Camino Del Norte Vs Camino Frances
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- Which Camino de Santiago is best for you? We compare the similarities and differences between the Camino Frances and the Camino Del Norte.
We walked the Camino Del Norte during June, July, and August of 2019. We completed the Camino Frances in September and October of 2017.
Camino Frances Vlogs: bit.ly/CaminoFrancesVlogs
Camino Norte Vlogs: bit.ly/CaminoNorteVlogs
Camino Primitivo Vlogs: bit.ly/CaminoPrimitivoVlogs
Camino de Invierno Vlogs: bit.ly/CaminoInviernoVlogs
Via Podiensis / Chemin du Puy Vlogs: bit.ly/viapodiensisvlogs
🥾Table of Contents
00:00 Intro
00:23 Similarities
02:04 What makes the Camino Norte unique
11:32 What makes the Camino Frances unique
20:24 Summary
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I retired last year (2022) on july, 1st. I took my backpack and left my home in Belgium, walked down the "via Arduinna", the GR 654 to Vézelay, the GR 3 to Puy en Velay, than the "via Podiensis" to Arthez, left for Bayonne and began the camino del Norte to finish via Oviedo and the "camino Primitivo". Once arrived in Santiago, I finished my way by going to Fisterra... All in all 104 days walking and 2569 Km done...
I apreciated the Norte a lot because of the nature and less people walking there.
Congratulations on your retirement. Sounds like you had an amazing adventure walking to Santiago. Wow!
@@DaysWeSpend Thank you. Yes, it was an amazing experience. The first 1000 Km, I was all alone and it helped me to do my "interior way". Than, from Le Puy en Velay on, I met many interesting people from all around the world. All this by walking every day through wonderfull landscapes. Even though, your videos are realy well made and they reflect my thoughts and feelings when I was there.
@@wolfganghermann2688 Thank you so much for your kind words. We are planning on walking Le Puey en Velay this year :)
@@DaysWeSpend Hello. This is a wonderfull "camino".... A "must" is the pelgrim mass in the cathedral at 07:45 AM. You have to take your backpack with you and leave from there... a great experience 🙂
@@wolfganghermann2688 Thanks for the recommendation! We'll definitely do this. :)
You did a really good job capturing the differences between these two here. A couple more I noticed was that the food was waaay better on the Norte, and that it was much harder to keep meeting friends without planning together, because of all the alternate route options that were different lengths and would put groups out of sync forever.
Thank you! You brought up two really great points. Also, the tortillas were definitely better on the Norte!
Really valuable information! Thanks so much for doing this!
So glad it helped. Buen Camino!
Wow thank you so much for this video!! I was looking so long for a website or blog to list me those exact point you two made. This had been the most helpful informing video!! Thank you🥰
We're so glad it was helpful! Buen Camino.
I did the Frances and Portuguese routes in 2018. The best time I ever had in my life. I made four wonderful friends who I stay in touch with. I had an air reservation for Paris last August, and was going to take a train to Irun, and start the Norte, but alas the virus. I hope to go this May, if I can get a vaccination, and if things are under control in Spain. Hoping that will be the case. Fingers crossed and praying for the wonderful people of Spain.
Thank you for watching and sharing your story. We also made life-long friends on the Camino. It's such a magical route. Too bad you had to cancel your Norte trip. I hope that you can make it in 2021. Btw, 2021 is a holy year, so it will be VERY crowded. Especially the last 100 km and Santiago.
If you do keep the same route, take the train to Hendaye, FR. That way, you can walk across the border. The Puente de Santiago is the actual official starting point.
-Lainey
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for not including a random soundtrack!
You’re welcome. Thank you for watching! :)
Thanks a lot, this video was extremely helpful, and really nice to watch too
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for watching. -Lainey
So much nostalgia! A wonderful summary of the two. I did the Frances in 2006 when I was in my really early twenties...gosh what a time. Went back and did the Norte as a nearly 40 year old...and Ill just say that the two walks were perfectly suited to different life stages. The Norte food too....just absolutely head and shoulders above the Frances. And just so so peaceful. Thanks again for the little trip down memory lane!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences. We're so glad you have wonderful Camino memories.
Nicely done! I plan to show this at my Quest for El Camino Meetup group. Hope that's OK!
Thank you! Please share with your group :) Buen Camino!
Really helpful! Thank you so much.
Thanks for watching!
Hi there, love the video, Have been doing the Camino Frances since 2018, I have made it to Leon, enjoyed every step and can't wait to go back. I think I might try and get 2 months off work in Sept/October 2022 and walk the Camino Del Norte, that look amazing.....I love the peace that comes over me on this walk, i love the people I have and the food is fabulous...Let just hope the Covid Vaccine works and thing can come back to some level of normality.....Thank you posting!
Thank you for your kind words. I hope you get to walk the Norte in 2022 and find peace on the way. Buen Camino!
Thanks for the video, enjoyed it a lot :)
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.
