Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Pilgrimage or long-distance walking is a life changing journey, that restores the soul, brings inner peace, happiness and balance between body and mind. The pilgrimage along St Olavsleden, which is a 580 km long Scandinavian pilgrimage route, is an international phenomenon that attracts people with varying motives. This includes personal, health, social and spiritual/religious reasons as well as cultural-historical interests and the preference for nature and beautiful landscapes. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study, which included the collection of personal pilgrimage stories and in-depth interviews with pilgrims. The main aim was to learn more about how the environment can support the higher needs in Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, that is self-actualization and self-transcendence. In the study it was found that quiet or passive stages of the journey support reflection, increase emotional awareness and liberate the mind, while more active or engaging stages require focus, help the person become present in the now and move forward in life. Being guided by pilgrimage signs through the unknown and the wonderment of nature were found to promote soul restoration, while beautiful scenery, such as the view of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, as well as the experience of cultural heritage sites fostered a deep emotional connection to the surroundings. Moreover, the experience of these environmental aspects gave life perspective and awakened existential thoughts that led to personal transformation. Finally, the contrasting experiences on the trail were highly appreciated by the pilgrims and made the journey into a metaphor for life.