Via Imperii - St. James' Way Szczecin - Berlin

The Via Imperii was one of the most famous long-distance trade routes in the Middle Ages. The Roman trade route ran from Szczecin/Stettin via Berlin, Leipzig, Nuremberg, and Florence to Rome, connecting important trade and pilgrimage sites. In Leipzig, the Via Imperii intersects with the Via Regia, which continues to Santiago de Compostela to the Holy Shrine of the Apostle James.

The pilgrimage route along the Via Imperii passes through the picturesque Uckermark region, the Lower Oder Valley National Park, the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, and the Barnim Nature Park with the Nonnenfließ and the Biesenthal Basin Nature Reserve all the way to the capital Berlin. The route follows the Oder River, passing by lakes and marshes, through fields, meadows, and forests surrounded by a unique variety of flora and fauna. In the small idyllic villages, churches and monasteries can be admired, such as the Chorin Monastery, a spiritual pilgrimage center and meeting point for pilgrims, or the Franciscan monastery in Angermünde. On the final stage of the hike, the route leads to the center of Berlin to the Brandenburg Gate.

Length: 205 km (10 days)

Starting point: Szczecin, Poland / Destination: Berlin-Mitte

Trail marking: stylized yellow shell on a blue background. The closed side of the shell points in the walking direction. Traditionally, the route is only marked towards Santiago de Compostela.

Public transport: From Berlin Gesundbrunnen take the RE66 to Szczecin Glowny (approx. 2 hours).
Alternatively, use the train and bus to reach the starting points of each stage.

Departure point: Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Route: Szczecin, Ustowo, Kurów, Siadlo Dolne, Moczyly, Pargowo, Staffelde, Geesow, Gartz/Oder, Hohenreinkendorf, Heinrichshof, Hohenfelde, Vierraden, Schwedt/Oder, Meyenburg, Zützen, Criewen, Stützkow, Stolpe, Crussow, Angermünde, Schmargendorf, Klein Ziethen, Groß Ziethen, Buchholz, Serwest, Brodowin, Kloster Chorin, Sandkrug, Neuehütte, Eberswalde, Spechthausen, Schönholz, Melchow, Biesenthal, Lobetal, Ladeburg, Bernau bei Berlin, Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Karow, Berlin-Blankenburg, Berlin-Pankow, Berlin-Wedding, Berlin-Mitte

Information on the 10 individual stages: Szczecin - Ustowo/ Kurów (6-8 km), Ustowo/Kurów - Gartz (26-28 km), Gartz - Schwedt (30 km), Schwedt - Stolpe (22 km), Stolpe - Angermünde (14 km), Angermünde - Serwest (24 km), Serwest - Eberswalde (22 km), Eberswalde - Melchow (15 km), Melchow - Bernau bei Berlin (18 km), Bernau bei Berlin - Berlin-Mitte (29 km)

Points of interest: Szczecin: St. Jacob's Cathedral/Church, 12th-century brick Gothic church with an observation platform (incl. elevator)Lower Oder Valley National ParkGartz (Oder): St. Stephen's Church, Stettiner Gate, Ackerbürger MuseumVierraden: Cross Church, Tobacco MuseumSchwedt (Oder): Assumption of Mary, St. Catherine's Church, Hugenotten Park, Jewish Ritual BathStützkow: Viewpoint "View into the Oder Valley" from RichterbergStolpe: Culture Chapel, Stolper TowerAngermünde: Franciscan Monastery, St. Mary's Church, Holy Spirit Chapel, Town Hall and Old TownWolletzsee, village church in Altkünkendorf and Grumsin Beech Forest (alternative route from Angermünde)Schmargendorf and Groß Ziethen: Village churchSchorfheide-Chorin Biosphere ReserveEco-village Brodowin: farm shop and café, village church Chorin Monastery: the Cistercian monastery from the 13th century is one of the most significant brick Gothic buildings in BrandenburgEberswalde: St. Mary Magdalene Church, St. George's Chapel and Peter and Paul Church, Old Lock, Finow Canal, Forest Botanical Garden, ZooBarnim Nature ParkNonnenfließ and SchwärzetalBiesenthal: St. Mary's Church, Biesenthaler BasinBernau: St. Mary's Church and Old Town with city wallBerlin: Brandenburg Gate and many other attractionsPossible combinations: Uckermark Circuit Märkischer Landweg Around the Schorfheide Circular hike Nonnenfließ-Schwärzetal Connection route Jakobsweg Bernau via Hennigsdorf to Bad Wilsnack (stage Bernau to Hennigsdorf in progress)Connection route Via Imperii - Jakobsweg Berlin to LeipzigTrail conditions/ Route development: The pilgrimage route along the Via Imperii has been progressively signposted since spring 2020. The landscape is flat with no significant elevation changes.

From Angermünde, there are two route options: via Altkünkendorf and the Grumsin Beech Forest (not signposted) or via Schmargendorf to Groß Ziethen. From Bernau near Berlin, the Jakobsweg follows the Green Main Route No. 5 to Berlin-Mitte.

Note: Some sections of the route are sparsely populated and have limited gastronomy or shopping options. Accommodations should also be planned carefully.

Maps/ Literature: Currently still in planning.