Zabaldika

[GailGwyn]

When I walked the Camino Frances in 2019, someone told me I should visit Zabaldika, which I did, on the way to Pamplona.

I didn't find out until later that there's an albergue there too. I'm going to be walking the Camino Frances again, starting at the end of April, and would love the chance to stay at Zabaldika.

I tried to send an email to see if they were going to open this year, but it bounced back.

Does anyone know if they are/will be open?

Thanks

 

[DoughnutANZ]

When I walked the Camino Frances in 2019, someone told me I should visit Zabaldika, which I did, on the way to Pamplona.

I didn't find out until later that there's an albergue there too. I'm going to be walking the Camino Frances again, starting at the end of April, and would love the chance to stay at Zabaldika.

I tried to send an email to see if they were going to open this year, but it bounced back.

Does anyone know if they are/will be open?

Thanks

@Rebekah Scott may know.

That Albergue is one of my favorites.

 

[GailGwyn]

@Rebekah Scott may know.

That Albergue is one of my favorites.

The welcome we received in the church and the atmosphere of peace was beautiful.

 

[domigee]

When I walked the Camino Frances in 2019, someone told me I should visit Zabaldika, which I did, on the way to Pamplona.

I didn't find out until later that there's an albergue there too. I'm going to be walking the Camino Frances again, starting at the end of April, and would love the chance to stay at Zabaldika.

I tried to send an email to see if they were going to open this year, but it bounced back.

Does anyone know if they are/will be open?

Thanks

It looks like it is shut at the moment.

Albergue parroquial de Zabaldika | Albergue de Peregrinos en Zabaldika | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue parroquial de Zabaldika, en Zabaldika: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[Former member 99290]

Oh that's interesting. Hopefully it will reopen. We hope to walk the Camino Baztan in early May from Bayonne to Pamplona - this could be a lovely stop near Pamplona.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

The welcome we received in the church and the atmosphere of peace was beautiful.

There seems to be a Facebook page for the Albergue at https://m.facebook.com/ZabaldikaCaminoSantiago/ I don't know how up to date it is as I don't use Facebook.

There is also an old web site that suggests that if it is open this year then it will open around the 15th April, see https://rscjinternational.org/news/albergue-zabaldika-pause-pilgrims-way

 

[SabsP]

Also @kirkie might be able to answer this one.

 

[Former member 49149]

The phone number is 0034948330918.
They are always alert to passing on the phone to someone in the house who understands, and speaks, English. A good time to phone is around 1pm Spain time. Other times will work as well of course, but the sisters gather for a meal around then.
I have just sent an email and will post response when a reply comes in.
alberguezabaldika.unapausaenelcamino.facebook
I do not open facebook.

 

[Former member 99290]

I do not open facebook.

Yeah. It’s not just me. . Joking, I know it’s not just me but I am used to being the ‘odd one’ out in that regard

We will contact the sisters closer to our time on the Baztan. Thank you @kirkie

 

[Former member 49149]

Update: the albergue will not open mid April. The sisters hope to reopen mid June, until mid October. That is the hope. Pilgrims will still be welcomed to visit the Church ( that is always available) and I think the option to use the bathroom in the community house is still there... for those who take the option to climb the hill and visit, as I generally say even if not invited to! - from there you can continue, without retracing steps. The path skirts the hill, and in no time you appear at the iconic bridge with the Trinidad de Arre albergue at its far end. That albergue takes bookings, to the best of my knowledge. They have a facebook presence. They also have a blessing service for pilgrims. The sisters regret, but personnel factors are driving this delay.
edit: when I get updated contact details, I will post them.

 

[Former member 99290]

Thank you so much for this information @kirkie.

 

[GailGwyn]

The phone number is 0034948330918.
They are always alert to passing on the phone to someone in the house who understands, and speaks, English. A good time to phone is around 1pm Spain time. Other times will work as well of course, but the sisters gather for a meal around then.
I have just sent an email and will post response when a reply comes in.
alberguezabaldika.unapausaenelcamino.facebook
I do not open facebook.

Update: the albergue will not open mid April. The sisters hope to reopen mid June, until mid October. That is the hope. Pilgrims will still be welcomed to visit the Church ( that is always available) and I think the option to use the bathroom in the community house is still there... for those who take the option to climb the hill and visit, as I generally say even if not invited to! - from there you can continue, without retracing steps. The path skirts the hill, and in no time you appear at the iconic bridge with the Trinidad de Arre albergue at its far end. That albergue takes bookings, to the best of my knowledge. They have a facebook presence. They also have a blessing service for pilgrims. The sisters regret, but personnel factors are driving this delay.
edit: when I get updated contact details, I will post them.

Thank you for finding the information @kirkie. I'm sad we won't be able to stay there, but will certainly climb the hill to visit the church again. I wish the sisters every blessing in the work they do to support pilgrims.
I'll take a look at the albergue at Trinidad de Arre.

