The Camino de Hierro (Tunnels Route) is one of Spain’s most well-known and popular trails. It’s also extremely popular among Portuguese hikers, so we made an exception and published this article. Although officially inaugurated only in 2022, it was already well-known to many due to its spectacular and grand nature.
In this article, we explore everything you need to know to walk the Rota dos Túneis, which crosses the border between Spain and Portugal! The trail starts in the small village of La Fregeneda and goes to the international bridge over the Águeda River in Barca d’Alva, always following the old railway tracks. That’s why its original Spanish name is “Camino de Hierro” (word-for-word, it translates to Iron Road, but it actually means railroad).
In Portugal, this trail is known as the Rota dos Túneis e Pontes (Tunnel and Bridge Route), and the reason is equally apparent. The primary highlight of this hike is the 20 tunnels and 13 bridges you must cross in just over 10.5 miles (17 km).
Trail of the Rota dos Túneis e Pontes – Camino de Hierro
- Name: Camino de Hierro
- Trailhead: Old railway station of La Fregeneda
- End: International Bridge on the border of Barca d’Alva
- Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
- Estimated time: 5 to 6 hours
- Physical difficulty: Moderate, mainly due to the distance.
- Technical difficulty: Easy – only challenging if you’re afraid of heights or prone to vertigo.
- Type: Linear, one-way
- Signage (1-5): 5, you follow the railway tracks.
- Highlights: Gorges, tunnels, and bridges. Olive and almond trees and the Águeda River surround the entire landscape.
- You can download the leaflet [here].
Tickets and Entry to Camino de Hierro
Since the “Camino de Hierro” was officially established, it became a paid trail with limited entry. To hike it, you must purchase tickets through the official website. In 2024, tickets cost €8, with discounts available for groups, children, and seniors.
It’s important to note that there are no ticket offices at the trail entrance. Tickets can only be purchased online until 5:00 PM (Spanish time) the day before your hike. Additionally, each hiker must bring an ID for ticket verification at the entrance.
Besides reserving and purchasing your ticket in advance, it’s crucial to be aware that entry to the trail is only allowed within a specific time frame:
- From October 15 to March 31, entry must occur between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM (Spanish time), 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM in Portugal.
- From April 1 to October 14, entry is allowed between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM (Spanish time), corresponding to 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM in Portugal.
The trail closes at 4:30 PM (3:30 PM in Portugal) during winter and at 3:00 PM (2:00 PM in Portugal) during summer.
Confirm this information on the official website before going, as ticket prices and entry times may change anytime.
The ticket grants entry to the trail and includes access to the shuttle, which transports hikers from the end of the trail back to the starting point, making logistics much easier. You can find more information about the shuttle below.
What is the Camino de Hierro / Route of the Tunnels
The Camino de Hierro is a 17 km (10.5 miles) linear trail starting at La Fregeneda Station and ending at Vega Terrón Dock, near the International Bridge. This trail is also known as the Route of the Tunnels and Bridges, particularly in Portugal.
These 17 km (10.5 miles) of pedestrian paths are just a small part of the 77 km (48 miles) of the Douro Line. This section was closed to traffic and reconditioned to highlight the natural beauty of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park and the grandeur of the old Douro railway line in its most spectacular section.
The old Douro railway was constructed between 1883 and 1887 in the 19th century to facilitate the connection between Porto and Salamanca. The most notable features of this line are the 20 tunnels and ten metal bridges, some of which were designed by engineers from the Eiffel School, making this one of the most majestic civil engineering works of its time.
It is a restricted-access trail requiring an online ticket purchase. This pedestrian route is very popular as it follows a small portion of the old Spanish Douro Line that connected La Fuente de San Esteban to Barca d’Alva in Salamanca, Castilla y León.
This is a unique and adventurous hike. It offers a contrasting experience between the complete darkness of some tunnels and the heights of several bridges. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy the impressive beauty of the Douro Natural Park.
Our Experience on the Route of the Tunnels
The Route of the Tunnels is a long hike through a region known for its very high summer temperatures and rather cold winters. Because of this, access to the trail is controlled, and entry must occur within a specific time window (as explained earlier).
The first thing to do is plan your trip to arrive within the entry period. In our case, it was between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, following the winter schedule. Remember that if you arrive outside this time frame, you will not be allowed to hike, even if you have purchased tickets.
When you arrive at the old La Fregeneda station, make sure to have your tickets (they can be on your phone) and identification for each hiker. You must keep both with you throughout the hike. After ticket verification and ID checks, you will receive some instructions for the hike. The most important are:
- The reflective vest, provided at the entrance, must be worn during the entire hike and returned at the end of the route.
- A flashlight is also provided for use in the tunnels. Avoid pointing the flashlight at the ceiling, as bats live there. Like the vest, the flashlight must be returned at the end of the hike.
- In the tunnels, walk in the middle of the tracks, where the path is in better condition.
- On the bridges, walk along the edges as they offer greater safety.
After these brief instructions, we can finally start the hike, which takes 5 to 6 hours. There are plenty of stops for photos, admiring the scenery, having lunch, and drinking water. It’s important to emphasize that although the route is 17 km (10.5 miles), it’s not particularly tough, as the path is a very gentle descent throughout.
You’ll encounter the first tunnel right after the first 500 meters (0.3 miles). This is the longest tunnel you’ll cross, stretching 1.5 km (0.9 miles). Although very long, it’s a straight path, allowing you to see the exit from the start. However, it still takes some time to adjust to the darkness.
From here, we encounter a long succession of tunnels and bridges that give this route its name in Portugal. The most famous tunnel (and the second longest) is Tunnel 3, known for its bat colony. Sometimes, this tunnel is closed, requiring a detour around the mountain, which adds a few extra kilometers. The tunnel was open when we visited, so we didn’t have to take the detour.
After Tunnel 3, the Águeda River runs alongside our left. The Águeda River serves as the border between Portugal and Spain, so we can see Portugal on the other side of the river. Notice how Portugal is much more beautiful than Spain… 🙂
The hike is relatively uniform, featuring impressive bridges and dark tunnels, especially curved ones. The scenery is also stunning and typical of the region, with olive and almond trees.
As mentioned, the largest tunnels are the initial ones (1, 3, and 6), with many others being short. However, the bridges are almost always impressive, and sometimes their height can be an issue for those who are afraid of heights.
Nevertheless, both the tunnels and bridges are manageable and offer a fun adventure that almost everyone can enjoy.
At kilometer 11, you’ll find the only restrooms on the route, providing a good opportunity to stop and take a break. However, there are plenty of excellent spots along the way for a small picnic.
The final part of the route is less challenging, with fewer tunnels and bridges, but the natural beauty remains. After several hours of walking on the wooden sleepers or the typical loose stone of the railway tracks, fatigue begins to set in, but you’re almost at the end. Besides, there’s no way to exit the trail other than completing the walk…
Finally, make sure to cross the international bridge into Portugal to finish the hike officially. The return transport to the starting point is included with your ticket, so you’ll need to go back to Spain to catch the shuttle at the designated stop near the café-restaurant.
How to Return to the Trailhead
As mentioned earlier, an official shuttle takes hikers from the end of the trail back to the starting point where you left your car. The shuttle service is free for visitors to the Camino de Hierro, as its cost is included in the entry ticket.
The shuttle does not have a fixed schedule or defined frequency. The Camino de Hierro organization adjusts the number and frequency of trips based on the number of visitors. To catch it, head to the stop near the café/restaurant and wait for the next shuttle.
In our experience, the wait is usually only a few minutes, so it’s not a major concern. The only thing to keep in mind is that the last shuttle departs at the time of the last visitor’s arrival.
Best Time of Year to Hike the Camino de Hierro
The trail is open year-round, so it’s possible to hike at any time. However, it’s important to note that this region can be scorching in the summer and quite cold in the winter.
In our opinion, the best times to hike are during mild temperatures or in the winter, provided there’s no forecast for rain or snow. Therefore, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for this hike.
