the stretch, so that hikers can easily follow the trail. The association will also improve information about the trail by setting up information boards and making audio guides with thematic descriptions that highlight nature, culture and church history. The project will strengthen collaborations with local actors such as municipalities, tourist organizations, parishes, associations and educational institutions to ensure long-term management and development of the trail even after the project. Among other things, PaxWalk will conduct training for trail managers.

In the long term, PaxWalk hopes that the project can support a broader pilgrimage tradition where nature, culture and spiritual experiences come together in a coherent outdoor concept. The trail will also offer better service and accommodation along the way, with opportunities to stay overnight in parish houses, bed & breakfasts and other local accommodation, which will strengthen both pilgrimage tourism and the local economy.