Please note: This page was machine-translated. If anything is unclear, the German version is authoritative.

Route

The Ökumenischer Pilgerweg forms an important link between East and West within the growing network of European pilgrimage routes. The 466-kilometre route is signposted towards Santiago de Compostela. It begins in Görlitz on the Polish border and ends in Vacha on the former inner German border. Walking the entire route takes approximately three weeks. The route was opened in 2003 and follows the historic course of the Via Regia.

The medieval trade route once crossed and shaped Central Germany as an established overland route. Within the Elbe Röder Triangle, the Via Regia split into two branches. The southern route ran between Großenhain and Merschwitz, while the northern route led from Großenhain to Strehla. Both were historic crossing points on the River Elbe. The Ökumenischer Pilgerweg initially follows the southern route before joining the northern branch and crossing the Elbe at Strehla.

Scallop shell

The yellow shell on a blue background marks the Ökumenischer Pilgerweg and adopts the Jakobsmuschel (scallop shell) as the symbol of pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrim badges in the shape of scallop shells became widespread from the second half of the twelfth century onwards, especially as lead tin castings. In Santiago, they were also produced from Gagat (jet). These badges served as a visible sign of identification and were also widely recognised as symbols of pilgrimage in medieval art and literature.

But why a scallop shell? According to legend, a boat carrying the remains of the Apostle James landed on the Galician coast. During the landing, a knight and his horse fell into the sea. When he was rescued by the followers of Saint James, his body was covered with scallop shells. The shell also had practical uses, serving as a scoop or drinking vessel while travelling.

A Pilgrims' Oasis in an Open Prison

Located directly on the Ökumenischer Pilgerweg is the "Pilgeroase" of the Justizvollzugsanstalt Zeithain (Zeithain Correctional Facility). The rest area is situated within the offener Vollzug (open prison). Pilgrims register at the gatehouse before entering the meeting garden, where they are welcome to rest. Refreshments are available, and visitors may also request a conversation. Groups of more than five people are kindly asked to register in advance.

Overnight accommodation is not available.

Pilgrim hostels offering overnight accommodation can be found in the pilgrim guide. Current information is also available at www.oekumenischer-pilgerweg.de