Great informative video!! Thank You 😊
You are so welcome!
Thank you! This was SO helpful !
You’re welcome!
Brilliant! Thank you, both!
Thanks so much.
Thank you so much. You addressed most of the questions I had when trying to decide which to do. I think my decision is made!
That’s fantastic. Glad we could help. Buen Camino!!
Good information! Thank you so much for sharing
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching.
Love the video. I did the French all in one go (July/August 2022) loved every step of it. De Nordic is next year's. Thank u for your tips.
Thank you so much!
You guys are so cute! Thanks for this video...you've some how made it both easier and harder to make this decision between the two routes 😅 they look equally amazing
Thank you! Both routes are amazing. You’ll love whichever one you choose. Buen Camino!
Awesome video. Many sincere thanks.
Thank you!
Really good content! Going Sept 2 and was considering either DN or Frances. First times and think Ill do Frances. Thanks
Thanks so much. Buen Camino!
It would be awesome to know about your day to day trip in the Camino Francés. Love your videos and you guys are awesome 🤩
We'll do that when we walk it again. We didn't take any video the when we walked it. We had tons of fun videoing and editing our Camino Norte. :)
Great video! I spent around 35ish a day. Cooking with fellow pilgrims saved me some. Pro tip - Don't get massive blisters day one on the way over the Pyrenees. [I made that mistake lol] I can't wait to go back! I never understood why people would want to do it more than once but now that i've done it I understand. The question is another Frances or try the Norte.
Thank you! I totally agree with your tip. I had crazy blisters on the Frances from the first day. Wet boots and day one of the trek is enough to cause so many blisters.
Those who love the Camino, LOVE the Camino. It’s a beautiful way of life.
Let us know which route you chose next!
-Lainey
was wondering the same thing, but my decision is made for norte this year and come back to my first camino when some years have past... let´s do norte 2021, maybe we´ll even have a cerveza together without knowing! Saludos!
@@sablinger Understandable bud! Its a possibility if things open up. Maybe our paths will cross and a brew will be had! Buen Camino 🤙
Good video! For a next Camino consider this: Camino de Madrid, Camino del Salvador & Primitivo. This will take about 30 days to complete. You basically start out in Madrid, link up with the Frances in Sahagun, follow the Frances to Leon where you'll break away on the del Salvador to Oviedo and the start of the Primitivo. Generally a quiet route, especially the de Madrid section, but with beautiful scenery. Personally I found it most enjoyable!
Thank you for watching!
I love your suggestion. That sounds like such a great Camino.
-Lainey
Thanks so much for your videos and your enthusiasm, hoping to do my first in April 2022 at 68 and these two were my choices, clearly no choice is wrong...waterproof walking shoes/trail runners or non-waterproof is my latest quandry :) ...Thanks, John
You’re welcome! Thank you for watching. We hope you have a great first Camino.
For shoes, that’s such a personal choice. If you wear waterproof shoes, you have to keep the insides dry. Otherwise, they take days to dry out. Non-waterproof can be uncomfortable to walk in during the rain, but easily dry overnight with newspaper stuffed inside.
Buen Camino!
Very enjoyable video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
I really like your distinction between a Spanish cultural experience and a Pilgrim cultural experience. I think that will be decisive for me. Thanks
Thanks for watching. We’re glad we could help!
Thank you for your wonderful videos. My wife and I have enjoyed watching several of them, and we're happy to learn that you've moved to Galicia. We retired to northern Portugal (Braga) a little over two years ago. I am planning my first Camino probably within the next year. Still a lot of variables to work out. Considering doing the Camino de Invierno in November or December. Or if I don't get around to it until spring of 2025, leaning towards doing the Caminho de Torres. Have you considered doing one through Portugal? The Portuguese Coastal route has some nice beaches for you. And the Torres passes through my beloved Braga :)
Thanks so much. We'd love to walk some of the Portuguese routes. One day (hopefully soon) we'll get to them!
Thank you for this useful comparison of the Camino Frances and Camino del Norte. I have walked the Frances a number of times and walked the Norte from Irun to Bilbao in 2019. I can't wait to continue/finish the Norte this year (hopefully!).
You’re welcome! I hope you get to finish your journey. Buen Camino!
Thank you for the info
You're welcome! Thank you for watching.
nos encanta ver videos del camino de santiago y sus paisajes!! tieness nuestro like y suscripcion! Nosotros estuvimos un mes y algo haciendo el camino del norte sin dinero y hemos subido el primer capitulo de nuestra aventura, puede que te interese! Saludos y suerte con el canal!! Tambien fuimos hasta finisterre!!!
Super, supergood comparison!
Thank you!
Very very accurate description!!!
Thanks so much. Buen Camino
Hello, I congratulate you for your funny videos. My wife and I did the Camino Frances in 2016 and we really enjoyed it. This year we were going to start the Camino del Norte and we had to cancel due to the covid pandemic and it is the second time we canceled. We plan to do it in April 2021 if the bug allows it and our age, I am 65 years old and my wife 61 years old, we are in good physical condition. I'll tell you if we make it. Greetings from Mexico.
