Overview Pilgrimage in northern Spain Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela Camino: Ponferrada - Las Medulas - O Barco de Valdeorras - A Rua - Quiroga - Monforte de Lemos - Chantada - Rodeiro - Lalín - Silleda - Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela Type of travel: Individual - 13 daysDistance/difficulty: ca. 262 km, medium-challengingFare: from 1.060 EUR per person The Camino Invierno is a variant of the traditional Way of St. James to avoid the snow at the entrance of O Cebreiro to Galicia. The winter route from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela leads through renowned wine-growing regions such as El Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra. We cross various wine-growing areas in the municipalities of Castilla León and Galicia and pass through regions where the Romans searched for mines in the 1st century, such as the gold mine of Las Médulas. Our journey begins in Ponferrada, the capital of the Bierzo region. In the historic center, the castle built by the Knights Templar, which is closely linked to the Camino de Santiago, is impressive. The river Sil will accompany us for a large part of our tour. We walk through the Miño gorge, where we can admire the vineyards hanging almost vertically from the terraces. On this winter trail, the most challenging stages are rewarded with breathtaking views and extraordinary landscapes. In the vicinity of Santiago de Compostela, we also pass mythical places such as the Pico Sacro, which is associated with the legend of the apostle's “Traslatio”. Itinerary Pilgrimage in northern Spain Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela Day 1: Arrival Ponferrada, the capital of the Bierzo region, is located in the province of León. Although remains from Roman times are visible, the city experienced its real rise from the 9th century due to the pilgrimages to Santiago. In the historic center, the castle built by the Knights Templar, which is also closely linked to the pilgrimage route to Santiago, is impressive. The entire region is known for its rich gastronomy, which includes typical dishes such as botillo, and especially for its wines with their own designation of origin. Day 2: Ponferrada - Las Medulas (27.8 km / 7 hours) Moderate to difficult Our route begins by heading south. This route was created in the Middle Ages to avoid unfavorable weather conditions on the French Way in winter. The ascent to Villavieja will be the biggest challenge of the day: Over a distance of 3 km, we overcome a difference in altitude of 240 meters, but this is rewarded by the scenic beauty of the hike. At the end of the stage, another ascent to Las Médulas awaits us, but this one is much easier. Las Médulas, with its unique landscape, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 3: Las Medulas - O Barco de Valdeorras (27.2 km / 7 hours) Level of difficulty easy - medium The stage from the Médulas down through the Valdebría valley is relatively easy. We already reach the border with Galicia, which we will enter later today. Much of the route is accompanied by the River Sil as we enter the Valdeorras wine region. Day 4: O Barco de Valdeorras - A Rua (12 km / 3 hours) Difficulty: Easy An easy and short stage, passing many wineries, archaeological sites and caves of Roman origin. The river Sil continues to guide and accompany our pilgrimage. Day 5: A Rúa - Quiroga (26.5 km / 6 hours) Difficulty level: medium Once again, we cross a notable wine region and experience the magic of the Ribeira Sacra, which was recognized by the Council of Europe as a highly interesting route in 2003. The only difficulty of the stage could be its length, but we make a pilgrimage with barely noticeable differences in altitude on a comfortable route with exceptional views of the River Sil. Day 6: Quiroga - Monforte de Lemos (35.4 km / 8 hours) The required efforts of this stage are richly rewarded by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape we cross. We leave the valley of the Sil, but encounter other important rivers such as the Lor. This stage of the Winter Trail ends in Monforte de Lemos, the capital of the Terra de Lemos region and the Ribeira Sacra. The old town of Monforte, a testimony to its historical importance, has been recognized as a Site of Cultural Interest. Day 7: Monforte de Lemos - Chantada (30.4 km / 7 hours) The Ribeira Sacra is a region known for its monasteries and vineyards. Much of this challenging stage takes us along the characteristic terraced vineyards that lie almost vertically above the River Miño. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape compensates for the effort of the 300-meter ascent. Apart from the ascent, this is also a long stage. Day 8: Chantada - Rodeiro (25.4 km / 6 hours) Another challenging stage lies ahead of us. The strenuous climbs on this section of the winter trail are rewarded with the Monte Faro viewpoint and its impressive panoramic views over Galicia. On a clear day, you can see the highest point in Galicia, Peña Trevinca, as well as other mountain regions such as Os Ancares, O Courel and Cabeza de Manzaneda. This stage ends in the Province of Pontevedra. Day 9: Rodeiro - Lalín (21.8 km / 6 hours) After several days in the wine country, we continue our journey to the capital of the “Cocidos”. This stage takes us through a picturesque rural area in the geographical center of the Galician region.Day 10: Lalín - Silleda (15.3 km / 3 hours) A short and pleasant stage of the Winter Way through largely flat terrain and some paved sections, making it less challenging for pilgrims. On this day we cross the beautiful medieval bridge of Taboada over the river Deza.Day 11: Silleda - Ponte Ulla (19.7 km / 4 hours) On today's moderately difficult stage, we arrive in the province of A Coruña. The biggest challenge awaits us at the end with the steep descent to Puente Ulla, which is hard on the legs. However, the beauty of the Ulla River and its numerous bridges makes the effort more than worthwhile.Day 12: Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela (20.9 km / 5 hours) Today, a very pleasant stage awaits us, which impresses with its low difficulty and is rewarded with the highlight of our journey: the arrival at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. On our way, we pass the mythical sacred peak associated with the legend of the apostle's “Traslatio”. We enter Compostela through the lively district of Sar, where we pass the impressive church of Santa María la Mayor y Real. After the steep climb, we cross the historic old town through the only remaining gate of the old medieval wall of Mazarelos. Finally, we reach the Plaza del Obradoiro and experience the well-deserved personal satisfaction of having reached this important place. Day 13: Departure Keep exploring the gorgeous city of Santiago de Compostela, make your way home or maybe continue your Camino to Finisterre!? The Winterway doesn't convince you? Here are the alternatives: Camino Francés (French Way) The most popular and best-developed, but also the most demanding Way of St. James, but can be divided into shorter sections, such as Sarria-Santiago. Start: St. Jean-Pied-de-Port (France). Length: approx. 800 km to Santiago de Compostela. Passes through cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and León. Camino del Norte (Northern Way) Runs along the north coast of Spain. Start: Irun on the French-Spanish border. Length: approx. 825 km. A scenic route that passes through cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao and Gijón. Camiño dos Faros See the lighthouses along the Atlantic coast in west Galizia. Route: Malpica - Finisterre Length: approx. ca. 196 km. Padre Sarmiento Shorter route in southern Galizia to Santiago Start: Pontevedra Length: approx. ca. 166 km. Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way) Leads from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela. Starting points: Lisbon (approx. 620 km) or Porto (approx. 240 km). Variants along the coast and inland. Via de la Plata (Silver Way) One of the longest pilgrimage routes in Spain. Start: Seville (Andalusia), shorter version from Ourense. Length: approx. 1,000 km. Leads through the interior of the country via cities such as Mérida, Salamanca and Zamora. Camino Primitivo (Original Way) The oldest Way of St. James, used by the first pilgrims. Start: Oviedo (Asturias). Length: approx. 320 km. A challenging route through mountainous terrain. Camino Inglés (English Way) Used by English and northern European pilgrims Start: Ferrol Length: approx. 120 km (from Ferrol) or 75 km (from A Coruña). Each of these Caminos has its own scenic and cultural characteristics and offers pilgrims different levels of difficulty and experience.