With so many beautiful places vying for your time when visiting Switzerland, it’s easy to skip the main cities for that spectacular mountain scenery. Surprisingly, we found Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, to be an amazing place to spend a few days. Read our reasons why you should visit Bern, Switzerland’s charming capital.
A little bit about Bern
Bern was founded in 1191 and joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353. The city became Switzerland’s capital city in 1848.
The city is built on a bend of the Aare River, and its old town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bern’s uniqueness is the conscious decision that was made to preserve the old town’s urban planning when building the new city around it.
In 1405, a fire destroyed most of the Old Town. What you see walking around the Altstadt today are the beautiful sandstone buildings, which replaced the wooden structures when the city was rebuilt.
Arriving in Bern
We drove into the city on a hot summer afternoon, passing scenes of city folk on floating devices or paddling in the Aare River. Our slow drive from Interlaken was punctuated by stops in the atmospheric towns and villages around Lake Thun, with an extended stay in the picturesque town of Thun.
A covered bridge in Thun
By the time we had settled in, it was close to cocktail hour. A walk into town to find our bearings before a relaxed evening, complete with people-watching and finding a nice spot to sit and enjoy a cold beverage, was the plan. It would be a way to get an insight into the city. We would be out in earnest early the next day to really see Bern!
Our favourite things to do in Bern
We were disappointed to learn, a couple of hours before it was to start, that our walking tour of Bern had been cancelled. Luckily, we always research our destinations before we travel and have a good idea of what we would like to see. So, off we set on our own self-guided walk. Below are our favourite parts of the city to visit.
Bern Altstadt (Old Town)
The highlight of visiting Bern is spending time in its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Cobblestoned streets are lined with beautifully arcaded buildings with shops, cafes and bars occupying the ground floors.
Bern’s colourful Altstadt
Bern’s iconic fountains
One of Bern Altstadt’s features is its distinctive 16th-century fountains. Look out for them as you wander through the streets. There are 11 fountains dating back to the 16th century, as well as four that were built later. The renowned Swiss Renaissance sculptor, Hans Geing, made the older fountains. Each fountain features a statue of a real Bern personality or a piece of folklore from the city’s past.
A couple of Bern’s iconic fountains
Zytgogge
The tower of the Old Town’s western 12th-century city gate is one of Bern’s iconic structures. It houses the clock, which was added in 1530. The clock is one of the oldest in Switzerland, and the astronomical clock below has mechanical figures that appear on the hour, providing a little show for onlookers.
Bern Zytgotte and the astronomical clock in the 12th-century city gate of the Altstadt
Bern Cathedral
Bern Minster (Cathedral) is Switzerland’s tallest cathedral.
The Minster was built gradually, with construction starting in 1421 and completed in 1893. This extended building process resulted in a combination of French and German Gothic styles being incorporated into the final building that you see today.
Bern Cathedral with its towering spire
The 100 metre spire can be climbed over 344 steps for rewarding views of the Old Town and the Swiss Alps in the distance.
Inside the Minster, you’ll find 16th-century carved choir stalls, beautiful stained glass windows, sculptures and frescoes.
Rathausplatz
Bern Rathaus
Tucked away from Altstadt’s busy pedestrian zone is Rathausplatz. And, just a few steps away is the 600-year-old Town Hall building.
The ornate staircase of Bern’s Rathaus
The building is still used for Bern’s parliament and government meetings.
St Peter and Paul Church
Standing next to the Town Hall is the Church of St Peter and Paul. The church is the first Catholic Church to be built in Bern after the Reformation. Built in 1858, the church’s unique architecture combines Gothic and Romanesque styles.
St Peter and Paul Church in Rathausplatz
Bundesplatz
Bundesplatz (Parliament Square) is the lively heart of Bern. Until 2003, the square was a large parking lot before it was transformed into an elegant square. Today, the square is a popular gathering place in the city, where major festivals are often held. If you happen to be there on a Tuesday or Saturday, you’ll find the square filled with market stalls.
We were fortunate to visit when Switzerland was celebrating its National Day. Marquees and food trucks were setting up when we went through the square on our morning walk.
When in the square, look out for the fountain. It has 26 jets, each one symbolising one of Switzerland’s Cantons.
Bundeshaus
The central feature of Bundesplatz is the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) with its impressive architecture, including the central dome.
The regal Bundeshaus
Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a guided tour inside because of the National Day Holiday. On the holiday, the public can visit without a booking, but the queues to enter were so long that we decided to make better use of our time. The interior is said to be more spectacular than the exterior facade. Free 60-minute guided tours are offered inside the building on non-session days. Tours are very popular and limited to 30 people on each tour. You will need to make a reservation in advance.
Bundesterrasse
Tucked behind the Bundeshaus is a little treasure that’s often missed by visitors to Bern.
Bundesterrasse is a long promenade with stunning views over the River Aare and another local gathering point. You’ll find locals catching up over an aperitif, reading or simply strolling along the promenade. It’s also a great spot to watch swimmers floating down the river on a hot summer afternoon.
A few more things
Rosengarten
A walk up the hill from Bern’s Altstadt will find you in the Rosengarten. It’s a tranquil spot to escape the city below.