Thank you for sharing your story. Please let us know if you make it! Buen Camino peregrinos.
did you make it?
Thanks so much for this video, my daughter and I are walking the Norte this June and we were so excited to see the scenery and hear your experiences to get a better understanding of what we should expect. We appreciated your packing video too, thanks for taking the time to do this and share! My daughter is turning ten, and is wondering if she will meet other kids along the way? I think she might meet Spanish kids at the beach rather than other kids walking the Camino? Either way she's chatty and friendly, I'm sure she'll find good company whoever we meet.
You’re welcome! Thank you for watching them! It’s likely she’ll meet some other kids at the beach but also in plazas with the bars. Local kids stay up really late and usually go to the bars with their parents. We saw some really cute kids playing together in Deba: ua-cam.com/video/vj5p6lGOUog/v-deo.html.
Buen camino!
Wonderful! Thank you! I did part of Camino Frances 3 years ago - loved it but found it really busy - especially the last few days. Thinking of doing the Norte next year hoping it to be more "Spanish" which you have highlighted is the case. Have you considered the Camino Mozárabe? We have a property near the start so if you ever did think of doing that, I'd love to join you! :D
Thank you Gene! The Camino Mozárabe looks amazing. We’ll definitely let you know if we do that route one say.
Let us know what you think of the Norte! Buen Camino ❤️
Your videos are awesome! Do you guys have a specific guidebook you would recommend for the Camino Frances (to use in tandem with an app)?
Thank you! Most people use the Brierley book amzn.to/3L7h5n8
Our friends used it and found it very useful.
I've done the Camino Frances, but am waiting to do the Camino del Norte. I was going to do it in 2020 but all hell broke lose. Will probably do it in 2023. Buen camino!
Have fun! When you finally get to Camino, it will be worth the wait. :)
Thanks, I got some good tips
Awesome. Happy to help, and BUEN CAMINO!
Funny I remember a day taking the mountain route and I was the by myself it resembled forestry trails where they drag logs but it certainly memorable. I personally prefer the Norte because of the balance sea and mountains. The only negative about the Norte is the interface with road traffic. Great topic for discussion, thank you.
Thanks so much! That mountain day is definitely one we’ll never forget. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
walked the frances two years ago was a wonderful journey all the way from st jean to finisterra. did it in 27 days and it was amazing and crazy ride in april.
now this summer and in june i will walk the norte with my fiancé
That's so awesome! Buen Camino!
The Norte is just beautiful!
It really is. :)
Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩
Thank you!
Hi, thanks for sharing all this information. I'm planning on walking a camino next May. I haven't decided which one but, I'm leaning bet. the Frances or Portugal. I'm looking for the one with the fewest modern roads/highways and most nature/historical feel. My problem is lack of time, I only have 13/14 days to walk, so I'm considering chooosing to start at the last 120miles or so from one of previously mentioned route. Do you have any tips or sugestions for me? I'd really appreciate it.
Hi Jacqueline, Thanks for watching our video. We don't have any experience with the Portuguese route. Our friends who have done that route (the coastal route) loved it. Frances has less road walking than the Camino Norte.
In terms of nature, I heard that Portuguese coastal route is a lot of towns. The Frances has some nature, but you are often in farmland or nearby a big road. There are some beautiful forests on the Frances route. The Norte route has lots of nature and feels more remote at times (but there is a lot of road walking).
I think that the Frances is the most historical. All the routes have history, but the Frances route has the most preservation on the way.
If you choose the Frances route, you can start in Astorga or Ponferrada. You'll see some beautiful mountains and forests. There's a templar castle in Ponferrada and the town of O Cebreiro is incredibly historical.
Given that amount of time, many people chose to start in Port for the Portuguese way.
No matter which one you chose, you'll love it. Everyone walks their own Camino.
-Lainey
I want to see you do de la Plata next! I know Portugues is the obvious choice, but I’ve been on that one myself and felt like it was the poor cousin of the Frances and Norte, to be honest. Plata fascinates me though!
The Via de la Plata is definitely on our radar! I want to start in Seville. The route also goes through Ourense, which is one of our favorite cities in Spain. Our friends want to do the Portugues since it's a bit shorter to start from Porto.
Hi @Days We Spend, Shawn and Lainey Thank you! This was an excellent video comparing the Camino Frances and Camino Norte. My partner and I have been researching various routes and this was one of the best videos we found. You mentioned the Camino Frances will be changing in the next year or two and five years - in what ways do you see it changing?
Thanks for watching! That's a great question. Since we walked in Frances 2017, the route has many more albergues and more pilgrims. This means more business catered to pilgrims. This is great, but also makes the route feel more commercial. We're re-walking the route in September, so we'll report back!
@@DaysWeSpend September sounds a great month to walk it. Enjoy!
