Rabanal del Camino → Ponferrada
32.5 km | 9-12 hours | +1074m / -1712m
About This Stage
One of the most significant stages on the entire Frances, crossing the highest point of the Camino at Cruz de Ferro (1,504 metres) before a long, steep descent into the Bierzo valley. Pilgrims traditionally carry a stone from home to leave at the iron cross, making it one of the most emotionally charged moments of the journey.
The morning climb to Cruz de Ferro passes through the abandoned village of Foncebadon, which has been partially restored with albergues and cafes. Beyond the cross, the route descends steeply through the mountain village of Manjarin (with its eccentric Templar hospitalero) and the slate-roofed village of El Acebo before dropping dramatically into Molinaseca and on to Ponferrada.
Ponferrada is the largest city in the Bierzo region, dominated by the impressive Castillo de los Templarios (Templar Castle). The Bierzo is a sheltered valley with its own wine denomination and distinctive cuisine. Full services and varied accommodation are available.
Terrain: Mountain ascent to Cruz de Ferro, exposed moorland, steep rocky descent, village streets
Explore the Stage
Elevation Profile
Things Along the Way
Rabanal del Camino is a Maragato village in Leon at the foot of the Montes de Leon. Held by the Templars in the 12th century to guard the mountain pass. Home to a Benedictine albergue with daily Gregorian chant vespers. Has albergues, restaurants, bars.
Foncebadon is a high mountain village in Leon at 1,440m, founded as a pilgrim hospice by the hermit Gaucelmo in the 11th century. Near-abandoned by the late 20th century, now revived. Has albergues, bar-restaurants, a small shop. No pharmacy or ATM.
Cruz de Ferro
7.4 km from startCruz de Ferro is an iron cross atop a wooden post at 1,504m, the highest point of the Camino Frances. Placed in the 11th century by the hermit Gaucelmo on the site of a Roman altar to Mercury. Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone here from home.
Manjarin is a near-abandoned mountain hamlet in Leon, first recorded in 1180. Home to the Templar Refuge of Manjarin, established by Tomas Martinez de Paz in 1993. No reliable services. A stop for the experience, not the amenities.
Riego de Ambros is a small Leon village in the steep descent from El Acebo toward Molinaseca. Traditional stone-and-wood mountain architecture. Has an albergue and a bar-restaurant. No shop, pharmacy, or ATM.
Molinaseca is a beautiful Bierzo village on the river Meruelo, with a stone Romanesque bridge as the pilgrim entrance. Has albergues, hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, a pharmacy. The river is a popular pilgrim swim in summer.
Campo is a small village within the Ponferrada municipality on the Camino's final approach into the city. Medieval origins on the site of an earlier Roman settlement, with a late Roman vaulted fountain set into the wall along the Calle Real.
Ponferrada is the largest city in El Bierzo, named for an iron-reinforced Roman bridge over the Sil. Built around a vast surviving Templar castle expanded in the 12th-13th centuries to guard pilgrims. Has full city services.
Tips for This Stage
Accommodation between Rabanal del Camino and Ponferrada
9 places to stay between Rabanal del Camino and Ponferrada
Stay in Rabanal del Camino
Stage StartAccommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
No accommodation options available
Stay in Ponferrada
Stage EndAccommodation at the end of this stage
No accommodation options available
Some accommodation links are affiliate links. If you book through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.