Ecumenical Pilgrim Way from Eichstätt to Heidenheim

In short: Around 72 kilometres, which can be split into four daily stages.

This is the region's real pilgrimage route. Over around 72 kilometres it links the cathedral square in Eichstätt with Heidenheim Abbey, following the footsteps of the four Anglo-Saxon saints Willibald, Walburga, Wunibald and Sola. Do not confuse it with the much longer Ecumenical Pilgrim Way from Görlitz to Vacha, which has the same name.

The route in brief

Along the way

From Eichstätt the route climbs out of the Altmühltal onto the plateau. One of the stops is Sezzi near Bieswang, once a meeting place of the early missionaries. The route runs through the Altmühltal Nature Park and ends in the Franconian Lake District at Heidenheim Abbey, where Wunibald is buried.

The route also links the two Ways of St James in the Franconian Lake District: Nuremberg to Oettingen and Nuremberg to Eichstätt. So you can carry on from here.

Guided or on your own?

You can walk the route on your own. The Eichstätt diocesan pilgrim office and the Kloster Heidenheim association have also offered accompanied group pilgrimages in the past, so ask them about current dates. Take water and food for the plateau, as there is not always somewhere to stop between the villages.

Before you set off, check the signposting and stages with the town of Eichstätt. Figures for length and stages differ a little depending on the source.