Travelling in search of meaning has been part of human history for centuries. Whether it’s for faith, self-discovery, or the simple joy of walking ancient paths, pilgrimage routes have drawn people across generations. The 2025 Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope, has sparked fresh interest in spiritual journeys. While places like Rome, Lourdes, and Santiago de Compostela are well-trodden, there are hidden pilgrimage trails that offer something truly special. Let’s take a walk through some of the world’s lesser-known but deeply enriching pilgrim routes.
St. Olav’s Way Norway A Nordic Pilgrimage Through History and Nature
Norway might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of pilgrimage, but St. Olav’s Way is one of Europe’s most breathtaking spiritual routes. Dedicated to St. Olav, the Viking king who brought Christianity to Norway, this pilgrimage weaves through some of Scandinavia’s most spectacular landscapes.
The Route and Highlights
This ancient trail leads to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, where St. Olav’s remains rest. The most popular route is the Gudbrandsdalen Path, often called Norway’s Camino de Santiago. Along the way, you’ll pass rolling green valleys, rugged mountains, historic stave churches with intricate medieval carvings, and fjords that stretch as far as the eye can see. Every step feels like a journey through history. The trail blends Nordic mythology, Viking heritage, and Christianity in a way few other routes can.
What Makes This Pilgrimage Special
It’s not just about history. The journey itself is challenging but deeply rewarding, with long hiking days and a need for resilience. Yet, there’s something powerful about walking in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, with nothing but the sound of wind and birds as company.
Travel Tips
The best time to go is summer, when daylight lasts longer and trails are more accessible. Pilgrim hostels, traditional wooden lodges, and even farms welcome walkers. The trail starts near Oslo, with easy train connections to the starting points.
Kumano Kodo Japan A Sacred Trail Through the Mountains
If you’ve ever dreamt of a pilgrimage with misty forests, ancient shrines, and steaming hot springs along the way, Kumano Kodo might be calling you. Located in Wakayama Prefecture, this pilgrimage has been used for over a thousand years by emperors and monks alike.
The Route and Highlights
Unlike many European routes, Kumano Kodo isn’t a single path but a network of trails leading to Kumano Sanzan, three sacred shrines. The most popular route, Nakahechi, takes pilgrims through towering cedar forests, traditional tea houses offering warm hospitality, breathtaking waterfalls, and remote temples. Every shrine along the way carries stories of gods, spirits, and enlightenment. It’s a pilgrimage that feels like stepping into an entirely different world—one where nature and spirituality are deeply intertwined.
Travel Tips
Spring or autumn is the ideal time to visit, when temperatures are mild and the forests are at their most beautiful. Traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) or temple lodgings offer a unique experience, often including vegetarian meals prepared by monks. Trains from Osaka or Kyoto connect to Kii-Tanabe, the gateway to the pilgrimage.
La Ruta Mariana Spain and France A Pilgrimage Honouring the Virgin Mary
For those seeking a journey centred on Marian devotion, La Ruta Mariana connects five of the most significant Marian shrines in Spain, France, and Andorra. Unlike other routes, this pilgrimage can be done in sections or as a full spiritual road trip.
Key Shrines Along the Way
Montserrat Monastery, nestled in rugged mountains, is home to the revered Black Madonna. Pilar Basilica stands as a stunning baroque masterpiece dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Torreciudad Sanctuary is a lesser-known but deeply peaceful site, while Lourdes in France is famous for miraculous healings and countless pilgrim testimonies. Finally, Meritxell Sanctuary in Andorra serves as the spiritual heart of the country, drawing visitors seeking reflection and renewal.
Why This Pilgrimage Stands Out
Unlike walking-only routes, La Ruta Mariana allows for a mix of walking and travel by car, making it accessible for those who may not be able to trek long distances. Each shrine has a distinct history, but all share a deep sense of peace and devotion.
Travel Tips
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, avoiding peak crowds. Accommodation options range from pilgrim lodges and monasteries to charming guesthouses. The route is well connected by train, bus, and road networks, making travel between shrines seamless.
Why Choose These Alternative Pilgrimage Routes
With so many paths leading to spiritual renewal, why pick these lesser-known ones? Well, for one, they offer a more personal experience. Instead of fighting through crowds in well-trodden cities, you’ll find yourself alone with your thoughts, surrounded by nature or historic sites untouched by mass tourism. These routes retain a sense of raw, unfiltered history. From Viking legacies to Shinto shrines and Marian devotion, each pilgrimage tells a different story. Whether walking for faith, reflection, or adventure, these journeys offer something profound.
Tips for Modern Pilgrims
Not all pilgrimages are created equal, and preparing properly makes all the difference. Walking for days requires physical and mental readiness, so training with long walks beforehand helps. Pack light but wisely—good boots, waterproof gear, and a journal to record your thoughts are essential.
Respecting local customs is equally important. Norway’s nature is sacred, so leaving no trace is expected. Japan’s temples require silence and reverence, and Spain’s Marian shrines encourage prayer and reflection, even for non-religious visitors. Budgeting is also key. Norway is pricier, Japan has budget pilgrim lodgings, and Spain offers monastery stays. Some trails require advance bookings for accommodations, so checking travel routes early is a smart move.
Find Your Path
Pilgrimage isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey itself, the moments of stillness, the unexpected conversations, the feeling of walking in the footsteps of those who came before. Beyond Rome, unexplored pilgrimage routes await. Maybe 2025 is the year to find yours.
