For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
There isn't a simple answer to this. What are you looking for?wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in
Roncesvalles monastery itself has been welcoming pilgrims since the eleventh century. Do plan to attend the evening mass in the ancient Romanesque church and the traditional pilgrimage blessing; this is a meaningful and poignant way to begin your camino journey.
Buen Camino!
Hola @Margaret Butterworth you might be right; as per above I walked the valley track and this might have been a slightly easier walk on the second day. From what I have read (and discussed with seasoned pilgrims) the climb from Orrison to the 1450 metre alto is quite a climb - and then you have that descent. The other point to note is that as this maybe either your first or second day you are probably not "fully Camino" seasoned. So a couple of shorter days is a good idea.Even though you are "only" walking from Orisson, I think you will find it a long day. The downhill stretch can be as exhausting as the uphill part. Get to Roncesvalles and have a rest, a nice dinner and a look around. Stay in the hotel if you want to be sure of a good night's sleep. You want to be in good shape for the walk to Pamplona. Don't rush!
Indeed it was exceptional.
Without a doubt for me it has always been and shall be Roncesvalles where I have had ten exhausted but memorable stops during past caminos. Staying there one sensed history in the continuous monastic tradition of welcome to all.
January 2009 I walked 18 k in 5 hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery ! Saw few people and no other pilgrims; I was the only one staying in the old winter albergue.
The monk who stamped my Credential invited me to the evening benediction for pilgrims. It was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silver sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and asked me to stand with them at the altar. ...In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time.
Indeed it was exceptional.
Without a doubt for me it has always been and shall be Roncesvalles where I have had ten exhausted but memorable stops during past caminos. Staying there one sensed history in the continuous monastic tradition of welcome to all.
January 2009 I walked 18 k in 5 hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery ! Saw few people and no other pilgrims; I was the only one staying in the old winter albergue.
The monk who stamped my Credential invited me to the evening benediction for pilgrims. It was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silver sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and asked me to stand with them at the altar. ...In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time. ...
We stayed in Roncesvalles Monastery hotel,it is very good nice buffet breakfast and dinner,and the church it is beautiful.We really enjoy there after the hard walk,from S,J.D.P.PHey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
Depends, perhaps, on your motivation for walking. Spiritual? Then spend the time to see Roncesvalles.Hey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
I tried to book for September 8th and it was full. I am torn between booking somewhere else or trying to get in there. Do they keep some last minute vacancies open?Roncesvalles monastery itself has been welcoming pilgrims since the eleventh century. Do plan to attend the evening mass in the ancient Romanesque church and the traditional pilgrimage blessing; this is a meaningful and poignant way to begin your camino journey.
Buen Camino!
Book something else. Even if they have a few no-shows, you may not be the only one hoping to get a newly freed bed. And you'd only find out way into the evening, and then what...I tried to book for September 8th and it was full. I am torn between booking somewhere else or trying to get in there. Do they keep some last minute vacancies open?
Which reminds me: wasn't the number of beds available dramatically reduced, not long back?Book something else. Even if they have a few no-shows, you may not be the only one hoping to get a newly freed bed. And you'd only find out way into the evening, and then what...
It was at the end of this winter/early spring.Which reminds me: wasn't the number of beds available dramatically reduced, not long back?
Indeed it was exceptional.
Without a doubt for me it has always been and shall be Roncesvalles where I have had ten exhausted but memorable stops during past caminos. Staying there one sensed history in the continuous monastic tradition of welcome to all.
January 2009 I walked 18 k in 5 hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery ! Saw few people and no other pilgrims; I was the only one staying in the old winter albergue.
The monk who stamped my Credential invited me to the evening benediction for pilgrims. It was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silver sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and asked me to stand with them at the altar. ...In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time. ...
How do I say this carefully so as not to sound negative?Wow! @mspath - this sounds like an incredible experience. Thank you so much for your response. It has helped me to decide to prepare to stay there
Hi WellyHey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
I think this reply hits the nail on the head of the pluses and minuses. One additional plus. After checking in, go to the basement and they will do your laundry for a minimum fee. May not seem like a big deal after only two days but it is a service you will learn to appreciate after several weeks on the road. One additional minus. You will wait in line for your check in even if you have a reservation. All in all, I think it's a must do stop. Buen Camino.There isn't a simple answer to this. What are you looking for?
