From Cluny, 240 kilometres and an astonishing 4,400 metres up and down into the Loire Valley. After Burgundy, which was spoilt by infrastructure, I arrived in a varied mountainous region far removed from tourists, which was perhaps hard to beat in terms of friendliness. Great people, wine bliss spirituality and wonderful nature meant there was never a dull moment. I also completed 2,000 kilometres from Berlin to Santiago on this stage, which I celebrated properly at Saint-Haon-le-Châtel. Even though I haven’t quite reached the pilgrim metropolis of Le Puy-en-Velay yet, I suspect that the lonely pilgrimage with its difficult but individually hospitable search for accommodation will soon come to an end. After Cluny, the highlights were great hosts: whether Marian sisters or private accommodation with a vineyard, everything was there. I even met two real pilgrims and a lovely ex-Berliner at the end of the route. But I also enjoyed the individual experience of my journey again. Was it the last reasonably lonely stage before the dreaded mass pilgrimage begins on the Via Podiensis?
- 2,092 km since Berlin on my way to Santiago:
- The friendliest region so far, with few but fine spiritual experiences, even in the vineyard
- like the German regions Weserberg/Sauerland with lots of animals: 200 cows, 80 sheep, 90 horses, 40 pigs, 1 snake, 10 llamas, 5 donkeys, 50 dogs, 30 cats
- My route on Komoot and my pinctures on Instagram #berndscamino
Varied, delicious and unhealthy you hike in Burgundy. If you want, you can also immerse yourself in the spiritual world of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and modern times. In Burgundy, I have made more than half of my