Saxony will support new hiking and pilgrimage projects with 80,000 euros in 2025!

Saxony will support new hiking and pilgrimage projects with 80,000 euros in 2025!

In Saxony, interest in government support for hiking and pilgrimage projects is growing. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that a total of 149 applications with a total volume of over 253,000 euros were submitted in 2023. This commitment underlines the importance of the projects and the diversity of the project sponsors involved. The promotion of hiking and pilgrimage routes in Saxony is planned again for 2025, with a budget of 80,000 euros available for 46 projects.

Particular emphasis is placed on the relevance of rest areas on paths and viewpoints, purchases of pilgrim accommodation and the improvement of signage and information boards. The Saxony State Tourism Association describes that the funding will be continued due to the positive assessment of the initiators on the day before the “Day of Hiking”.

Hiking and pilgrimage as a social good

Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU) highlights people's creativity and commitment to hiking and pilgrimage routes and emphasizes the positive influence on tourism and social cohesion. Regional Bishop Tobias Bilz adds that hiking and pilgrimages are not only important for physical health, but also enable spiritual experiences in an increasingly secular society.

The application phase for the funding runs from March 17th to April 4th, 2025. Applicants include not only associations, but also parishes, municipalities and private initiatives. This shows the broad support from the population and various interest groups for the development of hiking and pilgrimage infrastructure in the region.

Training and networking

Training courses for hiking guides, wayfarers and pilgrim companions as well as regional networking events are also planned for 2025. These initiatives are provided with technical support by an advisory board that includes representatives from the tourism and church sectors. Financing is provided by the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK).

In addition to rest areas, the funded projects this year also include pilgrim accommodation as well as necessary signage and information boards. A series of short films presents projects that have already been implemented, while an interactive map makes all previous measures visible. The Saxony Hiking and Pilgrim Academy, implemented by the Evangelical Adult Education Saxony, plays a central role here.