Pilgrimage routes: 5 classic destinations

Pilgrimages are travel with a purpose. Whether for religious, spiritual or just contemplative reasons - these 5 routes are accessible to anyone with two working legs.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The classic. 800 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela. Most walk it in 30-35 days. Cheap albergues (€8-€15/night) and shared meals (€10).

Cammino di San Francesco, Italy

From Florence to Assisi (190 km). Goes through the Tuscan-Umbrian countryside. Quieter than the Camino, equally beautiful. 10-12 days.

Way of St. James, Norway

Olavsweg from Oslo to Trondheim. 643 km through wilderness, often without WiFi. Pilgrim huts every 20-25 km.

Iona, Scotland

Small island off the coast of Mull. Center of Celtic Christianity. Stay 3-7 days at the Abbey. €40/night including meals.

Lourdes, France

More mass-tourism than pilgrimage. 6 million visitors per year to the grotto. Doable as a long weekend (€400 incl. flight).

How to start

Train a few months before departure (10 km/day). Buy good shoes (size up half). Bring blister plasters, painkillers, dry socks.

Budget

€20-€30/day on the Camino, more in expensive countries (Norway €60-€80). Total Camino-trip: €1500 including flight.