 

[Migueldc]

When I walked the Camino Frances in 2019, someone told me I should visit Zabaldika, which I did, on the way to Pamplona.

I didn't find out until later that there's an albergue there too. I'm going to be walking the Camino Frances again, starting at the end of April, and would love the chance to stay at Zabaldika.

I tried to send an email to see if they were going to open this year, but it bounced back.

Does anyone know if they are/will be open?

Thanks

 

[Migueldc]

We detoured to Zabaldika in 2014 & met a charming nun who was fluent in Spanish, French & English (and more, I suspect).

She told us that, as bona fide pilgrims, we could climb the stairs to the belfry & ring the church bell. This we did, with gusto!

I have, ever since, claimed the title:

“The bell ringer of Zabaldika”

It has a certain ring to it….

 

[GailGwyn]

We detoured to Zabaldika in 2014 & met a charming nun who was fluent in Spanish, French & English (and more, I suspect).

She told us that, as bona fide pilgrims, we could climb the stairs to the belfry & ring the church bell. This we did, with gusto!

I have, ever since, claimed the title:

“The bell ringer of Zabaldika”

It has a certain ring to it….

We did this too, in 2019.

Yes, it's quite loud, isn't it!

 

[Brooklynpoet]

When I walked this part of the camino last August, the church and the village were all closed. Not a (non-pilgrim) person in sight. I had lunch on the grass outside of the church, though, talking to 2 other pilgrims and enjoying the view. Even seeing the entryway of the church was good.

 

[JJW]

This is the place to visit. The short extra climb gives serene returns far in excess of the effort. The Sisters are a treasure of the best in devotional life and they and the grounds under their stewardship reflect physical and metaphysical gold.
As you continue on freshly invigorated there is shaded Arleta with its ruins a place to rest in reverie and in Spring the just beyond narrow path flanked in dog roses with perfume intoxicating.

 

[Former member 49149]

If you do go up, ring the doorbell round the side and ask if it would be possible to visit the church. I know the sisters are happy to oblige, and then you have the chance to climb up the ancient steps and ring that bell!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yeah. It’s not just me. . Joking, I know it’s not just me but I am used to being the ‘odd one’ out in that regard

We will contact the sisters closer to our time on the Baztan. Thank you @kirkie

Count me as another "odd one", Jenny.

 

[Blib]

Update: the albergue will not open mid April. The sisters hope to reopen mid June, until mid October. That is the hope. Pilgrims will still be welcomed to visit the Church ( that is always available) and I think the option to use the bathroom in the community house is still there... for those who take the option to climb the hill and visit, as I generally say even if not invited to! - from there you can continue, without retracing steps. The path skirts the hill, and in no time you appear at the iconic bridge with the Trinidad de Arre albergue at its far end. That albergue takes bookings, to the best of my knowledge. They have a facebook presence. They also have a blessing service for pilgrims. The sisters regret, but personnel factors are driving this delay.
edit: when I get updated contact details, I will post them.

I have tried to book the Parroquial de San Miguel for 18 September, but no luck. Does anyone know of any other albergue close by here? Thanks, Liz Ross

 

[chinacat]

I have tried to book the Parroquial de San Miguel for 18 September, but no luck. Does anyone know of any other albergue close by here? Thanks, Liz Ross

See Post # 10 above

 

[Former member 49149]

Update on Zabaldika: it is open. It does not take bookings. There are 18 beds. The albergue opens at 2.30, usually. There is no shop or bar. Just peace and quiet, and a beautiful location. Along with a 13th century church, San Esteban. An evening meal is offered, and breakfast. It is donativo. Hospitaleros are appointed by Hosvol, on two week duty rotas. Prayer is offered in the church, mornings and then a special prayer time after dinner at 20.30.
There are arguments or differences of opinion as to whether it is on the one true camino frances. Just make up your own mind.
Climb the hill, it is steep, but short. Continue along a lateral path that will first connect with those who climb up from the rest area, and then leads you to the bridge where you see the iconic Trinidad de Arre albergue.
Some pilgrims arrive early in the day and intend to stay in Zabaldika. Some climb, are impressed, visit the church, but keep going as their destination for the day is Pamplona, 8km further on.

It is 3km to Trinidad de Arre, where it is possible to reserve, and 8km from Zabaldika to Pamplona. Wise Pilgrim has an entry for Trinidad de Arre.

I was there for about ten days, on church duty, until last Tuesday. Seems like much longer! If you like quiet, and space, and beauty, aim for it. Many pilgrims phone to ask if there are beds - from my observation over the couple of weeks, if you get there before four you are pretty well assured of a bed. It varies. Some days, 2 pilgrims. Others, 13 - 18. Phone contact can be made with Trinidad de Arre to check if they have beds, and if necessary, a lift to there can be arranged, unless the pilgrim is fit and able for a final 3km. Buen camino, buen camino...