Quick Facts
- Starting point: Foncebadón
- Destination: Ponferrada
- Distance: 27 km (17 miles)
- Walking time: Around 6.5 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Special features: Cruz de Ferro – one of the most iconic spots on the entire Camino!
Where to Stay in Ponferrada
(Check our accommodation recommendations in our eBook – Link down below)
What You Need to Know About Stage 24
What goes up must come down! After yesterday’s brutal climb, today The French Way takes you steadily downhill. You’ll descend over 800 meters throughout the day – your knees will definitely know you’ve been walking, but it’s way easier than climbing!
You’re covering 27 kilometers from Foncebadón to Ponferrada today.
The Cruz de Ferro – THIS is iconic! Today you’ll reach one of the most photographed and emotionally powerful spots on the entire Camino de Santiago: the Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro). Picture this: a massive pile of stones with a 5-meter-high iron cross rising out of the top.
The tradition: Pilgrims carry a stone from home (or pick one up along the way) and leave it at the Cruz de Ferro, symbolically releasing their burdens, worries, or whatever they’re letting go of on this journey. It’s a deeply moving moment for many pilgrims.
How powerful is this spot? There are over 6,000 Instagram posts with #cruzdeferro alone. But trust us, experiencing it in person is way more meaningful than any photo can capture.
Your destination, Ponferrada, is a decent-sized town with all the amenities you might need after nearly a month on the trail. There’s even a Templar castle if you’re into medieval history!
Want to understand the spiritual traditions of the Camino? Our eBook „Camino Francés for Beginners“ explores the deeper meaning behind rituals like the Cruz de Ferro stone ceremony and helps you prepare mentally and spiritually for your pilgrimage.
Bottom line: A long downhill day featuring THE most iconic ritual moment on the Camino Francés. Bring tissues – it’s emotional!
Buen Camino! 🥾✝️
Map of the Stage: