The Jerusalem Way deliberately follows a west–east orientation: from the historic pilgrimage routes of Western Europe to the origins of the Abrahamic religions in the East. This direction is simultaneously practical, symbolic, and spiritual.

Practically, the path connects existing Camino de Santiago traditions in the West with new spaces of peace in the East. In the first sections, it uses established pilgrimage and cultural infrastructures that facilitate orientation and planning. From Austria onwards, the Jerusalem Way increasingly leaves dense pilgrimage networks behind and leads through regions where GPS navigation, preparation, and intercultural sensitivity play a greater role. This makes the growing self-reliance of the pilgrims a tangible experience.

Symbolically, the path leads towards the sunrise. In many cultures, the East stands for new beginnings, life, light, and hope. The West, on the other hand, is traditionally associated with the sunset. The Jerusalem Way deliberately follows the movement towards the light and towards life – not in the direction of farewell, but in the direction of departure.

Linguistically, the term Orient also refers to this meaning: it is derived from the Latin oriens and means rising, beginning, orientation. The Jerusalem Way thus leads into the Orient – into orientation: geographically, culturally, and inwardly.

Thus, the west–east direction of the Jerusalem Way is symbolic of an inner and outer journey – from outer structures to spiritual origins, from the familiar to the new, from diversity to encounter, from path to meaning.

The Jerusalem Way has been traveled for many years. Already over a thousand pilgrims from various countries have been on their way – on individual stages as well as on the entire route.

The Jerusalem Way is open to all people – regardless of religion, origin, age, or experience. It is a peace and pilgrimage route, not a sporting competition.

The route can be:

• done alone or in community,
• in stages or over longer periods,
• on foot or by bike.

What matters is your own self-assessment regarding physical, mental, and organizational preparation. The Jerusalem Way invites you to walk the route at your own pace and within your own life context.

You can start the Jerusalem Way in many places—there is no mandatory starting point. Many pilgrims set off from home, on existing pilgrimage routes, or on a section of the route that suits them (see also the FAQ item “How long does the Jerusalem Way take?”).

A tried-and-tested way to begin is: Choose a route → read the stages → use GPS/the app → start walking.

The Jerusalem Way unfolds step by step—not everything has to be decided in advance. Planning helps—trust is key.

The Jerusalem Way doesn’t have a fixed duration. For the route starting in Finisterre, you should plan on about 1 year.

Depending on your starting point, the route covers several thousand kilometres and is walked either in one go or in stages over the years – for example from home, from Finisterre, or from Austria in the heart of Europe.

Some pilgrims walk:

• individual sections,
• country stages,
• or link the route to particular phases of life.

The Jerusalem Way sees itself not only as a project with an end date (many pilgrims aim for Christmas or Easter), but also as a way of life that is shaped individually over the years.

In the end, it’s not the distance or speed that matters, but the mindful experience of being on the road as a stranger in a foreign land (Peregrinos).

We recommend a lightweight, robust backpack with good hiking gear: weatherproof clothing, sturdy footwear, a first-aid kit, water bottle, sun protection, a phone with a GPS app, passport, and visas if required for the country.

Planning is helpful – trust is essential.

Yes. There are several ways to reach the Jerusalem Way.

One possible route leads from Rome via the Via Francigena del Sud to Brindisi, from there by ferry to Albania, and then along the Via Egnatia to Thessaloniki. Shortly before Thessaloniki, this route crosses the Jerusalem Way—from this point on, you are directly on the Peace Way toward the Holy Land. The exact intersection is marked as a Point of Interest (POI) in our app.

However, most pilgrims reach the Jerusalem Way in this section via the Balkan Route, which leads through Hungary, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia to Greece.

We especially recommend this route for several reasons:

• It enables deep and authentic encounters with Muslim, Serbian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and other religious and cultural traditions in a spirit of mutual respect.
• It is an ideal inner and outer preparation for the onward journey through Turkey and the Middle East.
• From the perspective of the Jerusalem Way peace project, the Balkans hold central symbolic and social significance for Europe.