Views from the Rosengarten
You’ll find people enjoying a break on the park benches or wandering about, enjoying the rose gardens. The best in the park, though, is the terrace. It’s a wonderful place to sit on the stone wall and take in the panoramic view of the old town and beyond.
Capture the views from Kirchenfeldbrücke
Views from Kirchenfeldbrücke
If you’re crossing the Kirchnfeldbrücke to the museum district, stop halfway to look back at the Altstadt from another perspective.
City Bear Park
Bears have been part of Bern town since the 16th century. These days, bears are housed in a large park across the river from the Altstadt, close to the River Aare. The park is open to the public and free.
Where we stayed
We were fortunate to stay in a lovely apartment in the leafy embassy district of the city. The apartment was an easy 1km walk to the Altstadt; however, Bern has a wonderful free tram system. With the tram stop just a few metres away, we had the choice of walking or taking the tram to the centre of town when it was too hot.
We were able to explore a part of the city we would not have considered otherwise.
Our delightful host, Maxine and her husband lived on the ground floor of the apartment building, greeting us on arrival and waving us away on departure. They provided free on-site parking and upgraded us to a spacious, beautifully decorated four-bedroom apartment (there are only two of us).
Where we dined
Being an international destination, Switzerland offers travellers a variety of dining options. We enjoyed a delicious Thai meal at Three Kitchen and Bar on Rathausgasse, which we can highly recommend if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional Swiss cuisine when in Bern.
What we thought
Bern is not just Switzerland’s capital; it’s also one of its hidden gems. A beautiful city full of charm, history, and character, with plenty to see and do, we highly recommend including a stay in your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.
In case you’re interested
Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting. Take a look at our recommendations by clicking on the links below.
The Swiss city of Zurich is renowned for being home to numerous banks and financial institutions. Being a global financial centre, this often deters travellers from spending time in the city. However, that should not prevent you from visiting the city. We made a point of staying in the city during our visit to Switzerland to explore what it had to offer. Read about why you must include fascinating Zurich on your Swiss itinerary.
A brief history of Zurich
Inhabited for over 2,000 years, the Romans founded the town of Zurich (originally called Turicum) in 15BC. It was the perfect location to oversee trade passing through the Alps.
The city grew into a market town in the 11th and 12th centuries, gaining further popularity with the construction of the Fraumünster, a convent catering to aristocratic women. It attracted women from throughout Europe.
It was only at the end of the 19th century that the establishment of key banks in Zurich led to the city’s emergence as a major financial hub. The city previously known as the home of nuns and monks became home to bankers.
Why you must visit Zurich
The city’s long and diverse past makes it a fascinating place to visit. There is plenty to see and do. Set aside at least two days to explore the old town and enjoy the beautiful sights.
Our favourite things to do in Zurich
Visit Zurich’s Altstadt
Spanning both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich’s Altstadt is a warren of cobblestoned streets and alleyways to explore.
Grossmünster
The twin steeples of the Grossmunster
Standing proudly on the right bank of the Limmat is Zurich’s major landmark, the Grossmünster. The Grossmünster, a former monastery, is a pivotal site in the history of the Swiss Reformation. Take a look inside; the stained glass windows are particularly striking. For a price, you can also go up to the top of the tower to enjoy views over the Altstadt and across Lake Zurich.
Fraumünster
Cross over the historic Münsterbrucke after visiting the Grossmünster to visit another of Zurich’s iconic churches, the Kirche Fraumünster. The present church dates from 1250 and was built on the site of an abbey, which was founded in 853. It is this old abbey which first served as the convent for aristocratic women. The convent was closed at the Swiss Reformation, and the old abbey crypt lying beneath the church can be visited.
Views from the Munsterbrücke of the Fraumünster and St Peter’s Church in Zurich
St Peter’s Church
The clock face of St Peter’s Church stands out on the left bank of Zurich’s Altstadt
While not as prominent as the Fraumünster or the Grossmünster, St. Peter’s Church is the city’s oldest church and features the largest church clock face. St Peter’s Church was built in the 9th century. Look closely at the clock face to see how it differs from most clock faces. We enjoyed wandering the charming streets around the church.
Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz
While on the left bank, take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s high-end shopping street, which is full of exclusive stores. The street runs for nearly 1.5km from the Altstadt to the lakefront.
Zurich’s Paradeplatz, where the city’s heart beats
Paradeplatz is at the heart of the Bahnhofstrasse. It’s a major tram junction. Stand back and watch the trams criss-crossing the square. The square rose in importance when major banks set up their headquarters there.
Get off the beaten track in Schipfe
The quiet cobblestone streets of Schipfe are a delight to wander around
Schipfe is one of the lesser-visited areas of the Altstadt. Sitting on the Limmat River beneath Lindenhof, Schipfe is a quiet residential area, home to beautiful cobbled streets, charming homes and shops.
Take in the views from Lindenhof
Views from Lindenhof
Lindenhof, one of Zurich’s most historic spots, is the perfect place to enjoy a little tranquillity and look out over the city. The hill originally housed a Roman settlement and a castle. Today, it’s a peaceful park offering a wonderful view of the Limmat, Grossmünster, and the Old Town.
