You are here: / A walking route – just a little bit different

A walking route – just a little bit different

Walk of Wisdom, Duivelsberg, door Thomas Hontelez

A pilgrimage route around Nijmegen

Nature lovers may gloom that the country – the world! – is being built up, while walking there is still a lot of beauty to see. And nature is powerful: give it a little space and it will loosen up.

Impressed by that life force, we developed the Walk of Wisdom: a 147-kilometre walking route in the form of a pilgrimage. Regardless of any religion. Inspired by nature. Around the hills, forests, rivers and old cultural landscapes of Nijmegen.

The contemplative brother of the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. Without the large crowds and the asphalt. With the same kindness and open mind.

Award-winning walking tour

The 147-kilometre-long route connects a wide variety of landscapes: from new wilderness in the Ooijpolder to un-Dutch height differences in Berg en Dal, one of the most beautiful forests in the Netherlands (the Sint-Jansberg), noble estates, swamp, heathland and centuries-old villages and towns.

More than 10,000 pilgrims have already signed up for a starter pack. In 2018, the walking route received the Gelderland Public Award. Nevertheless, the route is experienced as very quiet: you can walk for hours without meeting anyone.

Tip: in 2021, a 9-part TV series about the Walk of Wisdom by Klaas Drupsteen was published.

Walk of Wisdom door Mayke Dijkman

Distinguishing features

  • The walk is largely unpaved: at least 60%.
    If you choose the strolling routes at Deest at the end, this percentage is even higher.
  • Pilgrims take an average of one week to walk (147 kilometers).
  • Those who register will receive a starter pack with the route guide including 34 detailed maps, GPS track, and accommodation list for every budget.
  • The route connects many nature reserves and is therefore very varied.
  • Prepare yourself for un-Dutch height differences.
  • Part of the registration fee goes back to the landscape.
  • The route is well marked.
  • It is not just a walking route, but a pilgrimage route inspired by nature with symbols that express it. For example, the starter kit includes a pin designed by the artists Huub and Adelheid Kortekaas. Lake.

Popular long-distance hikes and pilgrimage routes

Since Toos Goorhuis-Tjalsma and Bertje Jens developed the Pieterpad in 1983, many long-distance hiking trails have been added. Apparently, one of the most beautiful multi-day Dutch hiking trails is the Noaberpad, because it is so quiet: the path runs along the little touristy border region with Germany.

The Walk of Wisdom arose from a parallel development: the popularity of pilgrimage routes such as the one to Santiago de Compostela. In the early 1980s, only a few thousand pilgrims walked or cycled there. Today, there are more than 300,000 (per year!).

Walk of Wisdom by Jan Alers

Different interpretations

Hikers who register for the Walk of Wisdom fill it in very differently.

One walks alone, in silence, to enjoy nature. Others, on the other hand, seek contact and walk with a friend or sister they otherwise rarely see – a great way to be together. Some pilgrims walk the walk in étappes, one every month.

There are pilgrims who spend the entire walk at one address. The route runs around Nijmegen and is easily accessible by bus or train from most routes. For others, this is impossible: they walk from address to address. Where one plans all overnight stays in advance – so as not to have any stress on the road. And the other plays with chance – for the adventure and out of trust.

Read our Modern Pilgrim’s Guide for tips and experiences.