Via Imperii

In short: Via Imperii: from Szczecin to Hof. Length: around 600 km, duration: about 4 weeks. Best time: April to October.

Overview

The Via Imperii was one of the most important imperial roads of the Middle Ages. As a Way of St James it leads from Szczecin through Brandenburg and Berlin to Wittenberg, then via Leipzig to Hof in Upper Franconia.

The section from Szczecin to Berlin measures a good 200 kilometres, and the one from Berlin to Leipzig about 220. That is ideal if you live in Berlin, as you can set off on foot from the city. Along the way there is plenty of pine forest and many small village churches.

In Leipzig the route crosses the Ecumenical Pilgrim Way, which follows the Via Regia. From Hof you continue south on other Ways of St James.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 600 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 60 to 80 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 35 days that comes to roughly 2,100 to 2,800 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Germany, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.