Join the the pilgramage
This pilgrimage is open to everyone, believers, non-believers, people of all faiths, generations and nationalities, who wish to embark on a journey towards peace.
Dates and duration
We will depart on May 1, 2026, from Orval Abbey in southern Belgium, journeying toward Sarajevo. We expect to arrive in late August 2026 after four months of walking.
Those wishing to join the Peace Pilgrimage may join the caravan for shorter periods ideally 15 days or more, with a minimum commitment of one week. It is also possible to join the group multiple times throughout the journey.
New arrivals must join the caravan on a Saturday evening or, at the latest, Sunday morning.
To involve children in this adventure, we are planning a dedicated family week in July. If you are interested, please let us know as soon as possible.
Commitments
To be a pilgrim is to walk with a specific mindset. Our charter is defined by "10 orientations" establishing the intentions, values, and ethos we aim to embody, a journey that is both personal and communal. Each participant commits to living by these principles to the best of their ability.
Walking as a community of individuals with different rhythms, habits, backgrounds, and physical abilities is a true challenge. To facilitate our life together, we have drafted a "Customary", a guide defining the basic rules, practices, and rituals of our life on the road.
The Itinerary
to provide an initial overview, we have identified an indicative route. This will be refined in the coming months and will ultimately be guided by the realities of the path. You can consult the indicative itinerary here.
According to our initial plan:
Early May: Belgium and Luxembourg (3-4 days).
Until May 21: Northwestern France.
Until late May: Southwestern Germany.
Until mid-June: Switzerland (Northwest to Southeast).
Until July 7: Northeastern Italy.
Until July 18: Southwestern Slovenia (approx. 10 days).
Early August: Croatia.
Late August: Arrival in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
The Pilgrim Caravan
We will walk in a caravan of no more than 25 people at a time. Two people, on a rotating basis, will be responsible for cycling ahead on electric bikes to find campsites or shelter. Another person will drive the logistics van (carrying tents, food, cooking equipment, etc.).
if necessary, the van can also transport one or two people in need of rest. Every participant is asked (according to their ability) to contribute to the community by joining the cycling scout team or the van support team at least once a week. In certain sections, particularly in mountainous areas, we may walk as a smaller, self-sufficient group without vehicle assistance.
Walking Pace, Comfort, and Food
Typically, we will walk 6 days out of 7. Sunday will be a day of rest and transition to welcome new arrivals.
To reach Sarajevo by late August, we expect to average 20 to 25 kilometers per day. This distance will vary based on terrain, encounters, and the group's physical state. Training before departure is essential for those not accustomed to these distances.
Each person is responsible for carrying their own gear, with the exception of their tent. We recommend a maximum pack weight of 10 kg. For those struggling, the van can temporarily carry personal belongings.
Life on this pilgrimage involves rudimentary comfort. We do not seek to avoid the uncertainties of the road; for instance, we will not be making advanced lodging reservations.
Generally, we will sleep in tents (unless alternative options become available in the host villages). Daily access to hot water or sanitation cannot be guaranteed. We will practice "leave no trace" principles in nature when facilities are unavailable.
Regarding food, we embrace the pilgrim spirit of simplicity. We will prepare communal meals. While we cannot systematically accommodate all individual dietary preferences, we will strive to provide healthy, balanced, and nourishing food for all.
Financial Contributions
A pilgrimage is an act of surrender and trust. In this spirit, the Peace Pilgrimage is funded solely through free-will donations. Each person is invited to contribute according to their means, in a spirit of generosity and responsibility.
Contributions cover daily expenses (food, potential lodging fees) and collective investments (van, second-hand bikes, kitchen gear).
A provisional budget will be shared two months before departure to allow for informed donations.
Administrative and financial management is handled by the non-profit Les Semences du Souffle.
How to Register?
If you wish to participate, please fill out the form below and send a message to Nikita Stampa (walkingforpeace333@gmail.com) to arrange an initial meeting or call. If you have already spoken with him, this step is not necessary.
Preparation
The initial week of the pilgrimage in October 2025 was preceded by several preparatory sessions at Wavreumont Monastery near Malmédy in Belgium. These were valuable opportunities that allowed us to meet, get to know one another, walk and sing together. It also helped us to forge our shared intentions and agree on the principle and content of a "customary".
Following several collective preparation weekends, we will also organise several meetings:
- Youth Gathering at "L'Arbre qui Pousse"
On the evening of April 1st, a special gathering for young people will be held at L'Arbre qui Pousse in Ottignies. This will be the opportunity to meet, share ideas, and discover the spirit of the Peace Pilgrimage in a warm, communal setting. Please contact Marie if you're keen to join : +32479730529.
- Community meeting at Catherine and Nikita’s home in Hévillers, Belgium.
On Sunday 12 April we will walk together and learn the songs of the journey (no singing experience required). To take part, please contact us at: walkingforpeace333@gmail.com
For those unable to attend in person, online meetings will be organized (dates TBD).