The Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela (also called St. James' Route or St. James' Way) is the pilgrimage route to the tomb of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The main route through Spain is the Camino Francés, which was the continuation of several routes coming from France. The Camino Francés was the medieval route through northern Spain from the Pyrenees to the tomb of James. This route passes through the towns of Pamplona, Estella, Logroño, Burgos, León, Astorga and Ponferrada. However, in other European countries, there are also Ways of Saint James to France and Spain. You can say that the St. James Ways together form a network of walking routes, with Santiago de Compostela as the ultimate goal.
But who is Saint James? And why is the route also called Camino de Santiago? Saint James or Santiago in Spanish, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. This apostle, who was considered a saint, is buried in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As a result, the place became a place of pilgrimage. Pilgrims travelled far and wide to worship the saint. This is how a veritable web of Jacob's Routes through Europe was created! The Way of St James is for everyone.
Sarria to Santiago de Compostella
The Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela is considered the "classic" route of the most famous pilgrimage route that crosses half of Europe and goes over the final 100 km to Santiago. On this part of the road, you will make a pilgrimage through Galicia, Spain's greenest and westernmost province. A varied landscape, pleasant temperatures and friendly people accompany you on your pilgrimage.
Salzburg to Tyrol
The Salzburger Jakobsweg (or Jacobsroute) takes you from boundary stone to boundary stone through the foothills of the Alps and over the borders to the Bavarian Rupertiwinkel. The palatial city of Salzburg, the mountains of Tyrol and impressive churches are waiting for you and reward you for your efforts. Experience it for yourself and find inner peace on your own pilgrimage on the Way of Saint James from Salzburg.
Munich to the Allgau Alps
The Jakobsweg takes you from the Bavarian capital Munich to the idyllic Allgäu. You will find spectacular natural beauties, Bavarian cosiness and Swabian charm enclosed between Lake Constance and Lech. Special highlights of this special route include the castles of King Ludwig, Neuschwanstein, and Hohenschwangau!
At the time of the first pilgrims, the city of Munich was only a small settlement and was probably called "Zu den Mönchen" ("forum apud Munichen", the market for the monks). Today it has become the largest city in Bavaria and the starting point for your pilgrimage. From here you will pass the third-largest lake in Bavaria - the Ammersee.
