Pilgrimage tours in the Harz
The history of pilgrimage is long, and just as diverse today are the reasons for setting out on a pilgrimage route.
In the past, people set out for major places of pilgrimage for reasons of faith – to do penance, to gain indulgence, or to fulfil a vow.
Over time, pilgrimage has changed. Today, anyone can go on a pilgrimage, regardless of faith or religious motives. The routes vary in length and destination. Many want to think about God or their own faith while walking. Others look for peace, distance from everyday life, a shared experience in a group, or a personal adventure. Some use the time to deal with their own issues.
Regardless of the reason: in pilgrimage, the destination doesn’t matter. What counts is the journey itself – the path you walk, the experiences you gather, and the inner journey you take towards yourself.
In the Harz Mountains, there are plenty of options for long-distance hikes. As pilgrimage routes, the following two routes are possible:
- The Harz Monastery Trail leads for about 95 kilometres past numerous churches and monasteries from Goslar to Quedlinburg.
- The VIA ROMEA GERMANICA also passes through the Harz region along its German section from Hornburg to Nordhausen.