Holiday in Jakobsweg (Camino de Santiago)

What makes Jakobsweg (Camino de Santiago) special as a destination?

The Jakobsweg is one of the oldest and most famous pilgrimage routes in the world — a network of paths that all lead to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Francés, the classic route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port over the Pyrenees through Navarra, La Rioja, Castile, and Galicia, is the most popular path with 800 kilometers and about 30 stages. Over 400,000 pilgrims arrive in Santiago each year — on foot, by bike, or on horseback. The Camino is more than a hike: it is a transformative experience that brings together people of all nationalities, ages, and motivations. The network of Albergüs offers affordable accommodations (€5–15), and the pilgrim community along the way fosters lifelong friendships. Those who walk at least the last 100 kilometers on foot (or 200 km by bike) receive the Compostela certificate in Santiago. In addition to the Camino Francés, there are numerous alternatives: the Camino del Norte along the coast is scenically spectacular, the Camino Portugués from Lisbon or Porto goes through Portugal, the Vía de la Plata starts in Seville, and the Camino Primitivo (the oldest route) begins in Oviedo. The route passes through breathtaking landscapes — from the Pyrenees over the Meseta to the green hills of Galicia — and through historic cities like Pamplona, Burgos, and León. The best travel time is May/June or September/October when the weather is mild and the paths are less crowded.