After going on a pilgrimage, following the Way of St. James in 2001, he wrote a book named "Ich bin dann mal weg - Meine Reise auf dem Jakobsweg" about his experiences and his "meeting with God". The book, originally not intended to be published, has topped the non-fiction bestseller list since May 2006 and became the most successful non-fiction book in Germany since World War II.