Category
Pilgrimage Routes
Roads walked by the faithful for a thousand years.
Christian pilgrimage routes let you walk to a holy place instead of flying to it. From the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Via Francigena to Rome, to St Olav's Way in Norway and the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, these are the world's best walking pilgrimage trails — with route length, terrain, the best season to walk, and the spiritual history behind every stage, so you can plan a pilgrimage on foot that fits your time and fitness.
15 destinations
5/5 SignificanceJerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The church built where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried, and where he rose again. Six different churches share the same building.
5/5 SignificanceBethlehem, Palestine
Church of the Nativity
The oldest church still used every day. It stands over the cave where Jesus is believed to have been born, marked with a silver star.
5/5 SignificanceAl-Maghtas, Jordan
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The riverside spot where John baptised people, and where Jesus was baptised. Old churches and mosaics mark the place.
5/5 SignificanceJerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem
The city at the heart of the Bible story: the temple, the cross, the empty tomb and the promise of a new city.
4/5 SignificanceSantiago de Compostela, Spain
Camino de Santiago
A walking route of about 800 km across northern Spain to the tomb of Saint James. People have walked it for over 1,000 years.
4/5 SignificanceJerusalem, Israel
Via Dolorosa
The route Jesus is believed to have walked to the cross: 14 stops through the narrow streets of Jerusalem.
4/5 SignificanceSantiago de Compostela, Spain
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The end of the Camino walk. Inside, a huge 80-kilo incense burner swings high across the church.
4/5 SignificanceRome, Italy
Rome
The city where Peter and Paul were killed, and the city that later spread their faith around the world.
3/5 SignificanceChartres, France
Chartres Cathedral
A huge old French church with 176 original stained-glass windows and a stone maze that pilgrims still walk.
3/5 SignificanceAssisi, Italy
Basilica of St Francis
The home town of Saint Francis, who loved animals and gave away everything. His tomb is under a church full of famous paintings.
3/5 SignificanceCanterbury, United Kingdom
Canterbury Cathedral
In 1170 an archbishop was killed here by four knights. After that it became the most visited holy place in England.
3/5 SignificanceRome, Italy
Via Francigena
The old walking route from Canterbury to Rome. A traveller wrote down every stop in the year 990, and you can still follow it.
3/5 SignificanceTrondheim, Norway
Nidaros Cathedral
A Norwegian cathedral built over the grave of Saint Olav. It is the most northern medieval cathedral in the world.
3/5 SignificanceTrondheim, Norway
St Olav's Way
A 640 km walking route from Oslo over the mountains to Saint Olav's grave in Trondheim. The most northern pilgrim path in the world.
3/5 SignificanceBethlehem Governorate, Palestine
Mar Saba
A monastery clinging to a desert cliff since the 400s. Monks still live there and still use oil lamps.
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