Description
The Spirit of a Walking Pilgrimage
“Life is a long pilgrimage from fear to love”
A spiritual walking pilgrimage is more than a journey from one place to another—it is a return to what truly matters. When we walk with intention, each step becomes a prayer, each breath an offering. The simplicity of walking slows the mind, quiets the thoughts, and opens the heart, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves, with nature, and with the sacred rhythm of life.
The Ancient Varkari Tradition
In India, this living truth is beautifully embodied in the Varkari tradition. For centuries, devotees known as Varkaris have walked together in loving devotion toward Lord Vitthala of Pandharpur.
Singing abhangas, chanting the holy name, and carrying the presence of the Lord in their hearts, they transform walking into an expression of pure Bhakti. The path itself becomes sacred, and every step is taken in remembrance and surrender.
You can watch a short video that beautifully captures the spirit of the “Pandharpur Wari” here on Youtube.
Bringing the Varkari Pilgrimage Spirit to Germany
Inspired by this timeless tradition, we are bringing the spirit of the Varkari pilgrimage to Germany for the very first time.
As we walk together through areas of natural beauty—forests, fields, and quiet countryside—and pass historical landmarks shaped by centuries of human devotion and effort, the outer journey mirrors an inner unfolding.
The land itself becomes part of the pilgrimage, inviting reflection, gratitude, and presence.
The Inner Journey of the Pilgrim
Walking as a pilgrim turns the body into an instrument of devotion.
Physical effort,
repetition,
and perseverance
gently soften the ego and cultivate humility.
As the journey unfolds, inner burdens begin to fall away, clarity arises naturally, and the seeker learns to trust the rhythm of the path.
As in the Varkari tradition, the destination is important, yet the deepest transformation happens along the way—through:
- devotion expressed through chanting and remembrance
- the simplicity and rhythm of walking
- service and support within the pilgrim community
- shared spiritual experience and reflection
Walking Together in Devotion
A spiritual walking pilgrimage also carries the power of togetherness. Moving as one community, pilgrims support and uplift each other, creating a field of collective devotion that carries everyone forward.
Guided by Swami Aniruddha, we will chant the holy name of Vitthala as we walk, keeping the spirit of the Varkari tradition alive with every step.
This first Varkari-inspired pilgrimage in Germany is an invitation to embody prayer through movement and to discover that the divine is present not only at the destination, but in every step we take.
Culmination of the Pilgrimage
Our journey culminates at Shree Peetha Nilaya on the auspicious day of Ashadi Ekadashi, where we celebrate Abhishekam to Rukmini–Pandurenga, completing this sacred pilgrimage in gratitude and devotion.
Along the way, we will pass through beautiful natural landscapes and meaningful historic places that have been part of spiritual and cultural life for centuries:
- Knüll Nature Park
- Vogelsberg Volcanic Region
- Herbstein Volcano Spa
- Shared tracks with St. James Way (Jakobsweg or Camino de Santiago) and visit to St. Jakobus Church in Herbstein
- Bad Nauheim Thermal Baths
- Idstein Old Town Center
Program
🌿 A Typical Day on the Pilgrimage
Each day unfolds in a gentle rhythm, guided by the movement of the group, the landscape, and the inner journey.- We begin the morning together in stillness — with prayer, meditation, or a simple practice to arrive fully in the day.
- After a light breakfast, we set out on the path.
- Walking itself becomes the practice.
- In silence or in shared chanting of the Divine Name, we move through forests, fields, and villages — step by step, breath by breath.
- There is space for inward reflection, for connection, and for simply being present with what arises.
- Along the way, we take simple breaks — to rest, to share a snack, or to sit quietly in nature.
- Around midday, we pause for a longer rest, often outdoors, allowing time to eat, restore, and integrate.
- In the afternoon, we continue walking at a relaxed pace until we arrive at our next destination.
- There is time to shower, rest, and simply be.
- In the evening, we may come together again for a gentle practice — such as kirtan, meditation, or prayer — followed by a shared meal.
- Often, the day naturally closes in quietness.
- Some evenings invite soft conversation and sharing, others invite silence and early rest.
Throughout the journey, the outer structure remains light.
We walk together — but we also honour the natural flow of each day.
This pilgrimage is not about reaching a destination quickly, but about entering the rhythm of the path.
Details
Event dates
July 16 to July 25, 2026
Applications close
May 16, 2026 12:00 am
Notifications will be sent
May 20, 2026
Full payment is due
June 10, 2026
Teacher
Swami Aniruddha
“As we walk, we rely on grace but must also do our part. By offering our physical effort, we quiet the mind and find the peace needed to perceive the Truth. Following Guruji’s teaching to connect with nature’s harmony, we walk in the footsteps of the Varkaris—carrying the glory of Vitthal Bhagavan and Gurudev through the land to complete our inner pilgrimage.” – Swami Aniruddha
Swami Anirudha has been by his Guru’s side for many years. A highly experienced pilgrim, he has walked sacred paths across the world, combining deep spiritual insight with practical guidance.
