Exploring the World’s 14 Most Popular Pilgrimage Routes

Historic walking paths, missionary routes and ancient highways are just the beginning…
Pilgrimages are often taken for religious reasons, such as the many religious pilgrimages that bring believers in Islam to Mecca and Judaism or Christianity to Jerusalem every year. Yet pilgrimage routes have formed a unique method of travel that people who wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves to be pilgrims continue to enjoy today. From ancient roads crisscrossing mountainous terrain to the missionary paths of Christian saints and trails famous for sustaining 1,000+ years of nature worship, these pilgrimage routes are among some of the world’s favorite — and for good reason! Many people trek them each year, but each for their own reasons. For some, it’s to reconnect with their bodies and the natural world. For others, it’s to test the limits of their strength. And still for others, it’s a celebration and meditation of their spirituality. Curious to see our list?