Hello and thanks for a great job! Absolutely loved it!!
I want to do Camino del Norte in July and it will be my first time. I have around 3 weeks so i don't think I could make the whole way. Which part/cities would you recommend? I want to challenge myself, have 'salt in hair'😃(i adore water!) and i don't mind being alone. Thanks for reading me!
Hi Roksolana, thank you for watching! I think you should start in Irun. The beginning is definitely a challenge and has some nice alone time. In the first 3 weeks, you’ll go though some nice beaches.
Depending on how fast you walk, you may get pretty far! Then you can always return and finish the whole route another time. Buen Camino!
-Lainey
Amazing video, thankyou! If you only had 7-10days which sections would you recommend? We had an idea about going from San Sebastion to Bilbao but we really have no idea about other sections given our limited time frame
Thanks! That’s tough. Depends on your timing. We love San Sebastián and the coast in summer but the main route is classic. 7-10 days is also enough time to hike the Camino Invierno from Ponferrada if you want to “finish” a Camino (we just made a video about that route!). No bad options!
Thank you for the great video! I'm starting my first Camino in September 2022. The landscape of the Norte is more my vibe. I'm a fit "solo" hiker and appreciate the solitude as well as the opportunities to meet kindred spirits along the way. I'm leaning towards the Norte...but....there's a hesitation or maybe a wee bit of fear that the Norte is too challenging, too remote, not enough amenities...I make up the Frances is just "easier". All in all...I trust the Way will become clear when I arrive in Spain! Thanks for holding space as I go through my process! LOL! Any feedback is appreciated! Gracias por todos!
Either choice you make will be great. If you hike in September, check the dates of the municipal albergues on the Norte. They may start to close. However, there are tons of private albergues and pensions available.
If you like solitude, the Norte is definitely a better fit. Buen Camino!
@@DaysWeSpend 🥰
how was your experience? We are almost in October
@@AC-db4ek amazing! I just finished the Frances yesterday! Thanks for checking back. I start walking to Finesterre tomorrow.
❤️🦋🙏🏼
Norte is amazing, did it in 36 days including fisterra and muxia, I meet alot of amazing people although I actually took a tent since I wanted a more solitary experience I meet so many great people I only used the tent twice and spent the rest in the albergues with the people I meet, lost my guidebook in San Sebastian, so I freestyled the rest just following the signs, got lost a few times tho but was always an amazing experience except the one time I got lost and couldn't find the path and had to walk on a busy highway with no sidewalk, had no problem tho finding the pilgrim meals, it is pretty tough tho since you have to go up and down the mountains but rewarding, disliked the big cities so most preferred the smaller villages
But also on the Norte the locals were very happy to see me and say buen Camino or honk their horns and waving and smiling
I was not physically prepared tho but after a week I was top fit haha
In hindsight I wish I would have taken more time and walked the whole way back to irun and back to Santiago and the west coast again
Since in that moment the day before Santiago in the albergue on top of the hill overlooking the city and reflecting on the journey realizing that you are here you understand the journey was the actual goal and not the destination
And alot of the friends I made sadly had to go back to their normal lives but I got lucky since I met most of them again in Santiago for 2 days of eating and drinking haha
And then walking further I walked to fisterra with a French friend and he then left there and continued on to muxia alone where again I got lucky and meet other friends that I had meet before
Thank you for the great video, a lot of the footage brought back old memories when i walked and makes me want to go back
Thank you for watching and for sharing your stories. I’m glad we brought back good memories. A retorno Camino would be amazing!
Hey guys, your video is really inspiring! I'm planning to do the Frances route - when do you recommend doing it?
Thanks so much. Every time of year brings something different for the Frances. If you like cooler weather, try April, May, or October. The summer and September has more people if you want to meet lots of new friends.
Thank you guys for all the information:) unfortunately, I have only 14 days to walk the camino and I really eager to walk the norte one. Is there a website that helps plan the camino, I'm not sure where to start exactly. Thanks😊
Thanks for watching. Even with 14 days, you'll have a wonderful time. A lot of people do sections of the route over many years. I always like starting with the official Camino websites:
www.pilgrim.es/en/northern-way/
santiago-compostela.net/camino-del-norte/
If you need help picking a section, we have a vlog with our route:
ua-cam.com/play/PL0YDwQCRiJMVCegVyHjrO7_WC3GS_Q-9v.html
Thanks for this video! For a few years now I feel the urgent desire to walk a Camino but it has never suited my time schedule since I want to be all in. Would love to go in 2021 but not sure if this will be possible and I would like to walk without a mask so maybe it won't be the right time again. Do you have any clue if the trails will be accessible this year? I saw that some companies made special stamps for 2021 but who knows if they end up selling them. Since 2021 would have been "the special/holy" year it will be pretty crowded I believe .. :/
Thank you for watching. I understand the desire to walk the whole thing in it's entirety. I really don't know if the trail will be accessible. I know some friends who are planning to walk but it may depend on your country of origin. If borders are open, then the trail will probably be open. 2021 will definitely be crowded for the holy year. The last 100 KM and the month of August especially. Keep in mind that the Camino walks through some very small towns. I'm not sure if these towns will have open businesses and albergues. However, the Camino existed through the plague....so pilgrims will walk if they can this year. -Lainey
Great info! Have done the Camino Portugues da Costa forwards to Santiago, Muxia and Fisnisterre and took the Camino Portugues Central back to Porto to get the best of both worlds... I was wondering if you saw hikers wildcamping on the Norte? Muchas Gracias!
