- No day flies: the Bonifatius route has been in existence for 20 years
From the vineyards of the Rheingau, across the fields of the Wetterau and the mountains and valleys of the Vogelsberg, the Bonifatius Way has been guiding hikers and pilgrims into the Fulda region for 20 years. "It was no fly-by-night operation," rejoices Michael Friedrich, one of the founders of the project, about the route's success.
The way was inaugurated in 2004 on the 1250th anniversary of the death of Saint Boniface and connects the two cathedral cities of Mainz and Fulda, both closely linked to the apostle's work. "It's both a pilgrimage and a hiking trail. Both groups get their money's worth," says Friedrich, deputy chairman of the Bonifatius-Route association.
One doesn't necessarily have to approach the route with a religious claim. "But I think someone who has no window at all for any spiritual or religious experience will look for something else - perhaps an Alpine crossing, some high trail, or the Rheinsteig, for example. But it's really both."
An average hiker needs 10 to 14 days for the 180-kilometer route. However, it's also no problem to run the route in sections as a day tour or to use it as a leisurely walk.
"You shouldn't assume that the Bonifatius Route was the original route of the funeral procession, because that's not documented," explains Friedrich. "But if you take a corridor of perhaps ten kilometers to the left or right of the route, the probability is high that you're moving near the historical route." Like the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain, there are also pilgrim stamps and certificates on the Bonifatius Route.
Highlights of the Bonifatius Way
In the opinion of the route expert, the two cathedral cities at the beginning and end are the highlights of the route. "Besides, I'd certainly count Kloster Engelthal near Altenstadt and the area around Hosenfeld, where the route leaves the Vogelsberg and opens up to the Fulda region," he says. "The most physically challenging section is the one in the Vogelsberg. There, it can get quite steep."
Thematic routes like the Bonifatius Route highlight the rich cultural heritage of the state, according to Herbert Lang, director of Hessen Tourismus. "On the Bonifatius Route, nature, culture, and history can be actively experienced in motion," explains Lang.
Hiking strengthens environmental awareness
Other routes make the beauty of nature tangible and have been tested and certified by official bodies, he adds. "The hiking trails are an important part of the tourist infrastructure in Hessen. Hiking has been a very popular holiday activity in Hessen for years and also contributes to environmental education," emphasizes Lang.
Hiking promotes conscious experience of nature and strengthens environmental awareness. "A growing environmental awareness of our guests is important because it has a positive impact on the sustainable tourism development of Hessen," he explains.
The Bonifatius Way, which has been in operation for 20 years, was officially inaugurated in 2004 to commemorate the 1250th anniversary of Saint Boniface's death. The following is added: This enhanced route now includes a system of pilgrim stamps and certificates, similar to those found on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
