Join us for a scenic 15-day beginner-friendly hike from Cologne, Germany, to Leuven, Belgium, taking place from June 19 to July 3, 2026. Covering a total distance of 201 km, this journey follows the historic Rhenish Jakobsweg and Via Mosana trails, passing through picturesque landscapes including the Rhineland, Pays de Herve, the former neutral zone Neutral Moresnet, and Haspengouw regions.

The route is designed for accessibility, with predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain and daily stages averaging 13 km.

Each person is responsible for their own overnight accommodation by booking a place to stay at each stage destination. The event starts on June 19, 2026 at 12 noon in front of the main entrance of Cologne Cathedral.

Whether you’re new to long-distance hiking or seeking a meaningful pilgrimage experience, this well-marked and manageable trek offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and camaraderie.

In Memory: Len Sassaman (1980–2011)

Len Sassaman was a brilliant Cypherpunk, privacy researcher, and contributor to PGP encryption. He worked alongside Hal Finney and was passionate about digital privacy and freedom. Len took his own life on July 3, 2011. He was laid to rest in Leuven.

A tribute to him was embedded in the Bitcoin blockchain (block 138725). His wife, Meredith L. Patterson, continues his legacy. Len’s story – and the stories of Aaron Swartz, Ian Murdock, and others we’ve lost – reminds us that the brilliant minds building our digital future often carry invisible burdens. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out.