Hiking guide Jakobsweg Paderborn-Köln (480)

Paderborn has been an important pilgrimage site since the translation of the Liborius relics from Le Mans in Franconia. There is no doubt that the pilgrims of Saint James were also attracted by the appearance of the relics. The Paradise Gate in front of the Paradise Gate of the Paderborn Cathedral is a former pilgrim hostel. One of the most important long-distance routes of the Middle Ages, the Hellweg, passed through Paderborn and pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela took advantage of the existing infrastructure of the military and trade routes.
But did the pilgrims of Saint James necessarily travel along the Hellweg via Dortmund to Aachen or Cologne? Or did they also know a route through the Sauerland? Members of the Friends of the Pilgrims of James Paderborn and the Friends of the Pilgrims of James from Cologne have been working on this issue for more than 10 years and have found sufficient traces of the Pilgrims of James in the Sauerland. In this way they could achieve the scientifically necessary recognition for a modern pilgrimage route.
The path, which has been well marked since 2018, is oriented as closely as possible to the old routes Via Regia, Heerweg/Römerweg and Heidenstraße and leads through the Sintfeld, Hochsauerlandkreis, Olper Land, Märkisches- and Bergisches Land to Cologne Cathedral. The main place of veneration of Saint James along the way is in Lennestadt-Elspe.
This walking guide provides a detailed description of the approximately 300 km long route. The maps, elevation profiles and GPS track, which can be downloaded from the Internet, are an additional aid for orientation. The general tips in the first part of the walking guide (e.g. on how to get there, equipment and cycling pilgrimages) and the detailed information on accommodation options, places to stop for refreshments and transport links along the way will help you plan your walk.