The pilgrimages began around the turn of the millennium. The pilgrims trekked from Germany via Constance - Amlikon - Fischingen to Einsiedeln, and finally on to Rome or Santiago de Compostela to the grave of Saint James. Churches or chapels, which are consecrated to James, former pilgrim hostels or the emblem of the shell all bear witness to these «Gottzfarten». In Thurgau this former pilgrims' way is also called "Schwabenweg" (Swabian'sWay). The Thurgau Way, measuring 42 kilometres, portrays the most scenic aspect of the Thurgau.