Explore Niederdorf
The squares and alleyways of Niederdorf in Zurich are wonderful to explore
On the Limmat River’s right bank, Niederdorf is the area where the old meets the new. The Altstadt melts into modern Zurich. The area is a mix of historic guild houses, boutiques, cafes and squares along winding alleyways. As night falls, it becomes vibrant as restaurants and bars open their doors.
Visit the Landesmuseum
Next to Zurich’s main railway station is the Landesmuseum, Switzerland’s National Museum. The museum showcases Switzerland’s history, from its early days to the present.
If, like us, you’re not interested in museums, the courtyard of the museum complex is still worth stepping into. Stand back and be prepared to be amazed by the fairytale castle, which was built in 1898.
The courtyard of the Landesmuseum lit up for the Rundfunk.fm Festival
If you’re visiting Zurich in the summer months from mid-July to early September, you’ll find the courtyard transformed for the annual Rundfunk.fm radio and music festival. The festival showcases local, national and international DJs and music.
Stroll the shores of Lake Zurich
With the magnificent Alps as a backdrop, there is no better way to relax than taking a stroll along the promenade and paths on either side of Lake Zurich. Access is steps away from the heart of the city.
Burkliplatz
The Ganymede sculpture on Burkliterrasse in Burkliplat,z from which you’re guaranteed spectacular views over Lake Zurich and beyond
A good place to start is at Burkliplatz, next to Quaibrücke, which links the two sides of the lake where the Limmat River emerges from the lake. Admire the bronze Ganymede Sculpture and gaze out over the lake at the stunning views of the snow-clad mountains on the horizon. Burkliplatz is known as Zurich’s “Front Row Seat by the Lake”.
Chinese Garden
A walk along Utoquai will find you at the beautiful Chinagarten. Gifted to Zurich by its sister city, Kunming, the garden is noted as one of the highest-ranking gardens outside of China. The garden was gifted in appreciation for the scientific and technical expertise Zurich provided to enhance Kunming’s drinking water and drainage systems.
Zurich Yacht Club and Arboretum
Views over Lake Zurich from the Yacht Club
Follow General Guisan-Quai on the opposite side of the lake, and you’ll find the Zurich Yacht Club and the Arboretum, a botanical park open to the public. It’s a serene part of the city to retreat to, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Zurich’s Theatre Spektakel
Further along the shores from the Arboretum, you’ll find Landiweise, another picturesque spot on Lake Zurich. The green open space is the venue of the annual Theatre Spektakel, an international arts festival that has been running since 1980. The festival takes place over two weeks in August.
Amble along the banks of the Limmat River
Views from the Limmat River promenade
Whether you’re looking at it from Lindenhof above or its mouth at Quaibrücke, the Limmat River is obviously the heart of Zurich. Ambling along the Limmat is an opportunity to feel the real Zurich. Admire the breathtaking city views, and in the summer, join the locals by stopping off at Unterer Lettten or Oberer Letten swimming facilities.
Take a train ride to the top of Uetliberg Mountain
Have an afternoon free? One of the best views of the city, the lake and the surrounding countryside is from Uetliberg Mountain.
Views over Zurich from Uetliberg mountain
Uetliberg is just a 20-minute train ride from Zurich’s main train station. The train will take you straight to the summit. From there, it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular views.
Our opinion
With the beautiful Swiss Alps as a backdrop, Zurich is more than just a banking and financial hub. Switzerland’s largest city is a vibrant and lively city ready to welcome visitors. As the centre for banking and finance, the city boasts citizens from all over the world, adding to the city’s unique culture.
We suggested setting aside 2-3 full days to fully experience all that the fascinating city of Zurich has to offer.
Where we stayed
We had the pleasure of staying in a lovely local neighbourhood near Niederdorf on the right bank.
EMA House Services Apartments in Unterstrasse is a 10-minute walk from Zurich’s Altstadt. The apartment was large and very comfortable.
In case you’re interested
Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting. Please take a look at another of our recommendations below.
A short time in Switzerland, making our way to Italy by road, found us wanting to see more of one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Basel was our first stop on our comprehensive road tour of the country. Be sure to visit Basel, a Swiss treasure that you must see.
Why you should visit Basel
Basel, located in northwestern Switzerland, is conveniently situated near the borders of both France and Germany. Known as the art and culture capital of Switzerland, unless one embarks on a river cruise along the mighty Rhine River, travellers do not often make the city a priority for a visit. Read on to learn more about why we think you should.
Steeped in history with its origins going back to Roman times, Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest city, often overlooked by visitors who prefer to visit Zurich.
For visitors, central Basel is split into two unique areas on either side of the Rhine River: Kleinbasel and Basel’s Altstadt. Even though the River divides the city, bridges crossing over the river make the city easy to navigate on foot.
Our favourite things to do in Basel
Explore Basel Altstadt
Visit the Rathaus
Basel’s Rathaus (Town Hall) is a unique structure. Standing in the heart of Basel’s bustling Marktplatz, the building’s red facade catches your attention. We were in awe of this building, which was constructed over 500 years ago. Sit on a bench across from the Renaissance building to study its beautiful façade, complete with intricate carvings and sculptures.