I liked the clean, modern, functional interior and the 4-bed compartments, after the long day's walk. That, plus the traditional aspects such as @mspath describes above, and the gathering of so many excited fellow pilgrims who are starting a common journey, make it a place I have very much enjoyed.
On the other hand, many people dislike the albergue for being a sterile modern overly-organized facility with limited food choices, and they don't like being in such a crowd of people.
As Someonelse has said, hotel Burguete in auritz burguete was really good, we enjoyed our dinner there, nice old fashioned hotel where Hemingway used to stay and probably the cleanest and tidiest village we've ever seen, exceptionally well cared for.Hey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
Is the right path the one that is walking right by the road? Or is it a path away from traffic?The right path is a bit longer but it is much easier downhill.
Is the right path the one that is walking right by the road? Or is it a path away from traffic?
The Monastery is newly renovated and great, it is still a fair way from Orrison to there so i would stop.Hey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
Hey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
At Lepoeder pass there are two options to Roncesvalles: the steep and scenic forest path (as indicated in this stone marker) and the paved, easy road. This latter is marked in a wooden signpost as "Alternativa suave" (literally, "soft").I took a photo of the signpost, see it hereIs the right path the one that is walking right by the road? Or is it a path away from traffic?
2007, we were lodged in the huge stone building across the plaza and that was magical. Hundreds of people sleeping in row after after row of bunk beds with massive wooden chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. Woken up with lights gradually being turned on while classical music filled the space. Magical.
I loved staying at Roncevalles in the renovated monastery. Awesome albergue. Had a gr8 pilgim service at the local church modelled on Notre Dame had a gr8 dinner in local restaurant and made some good friends.Hey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
I walked the Frances last May, stayed in Orrison and then in Roncesvalles. Definitely part of the experience whether you are Catholic or not. Great fun waking at 6am to a monk going from Dorm to Dorm playing guitar (Wake up Little Susie was one of his reptetoire!) Priceless memories.Hey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
How do I say this carefully so as not to sound negative?
By all means, be encouraged by others' experiences, but don't be disappointed if your own is different. I remember sitting at the back in that same mass not understanding, not being able to see anything, shivering with cold and wondering why I wasn't feeling the weight of history as I sat there.
On another occasion my husband and I stayed at the most-raved-about albergue on a different route - we received an almost surly welcome and the singing around the dinner table which everyone extolled did not happen.
Your journey will be unique.
Hi Welly
I've just finished my first Camino in June, stayed in Orriso ( best advice I had) and also stayed at Roncesvalles. In my opinion it is worth staying at Roncesvalles, it a good easier introduction into the hike. The Albergue has recently been renovated and well equipped. I found that their pilgrims meal would have to be one of the best I had along the hike. Hope this has been of some assistance to you.
Tony
Welly, you say you booked Roncesvalles, but what about Orisson? 10% of the beds there vs roncesvalles.Thank you Tony I have opted to stay in Orisson too and just booked Roncesvalles! Advice greatly appreciated
I think this reply hits the nail on the head of the pluses and minuses. One additional plus. After checking in, go to the basement and they will do your laundry for a minimum fee. May not seem like a big deal after only two days but it is a service you will learn to appreciate after several weeks on the road. One additional minus. You will wait in line for your check in even if you have a reservation. All in all, I think it's a must do stop. Buen Camino.
Hello Helen,
I have not yet planned my arrival next year but end of April is in my time range. Perhaps we will meet.
Regarding Roncesvalles, I will not tell you anything more than all these wonderful Peregrinos have already provided. But there is one area I must punctuate, to your benefit.
When you come to a point where you stand at the brink of the Western edge of the Pyrenees, looking West over the North of Spain and down into Roncesvalles, follow the instructions given in the paperwork provided at the Pilgrims Office when you acquire the Credencial. TAKE THE PATH TO THE RIGHT!!!!! I took the left path which becomes, if it were a ski run, a DOUBLE DIAMOND slope pocked with sharp stones. It is supposed to be 3.0 km but it felt like 7 km. The right path is a bit longer but it is much easier downhill.