Thank you! We saw a few people camping on the Norte. There’s a lot of campgrounds (but they are usually full in the summer). Some of the municipal albergues let you camp outside and use their facilities. Our friends that brought a tent ended up camping about half of the nights.
@@DaysWeSpend Appreciate the answer very much; Thanks a lot! ...still thinking about bringing a tent or not, cause i just love sleeping outside and also heard some of the albergues might be pretty much overbooked depending on the time of the year. but still, have to carry that thing, lol
@@sablinger Right! It's a big decision to carry a tent. Our friends who had it, loved it. It's definitely a different way to Camino and more gear to carry. If you have some room in your budget, booking a hotel or airbnb (day of or day before) usually solves the crowded albergue issue. We did that a few times so that we could arrive late without worrying about a bed.
I remember seeing some good info on camping the Camino Norte from Walking Nature World ua-cam.com/play/PLH-GYL40SfgDUcTsPWXt4qiMGc6v9SSqz.html
Such a helpful video! I will be walking the Camino in one month for one week. I was thinking of either starting the Camino Norte (getting to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim) or the Camino Frances. This will be my first time. I will be traveling alone and am an average hiker. I love the idea of walking along the beach and have heard the food of the Norte is phenomenal. I also love the idea of having time to contemplate. However, as a solo walker with just average skills, I am concerned about the how long the daily hikes will be to make it to Bilbao and the long stretches where I might not see anyone should something happen… as for the Camino Frances, it’s nice to think that the history will be mapped out, and that there will be more first timers… very torn as to which stretch to take! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
The 7 days from Irun to Bilbao are probably the most difficult section of the Camino Norte. Due to the amount of steep ascents and descents. If you only have 1 week, we recommend starting in Bilbao and walking to Santillana del Mar. It's a GORGEOUS section of beach walking and you get to take the ferry into Santander.
If you are doing 7 days on the Camino Frances, the first day is super difficult starting in Saint Jean Pied du Port. But very scenic. You can always start at a different area, too (such as Pamplona to Burgos).
Walking in August, I wouldn't be concerned about the lack of people. The Norte has drastically increased in popularity, especially in the summer months. It's definitely a more challenging hike with fewer albergues, but more hotel options.
Great video thank you. We are planning on biking which one would you recommend more and why?
Thank you for watching. We don’t have experience as bicigrinos. However, we saw lots of bikes on the Frances. You share the path most of the time. Many albergues will specifically list if they have bike storage, too.
On the Norte, bikes are not allowed on many of the trails. You would end up on the road most of the time. We saw way fewer bikes on this route.
I hope this helps!
-Lainey
Thank you so much! I was head set on Norte... but I really want the experience and meeting friends! Plus the walking concrete part was not something that appeals to me for the first time. However, I will def miss the coastal / ocean experience. Can you offer the best way to get the pilgrimage certification paperwork?
We're glad the video was helpful. You can get the credential from a pilgrim office (if you are walking the Frances route, they have them in Saint Jean Pied Du Port). If you are American, you can order it online americanpilgrims.org/request-a-credential/
Thanks
No problem!
Great video thank you so much. Was wondering how safe are the caminos for a solo woman?
Thanks so much! Yes, the Camino is safe for solo women. We've met many solo female hikers. The advice they always say is don't hike in the dark alone, otherwise, everything is as safe as hiking with another person.
I've walked 6 Caminos since 2016, and will likely do the Camino del Norte next. Overall, the camino frances is fantastic with many historical highlights, but I don't care for the last section from Sarria which is overcrowded with noisy groups of walkers. You can tell that they haven't walked from SJPP. And yes, that pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks at Astorga was built after 2016. The trains come through there pretty fast, so I suppose that it was necessary. My concern about the Norte is the rain, and hopefully the albergues only accept pilgrims (with credential) in some of those beach town areas like San Sebastian or Laredo. I'm thinking of doing it from Irun in September with arrival in Santiago in early October. It intersects with the camino frances and large crowds at Arzua, but you're almost in Santiago by then.
I would also like to walk the Levante from Toledo, up to Zamora and then the Sanabres coming into Santiago from the south, but am concerned about the lack of albergue information for the Levante (I've checked gronze). Some lesser known caminos don't have an extensive network of public albergues, and a hotel room in a small village can be quite pricey.
