Albergue Municipal Villafranca del Bierzo la Gallina

Albergue Municipal Villafranca del Bierzo la Gallina

Albergue Overview

• Type: Municipal albergue exclusively for credential-holding pilgrims, owned and run by the Ayuntamiento of Villafranca del Bierzo. Opened in 2001.
• Location: C/ Campo de la Gallina, s/n, Villafranca del Bierzo, León, Spain — situated just as you enter the town on the Camino Francés, next to the Iglesia de Santiago.
• Opened: Inaugurated in 2001.
• Accessibility: Offers Wi‑Fi, full kitchen (microwave, refrigerator, stove), laundry area (washer, dryer, clothesline), dining room, terrace, heating, bike storage, secure access.
• Contact:
  Phone: (+34) 987 542 356 / (+34) 987 540 089
  Email: info@villafrancadelbierzo.org
• Reservations: Day-of reservations accepted.
• Operating Season: Open from March (or sometimes from Easter/Semana Santa) to mid-December (around November).
• Hours: Open from approximately 12:00 or 13:00 until between 22:00 and 22:30; re-entry after closing is not allowed.

Albergue Facilities

• Dorms & Capacity:
  – Around 60 beds in shared dormitories. Expansion during summer via Colegio Divina Pastora adds over 100 extra spaces (camping/mattress area).
• Prices:
  – Approximately €10 per night, includes disposable sheets.

Albergue Amenities

• Full kitchen with microwave, refrigerator, stove, and cooking utensils.
• Dining room, terrace, and social common areas.
• Heating and hot water throughout.
• Laundry facilities: washer, dryer, clothesline, wash basin.
• Wi‑Fi access.
• Secure bicycle storage.
• First-aid kit and basic safety amenities.

Pilgrim Insight

• **Positive:** Many pilgrims enjoy the location, communal spaces, and value. “El mejor albergue y trato de todo el camino” (“the best albergue and treatment of the whole Camino”) – multiple online reviews.
• **Mixed/Negative Feedback:** Some mention issues like old or broken bunk beds, inconsistent hot water, crowded rooms, and cleanliness concerns.

Summary

Albergue Municipal Villafranca del Bierzo is a public, credentials-only hostel located right at the entry of Villafranca, run by the local town hall. It offers about 60 dorm beds for around €10/night (including disposable sheets), with the option for walk-in reservations. With full communal facilities—kitchen, laundry, dining room, Wi‑Fi, bike storage—it’s a solid, budget-friendly choice, especially useful before the challenging climb to O Cebreiro. In summer, extra capacity is added at a nearby school if it fills up. While many pilgrims praise the helpful staff and value, there are some notes about basic infrastructure and occasional congestion. Overall, a practical and quintessential municipal stop on the Camino. 😊

Check out the other Albergues in Villafranca del Bierzo.