Sections of the historic Via Egnatia have been integrated in Greece where they make sense from a practical pilgrimage perspective today. In other areas, the route has been deliberately adapted, as parts of the ancient path are now very steep, difficult to walk, or close to highways.

From Kavala onward, the Jerusalem Way therefore deliberately follows the coast much of the time, passing through olive groves, spiritually significant sites—including a monastery accessible only via a footbridge in a lagoon—and through ancient Maroneia to Alexandroupolis. For many pilgrims, this section is among the most beautiful stages of the Jerusalem Way in Europe.

The Jerusalem Way is not marked continuously everywhere. Navigation on the Jerusalem Way is primarily done via GPS. Markings and stickers are present in many regions, but they do not replace GPS navigation and serve mainly for orientation and the identity of the trail.

Detailed information on navigation, using GPS tracks, and the current app solution can be found in the next FAQ item “App / Navigation – Are there GPS data?“.

The Jerusalem Way offers GPS data for the entire route from Finisterre to Jerusalem.

The new official JERUSALEM WAY App is about to be released. First, the Android version will be available in the Google Play Store, followed by the iPhone version in the Apple App Store.

The app accompanies pilgrims with features such as:

– Offline maps and marked route line
– Countries, stages, and numerous Points of Interest
– Information on accommodations, Houses of Hope, and partners
– A voluntary GPS-based pilgrim network
– Virtual pilgrim stamps at important and historical sites
– A personal pilgrim certificate with all collected stamps
– Language assistance and local emergency numbers

Until the app is released, Mapy.cz can still be used for the existing GPS route.

Navigation and orientation are primarily via GPS. While markings and Jerusalem Way stickers are present in many regions, they do not replace reliable GPS support. Especially from the Balkans towards Turkey and the Middle East, we recommend using the GPS data or the app.

To the Pilgrim Service in the Shop

There are numerous overnight options along the Jerusalem Way – from simple hostels, guesthouses, and private rooms to the homes of local hosts (“Houses of Hope”). Accommodation recommendations are stored as Points of Interest (POIs) in the GPS data and in the app, and also include helpful tips from pilgrims for pilgrims.

The western part of the Jerusalem Way up to Budapest is freely accessible and documented online. From Budapest onwards, extensive POIs are available alongside the GPS tracks – including accommodations, practical advice, cultural sites, and supply points. This content is included in the GPS package and is constantly being expanded.

The current focus is on the eastern section starting from Austria – the most demanding part of the route. Here, accommodation recommendations have already been recorded in the app for about 80 percent of the route. In Jordan and Palestine through to Jerusalem, there are specific accommodation tips for every stage.

Please note: The Jerusalem Way is not an organized package tour. Accommodations can change seasonally, close, or new ones may open. Flexibility, personal responsibility, and openness are therefore part of the journey.

You can find detailed information in the Route menu as well as in the GPS data and the app.

Balkan route and Greece

The Jerusalem Way is far more than a pilgrimage route: it is an international peace and cultural project that connects people, cultures, and religions. The route via the Balkans in particular has a unique historical depth, shaped by cultural diversity and encounters rich in symbolism.

Historical depth
From Mohács (1526), Karlowitz and Belgrade via the UNESCO monasteries of Studenica and Žiča, the Field of Blackbirds (Kosovo Polje), Skopje, Stobi, all the way to Thessaloniki and Philippi – these are not just waypoints, but key places in European history.

Religious dimension
From the places associated with Paul via the Serbian monastery route, the Church of Saint Sava – the largest Orthodox church in the world – and the earliest archaeologically documented synagogue in North Macedonia to the cradle of European Christianity in Philippi: this line exists nowhere else.

Symbolic significance
The Peace Bridge of Mitrovica, the refugee route walked in the opposite direction, and the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács give the route a special relevance today as a sign of reconciliation.

Myth and history
From the epics of Homer and Troy to Paul and the first Christian communities, and on to the ancient roads Via Militaris and Via Egnatia – the Jerusalem Way connects the great threads of antiquity, the Bible, and literature.

