The Pilgrimage invites you this spring, from , to walk into a deep silence step by step. In a time when you’re constantly called upon to perform and be available, the timeless practice of pilgrimage makes clear again what truly matters in your life.
Walking through nature through very diverse landscapes and atmospheres, the beautiful light through the trees, the wind, being guests with the Trappist order in an oasis of silence, joining the monks… The Pilgrimage has so many different elements in it, and precisely that makes it a very special experience for me. In a short time a close-knit group formed and I thoroughly enjoyed doing this together with them. Thank you for this wonderful journey.
—Fran
For thousands of years, people have walked to find answers. Long walks do something to us. Body and mind come into the same rhythm. Thoughts get space to arise and let go again. Walking silently through nature is perhaps the oldest form of contemplation we know. The ancient practice of pilgrimage to a sacred place speaks to those who seek depth in life.
The Pilgrimage is for you when you long for:
- Silence to find in the rhythm of walking the peace that gets lost in a world full of distraction.
- Exploration of what the ancient monastic tradition can teach you about balanced living with inner peace and clear focus.
- Direction to get answers to big life questions and reflect on what truly matters in your life.
- Contemplation to come closer to the source, whether you are religious, spiritual or agnostic.
What can I expect?
The Pilgrimage takes place every year in spring and autumn, this spring from . There is room for a maximum of eight participants.
On the first day we gather in the morning at a nature campsite in the Chaamse Bossen near Breda. In three days we walk slowly through beautiful nature reserves along the southern border of the Netherlands and Belgium, arriving in the late afternoon of the third day at the Trappist monastery Koningshoeven Abbey near Tilburg. Here we stay for two days.
On the last day we depart from the monastery after lunch and make one final walk in the afternoon. We also travel part of the way by public transport, so that we’re back at our starting point by late afternoon.
Daily rhythm during walking
We walk at a relaxed pace an average of 20 kilometres per day and camp the first two nights at small-scale nature campsites along the route. For the three walking days we arrange the preparation of communal breakfast and evening meal. Besides your trekking tent, mat and sleeping bag, we ask you to bring your own lunch and a small part of the communal food for the journey.
Each morning we begin with movement and meditation to start the day intentionally and prepare ourselves physically and mentally for our journey. During the day we walk in silence through beautiful, varied nature areas. During breaks we share contemplations and questions to meditate on whilst walking.
In the early evening we break the silence. We share our experiences with each other and cook together. Everyone brings one or two meals for the group; we coordinate this beforehand. In this way you also gain experience to make longer walking journeys through nature yourself.
Daily rhythm in the monastery
On the third day we arrive at the abbey and stay for two days—completely cut off from the outside world—in the deep silence of monastic life. In the monastery you can choose to follow the daily order of the brothers; throughout the day you can participate in one or more of the seven fixed prayer times. At these moments the brothers gather in the chapel to sing and be in silence.
In the monastery we all have our own bedroom with bathroom and meals are provided. You’re free to follow your own rhythm, as long as you respect the silence. This is an immersive time of silence and contemplation, to rest, write or read and immerse yourself in the rich spiritual tradition of the Trappists. Those who wish can also request a conversation with one of the brothers.
On the last day we depart from the monastery after lunch and slowly walk back into ordinary life. In the late afternoon we arrive at our starting point and go our separate ways.
Benedictine spirituality
The brothers of the abbey follow the Rule of Benedict, a document written more than 1,500 years ago but still relevant for a balanced and loving life. The rule is not about great mystical experiences or esoteric knowledge. Benedict invites us to sanctify the ordinary, the everyday, in continuous prayer: his rule helps us pay attention to the small things, find a good rhythm of work and rest, and begin anew each day.
In a world where everything and everyone demands your attention, Benedictine spirituality can help you find peace and focus. Three principles form the core:
- Stabilitas: not running away, but daring to stand still.
- Conversatio: daring to begin anew each day with the good.
- Obedienta: listening attentively and daring to act accordingly.
In the silence of walking and in the rhythm of the monastery, these principles gain their meaning and you learn to apply them in your own life.
Practical information
The Pilgrimage is accessible to everyone with normal fitness. We walk at a relaxed pace and take sufficient breaks, so you don’t need to be trained. However, we do recommend making some longer walks beforehand, so your body can get used to it and you’re more comfortable whilst walking.
What to bring
We ask you to bring a lightweight trekking tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, some extra clothing, water bottle and food for the journey. We coordinate beforehand what quantities you bring and adjust this to your physical condition. If you have doubts about this, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll help you.
About the silence
Almost no one is good at silence. It’s challenging to give thoughts free space without immediately filling them with distractions. Precisely that discomfort is valuable, because in silence what asks for attention surfaces. We guide you in this, and in the evenings there’s space to share your experiences and learn from each other.
Cost of the programme
Five days of being together, partly in silence, conviviality, camaraderie, nature and celebrating that which is greater than us. Sacha and Sven have created a special combination of walking, camping and staying with the monks with this pilgrimage. It was an unforgettable experience and challenging trip, from which I learned and thoroughly enjoyed. Grateful for the guidance, beautiful words and pure presence.
—Andrea
The Pilgrimage is an intimate experience, we have room for a maximum of eight participants. The costs for the Pilgrimage are €995 and when you book before 1 March 2026 you receive €100 discount. The price includes:
- A three-day pilgrimage through the beautiful nature of the border region.
- Two overnight stays at nature campsites along the route, with breakfast and evening meal included.
- Two overnight stays at Koningshoeven Abbey, with private room and bathroom and all meals included.
- Guidance to integrate the fruits of pilgrimage and Benedictine spirituality into your daily life.
We return from our journey with peace in our hearts, strength in our bodies, and clarity about what truly matters in our lives.
If you have any other questions or doubts about anything, please feel free to contact us to explore together whether the Pilgrimage is for you.
About Sacha and Sven
The Pilgrimage is guided by Sacha Post and Sven Signe, two experienced guides who together have more than 20 years of experience.
Sacha Post is a nature guide, coach and philosopher. He facilitates nature retreats and initiations in the wilderness in which he helps people anchor the intrinsic connection with nature and organise daily life according to the rhythms of the seasons. Sacha creates spaces in which the soul can speak directly to us about our deepest longings and our dedication to life. Read more about Sacha’s work here.
Sven Signe is an artist and writer dedicated to performing and spreading what he calls walking in love. Far outside the notions of art and frameworks of religion, Sven tries to spread the same timeless message about living in and from love. Read more about Sven’s work here.
