I’m going to tell you about one of my favorite places along the S:T Olavsleden, Skarpåsen and Erikbu.

One of my inspirations, the writer, naturalist and preservationist John Muir once said:
“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”
And for me, when I walk this path, this is the most peaceful world of all. Up here, my heart, soul and spirit can rest.

Pilgrims walking S:T Olavsleden will cross the small forested mountain Skarpåsen the second last day before arriving in Trondheim. Skarpåsen is in Malvik Municipality, between Folden Farm and Vikhammer Søndre. The surrounding area is logged and replanted every 60 years or so, but the top of the mountain consists of beautiful sparce pine forest. The three-toed woodpecker and capercaillie live in this area.

I have a soft spot for old trees, especially old, crooked pine trees. They are amazing and every one have it’s own personality. Up at Skarpåsen there’s plenty of them, in all kinds if shapes and forms. And people have walked this path for hundreds of years, if not longer.

The local sports club, Hommelvik IL, have done a lot of voluntarily work on the path recently, building bridges and even some stairs at the wettest and steepest parts. They continue the good work this summer. When you first enter the top of the mountain you’ll come across an old resting place called Kvilsteinen (resting stone). Here there’s a big stone, a pilgrim sign and a bible verse for the travellers. But 200 metres after Kvilsteinen there’s a shelter.

The shelter Erikbu was opened in late October 2015 and is named after Erik Stav, who was a local enthusiast doing a lot of valuable work for the outdoor recreation and sports in this area. Statskog SF – the Norwegian state-owned land and forest enterprise, sponsored and built the shelter. Erikbu has broad benches, and there’s a fireplace outside. Under the ceiling hangs a coffee pot. For the adventurous pilgrim this is a good place to unroll the sleeping bag for the night.

It doesn’t cost anything to sleep in the shelter, but make sure to take everything with you when you leave.