Pilgerweg Bistum Essen 1: Meinerzhagen - Essen

The diocese of Essen has had its own pilgrimage route since summer 2018. Now you can make a pilgrimage across the Ruhr diocese on over 200 kilometres of paths. Five marked, very different paths lead from the Sauerland, the Rhine, the northern Ruhr region or the south of Essen to Essen Cathedral - or in the opposite direction. The section from Meinerzhagen via Bochum to Essen is the longest part of the pilgrimage route and connects the Sauerland region in the Mark Brandenburg with the Ruhr area. The challenging route runs along a wide variety of paths, especially forest and meadow paths. Sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness are essential. There are many ascents and descents to contend with. Depending on the weather, the paths can be muddy and slippery. It is advisable to take rucksack provisions, especially between Meinerzhagen and Breckerfeld, as there are long sections of the route without refreshment stops. The route has no fixed (daily) stages. Everyone is invited to discover the route as time, interests and their own physical condition allow - and perhaps embark on an "inner" path as well as the outer one. The pilgrimage route is marked in both directions with a standardised sign.