In demand: Pilgrim routes in Europe
Pilgrimages are popular with the Way of St. James reporting new record numbers. Climate awareness is likely to see interest in this sustainable travel form grow in 2020. Here are some of Europe's best pilgrimage routes.
The classic pilgrimage: the Way of St. James
Almost 350,000 pilgrims came to the tomb of the apostle James in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in Spain in 2019. Several routes from all over Europe lead there. Most pilgrims take the French route across the Pyrenees. The alternative route from Portugal, previously considered an insider tip, is also becoming increasingly popular.
The northernmost pilgrimage route: St. Olav's Ways
Those who seek silence rather than masses of people will like the Nordic variant of the Way of St. James. The St. Olav's Ways run 5,000 kilometers (3,106 miles) through Norway, Sweden and Denmark. According to legend, St. Olav, the son of a Viking, helped Scandinavians become Christians. A popular route leads from Oslo to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, where the grave of the saint is found.
To the holy mount of the Irish: Saint Patrick's Way
Pilgrim paths on the Emerald Isle can be completed in just a few days, or even hours, like the most popular pilgrimage route, the Saint Patrick's Way. On the last weekend in July, up to 30,000 pilgrims transform it into a kind of festival route (photo). Some climb the 750-meter-high (2,507-foot-high) Croagh Patrick Mountain barefoot or on their knees to attend the first service at 8 am.
All roads lead to Rome: the Via Francigena
The faithful and emperors made a pilgrimage to the tomb of Peter in Rome on the Via Francigena as early as the 4th century. It is the oldest Christian route network, which leads from Canterbury to Rome via different routes. On the Italian section (photo) this means: 945 kilometers of Bella Italia with monasteries, cathedrals and castles from the Middle Ages.
From cathedral to cathedral: the St. Boniface Route
Walking and reflection are at the center of the St. Boniface Route, which leads 185 kilometers through the green landscape of central Germany. Opened only in 2004, it is still a relatively new pilgrimage route. It reconstructs the historic route on which the mortal remains of the missionary Boniface (photo) were transferred from his bishop's seat in Mainz to Fulda in 754.
For mountain fans: the Way of St. Paul
The Way of St. Paul in Turkey is a pilgrimage and trekking route. It starts near Antalya on the Mediterranean coast from where it leads 2,200 meters high into the Taurus Mountains. The trail, past Roman ruins and mountain villages, requires good physical condition and sure-footedness. The destination is the ancient Antioch, where the apostle Paul is said to have founded a Christian community.
Paths of kindness and sharing: St. Martin's Way
Saint Martin was born in Hungary; his grave is in France in Tours' cathedral (photo). Both places are connected by two pilgrim routes north and south of the Alps. Legend has it that Martin gave half of his coat to a beggar who was freezing. To this day the story is commemorated in Germany with lantern processions on November 11, the day of Martin's burial in Tours.