- la VF in Switzerland is the easiest
- Eberhard Bruckner-D VF Pilgrims recommend wearing a highly recognizable garment, such as the VF T-shirt; it helps a lot along the way.
- Eva Shepard-D: officiel VF route to Radicofani: at least 10 dangerous dogs !! Choose Abbadia S.Salvatore
- Isabelle Duchène + Eva Sherpa. officiel VF route Martigny-Bovernier: very alpinistic and dangerous with backpack, impossible with bad weather! choose M.-Croix-Le Brocard-Bovernier  (see foto HOME-newsletter 09)

- Eiler Pritz-NO: long stretches on asphalt can almost be a joy by dragging the rucksack on a well balanced roller (for ex. www.carrix.ch)Taking the weight off the feet reduces the blister and tendonitis problems, and it is possible to increase the length of the stages

by  AIVF
-  do NOT COMPARE with Compostela
-  be aware that the VF can be a very lonely pilgrim's route; the spirit makes the difference in making it a very rich experience
-  show your AMIS-Card VF for special reductions in DORMIFRANCIGENA accommodations. You’ll be welcomed! Since 2000 AIVF is making a selection for you

-  save your knees especially walking downhill  (St Bernard pass for ex!): roll out you feet, the heal to the toes (info orthopaedic specialist)
- prevent flu and colds due to fluctuating temperature changes, think about getting a vaccination
- vaccination against ticks

-  the Grand St-Bernard pass opens to traffic around 30th of May. The AIVF has arranged for the rental of SNOW SHOES if necessary (free for the Friends-AMIS AIVF merci!) at CRYSTAL Sport in Orsières-CH Tel. 027 783 24 40  Fax 027 783 24 34, to be returned to the Casa Ospitaliera St-Oyen-Italy (grazie!). Follow local advice for climbing www.gsbernard.ch
- if you walk on roads: always on the left to see traffic in front of you 

warnings
-  VF in Italy there are many different topoguides for Italy, proposing widely varying routes

-  Pilgrims, if you are looking for footpaths or minor roads, be very careful which maps you choose! Study the different routes suggested before setting out. Unfortunately, there have been very serious, even mortal accidents on very dangerous roads like highway and national roads indicated on certain VF publications

VF symbols
-  Just like the Middle Ages, today's pilgrims on the Via Francigena use symbols to show they are making the pilgrimage to ROME: the VF pennant, the little keys of St Peter, the VF badge or wear your T'shirt  all roads lead to rome