Pilgrimage - a Metaphor for Life
Every religion in the world has places of sacred pilgrimage. Some are the birthplaces of gods, some are thought to be gifts from the gods, some are centers of religious leadership, and some are simply beautiful places to worship. These destinations, awe-inspiring even to the people in their own religion, draw pilgrims from all corners of the world. A pilgrimage is a metaphor for life. After all, what could be more intuitive than putting one foot in front of another, following a clear path to a goal?
Across the world, pilgrimage hikes and tours are booming. In fact, a record-breaking 446,073 pilgrims walked the Camino de Santiago to the shrine of the Apostle St James in 2023. This well-trodden – some may even say overly popular - path is merely one of many great pilgrimage routes and sites, which is why we’d like to introduce you to some others.
Religious or not, you’re likely to be profoundly moved by the natural beauty, history and unique insights into culture and spirituality that experiencing each of the following offers. We just recommend strongly that you embrace slow travel when visiting, rather than engaging in ‘checklist tourism’.
The Caminho Português (Portugal)
The Caminho Português, or Portuguese Way, offers a less crowded yet equally enriching alternative to the Camino de Santiago. This spiritually uplifting 620 km (385-mile) pilgrimage begins in Lisbon and winds north to Santiago de Compostela, blending Portugal’s rich history with stunning natural beauty.
Pilgrims traverse a landscape of wild Atlantic coastlines, forested hills, and charming villages, passing through some of Portugal’s most significant cultural sites. Highlights include Coimbra, the country’s medieval capital and home to its oldest university; the fortress-like convents of Tomar, once a Knights Templar stronghold; and the Moorish-influenced town of Santarém. Along the way, pilgrims can savor fresh seafood on sun-kissed beaches and enjoy breathtaking coastal sunsets.
The route is well-signposted and moderately challenging, with manageable inclines. For a shorter journey, starting in Porto reduces the walk to 265 km (165 miles), taking around 10 to 12 days. With agreeable weather in spring and autumn, the Caminho Português is a deeply rewarding pilgrimage of history, nature, and faith.
Via Francigena (Italy)
A pilgrimage along the Via Francigena is a journey through history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes, leading to the heart of Catholicism: Rome. This ancient route, once traveled by medieval pilgrims, stretches from Canterbury, England, through France and Switzerland before reaching Italy. The final section, from Siena to Rome, is particularly enchanting, following the historic Via Cassia, parts of which remain unchanged for over 2,000 years.
The Italian countryside unfolds in rolling hills, olive groves, and medieval villages brimming with art and history. Along the way, remnants of past volcanic activity appear in steaming hot springs and serene crater lakes. Covering 250 km, the route takes about twelve days to walk, with gentle terrain making it accessible to both seasoned and novice pilgrims.
Unlike the bustling Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena offers solitude and reflection, its quiet stretches evoking a deep spiritual connection. Arriving in Rome, weary but fulfilled, pilgrims are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of St. Peter’s Basilica—a powerful culmination of a truly sacred journey.
St Paul Trail (Türkiye)
The St. Paul Trail is a rugged and deeply spiritual pilgrimage through the heart of Türkiye, retracing the footsteps of the apostle St. Paul on his first missionary journey across Anatolia. Spanning 500 km (310 miles) from the ancient city of Perge, near Antalya, to Yalvaç by Lake Eğirdir, this trek offers a rare glimpse into Türkiye’s untouched rural landscapes and rich historical tapestry.
Pilgrims and adventurers alike traverse well-marked trails that wind through Roman roads, medieval paths, and shepherd tracks. Along the way, history unfolds in the form of ancient theaters, aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and crumbling fortresses. The Taurus Mountains add a breathtaking backdrop, with pine forests, high pastures, deep canyons, and turquoise waterfalls shaping the journey.
Small villages along the route provide a step back in time, where traditional cheesemaking and slow village life remain unchanged. Typically completed in 27 stages, the St. Paul Trail is both a physical challenge and a profound connection to history, faith, and nature.
St Olav Waterway (Sweden & Finland)
A pilgrimage along the St. Olav Waterway, stretching from Turku, Finland, to Eckerö, Åland, Sweden, is a journey of tranquility, history, and connection with nature. Unlike traditional pilgrimage routes, this one follows ancient seafaring and hiking paths, allowing travelers to walk, cycle, or even kayak across the stunning Nordic archipelago.
Honoring St. Olav, a revered Scandinavian saint, the route invites pilgrims to embrace the slow rhythms of the land and sea. Along the way, small wooden villages, farm shops, and wild camping spots create a sense of peaceful solitude. The journey is punctuated by bracing sea swims, starry nights, and rejuvenating saunas, deepening the connection to the region’s traditions.
Whether completing a short two-hour stretch or a month-long trek, the St. Olav Waterway is a pilgrimage less about a destination and more about the experience—immersing oneself in the untamed beauty and soul of the Nordic landscape.
Wexford Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way (Ireland & Wales)
The Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way is a stunning 260 km (162-mile) pilgrimage that weaves through the Celtic lands of Ireland and Wales, following in the footsteps of two saints—St. Aidan and St. David. This coastal journey takes pilgrims over gorse-covered cliffs, along beach-fringed dunes, and across the Irish Sea by ferry, blending rich cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty.
