Pilgrimage,step by step

From the Way of St James to the Kumano Kodo: here you will find routes, a packing list and honest prices for your first pilgrimage.

See the costs

Comic pilgrim with hat, backpack and staff walking through the hills

What is a pilgrimage?

Pilgrimage has a long tradition in Christianity. In the past, believers travelled to holy places to do penance and ask for grace, and parishes still organise such journeys today.

The destination at the end of the road was never the whole point. The time it takes to get there counts too, which is why many people who are not religious set off today. They are looking for peace, want a break from everyday life or simply want to walk a long way.

Whether you go alone, as a couple or in a group, everyone has their own experiences along the way. A little preparation helps make it a good journey.

Cartoon pilgrim crossing an old stone bridge over a river, beside a signpost with a scallop shell

Which route?

The Camino routes compared, from two weeks to two months.

Cartoon backpack surrounded by a hiking boot, pilgrim passport, headlamp and first aid kit

What to pack?

The packing list that keeps your backpack light.

Pilgrim passport?

Where to get one and what you need the stamps for.

Cartoon coins in front of yellow rays, speech bubbles asking about the price

What does it cost?

Prices for a bed, the pilgrim menu and everything in between.

What will your route cost?

Set the days, bed and food. The total uses guide figures for Spain, as of 2026, without travel to the start and gear.

700 €

50 € per day, including €5 for small extras

Pilgrimage routes around the world

The Way of St James is only the start. See all the routes in the overview. All pilgrimage routes

Cartoon pilgrim on the green Atlantic coast of northern Spain

Camino del Norte

around 830 km

Cartoon pilgrim in the mountains of Asturias

Camino Primitivo

around 320 km

Cartoon pilgrim on the hot plain of southern Spain beside a Roman arch

Vía de la Plata

around 1,000 km

Cartoon pilgrim at a Galician harbour town

Camino Inglés

around 120 km from Ferrol

Free PDFs for your trip

Packing list, training plan, budget planner and more to print out.

Go to the downloads

Guide

Questions before you set off

What is a pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage is a long journey on foot, usually to a holy place. It comes from religious tradition, and today many people without any faith also set off to gain some distance from everyday life.

Do you have to be religious to go on a pilgrimage?

No. On the Way of St James every motivation is welcome. If you are not walking for religious reasons, you receive a separate certificate in Santiago instead of the Compostela.

What does a pilgrimage cost?

On the Way of St James you should budget around 40 to 50 euros a day, plus travel and gear.

How do I start with pilgrimage?

First walk for two or three days on a route near you. That way you can test your shoes and backpack before planning a longer trip.

The first step is the hardest

Plan your first trip