Origin
Destination
Distance
26.80 km
Duration
6.00 h
Difficulty
Media
Descent
890 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This 26.8-kilometer stage is one of the most symbolic and spectacular parts of the French Way. It begins with a short ascent from Foncebadón to Iron Cross, the highest point on the Camino (1,500 m), where pilgrims fulfill the tradition of placing a stone brought from their place of origin. After this mystical moment, it passes through the small village of Manjarín. From here, a steep and technically demanding descent of almost 20 kilometers begins, testing the knees and skill of walkers. The mountain landscape gives way to the fertile El Bierzo region. The route passes picturesque villages such as El Acebo and Molinaseca, with its beautiful Roman bridge, before arriving in Ponferrada, capital of Bierzo, dominated by its imposing Templar Castle.
The journey from Foncebadón to Ponferrada is one of the most complete and memorable. Just 2 km into it, you reach one of the most magical and symbolic points on the entire route: the Iron Cross. On top of a pile of stones deposited by millions of pilgrims over the centuries, stands a simple wooden post crowned with an iron cross. Here, tradition invites you to leave a stone, symbolizing letting go of a burden, and reflection.
From the Iron Cross (1,505m), the path descends slightly into Manjarín, a peculiar refuge that keeps the Templar spirit alive. From here, one of the longest and most feared descents on the Camino begins. Almost 1,000 meters of negative descent over 15 km, on a rocky and steep path, especially in the stretch to El Acebo. The views of the Bierzo valley are spectacular, but the descent requires maximum caution.
El Acebo, with its stone houses and pizarra balconies, is the first town of the Bierzo and an enchanting place for a break. The descent eases up until reaching Molinaseca, another of the most beautiful towns on the Camino. Its Roman bridge over the Meruelo River and its well-cared-for architecture make it a must-visit stop.
The last kilometers to Ponferrada are a pleasant flat walk. The entrance to Bierzo's capital is marked by the grandeur of its Templar Castle, one of Spain's most impressive medieval fortresses. A visit to the castle and the Encina Basilica is the perfect finale to an unforgettable stage.
From the Iron Cross (1,505m), the path descends slightly into Manjarín, a peculiar refuge that keeps the Templar spirit alive. From here, one of the longest and most feared descents on the Camino begins. Almost 1,000 meters of negative descent over 15 km, on a rocky and steep path, especially in the stretch to El Acebo. The views of the Bierzo valley are spectacular, but the descent requires maximum caution.
El Acebo, with its stone houses and pizarra balconies, is the first town of the Bierzo and an enchanting place for a break. The descent eases up until reaching Molinaseca, another of the most beautiful towns on the Camino. Its Roman bridge over the Meruelo River and its well-cared-for architecture make it a must-visit stop.
The last kilometers to Ponferrada are a pleasant flat walk. The entrance to Bierzo's capital is marked by the grandeur of its Templar Castle, one of Spain's most impressive medieval fortresses. A visit to the castle and the Encina Basilica is the perfect finale to an unforgettable stage.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Foncebadón o Ponferrada.
AC Hotel Ponferrada by Marriott
Hotel Aroi Ponferrada
Hotel Ciudad de Ponferrada, Ascend Hotel Collection
Hotel Temple Ponferrada
Jaen Apartment
Convento de Foncebadon
El Tiempo Recobrado - Hotel de relax en El Bierzo
Hotel Alda Centro Ponferrada
Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza
Hotel El Castillo
Hotel Novo
Hotel Ponferrada Plaza
Hotel Rural Caminomedulas
Hotel Valle del Silencio
La Rosa Azul Rooms
Ponferrada Plaza
Casa de Abril
Casa Rural El Almendro de María
El Ancla
Guiana Hostel
Hostal Nirvana
Hostal Restaurante Classic
Hostal RIO SELMO
Hostal Virgen de la Encina
Hotel Los Templarios
Hotel Rural Camino Medulas
Hotel Rural Morredero
Albergue Alda Pilgrim Ponferrada
Alianza del Castillo
Alojamiento La Rosaleda
Apartamento Ahola II
Apartamento Casco Antiguo Ponferrada
Apartamento Castillo Ponferrada.
Apartamento Cemba Ponferrada
Apartamento El Castillo
Apartamento en el casco antiguo de Ponferrada
Apartamento La Emisora
Apartamento Mercado Viejo
Apartamento moderno Ponferrada
Apartamento Suite Los Deportes
Apartamento tranquilo, amante de la naturaleza
Apartamentos Los Arroyos
APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS GUIANA
BierzINN Alojamientos - Brujas
Bierzo centro
Bierzo Explore
Bierzo Habita Apartments
CASA ALTOBIERZO, 9 Habitaciones y 9 BAÑOS
Casa Aurora
Casa Carreira Bierzo
casa el susurro
Casa Pepa Hotel Rural
Casa Rural El Bierzo Oro en el Camino
Castillo Buenavista
Chalet Santa Teresa - Ponferrada (El Bierzo, León)
cuartin del camino
Duplex Casa Camino
DÚPLEX DUQUESA
El mirador del Rosal
EL PISO DE MARTINA
El Silencio de Galadhrim
El Trasgu de Foncebadón
Elleryng batista
Estudio
FC Temple
Guiana Rooms & Suites
Hostal Conde de Lemos
Hostal Monteclaro
Hotel Albergue La Casa Del Peregrino
La casa de las Flores
La casa de Lucas y Alex
La Casa Vieja Turismo Rural
La casita de la señora María
La casita de Reloj
La Encina Azul Rooms
La Herencia A VuT 1229
La morada del Museo
La Posada del Druida
La Tebaida
La torre del reloj
Pension Valcarce
Piso cerca del Toralin y La Rosaleda
Piso Ponferrada
Piso Tranquilo Ponferrada
Piso Turístico Avda del Castillo
Piso Turístico Felipe Herce
Piso Turístico Obispo Osmundo
Piso turistico Plaza del Cine
Piso Turístico Saturnino Cachón
Ponferrada Castillo
PONFETEMPLE
San Miguel
Suite Rigel
TEMPLE
Temple I
The HAVEN Apartment
Tu Apartamento Ideal
VUT Mencía
XOXO - Salinas
Start your adventure
Ready to walk this stage?
We design your personalised Camino de Santiago experience.
Plan your Camino