(JERUSALEM WAY Peace Dove in Austria: open details)

Discover the Jerusalem Way – A pilgrimage of hope,

full of spirituality, history and adventure

The Jerusalem Way is a unique pilgrimage route! It is the longest interreligious, intercultural peace and pilgrimage route in the world.

The Jerusalem Way crosses the continents of Europe and Asia over a length of around 8.500 kilometers and leads through fifteen countries. The route begins in Finisterre, Spain, and leads east to Jerusalem, the intersection of the three monotheistic world religions. The Jerusalem Way links the three most important pilgrimage destinations of Christianity (Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela).

The longing for peace is a particular motivation for walking the Jerusalem Way. Every pilgrim is a symbol of the hope for peace (Peregrinantes in Spem). The international peace project "JERUSALEM WAY" aims to connect people, cultures and religions and thus strengthen peaceful coexistence (see www.jerusalemway.org). "On foot, you are not a stranger."

Whether you walk one stage, several stages or the whole route: every step is an invitation to self-reflection and to encounter foreign cultures and the people along the way. On this path of peace, the pilgrims are led on a journey to the roots of their faith, their inner peace and ultimately to themselves.

The Jerusalem Way was started in 2010 by three Austrian pilgrims (Johannes Aschauer, Otto Klär, David Zwilling). The entire route connects various cultural, spiritual traditions and religions. The Jerusalem pilgrim reaches important historical places, several apostles' graves and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the route, in partner cities such as Melk, Linz, Fulda and others, the symbol of the Jerusalem Way, the dove of peace, was set up as a visible sign.

Who is the Jerusalem Way for?

A pilgrimage on the Jerusalem Way appeals to people who want to experience something special. Far away from the well-known pilgrimage routes, you can experience the authenticity of the pilgrimage experience of earlier times first hand on the marked Jerusalem Way. On the route from the Balkans, which is still little developed for tourism, you experience pilgrimage in its original sense: on the way to yourself, trusting in the moment and divine guidance. A pilgrim is thus not only physically challenged, but also trained in trust and spiritually and emotionally enriched.

Whether you are an experienced walker or a first-time pilgrim, the Jerusalem Way offers the opportunity for everyone to embark on a personal and spiritual journey, regardless of age, gender, faith or experience. Both individuals and groups are welcome to set out on the Way to Jerusalem.

It is also possible to join one of the organized pilgrimages (open link). Walking in groups promotes the community of pilgrims, a special feeling of connection and security. Information on pilgrim passports, GPS data, pilgrim equipment, hostels along the way (“Houses of Hope”) and more can be found on the multilingual website www.jerusalemway.org

What distinguishes the Jerusalem Way from other pilgrimage routes?

The Jerusalem Way differs from other pilgrimage routes not only in its historical and cultural diversity and depth, but also in the experience of great hospitality in countries and cultures that are mostly completely unknown to us.

The route passes through stunning landscapes and important religious sites, giving pilgrims the opportunity to not only enjoy the impressive scenery but also delve into the history and traditions of the regions they pass through.

The “JERUSALEM WAY” brings together different religions, nations and cultures in an extraordinary peace project and stands for mutual recognition, respect and appreciation of different ways of life.

Why should a pilgrim walk the Jerusalem Way?

Experiencing exceptional hospitality is a profound experience. The group of Jerusalem Way pilgrims is a constantly growing community of people who support each other and become ambassadors of the longest peace and pilgrimage route. Our international community now includes members from 110 countries and all continents.

Some highlights along the way

Santiago de Compostela | Pyrenees | Le-Puy-en-Velay | Maria Einsiedeln | Peace City Linz | Melk | Vienna | Budapest | Belgrade | Amselfeld | Skopje | Thessaloniki | Philippi | Dardanelles | Troy | Alexandria on the Troad | Pergamon | Izmir | Ephesus | Pamukkale | Antioch | Taurus Mountains | Konya | Tarsus | Antakya | Aleppo | Damascus | Amman | Mount Nebo | Jordan Valley | Dead Sea | Jericho | Judean Desert | Mount of Olives | Bethlehem | Jerusalem

The pilgrim walks on many historical paths such as: the Way of St. James, the paths of the Apostle Paul, Via Egnatia, in the footsteps of Mother Teresa, the Serbian Monastery Road, the Sufi Trail, the Palestinian Heritage Trail and also the footsteps of the Crusades. Pilgrimage can also mean a certain healing of the path. Healing through conscious prayer or meditation at the places and for the events of the past and present.

Like a river system, the Jerusalem Way is the main stream that connects various feeder routes to the east and has been expanding steadily since its founding in 2010. Currently, 18 countries are connected to Jerusalem (as of 2024).

Jerusalem Way feeder routes & partner routes

Germany: Jerusalem Way of the Kings (from Cologne) | Jerusalem Way of the Apostles (from Fulda) | Jerusalem Way of the Monasteries (from Volkenroda)

Poland: Jerusalem Way Poland (from Westerplatte / Gdansk)

Slovakia: Jerusalem Way Slovakia (from the PL & SK border)

Partner routes via Rome to Jerusalem: Via Romea | Via Francigena | Via Francigena du Sud

By strengthening the “INNER PEACE” of the pilgrim along the way, PEACE is brought into the OUTSIDE WORLD. Every day on the pilgrimage counts and is a sign of hope.