Refugio Gaucelmo

Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino

Overview

Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino is a donativo albergue offering accommodation exclusively for pilgrims on the Camino Francés. Located directly on the Camino route in the centre of Rabanal del Camino, this historic Camino de Santiago albergue was opened by the British Confraternity of Saint James in 1991. It offers 36 dormitory beds, a large garden for tents, space for horses, covered bike storage, and free Wi-Fi. In addition, the albergue is run by volunteer hospitaleros and operates on a donation basis. It stays open from 1 April to 31 October.

Ideally located in the mountain village of Rabanal del Camino, the refugio sits before the climb to Cruz de Ferro on the Camino Francés. Furthermore, the Benedictine monastery, Romanesque church, and evening plainchant services are all just a short walk away.

Pilgrim Insight

Refugio Gaucelmo is one of the most important historic albergues on the Camino de Santiago. The albergue helped revive Rabanal del Camino when the village was close to abandonment in the early 1990s. In addition, it became a model for volunteer-run pilgrim hospitality across the Camino Francés. The peaceful atmosphere, the garden, and the welcome from volunteer hospitaleros are regularly praised by pilgrims.

Note: no advance reservations are accepted, so beds are allocated first-come, first-served. Additionally, pilgrims using motorised luggage transfer may not be admitted unless there is a medical reason.

If you haven’t yet chosen your equipment, then explore our Camino Gear to discover the gear we recommend for the Camino.

Check out the other accommodation in Rabanal del Camino.