(1.5 meters) Pilgrimage in times of Corona

Updated: June 13

We also follow the rules set by the government. Fortunately, from 1 June there will be a little more freedom of movement.

For example, we are very happy that we can hold departure ceremonies again. A beautiful ritual and a nice transition to leave your own world behind. There is a limit to the number of participants. In the Stevenskerk we have room for 15 participants and in the Valkhofkapel there is room for 10 participants, registration is required (see agenda).

We also notice that people have discovered pilgrimage and walking. There is a rush of registrations. Fortunately, most of our paths are very quiet (many pilgrims do not meet anyone) and therefore excellently equipped for the one-and-a-half-meter society. What could be better than putting on your walking shoes and walking around in your own country. Leaving the planes on the ground and together taking care of the clean air at a time that encourages reflection…

For those who go on a pilgrimage:

• Use public transport with caution.
• Hotels, B&Bs and campsites are allowed to be open. Each follows its own policy. This also applies to host families. So coordinate well in advance. If necessary, bring your own bedding and disinfectant wipes for extra security.
• In Germany, the rules are even stricter with regard to overnight stays. You can cross the border and walk through the forest (Reichswald) without any problems, hardly anyone comes.
• The catering industry will be open again from 1 June. Our stops too, great!
• Tip: bring a thermos/mug with instant broth, coffee and tea. Ask your sleeping address for fresh hot water. Some accommodation also offers an evening meal (ask for this when booking).
• You can pick up a bird ring with a box hanging outside: Oortjeshekken (Berg en Dal), de Diepen (Gennep), Jachtslot Mookerheide (Mook, at the fence at the back entrance), Loonse Schuur (Oss), Tabaksplant (Druten), Dijkmagazijn Beuningen (Beuningen). For Kranenburg, a house will soon be built at the tourist office. In front of Grave there is a house at the Capuchin monastery in Velp, under the information board. For Wijchen there is a new house at café de Leurse Hof in Leur, on the right side of the fence at the entrance of the restaurant.
• Start and end point the Stevenskerk is closed until 1 July, but you can get your last and missed rings at Lunchen bij de Bruijn and Foodbar de Pelgrim (as mentioned in route guide) and Van Nature in Nijmegen: Burchtststraat 126, five minutes from the church. Only at Van Nature you can also put a stamp on your ‘certificate of own wisdom’.
• Mail [email protected] to be added to our ‘big book’, the participant overview, with your departure and arrival date. This will only be possible again in the Stevenskerk after 1 July.
• Please note: you cannot get a starter pack in the Stevenskerk or at the pilgrim shop in Mechelen. Still want to register? This can only be done online: link.
• It is quiet almost everywhere on our route, except on weekends at: the Elyzeese Velden and Duivelsberg (Berg en Dal), Jansberg and Mookerheide (Mook), Hatertse Vennen (Heumen). See route guide.

Photos: Walk of Wisdom by Paul Spierings