6 Caminos, wow! When we walked the Norte in 2019, the albergues only accepted pilgrims with credentials. There are some hostels that except regular people, too. So read carefully when you book, or ask on the phone, if that bothers you.
You'll definitely have rain in September/October. But the coast has rain all times of year.
We don't know much about the Levante, but maybe we'll know more in the future.
Buen Camino!
Hi! Love the video. I plan to do the Camino del Norte (First Camino). My Main aim is to improve my Spanish and I enjoy the physical aspect (like not the most healthy but it would feel like an achievement).. only thing is the social aspect of the Norte.. although there are less people I should meet others, right?
Thank you! There are plenty of people to meet on the Norte. If you stay in the albergues, you will have no problem making new friends. :)
Buen Camino!
Wow, this was really eye opening, as I have been planning on doing Norte since pre pandemic. My plan was to go in late Aug thru Sept but you've got me chewing on this. My issues arent physical as i've ridden my bicycle across USA 5 times. I plan to do Camino alone, so meeting people big part of it, further it sounds like the Norte is gonna be cold rainy in Sept and many places may be closed? Maybe my first Camino should be Frances (sounds more user friendly too!)....appreciate if the last 2 years has changed any of your comments.
Thanks for watching. Either way you chose, you'll have a great time. Yes, the Norte can have rain even in August and it will be cooler than the Frances route in September. Even if the albergues are closed in September on the Norte, there are many guest houses and small hotels that are open year round and have good rates during the off season. However, yes, the Frances is way more user friendly and good for making friends.
Hey! Saw that you had xero trail shoes, is that what you mainly did the camino on? If not, what other shoes did you use as well? Thanks!
Hi Amanda, I wore Xero shoes on the Camino Norte and on the Camino Invierno. I love barefoot shoes, and I wear them in my daily life. However, after 2 Caminos with lots of foot pain, I now prefer more cushion to deal with the concrete walking. I've switched to Altra Lone Peaks for the last 2 Caminos and they're great. alnk.to/3TYUPfC
-Lainey
Hii, I have a question for you guys. I would love some solitude while hiking, and moments where it feels as if I am the only pilgrim around. However, I love people at the same time, and would love to meet other pilgrims. How often did you bump into pilgrims on the north route? And did you find moments on the Frances where you were the only two hikers around? Thank you for answering this in advance :) I am going to walk the camino for the first time soon, and I’m just figuring out what route to take.. Also, was the average age of the people hiking the Norte higher or lower than on the Frances?
Hi Elise, Those are great questions. Bumping into other pilgrims often depends on what time you leave the albergue and how fast you walk. If you leave with the crowd at breakfast, you'll be in a pocket of pilgrims all morning. If you're a fast walker, you'll probably pass a lot of other pilgrims.
On the Norte, we were often the only hikers for hours at a time. We met lots of pilgrims in towns and on ferries (or other bottlenecks). In the Basque Region, we were often alone most of the day (this could be because we started early in the season).
On the Frances, we were rarely alone. If you want solitude, you can put in headphones (on silent) and most people will not bother you. When we walked early in the morning (before dawn) or late in the afternoon we were alone on the trail.
The average age depends on the season. In summer, there are more young people on both trails. We hiked the Frances in Fall, so we met more pilgrims in their 40s-60s. On the Norte in summer, we met pilgrims of all ages.
Buen Camino!
This video was so helpful! We (a group of 5) only have 5 days of walking and need some help! This might be really hard, but can you recommend the 5 best (think scenic beautiful) consecutive days on each trail? Again, thanks so much!
Hi Chris, I'm glad it was so helpful! For the Camino Norte, I recommend walking from Bilbao to Santander (do-able in 5 days, but some will be long days). You can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/3u2LbIr6vbM/v-deo.html.
For the Camino Frances, I recommend Pamplona to Logroño or Astorga to Ponferrada.
Honestly, it's a preference of how much elevation you want to do each day and the time of year you are walking.
Buen Camino!
Lainey
@@DaysWeSpend thanks! That was actually the section on the del Norte we were going to do till we saw y’all’s video about Camino Francis and we got to thinking about switching. We’ll be starting may 15. And elevation isn’t to much of a worry. We’ll be 3 generations of walkers with the youngest (14) doing this to complete his boy scout hiking merit badge. If that gives you a different thought on section, let us know! If not, thanks again for your reply! So kind!
You're welcome! Sounds like you'll have an amazing Camino. In May, the Norte route will have rain. If you don't like hiking in the rain, I'd definitely chose the Frances Route. If you start in Astorga (or León), you'll walk over the mountains and see the famous iron cross. Ponferrada has a really cool templar castle to explore, too. I think with 3 generations, you'll have more fun with the history and services on the Frances route. However, if you want to walk on beach sand, do the Norte.
:) Lainey
Thanks for your videos. Thoughts on the best app to use?
We used the Wise Pilgrim and the Buen Camino apps (both the Norte version). We liked both of them. Buen Camino!