We sat across from Basel’s unique Rathaus to admire the amazing exterior before we went inside
But wait, there’s more. Step inside the arcaded entrance, and you’ll find yourself in an inner courtyard. You’ll find your breath taken away with walls covered extravagantly in frescoes and grand staircases.
The beautiful interior courtyard of Basel’s Rathaus
While the building is an iconic landmark in Basel, it is also a working building housing the city council and the mayor’s office, as well as being the seat of government.
Basel Munsterplatz
Basel’s Munsterplatz is one of the oldest public squares in Basel, hosting not only the Basler Munster but also many beautiful historic buildings around the square. Take a look around at the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the buildings, many of which date back to medieval times.
The striking towers and red sandstone facade of Basel Munster
The square has also been a public meeting place for centuries and continues the tradition today, with concerts and major events held there, including the annual Christmas Markets.
Basel Munster
Basel Munster, and its towers are visible across the city on either side of the river. However, it’s most striking up close in Munsterplatz. The Munster was built between 1019 and 1500 and is known for its red sandstone exterior, colourful roof and Gothic facade. The church was destroyed and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1356.
One of the cloisters of Basel Munster
The interior is simple and lightly adorned, but what stands out are the beautiful stained glass windows and frescoes. The highlight was wandering around the two cloisters, which led to a shaded terrace with a viewpoint overlooking the river and across to the other side.
The viewing terrace behind Basel Munster provides views over the Rhine River and beyond
Walk along medieval Augustinegasse
One of the most beautiful routes to walk to Munsterplatz and the Munster is along Augustinegasse. A stroll along the street takes you past medieval and aristocratic houses, as well as museums with glimpses across the river from vantage points. Along the way, look out for the Augustiner Brunnen, a decorative fountain bearing the city’s coat of arms. A fountain has been on the site since 1468.
Augustiner Brunnen, the decorative fountain on Basel’s Augustinegasse
Mittlere Brücke
Since 1226, the Mittlere Brücke has been one of Basel’s most well-known landmarks. Linking the two sides of the river, it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings.
Mittlere Brücke as seen from Basel’s Augustinegasse viewpoint
The current bridge, known as the new Mittlere Brücke, was erected in 1905 to incorporate the city’s tram system.
Stroll in Altstadt’s backstreets
Venture away from the more popular riverside streets in the Altstadt and discover the backstreets of the old town. Filled with beautiful old houses and intimate squares dating back to the 12th century, you’ll find it a treat to walk around.
The beautiful courtyards and medieval buildings of Basel’s Altstadt
Be mesmerised by the Tinguely Fountain
Walk through Basel’s theatre district and you’ll find a modern addition to the Altstadt, the Tinguely Fountain
For a modern twist, visit the Tinguely Fountain (Tinguely-Brunnen). IT sits on the site of the old Basel Theatre and next to the new Basel Theatre. Watch the fun and mechanical sculptures moving in this quirky fountain.
With its vibrant squares and choice of inernatleinbasel, originally known as “lesser Basel”, has become a popular part of town to visit.
Kaserne Basel and the Basel Tattoo
Kaserne Basel is Basel’s central culture hub. The open-air theatre hosts up to 250 concerts and performances every year.
During our stay, the annual Basel Tattoo was being held at the venue. The Basel Tattoo is the second-largest open-air tattoo in the world. It promises to be a sensational show featuring bagpipes, music, and folk dancing.
If you’re planning to attend the Tattoo, tickets sell out fast, so book early. We didn’t have tickets, so we spent some time enjoying the grounds outside the venue with the locals, who, like us, were taking in the sounds of the rehearsals before the main event.
Stroll the Rhein Promenade
The Rhein Promenade offers some of the best views of the Altstadt. Take a morning walk or evening stroll.
Views of the Altstadt and locals floating down the Rhine River in Basel
If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll find a phenomenon particular to the city. On our morning walk, we came across locals engaging in one of their favourite activities. With their daywear in special waterproof bags doubling as floats, we saw dozens of people floating down the river.
Enjoy a riverside picnic dinner
The huge Migros supermarket (it even has a large patisserie section) in Kleinbasel was our spot to collect a crisp rosé wine and an assortment of breads, cheeses, and olives one evening.
In the summer, the riverside is wonderful for an evening picnic. We found a spot to join the locals watching the floaters go down the river, listening to musicians entertain us, looking over the scenic Altstadt and engaging in a little people-watching while enjoying our simple evening meal.
More things you can do while in Basel
Not much of the castle walls remain in Basel today, but walk a little further from the Altstadt to St Alban and you’ll find the parts of castle walls and the Spalen Gate, one of the city’s three remaining gates.
Also in St Alban, you’ll find Basel’s Paper Museum. It’s a working paper museum set in a medieval paper mill.
Make a day trip to Baden in the Limmat Valley. It has a beautiful old town and is known for its thermal baths, and is just 56km from Basel.
In case you’re interested
You name it, we’ve been on all sorts of holidays. However, whether we’re exploring our own country or travelling further afield, our most treasured ones are our road trips. Read why on our blog post dedicated to self-driving – “It’s more fun to self-drive“
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After 36 days of walking the full Camino de Santiago route (780km) from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in southern France, we stood in front of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. We had done it!
Why we chose to walk the full Camino de Santiago
Ten years earlier, we had stood in the same spot watching bedraggled but euphoric pilgrims arrive after completing their Camino walk. This scene inspired us to set ourselves the challenge of some day completing our own Camino walk.
Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
Once we’d decided to walk the Camino, we agreed that we wanted to commit to walking the entire Camino Frances route.
World events and other travel plans meant our Camino had to be put on hold for several years, but in 2023, we decided that this was the perfect time to do it. We reconnected with our travel arrangers, UTracks, to make the arrangements.
Were we ready to do this – Camino jitters
Did we get Camino jitters? Of course we did! We had never walked long distances on hiking trails, almost every day for 36 days.
Getting closer and closer to our start date, we often asked ourselves questions, “Were we ready to do this?”, “Were we prepared, had we trained enough?”, “Had we packed the right gear?”. All are questions that first-time Camino pilgrims ask themselves.
Suddenly, we were in St-Jean-de-Pied-de-Port, and the only way to go was forward. We started by putting one foot in front of the other and completed one of the hardest days on the Camino de Santiago, hiking over the Pyrenees mountains into Spain.
Did we enjoy walking the full Camino de Santiago?
Yes. It is indeed an experience of a lifetime. Little did we know when we started that it would leave an indelible mark on our lives. In one way or another, we find ourselves recalling or talking about a particular scene, episode, or day on our walk.
Then, there are the people we met over the 36 days of walking the full Camino de Santiago. People walk the Camino de Santiago for various reasons; some prefer to walk solo with minimal interaction, while others enjoy meeting and engaging with fellow walkers from around the world. We met some wonderful people during our time on the Camino.
How did we feel when we got to our destination?
Watching pilgrims arrive at the Cathedral on our first visit, we saw a mix of both tears of joy, elation, and in some cases, pure exhaustion.
How did we feel? There was a small shine in the eye but even more were the wide smiles on our faces. We had achieved the challenge we had set for ourselves. We had reached our destination safely and without injury.
Ground Zero – Plaza de Obra
The important stuff for walking the full Camino de Santiago
We’re glad we …
Made sure we were fit and ready. Important lesson is get in shape before you arrive to commence the Camino. Don’t be afraid of the idea of having to walk every day or the distances. You”ll find your walking legs affer a few days.
Invested in good footwear and breathable socks. We bought sturdy new hiking shoes and broke them in before we arrived in St Jean Pied de Port. Most importantly, to prevent the common Camino feet ailments of blisters and sore muscles, we stopped regularly throughout the day to take off our shoes and socks, air our feet and rest.
Used hiking poles. We invested in a pair retractable hiking poles which we carried in our daypacks ever ready to come out whenever we needed support going up and down hills. We found they came in extremely useful to steady and assist on the steep descents. They prevented us, as is the tendency, from moving downhill too fast. We came across a few pilgrims suffering knee injuries or just sore knees from going too fast without the support of hiking poles.
Chose to walk the full Camino de Santiago during the summer months. This prevented us having to walk in rainwear as well as slippery and muddy tracks. Yes, the summer can be hot and dry. We started our daily walks immediately after breakfast, when the temperatures were moderate, to arrive at our destination by ealy afternoon before the extreme heat arrived. By the late afternoon we were sitting refreshed and relaxed in a cool spot having pre-dinner drinks. Some of our walking companions chose to commence in the very early hours to avoid the heat in the day. To escape any injury, we preferred not to walk in thr dark.
Took our time and paid attention when on the trail. It’s easy to lose focus when you’re tired. That’s how injuries happen! Or waymarkers get missed!
Took advantage of luggaage transfers. Many pilgrims prefer to carry their own backpack and belongings. We enjoyed the freedom to enjoy our daily walks without the extra weight on our backs. Our transfers were efficiently undertaken by Jacobtrans. More often than not, our bags had arrived and were safely installed in our rooms before we arrived.
Booked private accommodation instead of choosing to stay in albergues. Knowing we had somewhere pre-arranged to stay overnight meant we could enjoy our walking days. We noticed many pilgrims depart in the ealy hours trying to reach their next destination before others arrived to ensure they had secured a bed for the night. If they arrived too late and missed out they would have to continue to the next albergue which could a distance away or even worse, have to backtrack. We also took the option to upgrade our accommodation at several stops so that we could experience staying in a monastery.
Factored in rest days. Northern Spain has some beautiful cities which international tourists don’t visit. Pilgrims can really experience the authenticity of a Spanish city. We took rest days in Logrono and Leon. It allowed us to spend the day looking more closely at the city and visit their attractions. We also recommend staying an extra night in Burgos.
Took our travel yoga mats with us. Having our yoga mats on hand meant we were disciplined and did yoga and stretches at the end of each day. It made a big difference. We had no aches or pains and suffered no injuries during our walk.
Be prepared
Some of our thoughts on enjoying and making the most of your Camino. Be prepared:
To put away your device while walking. Use it only for taking photos to record memories of your journey. Instead, enjoy the natural environment, greet and interact with fellow pilgrims and locals. You’ll find that language is not a barrier when walking the full Camino de Santiago.
To turn and look back. Some of the best scenery could be behind you. Unless you are planning to walk a return journey, you may not see the same scenery again.