If you visit in February or March, you might even see the almond trees in bloom, adding a special beauty to the region. When we hiked in early March, the temperature was perfect: sunny yet cool, making the hike very pleasant. Additionally, there were many almond trees in bloom.
The sun and heat can make the hike quite challenging in the summer. Remember that this route follows the old Douro Line tracks, so the only shade available is from the tunnels. This is why the entry time is set so early in the summer.
Who Can Hike the Camino de Hierro?
This is a fairly long trail, but since it follows the tracks of the old Douro Line, there are no significant elevations or hills. Although it may not be very noticeable, the path is consistently downhill. The total negative elevation is 330 meters (1,083 feet). Thus, the main challenge is the distance.
In addition to the distance, the trail passes through some unlit tunnels and over some very high bridges. People with a fear of heights, vertigo, or acrophobia may find it difficult.
Additionally, anyone who can walk for 5 to 6 hours can enjoy this amazing adventure. Even children and older adults will have no problems as long as they are capable of long hikes.
The trail is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, wheelchairs, or very young children.
What to Bring for the Camino de Hierro
Since the trail is not technical and the organization provides the necessary equipment (vest and flashlight), you don’t need to bring any specialized or unusual gear. However, as it is a long hike with no shops or cafes along the route, it’s essential to bring everything you’ll need. We recommend packing:
- Plenty of water, especially in summer (at least 1 liter per person).
- You will need snacks and lunch, as you will start early and be on the trail for several hours. If you plan to finish quickly and around lunchtime, there is a small restaurant at the end of the trail.
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking footwear—We recommend hiking boots, mainly because of the stones. If the soles of your sneakers are too thin, your feet might complain after walking on the gravel of the railway tracks for a long time.
- Comfortable and lightweight clothing in summer.
- Rain jacket and warm clothing in winter — The trail has many exposed sections, and it can get chilly.
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen, especially in summer, but useful throughout the year.
- Camera and phone, as there are many opportunities for great photos. Your phone can also be used as a GPS. Don’t forget to download the route tracker.
- Keep your vest on at all times, and use the flashlight according to the instructions inside the tunnels.
- Small backpack to carry all of this.
This trail passes through protected areas, so contribute to their protection and ensure their biodiversity by conserving this natural habitat. Carry out all the trash you produce and, if possible, pick up any you find along the way.
How to Reach the Trailhead
The best way to reach the trail independently is by car. We are unaware of organized transport to the trailhead, but such options might be available during peak season.
There are also several organized tours by companies specializing in hiking. However, if you are used to long trails or hikes, you can easily hike Camino de Hierro independently. The trail is well-organized, and it’s impossible to get lost if you follow the tracks.
From Portugal, the easiest way is to drive to Barca d’Alva, cross the border, and head towards La Fregeneda. In La Fregeneda, continue on the main road, leave the village, and drive for about 1 km until you see the sign for the start of the trail.
You should turn left onto a dirt road (don’t worry, any car can manage this) and follow it for a few hundred meters until you reach the old La Fregeneda station. At the station, you will find parking, a ticket office, informational panels, and the start of the trail.
Where to Stay When Hiking the Tunnel and Bridge Route
Since there is a specific time for entering the trail, it is crucial to plan where you will stay the night before. This is especially important in the summer, when the entry time is relatively early, between 7:30 and 8:30 AM (6:30 to 7:30 AM in Portugal). Therefore, we recommend staying as close as possible to the trailhead, that is, in La Fregeneda.
Although it is a very small village, La Fregeneda has several accommodations, many of which are old houses renovated for local lodging. Generally, prices are pretty reasonable for groups and families, as these houses have multiple rooms and beds.
We stayed at Casa Rural El Cubano and had a great experience; it allowed us to have dinner and breakfast at the house with minimal hassle. You can find more information and prices here.
Another good option seems to be La Morada del Tejar, especially for large groups, as it has three rooms and seven beds. Check prices and reviews here.
If you prefer to stay in Portugal, Barca d’Alva has limited accommodation options. Still, you might also consider staying in Torre de Moncorvo, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, or even Foz Côa (and take the opportunity to see the rock engravings).
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