When it comes to the great European hiking routes, there are few that can match the popularity and history of the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St James as it is known in English. The route was traditionally taken by pilgrims from across Europe who would walk to the Shrine of St James that was located in the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. The route itself historically followed a Roman trading route which also led to Santiago in north west Spain, although the further away from Santiago you begin, there were a range of different routes that become available, as people would travel to the shrine from across the continent.


 

Choosing Your Route

 

Most hikers who are planning to walk the route will usually begin in eastern Spain near the Pyrenees and the border with France, with Pamplona and Jaca being common places to begin. However, there are several other potential routes to choose from that make for a much longer route, with paths beginning in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Poland offering a greater challenge. There are several traditional routes from different points in France which converge to join the Camino de Santiago, with Paris, Vezelay, Le Puy and Arles all common starting points.

 

The most common limitation will be the amount of time available, with the route from Pamplona commonly taking around twenty five days, and those from other European countries taking significantly longer.

 

Sights To See Along The Route

 

The Pyrenees is one of the historic barriers between France and Spain, and crossing the mountains and seeing the beautiful valleys below is a truly wonderful experience. There are also some spectacular buildings along the route too, and one of the most impressive is another religious building, the grand Burgos Cathedral which has long been a stopping point for pilgrims headed for the cathedral in Santiago.

Leon is another city that is visited along the route, and a more modern building is the impressive Casa de los Botines, which is one of the works of Antoni Gaudi, who is most famous for his work in Barcelona.

 

Accommodation

 

For those aiming to complete the route on a budget, one of the most important things to do is to get a 'Credencial', which is also known as a pilgrim's passport. As it is stamped in each town along the way, it is not only a good record of the pilgrimage, but it also allows people access to special hostels that are along the route especially for pilgrims, and these are usually inexpensive or even free in some cases. There are also plenty of private hostels and bed and breakfasts that operate along the route too, and for those who want to give a bit more pampering to their tired feet at the end of the day, these will offer a few more comforts than the hostels.

 

Training And Preparations

 

At 780 kilometers, taking on the Camino de Santiago is certainly not something to be taken lightly, and it is important to do plenty of training in the months before you set out on the journey. Make sure that you get used to walking every day, and it is worth taking several multi-day trips so that your body can get used to the daily exertion. It is worth planning to spend at least a day in Santiago at the end of the hike, as there is a Pilgrim's Mass held at the Cathedral at noon everyday, which announces the name and starting point of those pilgrims who have completed the pilgrimage and have received a certificate issued by the church.

 

The Symbol Of The Camino De Santiago

 

One of the most distinctive symbols that you will see along the route is the scallop shell, which is displayed on many of the hostels and hotels along the route, along with being an important way marker for those looking to find the right path as they walk. Many pilgrims will carry a scallop shell on a cord to indicate to others that they are pilgrims, and the shell itself is believed to be a metaphor, with the different grooves representing all the different paths leading to Santiago de Compostela.

 

In addition to the challenging and fun hikes that can be found around the areas mentioned above, the Pilgrimage To Santiago De Compostela is popular for a reason. With stunning views, challenging trails, and perks along the way, this Pilgrimage is one of the best ways to hike in this area.