Route Information
Popularity Since the year 2000 (in Rome it was a holy year) the amount of information about the route has increased yearly. People who have traveled the route have gathered and documented their experiences. Due to the fact that the volume of pilgrim traffic on the Via Francigena remains relatively low, the local people on the route are not yet familiar with the modern pilgrim. It is not always easy to find a place to sleep.
Nonetheless, there is growing evidence of the generosity of people who are prepared to take pilgrims in free of charge. One feels, in contrast to the Way of Saint James, that the residents along the way view pilgrims with freshness and interest.
Condition of the routes
The Via Francigena is the oldest occidental pilgrim route in Europe, although it remains relatively unknown.
For this reason, there are few pilgrims on the way to Rome on foot. The advantage of this is that one covers lots of ground alone and can therefore dedicate much more attention to his/her own thoughts than
 Via Francigena Historical way and modern way
Will my thoughts become more tranquil throughout the course of the pilgrimage?
Marking: is normally possible as part of a group.Route Markings There are very few markings and signs giving directions along the Via Francigena. For this reason, map reading skills are essential in order to find the paths leading through fields and forests beside the main roads.
Pilgrim Letter: A pilgrim letter, written in at least three different languages is an invaluable key which can open many doors. Upon presentation of an official declaration of pilgrimage, one can often take advantage of many reductions in prices and charges. In Italy, it at least guarantees a place to stay in monestaries or parishes.
England
The English part of the Via goes through footpaths which are generally very well signposted. The landscape along the way is often very impressive. Pilgrim accommodation is, however, normally very difficult to find and conventional accommodation is always expensive.
France
In France, everything becomes a little more difficult but one can always follow the remote footpaths. The pilgrim way of life is completely unfamiliar to the people in this region of the country, meaning that pilgrim accommodation hardly exists at all. It is advisable to be able to speak some French.
Switzerland
The swiss routes are very well marked. The route initially goes along the lake - with spectacular scenery. Accommodation is mostly expensive, with youth hostels typically costing between 20 and 50 euros per person per night. The people here are aware of pilgrims, their needs and aims. However, church-based facilities for pilgrims are typically uncommon.
Italy
Many monasteries in Italy will take pilgrims in, if a valid pilgrim identity card is shown. The route passes through the Po Valley and many romantic and untouched areas of Toscany.
The Via Francigena was, among other things, a link between Rome and Germany, Austria, France, England.
Visitors are also welcome to post their tips on accommodation for future pilgrims here.
Some Informations about the way:
Description of the way from Austria to Rom by bike _by fritz_peterka
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Via Francigena 