Born and raised in the Alps, he has a natural connection with nature and extensive experience in trekking, making him a confident and steady guide on walking pilgrimages. His warm, charismatic presence naturally brings people together and creates a space of trust and inspiration.
A source of wisdom for seekers of true spirituality, he supports those searching for a deeper meaning in life, guiding them gently toward an authentic inner experience of the spiritual path.
Participants
Participants can expect a deeply enriching experience that unfolds on many levels. The steady rhythm of walking helps slow down the mind and reconnect with the body, while moving through areas of natural beauty and historical landmarks brings a sense of grounding, presence, and inspiration.
Through chanting, moments of silence, and shared intention, the pilgrimage supports inner reflection and a heartfelt connection with the divine. Challenges along the way become opportunities for growth, resilience, and surrender, allowing inner clarity and insight to arise naturally.
Walking together also creates a strong sense of community. Participants support one another, share meaningful moments, and become part of a living spiritual journey inspired by the Varkari tradition. Overall, the pilgrimage offers not just a physical path to walk, but a transformative experience that continues to resonate long after the journey is complete.
Location & Accommodation
Our pilgrimage takes you through some of Germany’s beautiful and tranquil landscapes, combining nature, history, and comfort. We will stay in cozy, welcoming hotels, where you can rest and recharge after each day of walking. Meals will be enjoyed in traditional local restaurants, and occasionally we will share picnics in scenic spots, connecting with nature in a simple and joyful way.
The route winds through the Taunus Mountains, Wetterau plains, Vogelsberg, and Knüll forests, offering a variety of landscapes—from rolling hills and dense woods to open plains and serene riversides. Along the way, participants can enjoy the relaxing thermal spas of Bad Nauheim and Herbstein, perfect for soothing the body and mind.
The Pilgrimage starts in Sri Vitthal Dham Ashram near Kirchheim, Germany. We will spend the first night there. And on the next morning we will start walking. Every day you will only have to pack what you need for the day. Your main luggage will be carried by our support-van and will be brought to the next nigthtime accommodation, waiting for you there after the day’s walk is completed.
Sri Vitthal Dham Ashram (Seepark Kirchheim) is around a one and half-hour drive from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) if you plan to arrive by airplane.
By car, it is easily accessible via the Autobahn A5 (Frankfurt → Kassel direction) and the Autobahn A7, exiting at Kirchheim. From there, it is only a few minutes to Seepark Kirchheim.
Alternatively, you can travel by train from Frankfurt Airport to nearby stations such as Bad Hersfeld, followed by a short taxi ride to the ashram.
If you plan to join the second part of the pilgrimage your start point would be Nidda-Bad Salzhausen around 1hr by car from Frankfurt. Also reachable by public transport.
For questions please write an e-mail to: krishnaviroopadasi@innerjourney.ch
Included in the price
- 9 nights (5 nights) accommodation
double (triple) or single occupancy: first night at Sri Vitthal Dham Ashram (triple room), 7 nights (4 nights) in carefully selected hotels (double or single), final night camping (single occupancy tent with provided equipment) - Daily nourishing vegetarian/vegan meals
including breakfast, lunches, dinners, snacks for the walking days, and water provision throughout the journey - Guided spiritual pilgrimage experience
with daily practices, inspiration, and support throughout the journey - Personal spiritual guidance with Swami Aniruddha
offering depth, clarity, and experience rooted in the Bhakti tradition - Dedicated pilgrimage facilitation and group support
by Mayatita Das, ensuring a smooth flow of the journey and holding the group process - Full organisational support throughout the pilgrimage
by Shraddha, so you can fully relax into the experience - Luggage transport between accommodations
allowing you to walk freely with only a light day pack - 🎉 Just Love Festival Free Pass (all days)
| This pilgrimage is designed to support you both practically and spiritually — so you can fully immerse yourself in the journey.
Minimum number of participants: 8Not included in the price
- Transportation to and from Germany
- Transportation to and from the port of entry to Sri Vitthal Dham Ashram Seepark, Kirchheim
- Tips
- Thermal-Spa entrance fees
- Insurances (see below for details)
Registration procedure
Please submit your application via the link above.
- Before booking, please confirm that you are able to travel to Germany.
- Please only register for this event if you are able to pay the full fee of € 1.650/1.920 (€920/1.070) by 10 June 2026.
- Applications will be reviewed after the registration closing date on 16 May 2026.
- You will be notified of the status of your application via email latest by 20 May 2026.
- If your application is accepted, you will receive payment instructions via email.
- Full payment must be received by 10 June 2026 in order to secure your place. If full payment has not been received, we reserve the right to offer your place to someone else from the waiting list.
- You will receive further instructions about location and what to bring after your full payment has been processed.
Health & Safety
All travellers are responsible for their own health and safety during this retreat.
- You must be in good physical and mental health.
- This retreat is not appropriate for physically impaired, disabled, or pregnant travellers.
- Travel health care and accident insurance.
- Travel cancellation insurance (highly recommended).
