MainelyStina
Chronic Overpacker
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances from SJPP Starting Aug 21, 2023
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I have added the tag "sjpp to roncesvalles" under the title at the top of this thread. If you click on it you will get a lot of threads discussing all aspects of that stage (both routes) from SJPP to Roncesvalles. You might find some interesting points there.tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction
I enjoyed my stay there, and it was a great place to connect with a lot of other pilgrims who have all just made the trek over the Pyrenees. For many it is day 1, and often Camino long friendships are made.I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
In my opinion it’s a must and take up the offer of evening meal you will make new friends and laugh at how your feet ache also pop into church service even if not religious it sets the tone and you get blessing for safe Camino free of charge!I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
Id recommend staying there and signing up to the meal. It’s a great way of meeting your fellow pilgrims, most of whom have just started their journey so are keen to say hello and connect.I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
The evening meal is definitely a nice highlight since it is served elsewhere at a choice of a couple of nearby restaurants. I have fond memories of interacting around a round table of eight people both times at La Posada.take up the offer of evening meal you will make new friends and laugh
Hello,I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
Definitely an individual choice...I love them and wouldn't stay anywhere else!Night One of my very first Camino & first time in an Albergue, I stayed in the Roncesvalles overflow accom (which is actually the one used in the film 'The Way'). Beautiful building but....
My initial Camino plan had been to stay mostly in albergues with perhaps a night here & there in a hotel. After that first experience, my plan changed to mostly alternative accom & the occasional albergue & from there (& ever since), I only stay in albergues if there is no other choice or if it is an especially significant 'can't miss' place.
My point in all this is; it's very much an individual, personal choice. The Albergue way of walking does not suit me one bit. If you feel you may regret it by not staying there (you know, that little niggle of 'I should have...') then by all means do...but if you're indifferent to it, you'll go merrily on your way & not look back.
'Must do' or 'essential experience' is different for everyone.
Happy planning & trails!
While the meal itself was not great, I loved meeting fellow pilgrims at the communal dinner.The Dinner and Breakfeast were nothing to write home about aswell, but at least plenty.
What? The two times I've been there it was Gregorian chants.is run by the Dutch confraternity and the wake up call at 6am with guitars and happy clappy songs is not to everyone's taste.
Night One of my very first Camino & first time in an Albergue, I stayed in the Roncesvalles overflow accom (which is actually the one used in the film 'The Way'). Beautiful building but....
My initial Camino plan had been to stay mostly in albergues with perhaps a night here & there in a hotel. After that first experience, my plan changed to mostly alternative accom & the occasional albergue & from there (& ever since), I only stay in albergues if there is no other choice or if it is an especially significant 'can't miss' place.
My point in all this is; it's very much an individual, personal choice. The Albergue way of walking does not suit me one bit. If you feel you may regret it by not staying there (you know, that little niggle of 'I should have...') then by all means do...but if you're indifferent to it, you'll go merrily on your way & not look back.
'Must do' or 'essential experience' is different for everyone.
Happy planning & trails!
My CF was partly Albergue and partly budget hotels as I felt at times I needed my own privacy as there were times in the Albergue that I wanted an early night yet could not get it .. I know there is a budget as it could end up being a costly affair ..I never stayed in Roncesvalles myself but walked further on to Espinal.. so don't think you have to take the Albergue to experience the Camino ..I came across many who had their bags dropped off every day so they did not have to carry it , some even had suitcases with a change of clothes every day . Everyone is different so do it as you see fit ..buen caminoNight One of my very first Camino & first time in an Albergue, I stayed in the Roncesvalles overflow accom (which is actually the one used in the film 'The Way'). Beautiful building but....
My initial Camino plan had been to stay mostly in albergues with perhaps a night here & there in a hotel. After that first experience, my plan changed to mostly alternative accom & the occasional albergue & from there (& ever since), I only stay in albergues if there is no other choice or if it is an especially significant 'can't miss' place.
