© Schwäbische Alb Tourismus, Foto: Thomas Rathay
Pilgrimage Trails in Baden-Württemberg
Pilgrimage between Nature, Tranquillity and Reflection
8.9.2026by Hirsch & Greif
Going on a pilgrimage is about far more than walking. Pilgrims seek their inner selves, spirituality, tranquillity and contemplation. Discover our recommendations in Baden-Württemberg.
Meditative Walking in Baden-Württemberg
The Journey Is the Destination
Whether following historic pilgrimage routes, walking through spectacular natural scenery or visiting special places of contemplation, Baden-Württemberg offers many ways to leave everyday life behind on foot. Along the way, walkers discover not only varied landscapes but also moments of tranquillity, inspiration and reflection.
Pilgrimage Guides: Walking and Talking
Baden-Württemberg has a network of trained pilgrimage guides who accompany participants along selected routes. One-day and multi-day tours are available throughout Baden-Württemberg, including options specifically for men or women and tours focusing on particular stages of life.www.kirche-tourismus-bw.de/pilgerland-baden-wuerttemberg/pilgerbegleitung/
Kapellenweg Ellwangen
Finding Tranquillity Among Chapels and Panoramic Views
In the hills around Ellwangen, the Kapellenweg Ellwangen circular walk combines nature, culture and spirituality to create a memorable walking experience. Covering around twelve kilometres, the walk begins at the Baroque Schönenberg pilgrimage church and leads through forests and rolling countryside, passing numerous chapels, wayside shrines and crosses.
© Schwäbische Alb Tourismus, Foto: Thomas Rathay
A place to take a break from everyday life
Amid ancient trees and peaceful paths, the chapels along the Kapellenweg Ellwangen circular walk invite walkers to pause for a moment and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.
Pilgrimage Routes Around Lake Constance
Between Monasteries, Churches and Cultural Landscapes
The Lake Constance region is home to some of Southwest Germany’s most beautiful pilgrimage routes. The Linzgauer Jakobsweg pilgrimage route leads from Pfullendorf through the Linzgau moraine landscape to Überlingen, taking in historic old towns, pilgrimage sites and sweeping views across rolling countryside shaped by Ice Age glaciers. The Hegauer Jakobsweg pilgrimage route runs from Wald Monastery via Stockach and the Hegau’s striking volcanic peaks to Constance. On the Martinusweg Bodensee-Oberschwaben pilgrimage route, walkers follow in the footsteps of St Martin from Kressbronn on Lake Constance through Upper Swabia’s gentle hills to Biberach an der Riss. Covering 124 kilometres, the Ulrikaweg pilgrimage route connects Unterstadion, where Blessed Sister Ulrika Nisch was born and lived, with her final resting place at Kloster Hegne near Allensbach on Lake Constance.
© Ferienregion Nördlicher Bodensee
Wide-open landscapes, fresh perspectives
Away from the crowds, the Lake Constance region’s pilgrimage routes lead through tranquil countryside, gentle rolling hills and idyllic lakeland scenery.
Pfade der Stille Hiking Trails in the Jagst Valley
Contemplative Walks Through Hohenlohe’s Countryside
The Pfade der Stille hiking trails in the Jagst Valley are ideal for anyone looking to slow down and unwind. The network comprises 16 circular walks ranging from three to 27 kilometres and passing through the municipalities of Schöntal, Krautheim, Dörzbach, Mulfingen and Langenburg. Chapels, monasteries, palaces and special natural sites invite walkers to pause and take in their surroundings with all their senses.
© Touristikgemeinschaft Hohenlohe e.V., Foto: Andi Schmid
A special place to pause and reflect
The St Wendel zum Stein chapel near Dörzbach is one of the most impressive stops along the Pfade der Stille hiking trails. Nestled between the Jagst River, rocky cliffs and woodland, it offers a peaceful place to pause for a moment.
Wu-Wei-Wasserweg Hiking Trail in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach
Mindfulness by the Water: Slowing Down in the Black Forest
The Wu-Wei-Wasserweg hiking trail in the Black Forest promotes mindfulness and inner calm. It is inspired by the Chinese principle of ‘Wu Wei’, which means acting in harmony with nature. Along the Wilde Rench River near Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, mindful walking, breathing and sensory exercises encourage visitors to leave everyday life behind and experience nature more deeply.
© Petra Boschert
Experience nature with all the senses
Near Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, the Wu-Wei-Wasserweg hiking trail combines an immersive nature experience, gentle exercise and mindfulness, offering a refreshing break from everyday life.
Klosterroute Nordschwarzwald: A Monastic Heritage Route
Tracing Centuries of History and Tradition
The Klosterroute Nordschwarzwald, a monastic heritage trail covering around 146 kilometres, connects four important monastic sites: Maulbronn, Hirsau, Reuthin and Alpirsbach. The route takes hikers and cyclists through peaceful valleys, dense forests and along panoramic ridges in the Black Forest. Along the way, impressive reminders of medieval monastic heritage are set against a varied natural landscape. At the end of the route in Alpirsbach, hikers and cyclists can reward themselves with a traditionally brewed beer.
© SSG, Foto: Achim Mende
Arriving at a place of reflection
Alpirsbach Monastery marks the end of the Klosterroute Nordschwarzwald and is one of the region’s most important monastic sites.
Oberschwäbischer Pilgerweg: A Pilgrimage Route Network
Discovering Upper Swabia’s Most Inspiring Spiritual Places
With more than 1,000 kilometres of trails and seven interconnected loops, the Oberschwäbischer Pilgerweg is one of Germany’s largest pilgrimage networks. More than 100 pilgrimage sites, monasteries and spiritual centres offer opportunities to discover the region one step at a time. One of the highlights is the 767-metre-high Bussen hill, known as the ‘Holy Mountain of Upper Swabia’, which offers impressive views extending as far as the Alps on clear days. Leading past Baroque churches and historic monasteries, through open meadows and across gentle hills, the network combines spiritual reflection with memorable experiences of nature and culture.
© Fotolevel
Church towers point the way
The stages of the Oberschwäbischer Pilgerweg lead hikers to churches, chapels and pilgrimage sites that have attracted visitors for centuries.
