A 580km pilgrimage route between Selanger in Sweden and Trondheim in Norway is being given a new lease of life after 500 years of neglect.

St Olavsleden - or St Olav's Way - was a major pilgrimage route in medieval times but gradually fell out of use.

Now there is renewed impetus from Norway and Sweden to attract thousands of walkers and cyclists from around the world to use the path, reports Norway Today.

The reopening of the route will take place this year with two special weeklong hikes - one in Sweden and one in Norway - before a joint opening ceremony in Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim.

"Our vision is for St Olavsleden to become the Scandinavian equivalent to El Camino, Santiago de Compostela. I hope many people will join us on the inaugural hiking trip to celebrate the opening of this ancient pilgrimage route. It will be a very special event," said Putte Eby, project manager of St Olavsleden.

"Walking an ancient pilgrimage trail for a few days – or even weeks – can create time and space for an inner journey too. It might just be the start of something new."