My point in all this is; it's very much an individual, personal choice. The Albergue way of walking does not suit me one bit. If you feel you may regret it by not staying there (you know, that little niggle of 'I should have...') then by all means do...but if you're indifferent to it, you'll go merrily on your way & not look back.
'Must do' or 'essential experience' is different for everyone.
Happy planning & trails!
Wait, YOU’RE the very noisy, very early pilgrim departing at 5:45?!?!?!The only annoyance was the very noisy, very early departure of some Pilgrims on 4.30am.
I started on 5:45
No. We find Burguete much more comfortable, warm and great food.I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
Haha...5:45 am is a bit early, but my wife and I for our early spring Camino's are typically walking before sunrise with our trusty head lamps on. Walking as the sun rises is the absolutely best and most magical time of the day and gives some of the best photo opps. One does need to pay more attention to the markers in the dark though.Wait, YOU’RE the very noisy, very early pilgrim departing at 5:45?!?!?!. As an 8am walker, I guess it’s all in the erspective….
I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims?
5:45 is a good time for meWait, YOU’RE the very noisy, very early pilgrim departing at 5:45?!?!?!. As an 8am walker, I guess it’s all in the perspective….
Absolutely agree, Zordmot. A bit above average, clean modern 4 person cubicals, OK dinner, lousy breakfast. Hosts professional, efficient, but sometimes very abrupt. Staying there was a must for me on my first Camino, and I would have liked to stay in the old basement section like in the movie. Stayed there on my third Camino, and experience was below average. I do not plan to stay there again unless time factors make it necessary.Roncesvailles. I’ve stayed there on each of my 3 Caminos. I made my reservation and paid online way in advance each time so I’ve not been turned away as many others have. My evaluation of albergues has a checklist of “the usuals” such as ease of making a reservation, ease of checking in, comfort of beds, storage space, quality of showers, nighttime hours, availability of meals, etc. For these, I give it an above average rating. My judgement also is of “the intangibles”. Key is how this albergue contributes to the overall atmosphere of the Camino and how does it set the tone moving forward in one’s pilgrimage. On this second part it is decidedly mixed. Do I expect too much from an albergue? Perhaps. Staying there is certainly convenient coming off the mountain especially if you walk from SJPP in one day. Except for the communal evening meal and the evening mass, the overall experience leaves me feeling cold. Especially after a warm, welcoming albergue experience in SJPP and a long day that is physically and emotionally draining. Roncesvailles feels like I’m viewed as a number and a bother rather than a guest. I didn’t experience the hospitaleros as particularly welcoming and helpful, the environment doesn’t seem to encourage people to interact and get to know each other. The place feels unfriendly and institutional. It doesn’t give the emotional and spiritual recharge that I needed at that stage of the journey. That is strictly my personal opinion. The communal evening meal is an exception although the acoustics in those rooms is so bad that it’s almost impossible to have a conversation over the roar. The breakfast is a ripoff—but maybe it’s good to get used to viewing a coffee and a few pieces of stale bread as “breakfast”! If I’m a pilgrim again will I stay there? Hmmm.. I think I’ll be looking for other options. On my last Camino I stayed the first night in Orisson and Roncesvailles for the second, which I highly recommend over doing it all in one day.
I would agree. The pilgrim blessing was a beautiful start for me.Roncesvalles has a pilgrim’s mass.
It set a nice tone for pilgrimage.
Buen camino.
Lol I know the feeling trying to catch up with your sleep only to have the drunks returning from the bar lol then you try and get back to sleep when someone next to you is snoring , then there are those up at the crack of dawn rushing out at 5amWait, YOU’RE the very noisy, very early pilgrim departing at 5:45?!?!?!. As an 8am walker, I guess it’s all in the perspective….
Sorry, nope! I was the respectful and hushed pilgrim you didn't noticed as I sneaked past your bunkWait, YOU’RE the very noisy, very early pilgrim departing at 5:45?!?!?!. As an 8am walker, I guess it’s all in the perspective….
I'm surprised this isn't mentioned more frequently. Waking to the sound of gregorian chanting, particularly at the beginning of a camino, is something I'd walk a long way to experience. How cool is that! What an incredibly perfect way to kickstart a camino! It's for this reason alone that I'm hoping to stay there.What? The two times I've been there it was Gregorian chants.
If your not religious, in what way does it set the tone ?In my opinion it’s a must and take up the offer of evening meal you will make new friends and laugh at how your feet ache also pop into church service even if not religious it sets the tone and you get blessing for safe Camino free of charge!
Shouldn't be too much of an issue when you are staying in an albergue that locks its doors at 10pm.I know the feeling trying to catch up with your sleep only to have the drunks returning from the bar lol then you try and get back to sleep
In the same way that attending a midnight mass on Christmas eve sets the tone for Christmas, even if you're not religious. It's the vibe that's created, which anyone should be able to appreciate when they experience it.If your not religious, in what way does it set the tone ?
Oh I know and switches the lights off too , trying to think which albergue did that . But the one in lograno though they did lock up the doors around about 10 , the dining room was still open so the party was in there..Shouldn't be too much of an issue when you are staying in an albergue that locks its doors at 10pm.
Really ? getting a “vibe” from attending mass ?In the same way that attending a midnight mass on Christmas eve sets the tone for Christmas, even if you're not religious. It's the vibe that's created, which anyone should be able to appreciate when they experience it.
We can quibble about what the correct term to use is. Call it a vibe, call it a feeling, call it whatever you like. I can't help you if you're unable to grasp that concept. I get a "vibe" every time I enter a temple, shrine or cathedral. I think most do. And I'm certainly not religious.Really ? getting a “vibe” from attending mass ?
I agree. I used to consider myself "religious" though I would not describe myself as such today. I have visited places of worship of many faiths in addition to my own Protestant Christian heritage. One of the reasons I walk pilgrimage routes such as the Caminos, the Kumano Kodo or the Shikoku 88 temple circuit is to keep some contact with lived spirituality and religious practice even if I cannot claim to be an orthodox believer in any real sense myself.I get a "vibe" every time I enter a temple, shrine or cathedral. I think most do. And I'm certainly not religious.
And given that there are really no bars there (or much of anything else in Roncevalles!), even the 10pm door-locking isn’t an issue at all!Shouldn't be too much of an issue when you are staying in an albergue that locks its doors at 10pm.
That the Camino is essentially a religious, spiritual and ultimately an internal journey!If your not religious, in what way does it set the tone ?
Part of the "Camino experience" not to be missed.Really ? getting a “vibe” from attending mass ?
@Ianinam will know whether piped Gregorian chants are the regular wake up call at the Roncesvalles albergue or whether the Dutch hospitaleros make use of a more varied program as one poster mentions a wake up call at 6 am with guitars and happy clappy song. Many years ago, I experienced this kind of wake up call for the first time in the Alps when soft harp music (also from a CD of course, not live) ended my slumber in a shared dormitory. Nicer than being barked at to get up, of course, but also de gustibus ....Waking to the sound of gregorian chanting, particularly at the beginning of a camino, is something I'd walk a long way to experience. How cool is that! What an incredibly perfect way to kickstart a camino! It's for this reason alone that I'm hoping to stay there.
Really ? getting a “vibe” from attending mass ?
This is one of my main reasons for walking to Santiago and that includes of course more than the church buildings and the mass they offer for people walking on foot.part of a greater cultural history
I can't really compare to staying in Burguete or somewhere else instead because I've always stayed in Roncesvalles. So accept this with that in mind. I have read accounts of others who have had great experiences staying in Burguete or Espinal.I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
Sure, why not?Really ? getting a “vibe” from attending mass ?
I love that. Thank you!Hi Stina,
My input is don't be afraid to miss something. I trully believe the Camino is a chain reaction of events and choices. For myself, I like to think the fact I took the Valcarlos route instead of the Napoleon route made me encounter the people I needed to meet, even if wanted to walk the Napoleon route in first place. The only must I will say is: listen to yours feelings and be in moment.
I do not believe in fate, but I do believe, that it is futile to try to optimise a camino in the details. Whatever the detailed choices are, something interesting and great will be the outcome. There are different possible ways, but all of them will be a worthy experience.I love that. Thank you!
I walked from Saint-Jean-Pied-de Port through Roncesvalles to Espinal in early October 2022. I wasn't interested in sleeping in a huge dorm or being forced to wake up at 6:00 am (even though I get up early) so I avoided staying in Roncesvalles. I did not pre-book but found a place in Espinal when I got there.I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
You simplified the very nature of how to travel. Not his way, not her way, but our individual way.Night One of my very first Camino & first time in an Albergue, I stayed in the Roncesvalles overflow accom (which is actually the one used in the film 'The Way'). Beautiful building but....
My initial Camino plan had been to stay mostly in albergues with perhaps a night here & there in a hotel. After that first experience, my plan changed to mostly alternative accom & the occasional albergue & from there (& ever since), I only stay in albergues if there is no other choice or if it is an especially significant 'can't miss' place.
My point in all this is; it's very much an individual, personal choice. The Albergue way of walking does not suit me one bit. If you feel you may regret it by not staying there (you know, that little niggle of 'I should have...') then by all means do...but if you're indifferent to it, you'll go merrily on your way & not look back.
'Must do' or 'essential experience' is different for everyone.
Happy planning & trails!
Hi there! It was priceless for us ... in fact, on our second trip, we're going top spend more time there (on purpose, not just because we're older). For us, now it's a "never miss."I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
I hear ya!! My sentiments exactly.Night One of my very first Camino & first time in an Albergue, I stayed in the Roncesvalles overflow accom (which is actually the one used in the film 'The Way'). Beautiful building but....
My initial Camino plan had been to stay mostly in albergues with perhaps a night here & there in a hotel. After that first experience, my plan changed to mostly alternative accom & the occasional albergue & from there (& ever since), I only stay in albergues if there is no other choice or if it is an especially significant 'can't miss' place.
My point in all this is; it's very much an individual, personal choice. The Albergue way of walking does not suit me one bit. If you feel you may regret it by not staying there (you know, that little niggle of 'I should have...') then by all means do...but if you're indifferent to it, you'll go merrily on your way & not look back.
'Must do' or 'essential experience' is different for everyone.
Happy planning & trails!
It was recommended to me as a solo walker, and it is where I met so many "Camino family" friends, so I would definitely recommend it for meeting people to walk with. And its fun!I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
We loved Hotel Roncesvalles! And the dinner in their restaurant was divine!I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
I think it is. The staff is wonderful, and used to help set you up at places to eat a meal and the church survice that washes your feet!!? It is very large but partial walls divide every 2 bunk beds. The stone building is beautifu. I was amazed at the wash room (when I was there someone washed them for you at a reasonable fee), a library, a back yard, and a huge dining room with many vending machines.I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
That is how I like to start every day, a modest walk before breakfast.you will find plenty of offerings down the road.
It is a huge new albergue. Clean, modern facilites. But I would skip it if I walked through Roncesvalles again; the reason being that I am a light sleeper. It is long building with bathrooms at one end, so whenever someone gets up to go, their flip-flops reverberate up and down the hall. I didn't get much sleep.I was curious for your opinions about whether or not a stay at the Albergue was something not to be missed for first time pilgrims? I’m really asking about the experience more than anything else. Or is one equally served staying either elsewhere in Roncesvalles or moving on to Burguete? (Based on a presumption of booking Orisson or Borda coming out of SJPP.)
Thanks as always,
Stina
PS: tried to do a search for this but didn’t find much, so if I missed something, please do point me in that direction.
I thought it was neat to feel the energy and anticipation of all the pilgrims starting out on their journey.Really ? getting a “vibe” from attending mass ?
I guess that you get your vibes where you find them.Really ? getting a “vibe” from attending mass ?
I thought it was neat to feel the energy and anticipation of all the pilgrims starting out on their journey.
I hope they also get that “vibe“ from attending mass regularly.I guess that you get your vibes where you find them.
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