This makes it a living path of peace that brings antiquity, the Bible, and the present together, and reconnects Europe with Jerusalem in a unique way.

The Balkan route of the Jerusalem Way, which leads through Hungary, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia to Greece, holds special significance for the entire peace project. It connects Central Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean and stands for the reconciliation of peoples and cultures in a region that has been marked by conflicts and divisions for centuries.

Pilgrims here encounter living history, spiritual diversity, and intercultural dialogue – from Muslim traditions to Serbian and Greek Orthodox Christianity, as well as other religious expressions, always in the spirit of respect and peace.

This section also serves as the ideal preparation for the onward journey through Turkey and the Middle East. Kosovo, in particular, holds great symbolic power: a region in transition that embodies the spirit of transformation and hope.

As a Member of the European Parliament said at our exhibition in Brussels: “Without peace in the Balkans, Europe falls apart.” The Jerusalem Way therefore deliberately leads through the Balkans – as a living bridge between religions, cultures, and the spiritual-political soul of Europe.

Photos of pilgrimages in the Balkans: Open here

Upon entering Turkey, pilgrims step into one of the most historically and spiritually rich regions on earth.

The Jerusalem Way through Turkey leads through a region of exceptional historical, cultural and spiritual density.

At the Hellespont / the Dardanelles, the route crosses the historic threshold from Europe to Asia – a section full of myths and history. Xerxes I and Alexander the Great already marched across here with their armies; Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa also crossed the Dardanelles.

Along the over 2,000 km-long route through Western Anatolia & the Aegean, the Lycus Valley / Phrygia, Central Anatolia, Cilicia & the Mediterranean coast, as well as Southeastern Anatolia, there are numerous important sites from antiquity and early Christianity, including Troy, Assos, Smyrna (Izmir), Pergamon, Ephesus, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Pamukkale and Konya. These places are deliberately integrated directly into the route.

The Jerusalem Way through Turkey has already been walked by many pilgrims – including women travelling alone or in small groups. Many report great hospitality, openness and helpfulness along the way. Navigation is generally done via GPS. Waymarks and stickers exist in many regions, but they do not replace GPS navigation.

Note / Istanbul: If you also want to visit Istanbul, a proven approach is to take a few rest days in Keşan, then travel from there by bus (direct connection) to Istanbul, visit the city – and then return and continue on the Jerusalem Way. Several pilgrims have already done it this way.

Tip: You can also find more information in the Route menu under Turkey. In addition, there are also guided pilgrimages on the Jerusalem Way through Turkey.

In the Holy Land, the Jerusalem Way reaches a particularly meaningful but also sensitive section. Jordan, Palestine, and Israel are characterized by great religious diversity, deep spiritual traditions, and varying political realities.

At the same time, many pilgrims report great hospitality, openness, and warmth from the people they meet along the way.

The Jerusalem Way explicitly sees itself not as political, but as a path of peace and encounter. As an international peace route, it breaks down prejudices through encounters and mutual recognition, connecting people of diverse origins, cultures, and religions. As an intercultural project, it is aimed at the human family—regardless of religious affiliation, origin, or worldview.

Pilgrims are invited to enter this space with respect, mindfulness, and openness—towards people, cultures, and religious sites of all traditions.

Many pilgrims also experience the Jerusalem Way as a journey of hope, mutual trust, and inner alignment. Challenges along the way are understood not just as difficulties, but as part of an experience of community, solidarity, and personal growth.

Important notes for planning and while on the road:

– Current visa and entry requirements as well as possible changes at borders and crossings should be checked in advance.

– Cultural and religious customs must be respected; appropriate clothing is particularly important at holy sites.

– Taking photos is not welcome everywhere—if in doubt, ask first and follow local instructions.

– In sensitive regions, it is advisable to follow local recommendations and plan stages with foresight.

For many pilgrims, the journey through the Holy Land is the spiritual highlight of the trip. At the same time, this section requires particular care, flexibility, and personal responsibility.

You can find more information in the “Route” menu under:

• Jordan
• Israel and Palestine

For basic information on preparation and personal responsibility, see also the FAQ item “What responsibility do pilgrims bear themselves?”

