The Way of St. James is a renowned international pilgrimage route that weaves through Lithuania, serving as a cultural and spiritual journey. It connects Lithuania to the larger network of the Way of St. James, ultimately leading to Santiago de Compostela, where tradition holds that the remains of the apostle are buried.
The Way of St. James in Western Lithuania is a designated cultural, spiritual, and pilgrimage route that traverses 10 municipalities, namely the Klaipėda district, Klaipėda City, Palanga City, Kretinga district, Plungė district, Telšiai district, Šilutė district, Šilalė district, Tauragė district, and Jurbarkas district. The route was developed in collaboration with local tourism information centres, faith communities, municipal authorities, and regional park staff, this route offers a meaningful journey enriched by history, culture, and spirituality. The route was officially marked following a successful application for the Way of St. James in Western Lithuania to the Lithuanian Council for Culture.
The route is marked with a distinctive Way of St. James sign – a yellow shell on a blue background, uniform across Europe. The entire route covers around 460 km. It's divided into 19 sections, each varying in length. Along the journey, you'll explore the most picturesque corners of Western Lithuania, from the stunning Baltic Sea coast to scenic nature trails and remarkable heritage sites. You'll climb ancient hillforts, visit historic churches, museums, and castles, and immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural and natural treasures. At the end of each section, recommended accommodations are provided, ensuring pilgrims find welcoming places to rest along the journey. Certain sections also offer intermediate accommodations. Each section also includes a detailed description, and the local tourist information centres along the route are always available to assist you with any additional information you may need.