Sagamarsjen is two day walking march based in Norway. In guide 1 we covered what to expect before registration, see HERE. In this article we will discus what to expect during the event.
What is event check-in?
The day before Sagamarsjen, you need to check-in and get your card, which contains basic information about you and your walk and has also barcode. You need to carry this card with you on both days, keeping it safe and dry. Might be good idea to take picture of it, just in case. It is also possible to do the check-in in the morning on day 1 of the event, but it is advised to do this one day before the walk in the afternoon.
How is the start?
The start is very easy, you need to present your card to one of the volunteers, who will scan it and you can start walking. It is fast and smooth process. The start time windows are generous and I didnt have to wait long.
How is the checkpoint?
During Sagamarsjen, expect to pass by checkpoints, where your card will be scanned as proof you passed the checkpoint. On the first day the checkpoints were hard to miss, as they were right on the trail. On the 2nd day I almost missed one of the checkpoints as it was just a stand, where teenagers were selling cakes and it was bit further from the path. There was no indication, that the stand belongs to the organisation. I got impression that the organisation would not make big deal out of missed checkpoint, but best to keep an eye.
What is available at the checkpoint?
It depends, I suggest not to rely on checkpoints for food, drinks or facilities and treat anything available at the checkpoint as lovely treat. Some checkpoints might have: free snacks or water, snacks or drinks for purchase, restrooms, entertainment, chairs to sit on and relax.
Are there any facilities?
There are almost no facilities along the trail, especially on the first day, since you walk in nature. On the second day, you can find public restrooms at the hotel and there might be some along the way as you are walking along villages, petrol stations etc. Be prepared to go in the nature, by bringing toilet paper AND plastic bag (for example dog poop bag) to collect trash. Do not leave toilet paper in the nature.
What about weather?
Sagamarsjen will happen in all weather. I’m assuming the only reason it would be cancelled is if the conditions become a hazard to walkers, but note this is only my assumption. Expect all conditions especially on the first day as its in the mountains. I started walking in very strong wind and rain and cold but later it got really warm and sunny.
How is the atmosphere?
Very friendly amongst participants and volunteers. Locals usually do not engage with the event participants. The Sagamarsjen organisation is very relaxed, the information is sometimes fairly loose, you just need to go with the flow. It is best not to expect highly organised event with everything running smoothly. The buses on first day go whenever they go, there is no fixed schedule, only aproximate timeline. In 2024 during my participation, 2nd day checkpoint was missing. There were no free snacks available whole day except the first checkpoint. On the other hand, since they are no strict rules, the organisation seems more friendly and flexible. I still very much enjoyed the event.
Do I need navigation?
Navigation is not needed, there is a map provided on the website. I suggest to take picture of it, for your general guidance. The Sagamarsjen organisation does not provide gspx files. The route is marked by white and red striped tape, which is easy to follow. Sometimes there are additional signs or actual volunteers at important crossings, who will point you in the right direction. On the first day the navigation is easy as you follow the St Olavsleden trail for most of the time and there are not many turns. On the second day you might want to pay better attention, especially if you chat to others.
How is the long trail on Day 1?
The route is on rolling gentle hills. The trail that starts in Sweden and it is all gravel path, which is wide and easy to walk on. After passing to Norway, it might become more rugged, but still easy and not technical. I did this trail after few days of rain and heavy rainfall the night before, but it was not muddy. If you are doing 31km, then straight after the split its mostly relatively easy uphill climb. This part was very muddy, so take caution if it rained in prior days. After you return back to the point you started, you continue on car dirt path until the big car road and from there you can choose to walk on the road against traffic or forrest walk which is slightly longer. Regardless, you will walk on the main road for the final few km.
How is the long trail on Day 2?
The route starts on bike path with mild uphill. At some point there will be split, 24km distance continues on bike/pedestrian path while 32km will start climb on gravel car road. Some parts are very steep until you reach forrest. From that point there might be some mild up and down until the checkpoint. After the checkpoint was my favorite part through forest and bogs, it is on small dirt trail. Then you start descent on gravel road and it will continue being gravel road for several km. Once you join the road where 24km route continues, the terrain will be changing frequently between tarmac roads, bike paths, small forrest trail, gravel trail, etc. All very easy terrains, nothing technical. There is only one more hill that needs to be hiked up, towards the golf course, but once you pass that, you are done with hills for the day.
How do I prepare the evening before hiking?
Since you have to wake up early, I suggest to shower the day before. After shower, I would massage my legs with tiger balm or other muscle relief cream. Once legs were dry, apply KT tape (if needed), so it has time to settle and don’t need to worry about it in the morning. I would double check the weather forecast for next day and prepare all the clothes and kit for the next day, so in the morning I only need to do basic hygiene, eat, dress and go. Also make sure all your electronic devices (phone, sports watch, headphones, etc) are charged.
How do I recover for next day after day 1?
The best thing to do straight after finishing, is massage or stretching. The next priority is hydration and nutrition. Make sure to get electrolytes and some nice healthy carby meal.
These are some of the recovery strategies that worked for me in the past. Note that I’m not healthcare professional.
- Massage
- Stretching or massage gun if you have, or both
- Cold shower for whole body and as icy shower for legs as possible
- Foot bath with epsom salts or other relief oils or salts
- Apply tiger balm or other muscle relief cream on calves or sore areas
- Keep your legs elevated
- Healthy and nutritious meals
- Electrolytes
- Resting, reading, meditation, or breathing exercises or any other activity to reduce stress
What if I can not finish?
There is nothing mentioned about this in the rules or on the website. Very likely you will need to get back by your own means. This might be challenge as some locations are very remote and not easy to get to/from. You would need to get at least to checkpoint, asking for help. On the 2nd day since you pass roads with cars at times, you might be able to get a ride from kind stranger.
How is the finish?
Make sure to scan the card at the finish line. On the first day, the finish line is very clear. On the second day the finish line is at the same place as was the start in the morning. However I did noticed that most people missed the finish line since it was hidden behind the flags. It was not so visible from the angle you are coming from, so most people (myself included) didn’t scan at the finish and went straight for the medal collection. At the finish line is place to collect medal against your completed card and right next to it you can get your IML/IVV stamps, if you participate. You can purchase some additional merchandise at the small shop, otherwise you can relax and enjoy the life music that will be available.
Summary
I highly recommend participating in Sagamarsjen regardless if you are member of IML or IVV. It is easy to participate for non-english speakers and it is organised well. If you have the resources, I would recommend staying at Scandic hotel to maximise your experience. Also allow some time to visit the area, as it has beautiful viking village. More about the event and for registrations visit HERE
For 4 day walking event in Netherland on much larger scale, read HERE