Of course. The Jerusalem Way is modular. You can start anywhere and walk for as long as you like. You can also complete stages over several years.

The Jerusalem Way unfolds step by step—not everything has to be decided in advance.

Many people experience the Jerusalem Way not only as an outward journey, but as an experience of trust, breaking down prejudice, and deep encounters that strengthen the inner path and hope.

The Jerusalem Way is open to everyone – regardless of religion, origin, or worldview. The route stands for peace, tolerance, and understanding between peoples.

Short version: The Jerusalem Way logo is also the international trail marking. Its four colors represent the elements fire, air, water, and earth, combining practical orientation with a clear, universal message: Visibility, Openness, Inspiration, and Peace. The olive branch in the dove is the universal symbol of peace and the heart of the logo.

Detailed Description

The logo unites four colors that represent fundamental values and universal elements:

• Red (Fire): Visibility, energy, and vitality. The vibrant red gives the marking unmistakable clarity and recalls our shared human history with its sacrifices and challenges. Extended meaning: Red embodies courage, life energy, and activation – it represents the inner step that every pilgrimage requires.
• White (Air): Openness, neutrality, and transparency. White connects all colors and represents the space where people of different origins, religions, and cultures can meet.
• Blue (Water): Sky, vastness, inspiration, and spirituality. Blue conveys calm and trust, symbolizes the connection of countries and continents, and emphasizes the international dimension of the Jerusalem Way. Extended meaning: Blue represents peace, vastness, and clarity – an invitation to open new horizons.
• Green (Earth): Nature, life, and peace. The olive branch in the dove is a globally recognized symbol of peace and points to the central message of the Jerusalem Way: reconciliation and understanding. Extended meaning: Green signifies hope, healing, and reconnection with nature – a symbol of inner and outer peace.

What Makes It Special:

• Red and White form the clear trail marking – orientation and visibility.
• Blue and Green carry the message – peace, connection of heaven and earth, nature, religion, and inspiration.

Conclusion: The logo is far more than a graphic symbol. It is a symbolic language that combines orientation with a universal message: Visibility, Openness, Inspiration, and Peace.

Due to its international dimension and its historical and cultural background, the Jerusalem Way is an official candidate for certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. The project is currently in the ongoing evaluation process. The sought-after certification underlines the Jerusalem Way’s contribution to international understanding, intercultural dialogue, and peace work on an international level.

The Jerusalem Way is not an organised package route, but an individual path of peace and pilgrimage. Every pilgrim is responsible for personal preparation, navigation and stage planning, compliance with local laws and customs, and a realistic self-assessment.

The international, volunteer country teams of the Jerusalem Way, as well as local contacts on site, provide guidance and recommendations, but they do not replace a personal travel decision. In addition, there is an international Jerusalem Way pilgrim community. Via voluntary exchange groups (e.g. our international “WhatsApp pilgrim group” or social media), pilgrims share experiences, tips and encouragement. Participation is voluntary and is intended as mutual support from pilgrims for pilgrims.

The path may be easy to walk – and yet challenges will come. Consciously accepting them offers the chance for personal growth.

Note: Syria is currently not passable. Please note the alternative via flight from Turkey to Jordan, described in the “Turkey” menu as well as under “Syria“. Information on entry and visa regulations as well as country-specific special features can also be found in the section on the Holy Land.

For more in-depth guidance and practical tips along the way, we also recommend our Pilgrim Info.

The Jerusalem Way is a non-profit, international peace project supported by many people both in spirit and in practice. Support is possible in various ways – depending on your personal capabilities:

• by spreading the word and promoting the idea of the Jerusalem Way,
• by participating in projects, events, or regional initiatives,
• by becoming a member of the association “JERUSALEM WAY International Peace Team”,
• by providing financial support in the form of donations.

Every form of support helps to further develop the Jerusalem Way as a path of peace, encounter, and understanding. Information on contact, membership, or donation options can be found in the corresponding section of the website.

If you have any further questions or would like to give feedback, please send us a message using the contact form below.