Character
A long pilgrim route following the historic path of Archbishop Sigeric. Most pilgrims start at the Grand Saint Bernard or Vercelli and walk the Italian section.
Caminos
VF Via Francigena
The medieval pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome across the Alps and Tuscany — a living tradition and a modern trail.
Overview
Via Francigena follows the historic route of Archbishop Sigeric from 990 AD. Most pilgrims walk the Italian section; the most popular stages cross Tuscany and Lazio. The route is marked by a white flag with two red stripes.
- Distance
- 1,900 km
- Time
- 65-90 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Total elevation gain
- 28,000 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 2,473 m a.s.l. · Gran San Bernardo (průsmyk)
Velká Británie, Francie, Švýcarsko, Itálie
1,900 km · 25 stages · ↑ 28,000 m
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
Pilgrim hostels (ostelli) at €15–25/night, option to stay in monasteries for free.
Ideal is spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October). The Italian section is very hot in summer. The Alpine crossing runs June–September.
What to expect
Who it's for
History and culture lovers, pilgrims, and those who seek quiet and meditation while walking.
Suggested pace
Classic daily stages of 20–28 km. The Italian section can comfortably be completed in 30–40 days.
Logistics
Train to Canterbury or fly to London. Resupply in every major town along the whole route.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Excellent — every larger village in Tuscany and Lazio has a supermarket or local shop.
Permits & regulations
No special permits. When crossing the Alps check current border conditions.
Why go
- A historic route over 1,000 years old.
- Tuscany with unspoilt landscape and vineyards.
- Welcoming pilgrim communities along the route.
- Arriving in Rome on foot.
Watch out for
- On the Italian section in summer temperatures exceed 38 °C — walk in the morning and rest at midday.
- On the Alpine section monitor the weather forecast.
Sources
Official
Maps & GPX
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Via Francigena?
Ideal is spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October). The Italian section is very hot in summer. The Alpine crossing runs June–September.
How hard is Via Francigena?
Via Francigena is rated as Moderate. A long pilgrim route following the historic path of Archbishop Sigeric. Most pilgrims start at the Grand Saint Bernard or Vercelli and walk the Italian section.
How many days does Via Francigena take?
Via Francigena usually takes 65–90 days. Classic daily stages of 20–28 km. The Italian section can comfortably be completed in 30–40 days.
Do I need a permit for Via Francigena?
No special permits. When crossing the Alps check current border conditions.
What about resupply on Via Francigena?
Excellent — every larger village in Tuscany and Lazio has a supermarket or local shop.
Similar treks
Photos from trekkers
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.