Pilgrim pass
The pilgrim identity card (also pilgrim passport, pilgrim letter) is a document in which the name, destination and sometimes the mode of transport of a pilgrim is listed and asked for help and support with his concern. As a rule, it serves as proof of proper pilgrimage and is the most important document of a pilgrimage . The tradition of pilgrims' passes goes back to earlier letters of recommendation or escort.
St. James pilgrimage
In the case of the pilgrimage to St. James, the pilgrim's card, in Spanish Credencial del Peregrino , is used to check whether the route of the St. James Way required for issuing the La Compostela pilgrimage certificate was covered on foot, horse or by bike (one piece and ending in Santiago: 100 km to On foot or on horseback or 200 km by bike). The pilgrim pass also serves as a hostel pass, without which one is not entitled to stay overnight in pilgrims' hostels .
Many hostels along the way in Spain issue the credencial , but at least the hostels in Roncesvalles , Jaca and Puente la Reina . In Germany , this is done by various organizations committed to the pilgrimage, such as the Jakobus-Freunde Bodensee, the German St. Jakobus Society , the St. Jakobusbruderschaft Trier eV or the Jakobusgesellschaft Brandenburg-Oderregion. In Austria , among other things, the Saint James Brotherhood issues pilgrimage passes. In Switzerland the pilgrim pass is available at various locations; for example at the Pilgerherberge Sankt Gallen association.
Other pilgrimage routes
Other long-distance pilgrimage routes such as B. the Israel National Trail - similar to the Way of St. James - issue pilgrim passes with which the pilgrimage is certified. The Shvil Israel Pilgrimage Society is the official issuing office in German-speaking countries.