Along the way, travelers can explore ruined abbeys, medieval castles, Celtic wells, and Marian shrines, culminating in the magnificent St. David’s Cathedral in Wales, where the relics of the beloved patron saint are housed. The landscape itself becomes a pilgrimage, with the rugged cliffs of Strumble Head offering a dramatic connection to nature. From the screech of seabirds to dolphins and seals splashing offshore, the coastal scenery feels almost otherworldly, drawing visitors into a deep spiritual and natural communion.
The trail is divided into nine manageable day walks, each around 14 miles (22 km), with digital waymarks making it easy to follow, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newcomer. This pilgrimage offers both a physical and spiritual journey through history and nature.
Lumbini (Nepal)
A pilgrimage to Lumbini, Nepal, is a profound spiritual journey to the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha. Surrounded by serene monasteries and sacred monuments, Lumbini’s peaceful atmosphere invites deep reflection. At the heart of the site, the Maya Devi Temple houses a sacred stone marking the exact spot where Siddhartha was born in 623 BC. Nearby, the ancient Puskarni Pool, where the newborn prince was bathed, remains a place of reverence.
Pilgrims walk in the footsteps of Emperor Ashoka, who visited in 249 BC and erected the Ashokan Pillar, inscribed with his dedication to the Buddha. Chanting monks and fluttering prayer flags add to the sacred ambiance. Whether meditating beneath the Bodhi trees or exploring the monastic zones, visitors experience a connection to Buddhism’s origins. A visit to Lumbini offers not just history, but a path to inner peace and enlightenment.
Badrinath (India)
A pilgrimage to Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India, is a journey into the heart of Hindu spirituality. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Badrinath is the most important of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. At its center stands the revered Badrinath Temple, built in the 9th century by the Garhwal kings. Pilgrims gather here to offer prayers, seeking divine blessings and spiritual liberation.
Just outside the town, the Vyas Caves are believed to be where the Mahabharata was composed, adding to the region’s sacred significance. Before entering the temple, devotees cleanse themselves in the steaming waters of Tapt Kund and Surya Kund, natural hot springs believed to purify the body and soul. The breathtaking mountain scenery enhances the temple’s mystical aura, making a visit to Badrinath not just a religious experience but a deeply transformative one, rich in history and devotion.
Golden Temple (India)
A pilgrimage to Sri Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, in Amritsar, India, is a deeply spiritual experience for Sikhs and visitors alike. This magnificent gurdwara, built in the early 1600s, is a symbol of Sikh devotion and equality. Covered in gold leaf, the temple gleams beautifully in the sunlight, reflecting in the sacred waters of the Amrit Sarovar, or Pool of Nectar, which surrounds it.
Inside, the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture, is recited continuously, filling the air with meditative hymns. One of the most humbling aspects of the temple is the langar, a massive dining hall where volunteers prepare and serve meals to thousands daily, embodying Sikhism’s values of community and selfless service. Whether offering prayers, listening to the serene kirtan, or simply absorbing the temple’s peaceful energy, a visit to the Golden Temple is an unforgettable spiritual and cultural experience.
Palitana (India)
A pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana, India, is a journey of devotion and endurance, central to Jain spirituality. Rising 591 meters, this sacred hill is adorned with 863 intricately carved marble temples, making it the holiest site in Jainism. Devotees ascend thousands of steps, practicing deep reflection and devotion as they climb toward enlightenment.
Jainism’s core principle of non-violence is deeply felt here, where even the smallest insects are respected. At the summit, the grand Adinatha Temple, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, offers a place for prayer and meditation. The panoramic views, combined with the peaceful chanting of monks, create an atmosphere of serenity. Many Jains believe that every follower should make this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The journey up Shatrunjaya Hill is not just a physical challenge but a profound spiritual experience, symbolizing the path toward liberation and inner peace.
Sri Pada (Sri Lanka)
A pilgrimage to Sri Pada, or Adam’s Peak, in Sri Lanka is a remarkable spiritual journey that unites people of different faiths. This sacred mountain, rising 2,243 meters above sea level, is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims alike. At the summit lies a mysterious rock formation believed to be a sacred footprint—Buddhists attribute it to the Buddha, Hindus to Shiva, Muslims to Adam, and Christians to St. Thomas.
Pilgrims begin their ascent in the night, climbing thousands of steps to reach the peak by dawn. As the sun rises, it casts a perfectly triangular shadow of the mountain, a breathtaking sight that adds to the mystical aura of Sri Pada. The journey is both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting, with the sound of bells, chants, and prayers filling the crisp mountain air. Whether for faith or personal reflection, reaching the summit is an unforgettable experience of devotion and unity.
Kumano Kodō (Japan)
A pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodō on Japan’s Kii Peninsula is a journey through time, nature, and spirituality. This UNESCO-listed network of trails has been walked by emperors and samurai for over a thousand years, leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan—the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano.
The most famous route, the Nakahechi (Imperial Route), winds 68 km through misty forests, bamboo groves, and terraced rice fields. Along the way, waterfalls plunge from cliffs, ancient stone paths whisper of past pilgrims, and Shintō shrines blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Travelers pause at traditional tea houses and simple inns in remote villages, experiencing deep hospitality.
At Yunomine Onsen, a World Heritage hot spring, weary walkers follow centuries-old purification rituals before reaching Hongu Taisha, home to the world’s largest torii gate. More than just a trek, the Kumano Kodō is a meditative experience, uniting mind, body, and spirit in Japan’s sacred mountains.
Summers on the Kii can be hot and humid and winters cold, so come in the shoulder seasons for mild days and few crowds – plus spring cherry blossoms or glorious autumn foliage.
