The best time for the Via Francigena? Go when you can!
When is the best time for the Via Francigena? Go when you can!
The movie, The Way, staring Martin Sheen has inspired many pilgrims. One scene that really inspired us was when Tom (Sheen’s character) asked the albergue hostess (Angelica) if she had ever walked the Camino. She replied, “No. Earlier in life I was too busy, now I’m too old”.
As soon as I saw that interaction, I booked our flights. Earlier in life, there was no way I could take several weeks away from work. Also, we were raising kids which pulled us in many other directions. (Having said that, you could bring older children.)
Last year, I was on a sabbatical from work, and the kids were on their own so it was the perfect time to start doing long distance pilgrimages. Before I get too old.
So, my advice, go when you can.
If you have summers off school or work, go in summer. If you are between jobs, or otherwise can get a way for a while, go when you have the opportunity.
If you have flexibility, great news, you can time your pilgrimage for the optimal experience. Here are some factors that you can consider.
- Weather is always a factor when choosing when to take a long hike.
- Presence of other pilgrims can make your Via Francigena better (or worse).
- Unique and special events can really enhance your pilgrimage.
Best Weather for the Via Francigena
The expected weather is a strong consideration. The final 250 miles of the Via Francigena are in Tuscany and Lazio regions of Italy and can get hot in the summer. Afternoon temperatures are often in the 90s (30s in C).
Keeping temperature in mind is especially important with several segments that are long distance between services and shade.
Spring time is a great time to take the Via Francigena. The mornings can be chilly, but the afternoons are mild. A special bonus, flowers are coming into bloom. A springtime culinary bonus, cinghiale (wild boar) is on the menu after the winter hunting season.
Like spring, fall also has mild weather and is a great time to walk. Winter can be cold and wet.
One special consideration, if you are walking through the Switzerland portion, the Saint Bernard pass is open generally June through September.
Popularity of the Via Francigena by Season
The popularity of the Via Francigena can affect your experience in a couple of ways.
One way is the availability of services. Many places are only open during tourist season, generally Easter through November.
If you are seeking a solitary experience, then the off season may be your choice. We walked the VF in March, and on average we met one other pilgrim each day.
Otherwise, interacting with other pilgrims can be very rewarding.
According to the estimates from the European Association of the Via Francigena, 85% of pilgrims take the Via Francigena in May through September. Even though the weather is hottest in summer, about half of the pilgrims do the Via Francigena in the hottest months, June, July and August.
If you want to engage with other pilgrims, then May through September is the time to go.
Special Events on the Via Francigena
Taking a pilgrimage, especially with a long walk like the Via Francigena is already a moving experience, but can be enhanced with special events happening during the pilgrimage.
We decided to time our Via Francigena to arrive in Rome on Good Friday, so we could celebrate Easter at the Vatican (!).
Arriving to Rome for Easter also had us walking through Tuscany in spring. In addition, we were in Siena for their celebration of San Giuseppe (St. Joseph).
Here are a few examples of events happening throughout the year in the Tuscany & Lazio regions of the Via Francigena.
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March |
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October |
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November |
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December |
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Conclusion
We really want you get the most out of your Via Francigena, and we hope a few of these tips might help make it more enjoyable.