Way of St. James routes: Find the right route for your pilgrimage

Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is on your bucket list? Whether you are an experienced hiker or a newcomer to the Way of St. James, here you will learn what should not be missing from your Camino packing list and how to properly plan your Camino route.

Grab your hiking backpack and get on your hiking socks to experience the Way of St. James in a sustainable way. James in a sustainable way.

How do I plan my Way of St. James route?

The Way of St. James, also known as the Camino de Santiago, is a network of pilgrimage routes that stretch across Europe, all leading to the famous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

How to choose the right Camino de Santiago route and how to climb the organization mountain step by step, you will learn in the following sections.

Jacobean Way, or Way of St. James - what routes are there anyway?

Whether it's the busy French Way of St. James. James Original Route with the best signage or the breathtaking Primitivo challenge through the mountains, we'll help you make the right Way of St. James route .

You can choose your starting point from almost any major location in Europe. There are even some like the Palatinate Way of St. James route or the Way of St. James Germany that start right on your doorstep. Here you can find even more details, like matching tables with routes by country, kilometers and difficulty levels.

When looking for the right path, you can adapt the route to the pilgrimage occasion. The motives for pilgrimage can be varied: they range from spiritual and religious motivation, processing personal strokes of fate to the discovery of culture and nature along the way or the personal desire to decelerate.

These are the four main routes you should know:

1. The Camino Francés, also called the Original Way of St. James Route, attracts with excellent signage and a diverse mix of pilgrims:inside. Here you'll always find a:n interlocutor:in.

2. The Portuguese Route splits into inland and coastal variants, both of which offer unforgettable perspectives.

3. The Primitivo Way of St. James is a bit more challenging, taking you through impressive mountains and less-traveled paths that reward you with nature and seclusion.

4. The Coastal Way, also known as the "Del Norte," gives you the refreshing sea breeze as you hike along the coastline.

You can find another overview of the Camino de Santiago trails here. You can't decide yet? Then take the Jacobs Way route quiz.

How would I like to travel on my Way of St. James route - on foot, by bus, with dog & Co.

To travel on foot allows you not only to save on CO2 but also to connect more deeply with nature and the cultural treasures along the way. Comedian Hape Kerkeling has also chosen this type of trip.

Animal lovers:inside have the option of starting the trail with their faithful companions, such as their dog. This creates a unique bond between man and animal and adds a special touch to the pilgrimage journey.

Alternatively, horseback riding or cycling offers a way to enjoy the scenic landscape from the saddle. On the Internet or in guidebooks you can find your suitable Camino de Santiago with bike route. The last option is to take the boat and sail. So you can choose for you your Way of St. James route way to experience the meaning of the Way of St. James in your personal way.

How much distance can I manage in a day, and how do I plan my stages?

The length of time to plan for this pilgrimage varies according to personal pace, but usually pilgrims need about four to six weeks to cover the entire Camino Francés. This main route covers a distance of almost 800 kilometers from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. Hape Kerkeling wrote a book about this route called "I'm Off Then". Therefore, this Jakobsweg classic route is also known as Jakobsweg Hape Kerkeling Route.

Along the way, yellow arrows, the characteristic shell and distinctive stones will guide the way as you explore over hill and dale the day's stage. A good start would be to begin with about 15 kilometers per day. This will give your body time to adjust, and later you can slowly increase up to about 35 kilometers;

Stop for dinner - how do I find accommodation along my Way of St. James route?

The search for suitable accommodation along the Camino de Santiago offers several options. Whether you book in advance through platforms such as Booking.com or simply drift and spontaneously inquire at the official accommodations: You will always find a place to sleep.

How much will the Way of St. James cost me?

The cost of the Camino de Santiago entire route varies depending on your personal budget and preferences;

Official pilgrim accommodations, in dormitories with bunk beds for €8, are a popular low-budget choice. For added comfort, there are accommodations in various price ranges up to 90 € per night.

For food, pilgrim menus offer a budget option between €8 and €15. You can get breakfast from 4,50 €. For the small appetite we recommend local specialties such as chorizo and tortilla for just under 5 €. The whole thing you can round off wonderfully with an organic wine -available from 1.50 €.

