Pilgrimage

In 2022, after we wrapped up our startup Kopply, Björn and I hit a turning point. We had poured ourselves into this dream for four years, often working from our small apartment in Berlin Neukölln during the pandemic. With the startup chapter now closed, we suddenly found ourselves experiencing an overwhelming sense of freedom.

Faced with an uncertain path ahead, we made a spontaneous decision that profoundly changed our lives. In just two hours, we decided to embark on the Way of Saint James, booking tickets to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France. Unprepared but undeterred - I didn’t even own hiking boots - we committed to this new adventure.

Our journey was more than a physical challenge, it was a mental and emotional adventure. Choosing to camp to save money, we fully immersed ourselves in this intense experience. We pushed our limits, walking from Santiago de Compostela to the coast and back, then reversing the Camino Portuguese all the way to Fatima.

Throughout the journey, we met a variety of incredible individuals, each searching for answers to their own life’s questions and challenges. These interactions, set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes and the simple rhythm of the pilgrimage, brought a new perspective to my life. The experience reshaped my understanding of resilience, community, and the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone.