Which alburgues will be open around new year including new years day?

this is always a burning question around the holidays. Most of the albergues listed in guidebooks will tell you they are open all year, but don't believe it. If enough pilgrims don't show up by a certain hour, often the innkeeper will just shut down and go home. (and even when enough pilgs are there to open, the availability of heat is sometimes questionable!) Best bet is to call or email ahead and reserve, if you can.

Also, if you get into town and find the albergue closed, and you know it is supposed to be open, ask around for the person with the key. They have little reason to hang out there when chances are no one's showing up -- but they will be glad to make you welcome if you speak up.

Starsky,

I heartily agree with what Rebekah wrote; always ask!

To start your route from Pamplona to Logrono here are 2 albergues known/advertised to be always open; you might email them to be sure. I have stayed at both many times. In Cizur Menor just west of Pamplona the Albergue Roncal only closes for the month of November. Here is their web. Run by Maribel Roncal her email is maribelroncal@jacobeo.net. In Puente la Reina the albergue de los Padres Reparadores is open every day. Their email is reparadoreseconomo.puente@esic.es

As for keeping warm in a cold interior space never choose a bunk that raises against an exterior, often uninsulated wall. As for blankets even when none are visible always ask the hospitalero. If there are blankets make a cozy 'sandwich' for sleeping by folding one blanket in half the long way, place your sleeping bag on top of the bottom half and pull the top half over all. If there are no blankets put your dry poncho beneath your sleeping bag to block the cold air from rising. Finally wear a wooly hat to bed!

Stay warm and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith