Foncebadón

Camino Frances

To end of camino
231.7
Altitude
1410

Rabanal del Camino

5.20

Foncebadón

2.30

Cruz de Ferro

Services
Bar
Yes
Grocery
Yes

Various guidebooks (and a few novels) have given Foncebadón a reputation for being the home of rabid dogs eager for a tasty pilgrim snack. While this may once have been true, it no longer is.

In fact the mountain outpost has experienced something of a renaissance. In between utterly ruinous piles of stone are a smattering of lovingly restored old homes, most of them converted into accommodation for pilgrims.

This elevation is typically shrouded in fog or buried in deep snow; both have their charm.

History

Foncebadón is perhaps best known as the home of the hermit Guacelmo. He cared for pilgrims as they navigated their way over the often treacherous mountain pass and was protected by King Alfonso VI. This pass was, until the mid 18th century, the preferred route into Galicia and the townspeople of Foncebadon dedicated themselves to marking the way and serving as guides.

The Road

The Cruz de Fierro, or Iron Cross, is a steady climb ahead. If you stopped at the road-side bar be sure to get back to the camino and avoid following the cyclists as they take the road.

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Could have been a place for refuge. Nothing open.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

As I walked into town, I was accosted by a man masturbating. He grabbed at my bag and followed me into town--just as the Camino narrowed and I entered Astorga. Phoned 091. Another more fluent Spanish speaking Pilgrim assisted me in calling the police. Police escorted me to town. Made a complaint. Apparently this has happened in this location before. Be careful. This was 11 a.m. I was a lone female walking Pilgrim. Buen Camino.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Best bed in an Albergue so far, great pilgrim dinner. Highly recommended

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

This place is completely charming. It has a Celtic / medieval flair and is warm and inviting. The staff is friendly and wants to please and they even dress the part. If you order the pilgrim’s hamburger, make sure you’re hungry because it’s the size of a cantaloupe! But it hits the spot after a long day. It’s on the right immediately as you come into town.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Entered Foncebadon as the sun was rising over the eastern hills with rays of sunlight piercing through the misty fog, which presented this little hamlet in a most charming manner. Altogether fitting it is then that I should enter the equally charming tienda, restaurant and hotel El Trasgu. Had a great breakfast with great views of the hillside. The eclectic interior decor is alone worth a visit. The proprietors are great as well. A wonderful respite after the early morning climb from Rabanal del Camino

Camino de Sant…

This place has changed since last here and not for the better. The bars seem to think everyone wants to listen to loud music. The El Trasgu bar is probably the best for food with a very good shop there.

Camino de Sant…

What a lovely surprise. The walk to the village was a welcome uphill. Once there we found all the shops open - ie. no siesta closing- well stocked and the restaurants had a more varied menu. The La Posada del Druida was clean and comfortable and we were welcomed. Our washing was taken away and returned dried. All in all, somewhere recommended

Camino de Sant…

This restaurant was a highlight of my Camino. Great food, atmosphere, music, and experience. Please look it up online so you can see what this place looks like and how this family dress in classic Leon period clothing. Portions are big and great tasting. I can’t say enough about it,,, look it up for yourself!!!!

Camino de Sant…

There was not much else in Foncebadón than great views and great food. We had one of our best meals of the whole Camino at the pizzeria. Strongly recommended! It was run by a young Italian man who really seemed to enjoy what he was doing in foncebadon- meeting new people and serving them excellent pizzas. The lunch at El Trasgu was also delicious!

Camino de Sant…

There is a wonderful new pizzeria on the right as you go up the town, a little before the Domis Dei albergue. It is the dream of a young Italian guy, who walked the Camino a few years ago and fell in love with Foncebadon. Amazing range of delicious pizzas, tiramisu etc., and such a good attitude, friendliness etc. We had lunch there, and he gave us tickets for money off dinner, if we wanted to come back. We came back for tiramisu, and the place was full of energy - people laughing, eating, drinking, enjoying themselves. Highly recommend this place!