The climb up the Pyrenees to Orisson and then the climb down the other side is designed to weed out any weakness in your legs. Roncesvalles is 18 km from Orisson. Next year, I hope to spend some time with the Golden Cavallos of the Pyrenees found around the Cruceiro, (Iron Cross at the Road), about 8 km from Orisson. They are gentle and beautiful horses, intelligent and inquisitive. I know that it is not looked upon favourably to feed any animals along the Camino but an apple or two could fall from my pocket, or pack, or shopping bag after visiting the grocery store..... just saying.
And if I spend more time than the Sun usually allows, there is a primitive refugio about 6 or 7 km from Roncesvalles that can be used overnight. But take food and water to last that extra time. There is Roland's Fountain up there where fill ups are usually necessary.
Perhaps I'll see you along the Way. My friend & I start walking on 20 April 18 from SJPDP. We're planning on staying in Orisson & then walking through to Espinal.
Elisha
First time at Roncesvalles: very late and very exhausted arrival, was in the overflow, on old iron double bunk with lumpy mattress, slept like a log. Loved it. (Admittedly, did take one look at shower outside in shipping container and went to bed unwashed.). Most fantastic memory was three brothers walking through the dormitories at 6 am singing Gegorian chants about Santiago in their deep, harmonious voices. Every single person in our dormitory woke up, smiled, and then turned around and went back to sleep.
Second time at Roncesvalles: arrived early, pleasant and kind hospitaleros, got a lovely bottom bunk in one of the beautiful, four bunk cubicles, modern inside bathroom, even got dinner. All of which was a nice change. But very noisy, very disturbed night and no gorgeous monks to sing me awake in the morning. Next time I plan to walk on another easy 6.5 km to Espinal. But if I was a first timer I would stay at Roncesvalles.
Welly, you say you booked Roncesvalles, but what about Orisson? 10% of the beds there vs roncesvalles.
I walked the Frances last May, stayed in Orrison and then in Roncesvalles. Definitely part of the experience whether you are Catholic or not. Great fun waking at 6am to a monk going from Dorm to Dorm playing guitar (Wake up Little Susie was one of his reptetoire!) Priceless memories.
It was at the end of this winter/early spring.
Well, I don't know, but we haven't heard horror stories. What is being said is that numbers are down 30% on the Frances, outside of the Sarria stretch, in the Rioja region at least.And what has been the impact?
There were predictions that it would have a knock on effect all the way to Zubiri making beds harder to find....
Well, I don't know, but we haven't heard horror stories. What is being said is that numbers are down 30% on the Frances, outside of the Sarria stretch, in the Rioja region at least.
Elisha,
I am also planning on starting on April 20, 2018 and staying in Orisson. I am walking on my own and it is a little daunting but hopefully I will connect with you along the way. Buen Camino!
Stella
Correction, accordong to, Radio Camino, numbers are down 40% in Rioja.Interesting. I thought by all accounts arrival numbers in Santiago were way up. Nice to hear that it might only be the Sarria stretch that is increasing. April planning now getting underway.......
Hmmm. That was one reporter's statement, without any citation or explanation of the data. We should be careful about drawing conclusions.Correction, accordong to, Radio Camino, numbers are down 40% in Rioja.
http://www.radiocaminodesantiago.co...dencial-del-peregrino-totalmente-incoherente/
Hi, on a practical level you will be glad to see Roncavalles & a bed by the time you have crossed the Pyrenees even with the 8kms you have saved by staying in Orisson on the first. Do not overstretch yourself or more precisely your feet in the early days of your Camino especially if it's your first long distance hike!!Hey peregrinos!
I'm walking my first Camino Frances starting end of April 2018 and wondered whether Roncesvalles is worth staying in? I plan on stopping in Orisson on the first night so wondering whether to stay in Roncesvalles or to continue on to the next albergue? Apologies if there is already a thread to do with this, I searched honestly!
Thanks for any advice!
Helen
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?