Origin
Destination
Distance
25.80 km
Duration
6.00 h
Difficulty
Alta
Ascent
560 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
Leaving Astorga, this 25.8 km stage marks the beginning of the ascent to the León Mountains, a drastic change in landscape and a new challenge for the pilgrim. The path enters the Maragatería region, famous for its stone villages and traditional architecture, such as Castrillo de los Polvazares (although it requires a small detour). The route is a continuous but generally gentle ascent, passing through villages like Murias de Rechivaldo, Santa Catalina de Somoza, and Rabanal del Camino, the latter an important Jacobean enclave with great hospitality traditions. The stage ends in the village of Foncebadón, recovered from abandonment thanks to the Camino, a mystical and rest place at 1,430 meters altitude, just before the Iron Cross.
The 25.8 km stage from Astorga to Foncebadón is an ascent day that transports the pilgrim from the plateau to the high mountain of the León Mountains. It's a day of change and preparation for one of the most symbolic milestones on the Camino.
Leaving Astorga takes you into the Maragatería region. You pass through villages that preserve traditional Maragata architecture, with stone houses and large doorways, such as Murias de Rechivaldo and Santa Catalina de Somoza. The most famous of all, Castrillo de los Polvazares, requires a small detour but is highly recommended.
The ascent is long but mostly gradual and stretched out. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged with mountain undergrowth, oak trees, and broom. An important point after this is Rabanal del Camino, a village that in the Middle Ages had numerous hospitals and today again serves as a center of great spirituality, with a monastic community and several hostels.
From Rabanal, the ascent hardens up. The last 6 kilometers to Foncebadón are an unbroken climb over a rough path. Foncebadón is a place with a fascinating history. Abandoned for decades, it has risen from its ruins thanks to the boom of the Camino in recent years. Situated at 1,430 meters above sea level, its atmosphere is special, often shrouded in mist and wind, offering the pilgrim a mountain refuge and well-deserved rest before tackling the final ascent to the Iron Cross the next day.
Leaving Astorga takes you into the Maragatería region. You pass through villages that preserve traditional Maragata architecture, with stone houses and large doorways, such as Murias de Rechivaldo and Santa Catalina de Somoza. The most famous of all, Castrillo de los Polvazares, requires a small detour but is highly recommended.
The ascent is long but mostly gradual and stretched out. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged with mountain undergrowth, oak trees, and broom. An important point after this is Rabanal del Camino, a village that in the Middle Ages had numerous hospitals and today again serves as a center of great spirituality, with a monastic community and several hostels.
From Rabanal, the ascent hardens up. The last 6 kilometers to Foncebadón are an unbroken climb over a rough path. Foncebadón is a place with a fascinating history. Abandoned for decades, it has risen from its ruins thanks to the boom of the Camino in recent years. Situated at 1,430 meters above sea level, its atmosphere is special, often shrouded in mist and wind, offering the pilgrim a mountain refuge and well-deserved rest before tackling the final ascent to the Iron Cross the next day.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Astorga o Foncebadón.
Casa Manuela Astorga
Hotel El Descanso de Wendy Apartamentos turísticos
La Rosa de los Tiempos
CASA RURAL EL TI POBLADURA
Hotel Astorga
Hotel Casa de Tepa
Albergue Casa Rural Las Águedas
Hostal-Restaurante y tienda El Trasgu de Foncebadón
La Casa de Murias
Albergue Domus Dei Foncebadon
Hostería Casa Flor
Hotel Restaurante La Peseta
Casa rural Molino Chopin
Hotel Rural LA VELETA
Hotel Vía De La Plata Spa
Albergue Casa Chelo
Albergue El Convento de Foncebadón
Hostal Restaurante "Convento de Foncebadon"
Hotel Astur Plaza
Hotel Gaudí Astorga
Albergue de peregrinos de Astorga
Albergue Monte Irago
Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga by PortBlue Boutique
Hostal Albergue La Posada del Druida
Albergue de peregrino Cruz de fierro
Albergue San Javier
Vivienda Turística Los Sitios
Hostal Coruña
Hostal Restaurante Delfin
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