To walk at your own pace. As long as you have done the preparatory work before commencing the Camino, your body will get used to the environment and walking long distance.
To find you”ll miss walking the full Camino de Santiago. Many pilgrims experience a sense of loss once they have finished their route. The daily act of walking becomes meditative an addictive and as you get closer to the end, you almost don’t want it to end.
Our recommendation
Time permitting, we recommend walking the full Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela as a wonderful active holiday experience. While the final 100km can become busy, for most of the journey it’s the best way to see northern Spain’s stunning natural environment without crowds of tourists.
The Camino provides an opportunity to escape the everyday noise of the world provides time for peaceful reflection.
The Camino allows us to challenge and find that our bodies are capable of the physical and mental challenges of traversing ever changing terrain and the large distance.
Would we walk the full Camino de Santiago again?
For some pilgrims/walkers, walking the Camino de Santiago fulfils a once in a lifetime dream. Others return to walk the same path over and over again. We enjoyed our personal Camino and the challenge.
There is always the possibility that we will return to walk the same route again. As travel enthusiasts, however, there are so many other travel adventures we would like to undertake before we returned again to recomplete the full Camino Frances. There are numerous other Camino routes we would consider completing first.
Want to know more about walking the full Camino de Santiago?
Are you interested in or contemplating walking the full or part of the Camino de Santiago and want to know more? Take a look at our blog which tells you everything you need to know about walking the Camino de Santiago through the link below.
Days 35 and 36 of walking the full Camino de Santiago were our last on the Camino route. The distances were shorter than the past two days, and the trail led us through green pastures and farming country towards our destination, Santiago de Compostela.
Day 35 – Arzua to A Rua (O Pino)
We started our day in Pazo Santa Maria’s restaurant. The table was laden with food, including homemade butter and jams, Arzua cheese and freshly made scrambled eggs.
Breakfast at Pazo Santa Maria
Stomachs filled, we caught the sun rising over the countryside before our hotel driver returned us to the main town and the Camino route.
All the regular hikers we’d seen since Sarria were already on their way. Everyone was wrapped up against the cold, but it wasn’t long before the cloud cover burned off, revealing the sun and warmth.
Dry forest trails filled with more pilgrims as the morning wore on and the celebratory atmosphere continued. Musicians had set themselves up along the track, and pilgrims stopped for a break and listened.
Stopping to listen to musicians on the Camino trail
Despite the shorter walking distance, we continued our ritual and stopped after a couple of hours to take our shoes off, let our feet breathe, and rest while we ate protein bars.
We caught up with the “Quiet Americans” back on the path. He was still walking with discomfort. She told us that since she had recovered from her injury on Day 21, he was using one of her poles to assist with the final part of their Camino. They would stay overnight in O Pedroouza, the next town from O Rua.
We passed through several pretty villages before reaching O Pino just before lunchtime; a few steep climbs, but on the whole, it was a pleasant short walking day.
O Pino
Rounding the corner on a shaded path, we found ourselves at a fork in the road. The path to our right led to our hotel. The left path took us into the charming village of O Pino. We decided to follow the lane lined with colourful homes and beautiful gardens, hoping to find a place for coffee and lunch.
Beautiful country lanes
With no cafes or restaurants in sight, we thought we would have to turn back to have lunch at our hotel, but suddenly, a lovely restaurant with tables arranged in a spacious, shaded grassy area appeared. It was the perfect spot to eat and rest before we went to our accommodation.
We settled at an outdoor table, ordered our lunch and watched pilgrims come and go. Our delicious salad was a combination of greens, mangoes, avocado, nuts and seeds.
A Rua
After lunch, we backtracked along the lane and turned towards the main road and our hotel on the outskirts of the town. It wasn’t far away, and before long we had checked in, unpacked, completed our yoga and showered.
A Rua is a small village (pop 50), and with little else to do, we read for a while in the small sitting area at the end of our hallway. The hotel was full. Noisy guests, both pilgrims and holidaying families, came and went between the floors. We retreated to our room to watch a couple of episodes of The Crown before going downstairs.
There’s a cosy outdoor area outside the hotel entrance where we had a glass of wine and journaled before dinner. The hotel restaurant served us a delicious meal of grilled vegetables, lentil soup, fish, Santiago cake and rice pudding.
Another episode of The Crown rounded off our relatively relaxed second-to-last day on the Camino de Santiago.
Our accommodation
Hotel O Pino looked simple from the roadside; we didn’t have high expectations. However, we found the hotel comfortable and full of character. In addition to the elegant sitting room on our floor, the hotel provided a couple of outdoor retreats for guests.
Arriving at Hotel O Pino
Our room was spacious and comfortable.
Walking statistics
18km
5 hours, including a lunch stop
Day 36 – A Rua (O Pino) to Santiago de Compostela
It was our last day of walking the full Camino de Santiago. Most of us would finish our Camino in Santiago de Compostela, others would continue after Santiago to Finisterre and the Atlantic Ocean, and some would even continue to complete another Camino route. Although Santiago de Compostela was still 22km away, we all felt we were almost there.
We woke at 6:30 am to shower and pack before breakfast in the restaurant at 7:30 am. The restaurant was bustling with pilgrims eager to be on their way.
