Camino Francés - Day 23: León to Hospital de Órbigo
I started early, hoping to cover most of the distance before the afternoon heat set in. Leaving León, I walked through an industrial area with a gradual uphill — nothing too difficult, but not particularly scenic. I had planned to visit the Basilica of La Virgen del Camino, but it wasn’t open yet, so I admired the modern façade and sculptures from outside before continuing.
There was an alternative, more scenic route that added about 3 km, but since today was already a long 32 km stretch, I stayed on the main Camino path. The trail passed through several small towns, spaced just a few kilometres apart, which made it easy to stop if needed. Still, with the path mostly alongside a busy road, I focused on moving forward rather than lingering.
Arriving in Hospital de Órbigo was a relief after a day of traffic and pavement. The town is famous for its medieval bridge, known for its jousting tournaments in the Middle Ages. Crossing it, I pictured knights in shining armour and cheering crowds — a vivid step back in time. After checking into my albergue, I went to a nearby supermarket for lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the large garden, enjoying the calm after a long, busy day of walking.
History & Background
Hospital de Órbigo has been an important stop on the Camino since medieval times. Its name comes from the pilgrim hospitals that once lined the route, offering shelter and care to travellers. The town’s most iconic feature, the Puente de Órbigo, is a long stone bridge dating back to the 13th century. It became legendary when Don Suero de Quiñones held a jousting tournament here in 1434 to prove his love and honour — an event still commemorated today. The bridge and its story embody the romance, chivalry, and pilgrimage that define much of the Camino’s heritage.
Getting There
From León, the Camino follows a flat, straightforward path through suburbs and industrial zones before splitting near La Virgen del Camino. Pilgrims can take the main route (shorter, alongside the road) or the alternative route via Villar de Mazarife (longer but quieter and more scenic). Both paths rejoin near Hospital de Órbigo.
The town is accessible by bus from León and Astorga (ALSA routes). While there is no train station in Hospital de Órbigo, nearby Astorga (17 km) and León (36 km) offer major train connections. Taxis and private transfers are also available for pilgrims needing a rest or luggage transport.
Route Overview
Distance: 33.76 km (Hostel Quartier León Jabalquinto → Albergue Verde)
Total elevation gain: 199 m
Duration: 6 hr 20 min (with breaks 6 hr 51 min)
Difficulty: Hard
For the full day-by-day route breakdown, including distances and duration, see my complete Camino Francés route guide.
Cost Breakdown
Accommodation: Albergue Verde (Reserved via WhatsApp) — €16
Food: €25.7
