In our fast-paced world, where destinations are just a click away, there’s a primal, powerful appeal in choosing to travel slowly. It’s about more than just getting from one point to another; it’s about the journey itself. For centuries, people have embarked on long walks not for leisure, but for purpose. These journeys, known as pilgrimages, were quests for faith, forgiveness, and enlightenment. Today, these ancient paths are being rediscovered by a new generation of travelers seeking connection, adventure, and a chance to step outside of time. You don’t have to be religious to walk them; the only requirement is an open heart and a sturdy pair of shoes.
The Camino de Santiago: The Way of St. James, Spain
Perhaps the most famous pilgrimage route in the world, the Camino de Santiago is not a single path but a vast network of trails all leading to the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Tradition holds that the remains of the apostle St. James are buried here. For over a thousand years, pilgrims have crossed the breadth of Europe, their way marked by the iconic scallop shell, a symbol of the Camino.
The most popular route is the Camino Francés, an epic 800-kilometer trek starting in St. Jean Pied de Port in the French Pyrenees. Walking it is a lesson in geography and endurance. You’ll climb over mountains, traverse the flat, sun-baked plains of the Meseta, and finally enter the green, rolling hills of Galicia. But the Camino is defined by more than its landscapes. It is a profoundly social experience. You’ll share meals, stories, and encouragement with fellow walkers—or peregrinos—from every corner of the globe. The simple greeting of “Buen Camino!” exchanged between strangers becomes a powerful bond, a recognition of a shared journey. The infrastructure is well-established, with a network of pilgrim hostels, or albergues, providing affordable lodging and a place to rest weary feet.
The Via Francigena: A Journey to the Heart of Rome
If the Camino is a bustling highway of pilgrims, the Via Francigena is a quieter country road, offering more solitude and a different kind of historical immersion. This ancient route stretches nearly 2,000 kilometers from Canterbury, England, all the way to Rome. It documents the path taken by Archbishop Sigeric in 990 AD when he traveled to receive his pallium—a vestment—from the Pope. His detailed diary of the return journey became the de facto guide for future pilgrims.
Walking the Via Francigena is like traveling through the layers of European history. You’ll cross the English Channel, walk through the battlefields of France, ascend the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, and descend into the breathtaking beauty of Italy. The Italian section is particularly enchanting, leading you through the Aosta Valley, across the Po River plain, and over the Tuscan hills. You’ll pass through ancient towns like Siena and San Gimignano, staying in monasteries and small family-run inns. Unlike the Camino, the path can be less clearly marked in sections, demanding a greater sense of adventure from its walkers. The reward is an unparalleled journey that ends in St. Peter’s Square, having traced a route that has connected northern and southern Europe for centuries.
The Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo are the only two pilgrimage routes in the world designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. This prestigious status recognizes their profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. The designation helps preserve not just the physical paths but also the rich traditions and landscapes that surround them for future generations of walkers.
The Kumano Kodo: Japan’s Mystical Mountain Trails
Deep within the densely forested mountains of Japan’s Kii Peninsula lies a network of sacred trails known as the Kumano Kodo. For over a millennium, this has been a place of spiritual pilgrimage for everyone from emperors to samurai to common people. The paths link the three grand shrines of Kumano—Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha—collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan. This pilgrimage is a unique fusion of Shintoism, which worships nature deities, and Buddhism, blending together in a landscape believed to be the mythical abode of the gods.
A Walk Through a Sacred Landscape
Walking the Kumano Kodo is a deeply atmospheric experience. The trails wind through towering cedar and cypress forests, past serene rivers, and alongside stunning waterfalls, including the magnificent Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest. The paths are often paved with ancient, moss-covered cobblestones that can be slick with rain, demanding mindful steps. Along the way, you’ll encounter smaller Oji shrines, which serve as spiritual signposts and resting places. The experience is one of tranquility and immersion in nature. Instead of albergues, you stay in traditional Japanese inns called ryokan or minshuku, where you can soak in hot springs (onsen) and enjoy exquisite local cuisine. It’s a journey that cleanses the body and soul.
The St. Olav Ways: Norway’s Pilgrim Path
For those who seek wilder landscapes and profound solitude, the St. Olav Ways in Norway offer an unforgettable pilgrimage. Known as the Pilegrimsleden, these paths lead to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the burial site of St. Olav, a Viking king who became Norway’s patron saint after his death in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030.
The main route, Gudbrandsdalen Path, is a 643-kilometer journey starting in Oslo. It takes walkers through some of Norway’s most iconic scenery: deep forests, rolling farmlands, and the dramatic Dovrefjell mountain plateau, home to wild reindeer. The path is well-marked with the St. Olav cross symbol, but it is far less traveled than its southern European counterparts. This allows for a more introspective and meditative journey. The long summer days provide ample light for walking, and the right to roam (allemannsretten) means you can often camp freely. The journey culminates at the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that feels like a worthy reward for a long and challenging walk through the heart of Viking country.
These ancient routes are more than just long-distance hiking trails. They are threads connecting our present to a distant past. To walk them is to participate in a timeless ritual, sharing footsteps with millions who have gone before. It’s a chance to challenge your body, quiet your mind, and discover that sometimes, the most profound destination is the journey itself.