The path was quiet when we started walking at 8:00 am. Many pilgrims had left early to reach Santiago de Compostela in time to attend the midday Pilgrim’s Mass in the Cathedral.
Pilgrims on the last day of walking the Camino de Santiago
We left the hotel behind a group of three families walking together. Everyone was chatting jovially, the younger members walking a little ahead of their elders.
A Rua
Country lanes with small homes, vegetable patches, and small watering stops accompanied us as we passed through A Rua township and onward through the settlements of O Pedrouzo and Amenal.
Eucalyptus and oak trees appeared, and we caught a few last moments of peace walking along the forest trail without any pilgrims.
Unexpected quiet forest trails on our last day of walking the full Camino de Santiago
Just before San Paio, there was a large engraved stone Camino sign. We couldn’t resist taking a photo of ourselves with it as a reminder of our odyssey.
Making memories!
San Paio
While only a small hamlet, we were attracted to turn off the trail by the quaint bell tower of the small San Paio de Buscas Church for a closer look. It was also an opportunity to have our morning tea and rest at the cafe across the path.
The pretty San Paio de Buscas Church
While not mentioned in our guide, quite a few pilgrims were visiting inside the pretty stone church. Our research tells us the church is dedicated to San Paio, a 14-year-old saint who was kidnapped by the invading Muslim troops, taken to Seville and martyred before being tossed into the Guadalquivir River.
A chance meeting
Aubern, the young French pilgrim we had met intermittently while walking the full Camino de Santiago, emerged from the church as we arrived. We had last met him in El Burgo Ranero on Day 20. Although Santiago wasn’t far from San Paio, and unlike many of us, Aubern planned to arrive in the cathedral square the next day. For him, it would be Day 90 on the Camino. As he had told us when we first met, he had started his Camino walk from his home city of Paris.
We discussed his plans to continue walking on Finisterre, Murcia, and return to Santiago de Compostela. He had good news; he and Manu, one of his fellow young pilgrims, had connected. She had returned home after completing her planned section of the Camino, but was returning to walk the remainder of Aubern’s Camino with him. Even better news: Aubern had used the solitude of his time on the Camino to reassess his career path and found a new direction.
We were unlikely to see him again, so we wished Aubern well and waved goodbye. He was off to find an albergue for the night.
Lavacolla and Vilamaior
The Camino route travels around the Santiago de Compostela Airport runway before returning into the forest. On the forest trail just outside San Paio, a lone bagpiper set the scene for our arrival in Santiago de Compostela. There was a sense of celebration in the air!
There were still more forest tracks to follow, though. Throughout our last walking day, parts of the trail were strenuous enough for our hiking poles to come out.
Galician horreos
Horeros were still scattered in the small towns, and an unfamiliar sight on the Camino, what seemed to be a hand-painted protest sign, was prominently placed on the main path through the small settlement of Vilamaior, 10km from Santiago de Compostela.
Monte del Gozo
We arrived at Monte del Gozo, just 5km from Ground Zero (Cathedral Square). It’s at the lookout, where pilgrims see the Cathedral’s spires in the distance, that reality sinks in. We were nearly there!
There are two other reasons to stop at Monte del Gozo. A large monument to celebrate the 1993 Holy Year stands at the crest. Close by, there is a small chapel. It’s the last opportunity for pilgrims to get their Pilgrim’s Passport stamp and qualify for their Compostela Certificate.
The approach to Santiago de Compostela
The last part of the road after Monte del Gozo was downhill through the city’s outskirts before we found ourselves at the Santiago de Compostela sign. One step closer to the Cathedral and its square, where, 10 years before, we had first experienced the elation of pilgrims arriving and committed to walking the Camino de Santiago someday.
The first indication that we had almost arrived was the colourful “Santiago de Compostela” sign that everyone was lining up to have their photo taken at. We had a couple of photos snapped of ourselves as a memento, too.
Nearly there – we couldn’t resist a photo at this colourful sign
The remainder of the walk continued along the main road. Bakery staff stood outside their stores, welcoming pilgrims with samples of Santiago Cake.
The final few steps walking the full Camino de Santiago
The road led us into the narrower streets of the old town, then finally past some of the rather imposing but beautiful administrative buildings in the smaller square, down the steps into the small tunnel where bagpipers welcomed pilgrims and visitors into Plaza de Obradoiro (Cathedral Square).
Entering Plaza de Obradoiro
The entrance into the square with the bagpipers playing is a moving experience for both pilgrims and bystanders alike. We were glad to arrive on a bright and sunny day, unlike our first visit to the square 10 years earlier.
The Plaza was relatively quiet when we arrived at 12:30 pm. Most pilgrims were inside the Cathedral de Santiago, attending the pilgrims’ mass. We took photos for other arriving pilgrims and had some taken of ourselves in front of the towering church that dominates the square.
Ground Zero – Plaza de Obradoiro
It wasn’t quiet for long. Moments later, pilgrims and worshippers emerged from the Cathedral, filling the square, embracing and congratulating each other. A sense of community and spirit that only those who have walked a Camino will experience.
