Pilgrim trails

Find your pilgrimage

Pilgrim trails around the world hold significant historical and cultural importance. These trails have been traveled by devout individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment and religious experiences for centuries. One of the most famous trails is the Camino de Santiago in Spain, which is over 800 kilometers long and finishes at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is believed to be the final resting place of the apostle St. James.

Nowadays, pilgrim trails are also walked by enthusiastic hikers for sports and recreational motivations, not only religion.

The Camino de Santiago

One of the most famous pilgrimages in the world, the Camino de Santiago, is connected worldwide with paths across Europe and even Asia that lead to Santiago de Compostela. Because there’s no official starting place, it’s impossible to denote a certain distance for the pilgrimage. However, some of the more popular routes are the Camino Frances, the Caminho Portuguese, and the Camino del Norte. To receive the Certificate of Distance, you must trek at least 100km to Compostela, collecting stamps in your Camino passport credential along the way. Many people keep these credentials, sometimes even framing them, as a memento of their time on the trail.

Via Francigena

This trail originated in Canterbury, England, and leads pilgrims through France, Switzerland, and Italy to the Vatican City in Rome. The Via Francigena traces the journey of pilgrims from the early Middle Ages seeking the blessings of the Pope and is still in use today. Over 2000 kilometers from start to finish, this trail is often attempted by enthusiastic cyclists as well.

Kumano Kodo

The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrim trails located in the Kii Peninsula of Japan, primarily in Wakayama Prefecture. These trails have been used for over a thousand years by pilgrims, emperors, aristocrats, and commoners alike, many of whom were looking for spiritual rejuvenation from the sacred sites of the Kumano region, which is deeply intertwined with Shinto and Buddhist beliefs.

Preparing for a long-distance trail

Proper preparation is what makes a pilgrimage successful. Always tell someone whom you trust about your rough itinerary and let them know if your plans change. It’s normal to switch up your schedule, but it’s safest if someone knows where you are. Additionally, packing the right gear can make or break your trail. Always make sure you have enough water and snacks each day to avoid dehydration and exhaustion.