Vita of the author Bernd Koldewey in English

Bernd Koldewey, an inspiring travel book author, embarked on an extraordinary pilgrimage. He covered an impressive 3,000 kilometers on foot, starting from Herne in Germany to Santiago de Compostela and on to Finisterre and Muxia. During this epic journey he trekked across half of Europe and discovered his passion for writing travel reports alongside his love of pilgrimage. His books offer insights into the world of pilgrims and spiritual seekers. If you are curious about his adventure, I recommend reading his books or exploring his website.

The Camino de Santiago: This ancient pilgrimage route leads pilgrims to the end of the world - to Galicia, Spain - more specifically to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of Saint James (Santiago) is located. James is the patron saint of Spain and pilgrims. Walking the Camino is a transformative experience; it is a journey of self-discovery and often leads to encounters with the divine. Many pilgrims confirm its captivating appeal.

Upcoming adventure: In June 2024, Bernd Koldewey will embark on his next adventure. This time he starts in the picturesque mountain village of Quesada in Andalusia, Spain. From there he will continue his research for his new project “In the footsteps of Don Quixote”. Koldewey plans to explore the cities and landscapes described by Miguel Cervantes in his iconic work “Don Quixote.” His extensive journey is told from the perspective of a peregrino (a pilgrim), just as he did previously in his writings on the Camino de Santiago. Koldewey's search is not only a journey, but also a response to the challenges of our changing world - searching for meaning and connection through exploration. If you are drawn to adventure, self-knowledge and the magic of pilgrimage, Bernd Koldewey's books make compelling reading.

Bernd Koldewey

For his new book project "In the footsteps of Don Quixote" in July, August and September 2024, author Bernd Koldewey is looking for locals, associations and museums in the cities and towns of the Castilla-La Mancha region who want to help and support him in his search for clues. Miguel Cervantes described his hero in many towns along Don Quixote's route. In his search for clues, the author relies on certain help, contacts and information as well as sights and historical backgrounds.

What inspired Bernd Koldewey to undertake such a journey?

Bernd Koldewey was inspired by the fascination for adventure, self-knowledge and spiritual search. The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route that attracts people from all over the world. The idea of following in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who had walked the same path before him may have appealed to him. The connection with nature, the encounters with other pilgrims and the opportunity to get to know yourself better are strong incentives for such a trip. Bernd Koldewey viewed this journey as a kind of life adventure that challenges not only the body, but also the mind and soul. His books are a testament to his deep connection to pilgrimage and the search for meaning in our world. Bernd Koldewey had a variety of spiritual experiences during his own pilgrimage on the Way of St. James. This trip was a profound and transformative experience for him.

Here are some of the aspects that shaped his spiritual experiences on the Camino de Santiago:

Longing for inner peace and spiritual fulfillment: In our hectic times, more and more people are looking for inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. The Way of St. James offers an ideal setting to satisfy this longing. Through long walks and hours in nature, many pilgrims find themselves and rediscover what is essential in life.

Freedom and mindfulness: The Way of St. James allows pilgrims to leave everyday stress and obligations behind. During the journey you can enjoy the moment, let your thoughts wander and concentrate on the pilgrimage. This mindfulness and freedom are often missed in everyday life and rediscovered on the Way of St. James.

Community and encounters: Even though you are traveling alone, you are never really alone on the Way of St. James. The many other pilgrims provide community and the feeling of being part of a great cause. Encounters with other people, their stories and their support shape the spiritual experience of pilgrimage.

Nature and landscape: The route passes through different landscapes, from the forests of the Basque Country to mountainous Galicia. The beauty of nature, the peace and relaxation of hiking contribute to the spiritual experience.

Cultural diversity: The Way of St. James leads through different regions and cities with different traditions and customs. Pilgrims have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and expand their own horizons.

Self-knowledge and inner peace: The Way of St. James allows pilgrims to detach themselves from external distractions and concentrate on what is important. Bernd Koldewey found moments of silence and reflection during his long hikes. This time alone with himself helped him explore his own thoughts, dreams and fears.

Community and connection: Even though you are traveling alone, you will meet many other pilgrims on the Way of St. James. Encounters with people from different countries and cultures create a special community. Bernd Koldewey shared stories, laughter and sometimes tears with other pilgrims. This connection had a positive effect on his personality.

Mindfulness and gratitude: Walking the Way of St. James requires patience and perseverance. Bernd Koldewey learned to appreciate the moment and be grateful for the simple things - be it a ray of sunshine, a friendly smile or a piece of bread. This mindfulness influenced his perspective on life and his priorities.

Trust and letting go: On the Way of St. James you have to get involved in the unknown. Bernd Koldewey trusted that the path would lead him and learned to let go of control. This attitude of trust and calmness accompanied him even after he returned to everyday life.

Simplicity and minimalism: During long hikes, Bernd Koldewey only carried the bare essentials in his backpack. This reduction to the essential helped him to detach himself from material things and to recognize the beauty of simplicity.

Overall, the pilgrimage changed Bernd Koldewey on many levels - physically, mentally and spiritually. His books are a testament to these profound experiences and can also inspire others to embark on their own inner journeys. Bernd Koldewey describes all of these factors very clearly and comprehensibly in his book “Fascination with the Way of St. James”. His own experiences during the pilgrimage are reflected in it and offer valuable insights for anyone who would like to experience the Way of St. James themselves.