Anja, Jens, and their 11-month-old dog Tuco hike the Eifel Camino: 203.8 km across 9 stages from Andernach to Trier.
July 1, 20265 min read
My husband Jens and I have already completed two pilgrimages together: in July 2019 the Franciscan Way from Florence via Assisi to Rome, and in July 2022 the Moselle Camino from Koblenz/Stolzenfels to Trier (Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias). Both journeys touched us deeply and became unforgettable memories.
In April 2024 we set out on another route – and this time our dog Tuco (11 months old) came along for the adventure. We spent a long time debating which route to choose: Which one isn't too long for a young dog and can be done in around 10 days? The route should stay in Germany, since we had an inexperienced pup with us. We wanted to be able to end the trip at any time – we didn't want to overwhelm Tuco. The Eifel Camino from Andernach/Namedy to Trier seemed perfect. After careful research online, in the "Outdoor" travel guide, and drawing on our last pilgrimage experience, the decision was clear: the Eifel Camino it is!
Planning and Preparation
I planned the route and individual stages using the "Outdoor" travel guide, which matched our expectations perfectly. We booked accommodation in advance, as finding dog-friendly places was no easy feat. The extra costs for bringing a dog were higher at most places, which we found completely understandable. Planning the additional gear for the dog was straightforward and quickly sorted.
Tuco's kit included: a collapsible water bowl, his complete dry food supply for every planned day, spare dog boots/socks for paw protection in emergencies, a lightweight dog bed, his favorite toy, and of course his own little backpack. We split the dry food equally between our hiking packs – so the extra load was absolutely manageable.
We gradually got Tuco used to wearing his red backpack, and from the very start it was no problem for him at all. The pack only contained his food bowl, a drool cloth, and a handful of treats – nothing more. Since Tuco is still growing, we were determined to avoid putting too much strain on his young back.
Before the trip, we went on several training hikes with Tuco and took longer walks. Tuco loves to walk – longer distances are no problem for him whatsoever. He clearly enjoys being out and about. With regular breaks and rest periods built in, he stays enthusiastic and active the whole time. So we set off with full confidence to begin our shared adventure!
The 9 Stages – 203.8 km Through the Eifel
Stage 1: Andernach → Namedy – 17.3 km
Stage 2: Andernach → Kruft – 18.1 km
Stage 3: Kruft → Mayen (via Kloster Maria Laach) – 27.5 km
Stage 4: Mayen → Kaisersesch – 23.7 km
Stage 5: Kaisersesch → Lützerath – 21.6 km
Stage 6: Lützerath → Wittlich – 31.9 km
Stage 7: Wittlich → Klüsserath – 26.4 km
Stage 8: Klüsserath → Schweich – 16.1 km
Stage 9: Schweich → Trier (Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias) – 21.2 km
The constantly changing April weather – rain, snow flurries, sunshine, cold, warmth, and wind – accompanied us the entire way. Several times we got lost or covered extra ground to visit special sights and churches along the route. The varied landscapes and terrain weren't always easy to navigate, but they made us stronger and inspired us. All told, we walked 203.8 km across 9 stages.
We are incredibly proud of our dog Tuco, who accompanied us with curiosity and boundless enthusiasm. He walked brilliantly, completing every stage – with breaks and rest phases built in – with energy to spare. Those 10 consecutive days together left their mark not only on him, but on us as people too.
Tuco – the Star of the Trail
Tuco was quite the attraction along the way: the big black dog with his own red backpack! Countless hikers, pilgrims, workers, and locals stopped to ask about the wonderful dog walking beside us.
At first we were baffled – nobody seemed interested in us as pilgrims! Questions came non-stop: "Is the dog doing the entire route?" "What is he carrying in his backpack?" "How heavy is his pack?" "Did he train with the backpack beforehand?" "Does he sleep in the hotel too?" "How old is he – and what breed?"
Many people simply wanted to pet or cuddle Tuco. Whether at guesthouses, restaurants, or beer gardens – everywhere we went we were welcomed warmly and with genuine dog-friendliness. Tuco was the undisputed Number One.
In Churches and Monasteries
What particularly struck us was how calm and at ease Tuco was in churches and monasteries – naturally, we only entered buildings where dogs were welcome. Tuco was remarkably quiet and well-behaved in every place of worship, observing everything attentively and seemingly soaking up the special stillness. The approving glances from churchgoers felt like both encouragement and affirmation.
Encounters with Animals
Tuco showed great interest in the many different animals he encountered along the route: horses, cattle, cats, other dogs, goats, sheep, ducks, pigeons, and all manner of other creatures. Every encounter was a new experience for him – and we had the joy of watching him discover the world through fresh eyes.
A Journey That Changes You
This journey was a tremendous enrichment for all three of us. We had ten intense days together that brought us even closer and deepened our human-animal bond. We learned from each other, discovered each other's strengths and weaknesses – and our love for one another grew stronger.
Tuco's Pilgrim Passport and Certificate
Of course Tuco had his own pilgrim passport along for the journey and received his own stamps at every stamp station along the way. In Trier, we had his own pilgrim certificate issued – after all, he walked every single kilometer right alongside us!
We will go on pilgrimage together again and are already planning the next route! Buen Camino!
By Anja, Jens, and Tuco – friends of the Camino Ninja App.
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