Existential walking

Abstract

This paper analyses Camøno, a pilgrim route on the island of Møn in Denmark, through the lens of existentialist philosophy. The theoretical framework draws on literature focusing on contemporary pilgrimage tourism and existentialism, as presented in Walter Kaufmann's works. The analysis is based on empirical material comprised of Instagram images shared by the pilgrims. The coding and analysis of the data combines a thematic and a metaphorical visual method. The findings show a strong resonance between the experience as portrayed by the pilgrims and core aspects of existentialist thought. They reveal the importance of nature and simple living and the limits to commercialisation and institutionalised religiosity. The study prompts us to rethink our understanding of the interconnection between spirituality and tourism.