To strengthen the sense of community on the religious pilgrimage, some local people or accommodations offer fresh food and drinks for a small donation. Simply heavenly.

Packing for the Camino de Santiago: Most important purchases

Now you have a taste for it and are looking forward to your vacation. What important purchases you need, you will learn now;

What do I really need on my pilgrimage?

For your pilgrimage you first need some basic equipment. This definitely includes a hiking backpack. This should be as light as possible and also include a suitable rain cover, so that your things stay dry in the rain. Furthermore, you need a water bottle and a thin sleeping bag. The pillow is available in the accommodation with a cover.

Otherwise, of course, clothing, very well broken-in shoes, documents, hygiene & an emergency first-aid kit and everything else you absolutely need for you should not be missing. In the clothing, it is recommended, for example, in the T-shirts, underwear and socks to pack 3 sets each: one to wear, one to dry and one as a replacement, if you do not like to wash times. Also the feet do not always want to be in the hiking boots. They are happy in between a breezy relaxation, for example, in flip flops, which are also good for the showers in the hostels.

When packing, always remember: less is more. According to the motto Zero Waste on trips a thoughtful selection is offered so that you avoid waste.

How much luggage can I carry?

Jevery gram counts, so choose only your Camino de Santiago essentials to ensure a carefree pilgrimage experience. A recommended rule of thumb is that you should carry no more than 10% of your body weight to avoid overloading while walking to Santiago.

What do I do when I can't carry heavy?

If you have overestimated your performance, you can use the inexpensive luggage service. This service allows you to have your luggage transported from accommodation to accommodation. You can get more information about it here or directly at the hostels along the Camino de Santiago routes.

All about the pilgrim passport

The Pilgrim Passport is a key piece on your Camino de Santiago route. For a donation of 10 € you can get the pilgrim card before departure here and have it sent directly to your home. If you don't apply for it beforehand and want to go spontaneously, you can also get the pilgrim passport in most of the big pilgrimage sites like Porto;

This pilgrim's pass not only gives you access to accommodations, but also connects you to a long tradition of pilgrims on this historic walking route.

To receive the Compostela or the pilgrimage certificate at the end, you must have covered at least 100 kilometers on foot, 100 nautical miles by boat or 200 kilometers by bicycle. There is even an extra Way of St. James last 100 km route through Galicia's countryside from Sierra to Santiago.

In the meantime, you should collect at least 2 different stamps every day. Twice the same stamp, e.g. from the accommodation - once in the evening and once in the morning - does not count. But this is not a problem. Because you can easily get the stamps everywhere on the Camino de Santiago routes: From churches, restaurants to accommodations or Jakobsweg hostels.

Way of St. James digital: route planner and apps

The- Buen Camino App is the optimal Way of St. James route planner. The Buen Camino app helps you to find your way on the Camino thanks to detailed Camino maps, route planning and up-to-date information about accommodations. Because here you can enter your "Way of St. James route start and destination" and get an individual Way of St. James route.

We also recommend you to download booking.com and a weather app of your choice.

Our tip: Put your phone aside after use while you continue your St Jakobsweg route.

What are the best Camino de Santiago travel guides?

If you prefer to hold a book in your hands instead of the Buen Camino app, we recommend these three guidebooks.

1. Compass hiking guide Camino de Santiago Spain, Camino Francés for 15,50 € This Camino Guide offers you not only an extra tour map and a cartographic overview. But also allows you to download the free GPX data, which is especially useful for modern pilgrims;

2. Camino Francés - Outdoor Travel Guide for 16,90 € The yellow travel guide is characterized by a loving writing. The flexible presentation of the Camino de Santiago route without predefined stages allows you to spontaneously adjust the daily stages.

3. Camino Francés - Spanish Way of St. James - Rother travel guide for 16,90 € The clear stage divisions and altitude charts make this Way of St. James guidebook a recommended companion for pilgrims who prefer structured planning.

Your Way of St. James route: Let's go to Santiago

No matter which of the Camino de Santiago routes you choose, the journey along the Camino de Santiago will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.

So lace up your walking shoes and get ready for this unique adventure! Your Way of St. James awaits you.

Buen Camino.