Today, the website address for the Jerusalem Pilgrimage Trail changed to https://jerusalempilgrimagetrail.blogspot.com/. This is because the "JPTrail" refers to a trail in the US. We don't want to get in anyone's way.
We also published our new Pilgrim Passport in PDF format today. This can be downloaded from the JPT website for free and can be used by pilgrims as identification at various accommodations and institutions.
To make the Jerusalem Pilgrimage Trail as accessible as possible for Pilgrims and other hiking enthusiasts, the plan is to add additional long-distance hiking trails to the JPT over time.
Currently, the following Bonus Trails have been added to the route:
1. Alpe Adria Trail
2. Cammina Foreste Lombardia
3. Cammino Celeste
4. European Long Distance Path E2
5. European Long Distance Path E3
6. European Long Distance Path E6
7. European Long Distance Path E7
8. European Long Distance Path E8
9. European Long Distance Path E10
10. European Long Distance Path E11
11. GR5
12. GR12
13. Jakobova pot Slovenija
14. Pieterpad
15. Via Alpina
16. Via Dinarica White Trail
17. Via Matildica del Volto Santo
18. Via Postumia
More info at:
https://jerusalempilgrimagetrail.blogspot.com/
Some time ago I started combining parts 1 and 2 of my pilgrimage to Jerusalem and I thought by myself: "Why not make it into one beautiful long-distance hiking trail that more people can enjoy?". I've named the entire project and the trail the "Jerusalem Pilgrimage Trail," or simply "JPT" for short.
It's a lot of work, but it's definitely a project that gives me great pleasure and satisfaction.
The 7 Main Tracks that make up the Jerusalem Pilgrimage Trail are:
1. Amsterdam-Vienna
2. Vienna-Sofia
3. Sofia-Istanbul
4. Istanbul-Jerusalem
5. Jerusalem-Dürres
6. Dürres-Vercelli
7. Vercelli-Amsterdam
More info at:
https://jerusalempilgrimagetrail.blogspot.com/
On my website, dated Tuesday, March 11, 2025, I wrote:
Dear hiking friends,
Last Saturday, March 8, we were able to experience the opening of the Jerusalem🕊️Way in the Netherlands with a group of enthusiasts on Dam Square in Amsterdam. What a great day it was!
We started in the morning with a short welcome at the ECG building in Uithoorn and then left together by public transport to Amsterdam Central Station. There we picked up some more participants and walked to Dam Square. Once there, some more participants joined the group.
After a short word from the founders, the champagne could be uncorked and glasses raised. After the ‘Plop’ and the pleasant relaxation, it was time for the ‘Urban hike’ and the colorful group set off. The route led past various well-known and historical places that have left their mark on the history of the city.
At the RAI metro station, the return journey to the ECG building in Uithoorn was resumed by public transport. Once there, Walter and Johannes gave a presentation about the creation of the Jerusalem Way in the Netherlands, Europe and the Middle East. For the ‘die-hards’, a dinner with the organizers was organized for the participants at the end, after which everyone went their way home.
We look back on a beautiful and blessed day and hope that this new walking route will be a blessing for many.
In my diary, dated Friday, May 5, 2023, I wrote:
"What a wonderful day today! I can begin part 2 of my "Jerusalem Pilgrimage." May 4th and 5th, Remembrance Day and Liberation Day... there's no better time to begin this new pilgrimage together with my sweetheart by my side, too.
Petra is also enjoying being outdoors. From Amsterdam Central Station, we walked to Diemen via Duivendrecht. From there, we returned home by public transport. Wonderful... "The first step is done."
In my diary, dated Friday, July 4, 2018, I wrote:
Today is the first day of my pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I'm so curious what—and if—the Lord Jesus will do anything with it. It's my "Walk for Jesus." I've been looking forward to this so much. I've been preparing for this for years. This morning, around 10:30 a.m., I started walking with Petra. I feel so blessed that my sweetheart is walking with me for the first two days.
We walked all the way to De Kwakel. When we arrived, we first ate at the Eethuis/Cafeteria in De Kwakel (city center). We stayed overnight at a host house run by the Friends on Bikes Foundation. We didn't arrive at our host house until around 7:00 p.m. We were tired from our first day of walking. After a nice shower, we went to bed early.
In my diary, dated Tuesday, May 22, 2018, I wrote:
Today I flew from Schiphol to Mahon. After arriving, I took the bus to Maó, and after doing some errands and such, I set off on the long-distance hiking trail. I walked about 20 km on the first day. I rested in the fields around lunchtime because of the heat. Then I continued walking. After a dip in the (cold) sea, I looked for a place to sleep. This turned out to be a dune valley.
The night was very humid. There's high humidity at night, and it's very hot during the day. In the morning, I had to let all my gear dry in the sun. I have to be careful of dehydration, overheating, and other physical challenges like fatigue and muscle pain. The first day I walked from Maó to Cap de Favàritx.