The journey is the destination

Pilgrimages have a centuries-old tradition and have been experiencing a renaissance in Germany since Hape Kerkeling's bestseller "Ich bin dann mal weg". With the Sauerland-Camino, pilgrims in the "Land of a Thousand Mountains" also have the opportunity to embark on a journey to themselves. The focus is on themes such as self-discovery and slowing down as you walk the 137 kilometers from Marsberg in the northeast of the Sauerland to Meinerzhagen in the west.

The Sauerland-Camino was created through close cooperation between the Sauerland Heimatbund, Sauerland-Tourismus and the tourism contacts in the municipalities of Marsberg, Brilon, Meschede, Bestwig, Schmallenberg, Eslohe, Lennestadt, Attendorn and Meinerzhagen. They received expert support from Prof. Dr. Susanne Leder from the Südwestfalen University of Applied Sciences in Meschede. "The pilgrimage trail is deliberately intended as a counterpart to the otherwise highly touristy hiking offers in our region," explains Thomas Weber, Managing Director of Sauerland Tourism. "Those who go on a pilgrimage embark on a journey to themselves, take a step back and find themselves again." Aspects that are more important than ever in today's world, when people's everyday lives are often characterized by hectic, stressful and constant turbulence.

The starting point of the Sauerland-Camino, one of the most beautiful sections between the major pilgrimage destinations of Paderborn Cathedral and Cologne Cathedral, is St. Magnus Church in Niedermarsberg. From here, the route to the Lennestadt district of Elspe initially follows the historic Roman Way, a former long-distance trade route. From there, it continues along the Heidenstraße, a more than 1000-year-old military and trade route, to Meinerzhagen and the Jesus-Christus-Kirche church. "Routes from historical maps served as the basis for the route concept. They are now being brought back to life as a whole," says Elmar Reuter, Chairman of the Sauerland Heimatbund.

Along the way, pilgrims can expect not only the diversity of the wooded countryside but also insights into the history of the region. Pilgrims have a long tradition in the Sauerland, which is predominantly Catholic. There are wayside crosses, wayside shrines, chapels and holy houses at many crossroads. And the Sauerland-Camino also provides a well-earned night's rest after a long day on the trail. A total of 32 accommodation providers offer pilgrims a place to stay.

"Pilgrimage is something very original and tells its own story," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Susanne Leder from the Südwestfalen University of Applied Sciences in Meschede. "It's also about feeling the history and consciously engaging with it. You walk through the landscape with a different perspective, come to yourself and find peace." The Sauerland Mountain Association is responsible for marking the trail as usual. It ensures that pilgrims can always find their way safely along the entire route using the yellow symbol of the scallop shell on a blue background.