Hi
Great video, very informative. I just finished biking el Camino Frances. Went from Pamplona to Santiago in 11 days. Do you think el Camino Del Norte is as bike friendly as the Frances
Roger
Thank you so much. We think Frances is more bike friendly. The Norte has many places where bicycles have to take the road.
At 2:28 I see you’re carrying xero shoes. Are those available in Spain?? Did you do the whole Camino with xeros or other minimalist shoes?
In the past, I've used the xeros (and they are available in Europe), however I've switched to Altras. They have more cushion for the road walking and still have the zero drop and wide toe box. I've been so much more comfortable.
thank you for this informative video. I'm 23 and i would like to do the norte when the pandemic calms down, am i going to find along the way travelers about my age or the majority are older?
Thanks for watching. You will definitely find other pilgrims your age on the Norte. I think the average age was maybe lower on the Norte (but we hiked in Summer. Our Frances was in Fall when more older pilgrims hike). Buen Camino!
@@DaysWeSpend Great! Thanks!
Both paths are impressive and different magic videos
Agreed!
I'm going to hike the Frances in September. But I had been thinking about the Norte as well, so nice to hear about the differences.
What time of year did you do it? Do you know if September is a good period to do it?
The gr's are great. I hiked the GR5 in sections which was great fun!
All the best! Kaat
Thanks for the GR recs! We definitely want to check some of them out. We hiked the Norte in July/August and our Frances in September. September is probably a great time for either Camino. On the Norte, there will be fewer tourists in the coastal towns, however, be prepared for some rain. :)
@@DaysWeSpend I already figured that out, rain gear check☑️ ☔😁
I'm biking from my home in Belgium to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Normally I leave at the end of April. The second part will be on foot and in September.
I wanted to hike it all in one stretch, but don't have 3.5 months to do it! 😉
All the best! Kaat
@@StepsbyKaatje Sounds like a fun adventure ahead! Buen Camino.
I’m walking the Frances right now, tomorrow I will arrive in Santiago. After a week of rest I will do the Portugues one. Then another week of rest and I want to do the del Norte. Do you think that also equals as enough training to do the Northen route? Because the french and portugues route are way more flat.
Wow! You’ll be super ready for the Norte. It’s steep but your body will be used to walking. Buen Camino! We hope you had a great arrival in Santiago.
@Days We Spend, Shawn and Lainey Thank you again for this excellent video. We're experienced lightweight backpackers, and friends and a lot of people we've met have shared horror stories about super noisy albergues. The same is true of some hiker hostels and mountain huts in the U.S. We'd love the option of being able to sleep in our tent most nights of the week and perhaps sleeping in an albergue or modest hotel once/week or so. 1) Would we be able to do this while still enjoying social dinners with people we meet along the way? Would this be easy on both the Camino Frances and Norte? 2) Is there a way we could still shower at an albergue or some other facility without sleeping there? Sincerely appreciate your advice. There isn't much out there on Camino camping, so it may of interest to many viewers.
Honestly, the albergue horror stories are maybe 10% of the nights. Most times, they're exactly what you need to sleep. It's possible to camp on the Norte (have no idea about the Frances), but we know this because we met one couple who did camp on the Norte. Some municipal albergues let you pitch a tent outside for a fee and use the facilities. However, most albergues are in town, so I don't think they would be quiet - it's more for privacy.
We always advise calling ahead and asking the albergue about camping outside and using their facilities.
Walking Nature World camped on the Norte and made a video. But, I think they took more GR routes than staying on the Camino. ua-cam.com/video/dwj8A2YXDfc/v-deo.html
@@DaysWeSpend Thank you for the helpful reply and video. The Camino Norte seems like a natural for tent camping. We're doing further research on the Camino Frances and Le Puy to see how much wild camping is possible and advisable. We'd like to do a mix of wild camping and occasional guest houses and occasional hotels. Being able to camp next to some of the guest houses out of town in order to use facilities would be helpful sometimes.
@@DaysWeSpend Thank you very much. Your personal experience matters much more than any quick comment in a guide book or forum and I really appreciate you sharing it. Also wondering about the average cost of private rooms for 2 in an albergue, government guest house or modest hotel versus the cost of 2 people staying in your average albergue. If we don't take our camping gear we'd love to know we have the option of a quiet room if loud noise is a consistent problem (especially hearing that the Camino Frances is becoming more and more popular). How much would an average private room for 2 run in an albergue or modest, less expensive hotel? Also what time of day do you typically begin calling to check availability?
Great questions. Prices vary from $30-$80 for a private room. Depends on how nice the place is, what season, and how big the town. It’s always cheaper to call then to book online. If it’s a crowded time of year, we recommend calling the day before or even 2 days before. If it’s not crowded, you can call at lunchtime.
You can see some of our prices on the Norte here: How Much Money We Spent on the Camino Norte (Camino de Santiago Budget Guide)
ua-cam.com/video/heShRfr9IA0/v-deo.html
Prices have all gone up, but the Norte is a bit more expensive than the Frances.
