- Culturally interesting
- Place to stop for a bite to eat
- Multi-day tour
- Accommodation options
- Signage
- Good public transportation access
Way of St. James, Roman Road: Marsberg to Elspe
The Römerweg is a scenic Way of St. James that runs from Paderborn through Marsberg and Elspe to Cologne. In the Sauerland region, it follows a former Roman road from Marsberg to Meinerzhagen—connecting to the Heidenstraße and the Elisabethpfad. Pilgrims will find welcoming accommodations along the route at the partner establishments of the Sauerland-Camino.
Tour starting point:
St. Magnus Church in Niedermarsberg, Casparistraße, 34431 Marsberg
Tour destination point:
Jesus-Christus-Kirche in Meinerzhagen, Kirchstraße 17, 58540 Meinerzhagen
Properties:
Additional Information
You can find our pilgrim lodgings along the Sauerland Camino at www.sauerland.comCategory
FernwanderwegLength
136.8 kmDuration
36:10 hElevation ascent
2705 mElevation descent
2535 mLowest point
245 mHighest point
550 mCondition
Difficulty
Recommended seasons
From Marsberg to Meinerzhagen on the historic pilgrimage route
The Römerweg is a significant section of the Way of St. James in North Rhine-Westfalen, leading pilgrims from Paderborn through Marsberg, Elspe, and Meinerzhagen to Cologne. In the Sauerland region, the route follows the path of a former Roman military and trade road, thus uniquely combining history, nature, and spirituality.
Marsberg – Starting Point in the Eastern Sauerland
The Sauerland section begins in Marsberg, a historic town with a medieval center and the imposing St. Magnus Provost Church. From here, the trail winds through idyllic valleys and wooded hills—passing historic farms, chapels, and well-preserved villages.
Elspe – A Cultural Hub with Roman Traditions
In Elspe , the Roman Trail meets the historic Heidenstraße, which also leads to Cologne from the direction of Leipzig. In earlier centuries, the town was an important resting place and crossroads on the old pilgrimage routes.
From Elspe via Attendorn to Meinerzhagen
The trail continues through the southern Sauerland—passing through towns such as Attendorn, with its historic Altstadt and the famous Atta-Höhle—all the way to Meinerzhagen. Here it joins the Elisabethpfad, which leads toward the Bergisches Land and on to Cologne —a significant stop on the route to Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodations and Services for Pilgrims
Along the entire route through the Sauerland, the partner establishments of the Sauerland-Camino offer pilgrim-friendly accommodations. These are often located in quiet areas, provide stamp stations for the pilgrim passport, and offer opportunities for rest, relaxation, and socializing—in keeping with the traditional hospitality found along the Way of St. James.
Information
Directions
Starting in Marsberg, you should always follow the official logo of the Way of St. James.
Equipment
Sturdy shoes are important. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks.
Safety guidelines
You'll find emergency aid stations on the information boards at the trail junctions and along the hiking trails.
Author Tip
Don't miss a tour of Obermarsberg, one of the oldest settled areas in the Hochsauerland district.
Maps
Hiking Maps, mr-Verlag
Public transit
Marsberg is conveniently located along the Kassel/Hagen rail line. Trains currently run every hour in both directions.
Meinerzhagen is accessible from Cologne via the RB 25, which runs hourly, and from the Ruhrgebiet, the RB 52 runs every two hours from Hagen Central Station to Lüdenscheid-Brügge, and from there, the RB 25 continues on to Meinerzhagen.
How to get there
Meinerzhagen is easily accessible via the A 45.
To get to Marsberg, take the A 44 to the Marsberg exit, then follow the B7 toward Marsberg for about 10 kilometers.