Saint Nicholas de Flüe Parish Pilgrim Hostel
The Saint Nicholas de Flüe Parish Pilgrim Hostel is a religious establishment run by the Parroquia de Santa María de la Encina. This hostel is designed specifically to serve pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago Frances who hold their credential, required of those making this important spiritual journey. It is located in Ponferrada, one of the most significant towns in the Jacobean context within Leon Province.
This welcoming hostel opened in 1999 and occupies a magnificent building that has earned recognition as the “crown jewel” of the network of hostels making up the Diocese of Astorga. This network was created by Fr. Antolín de Cela, who played a key role as parish priest of La Encina and worked hard to provide a place where pilgrims could rest and regain their strength.
Among the hostel’s notable features is a beautiful outdoor chapel, known as the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen. This small chapel is open all day and sits across a charming garden with a fountain, creating a calm, peaceful setting for visitors. While pilgrims wait for the hostel to open, they can use the showers, toilets and laundry sink located behind the chapel, which is very convenient for those on their way.
Every evening, the Pilgrim’s Blessing is held, celebrated every weekday at 19:30. In addition, Mass is held on Sundays and public holidays at 20:00, giving pilgrims the chance to take part in a meaningful spiritual moment during their stay.
During Holy Years, the hostel has a special area that can house up to 250 people, which is especially important given the large numbers of pilgrims who tend to arrive during those years. Large groups are advised to get in touch ahead of time to secure their place and receive proper attention.
One of the services provided at the hostel is issuing the pilgrim credential, an essential document letting pilgrims record their journey and access the benefits tied to walking the Camino de Santiago. In short, the Saint Nicholas de Flüe parish pilgrim hostel is an essential place for those making this meaningful journey, offering not just a place to sleep, but also a space for reflection and connecting with fellow pilgrims.
Price at the Saint Nicholas de Flüe Parish Hostel, Ponferrada
Price: Donation.
Opening Hours at the Saint Nicholas de Flüe Parish Hostel
Hours: Between 13:00 and 15:00 (depending on season) until 22:30.
Can you leave and come back after closing: No.
Open: All year round.
Features of the Pilgrim Hostel Saint Nicholas de Flüe Parish, Ponferrada
Hostel owner: Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Encina.
Person in charge of the hostel: Volunteer hospitaleros.Total beds: 186 across 7 dormitories.
No bookings accepted.
A pilgrim credential is required.
Address and Contact for the Ponferrada Pilgrim Hostel
Address: Calle De la Loma, s/n. – Ponferrada – León.
Phone: (+34) 987 413 381
Email: peregrinosflue@terra.es