Do you have a video of the Camino from Porto? I’ve done the Frances and I think I would like to try the Portuguese Camino.
We haven't done that one yet! We're looking at walking it next year.
@@DaysWeSpend Will you do the costal route, or inland?
@@garydelfino.missedtheso.li2138 Not sure yet! That's the big debate.
@@garydelfino.missedtheso.li2138hi. Walk with Efren has both the coastal & central Portuguese routes. Efren has excellent vids. (spoiler - he preferred the coastal but it depends on the person)
I can’t find much about Via Limoncensis in France. How about it? Is this one you would consider?
We don’t know much about this Camino. It looks like most information/guidebooks are in French. We’re definitely interested in doing a future French based Camino.
walkinginfrance.info/pilgrimages/the-way-of-vezelay/
Hello ! I've only 20 days, and i really don't know where to start , and witch one to choose (sorry for my bad english, i'm from belgium).. In 20 days what part and witch camino would you recommend? (it's my fisrt camino and i'm going to sleep in a tent, i'd love to meet people but i love to be lonely too), thank you a lot for your video!
Any route you choose will be great. The Norte has more places to camp and more places to be alone (if you want that). If you want to end in Santiago de Compostela, you can start in Santander. If you don't mind finishing another trip, start in Irun.
Buen Camino!
Portuguese ;) it's the one I did so far))
That’s definitely on our list!
I want to walk the camino 7 days. Which routes would you recommend within the Camino del Norte if I am looking for routes along the coast?
You can start in any of the major cities (Bilbao, Santander, Gijon). Take the bus or train from those places to next stage and walk from there (Portugalete, Santillana Del Mar, or Aviles). Each of them have coastal time, but the Norte goes inland quite a bit. If you want to stay on the coast more often, you can take the GR variants.
is it possible to do sections of both?
Yes, but that requires taking a bus or walking another Camino path. The Lebaniego connects the two, it’s through the mountains.
In 2021I tried to walk the first part of Del Norte in august with my daughter, but we gave up as all the places to sleep was booked or so expensive, that we could not afford it. August is holiday month in spain, so the spains are going to the beach. It should be said, that more public alberques were still closed after the corona. We went to Pamplona to walk on Frances, but it was 41 degres Celsius in the afternoon!!" So even the public alberques now are open again, there wil be more pilgrims on del Norte so it could be a "bed run"! in august.
Wow. Yeah walking in August is always hard. Especially on the Norte. You’re competing with lots of Spanish tourists and it can get sooooo hot. Hope you find another time to hike with your daughter. Maybe in late spring or the fall.
I hope so, but in the meatnime, my wife an I will walk the Primitivo in from the 30. of august this year.@@DaysWeSpend
@@johnnyodgaard enjoy the Primitivo. It’s amazing! Buen Camino
Can you divide the first day into 2 days at camino France?
Yes, you can if you stay in Orisson. You’ll need a reservation to stay there since it’s very small.
Is it safe in the camino del norte to be done by a female by herself?
Yes. Other solo females have walked this route. Nadine Walks has some great advice for solo female Camino hikers.
@@DaysWeSpend thank you so much! I love your videos
Thank you! @@PamelaFom
Aroundist, os olvidáis de resaltar el Camino que discurre por Galicia y, de una forma mínima e irrelevante, citáis el culmen del Camino que es Compostela. Una pena.
Reading some of the comments and watching the video, I noticed that some of you are viewing this "camino " from the point of view of the "American tourism ". Foremost, the Camino a Santigo is a solitaire Christian pilgrimage with the ancient purpose of " reducing the punishment for our sins ", for more than a thousand years this purpose had and will holds true. It is not an event to find " nice dinners, great lunches, surf, thing to do and have fun" . It is not a hiking trail , if you want to hike, stay in the US because we have the best hiking trails in the planet. If you want do turism in Spain , rent a car. There are not tourists in the Camino, just "pelegrinos " or pilgrims, most of the " alberges " or hostel cost just 5 euros because most of these places to stay are finance by the Catholic church. it's a grueling 900 Km walk(not hike ) routine, sleep, eat, alk and the " pain due to the walk , you will reduce the punishment of your sins" The Camino does not end the city of Compostela, it ends in the town of Fisterra which means “ the end of world “ in Latin, for some pilgrims it was actually the "end of know world ". During the time of the discovery oof the Americas, thousands will do the pilgrimage and then sail to the New World from Porto in Portugal, meaning the majority will never see their love ones again. If you want to sightseeing, go to the coast of Maine or the Pacific Highway .. i have done the Caminio twice in 30 years, and still remember or gatherings in a wood table with a simply dinner, a glass of wine and conversation with people from other cultures and country.
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There are tourists on the Camino and the local economy needs them. There are many reasons why someone would walk. Just wanting to check it out as a tourist is as good of a reason as any. You don't need to travel to find enlightenment or a spiritual experience.