Collecting our Compostela Certificate
With the busyness around the Cathedral and the Square, we decided to leave a visit to the Cathedral until later. Instead, we went straight to the Pilgrim’s Office, a street away, to pick up our Compostela. Our Pilgrims Passports were filled with more than the necessary number of stamps; we had accumulated as we made our way from Saint-Jean-de-Pied-Port to Santiago de Compostela.
While snaking outside the entrance, the queue wasn’t as long as we expected and moved quickly. Pilgrims’ Passports and our details, including the reason for our walking the Camino, and we were issued our beautiful Compostela, inscribed in Latin.
We returned to the street, Compostela in hand, to search for a lunch venue. Many of our Camino colleagues were already basking in the sunshine and lunching in the cafes outside. Our newfound Australian friend, Wendy, and her Hungarian and Korean companions greeted us warmly. They had arrived in Santiago at 9:00 that morning.
The “Quiet Americans” sat at the cafe we chose. We congratulated them, introduced ourselves to each other and chatted about the Camino experience. Shannon and Mike left that same evening to go on holiday to Porto, Portugal, for a few days before returning home.
Passing time in Santiago de Compostela
Our accommodation was conveniently located in Plaza de Obradoiro, and after lunch, we headed straight there to see if we could check in. Hotel reception told us that our room would be ready at 3:00 pm, so with an hour to kill, we decided to walk around the Mercado de Abastos before finding an outdoor table in a small square to enjoy a celebratory beer.
Once checked in, we did a yoga session, shower, and stepped out of the hotel at 5:30 pm, crossing the Plaza to visit the Cathedral. Pilgrims were still arriving, and the atmosphere was festive. Having visited the Cathedral on our last visit, 10 years earlier, we thought it would be quick; however, once inside, we took the opportunity to queue and pay homage to the remains of St James and the statue in the crypt. Unlike last time, kissing the statue is no longer permitted.
Inside the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
A celebratory final evening in Santiago de Compostela
Catching up with pilgrim friends
Louise, whom we had not seen since leaving Palas de Rei, had been in touch, suggesting we catch up for a drink to celebrate completing the Camino de Santiago. We met her in Plaza de Immaculada after visiting the 9th-century parish church, Parroquia de Nosa Señora la Antigua da Corticela, part of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela.
Enjoying our catch-up in our hotel bar, and reflecting on our Camino journeys, David and Catherine from Yuva City, Sacramento, whom we had met many days earlier, walking into Ponferrada, came past. Their friend, whom they were rushing to meet in Sarria, was with them. They had completed the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela sector of the Camino together.
Our final meal after walking the full Camino de Santiago
We returned to Plaza de Immaculada and down a small street brimming with holidaymakers and pilgrims dining at pulpo restaurants to find ourselves in a delightful square surrounded by colourful garden beds. An Italian restaurant on the other side of the square was the perfect place for a pizza dinner.
Stumbling across old friends
On our way back to Plaza de Obradoiro and our hotel after dinner, we were surprised to see Veronika, our Mexican friend whom we hadn’t seen since Day 22 in Leon. Veronika and Kevin. too, had arrived early for mass. Veronika was excited to have accomplished her lifelong wish to walk the full Camino de Santiago.
Dancing in front of the Cathedral
Cathedral Square was alive with people singing and dancing in a circle. We stopped to watch. The majority were from a large Oregon and Montana contingent that had just attended the World Youth Day gathering in Lisbon.
The Catholic Youth gathering is held every three years in different cities around the world. Members of the contingent enthusiastically shared that the highlight of their trip was Pope Francis’s attendance at this gathering. We saw the youngsters again in the hotel lobby the next morning. They had stayed overnight, and we left carrying their takeaway breakfasts
We enjoyed the festivities a little longer before crossing the square to our hotel. It had been a big day, and we were ready to sink into our luxurious bed for a restful sleep before catching the train to Madrid.
Our accommodation
For our last night and to celebrate our completion of walking the full Camino de Santiago, we had requested our Australian travel arrangers, UTracks, to reserve us a hotel room in one of Spain’s most luxurious Paradors, Parador of Santiago de Compostela.
Our accommodation, Parador de Santiago de Compostela
The hotel was originally built in 1499 to accommodate pilgrims with more modest accommodations. Today, guests can still visit the four beautiful cloisters and see some of the original rooms.
One of the four cloisters inside the Parador de Santiago de Compostela
It was the perfect way to spend our last night of walking the full Camino de Santiago.
Highlights of the day
And, so it was. We had completed walking the Camino de Santiago, nearly 800km from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. We were elated to have completed a challenge we had set for ourselves 10 years earlier on our first visit to Santiago de Compostela.
Of greater impact was meeting up with some of the pilgrims we journeyed with at different stages of the walk. There were many we didn’t re-encounter and whom we missed congratulating. We hoped they had completed their Camino safely.
Walking statistics
22km
5.5 hours including a rest break
Want to know more about walking the full Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) is a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. You don’t have to be a pilgrim to walk the Way. Above all, it’s a wonderful way to see and experience northern Spain.
Follow our 36-day journey walking the full Camino de Santiago from Day 1 by clicking the link below.
Having compiled our chronology of walking the full Camino de Santiago, we’ll share our reflections and noteworthy suggestions from our experience. Subscribe to our email list to receive the post straight to your inbox when it’s published.
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