After the closure of the month of July El Camino de Hierro reopens its doors to visitors with some changes that we tell you in this new post of our blog, in addition to explaining why staying at Camping Arribes del Duero is the best option if you are going to do this route.

El Camino de Hierro is a pedestrian route that follows the route of an old railway line, now closed to traffic and transformed into an accessible path. This route combines the magnificence of 19th century civil engineering with the beauty of spectacular nature.

Along this trail, you will encounter bridges suspended over breathtaking gorges, tunnels carved out of living rock and vast landscapes that are part of a unique ecosystem.

It is an innovative and audacious proposal, offering an experience full of contrasts of lights, perspectives and sensations.

DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THE SECTION LA FREGENEDA – VEGA TERRÓN ON THE IRON ROAD

The section connecting the La Fregeneda station with the Vega Terrón dock is only a small section of the total 77 kilometers that make up the Spanish branch of the Duero Line.

This historic railway line begins in La Fuente de San Esteban, where it connects with the Medina del Campo-Salamanca-Fuentes de Oñoro route. From there, it extends to the border town of Barca d’Alva, where it connects with the Portuguese section leading to Oporto. In this way, Salamanca was linked with this important Portuguese city and, by extension, with the line coming from France that reaches Medina del Campo.

Along the northwestern Salamanca peneplain, between La Fuente de San Esteban and La Fregeneda station, the railway line crosses less demanding terrain than the dramatic final stretch in the Arribes del Duero. Here, the construction of tunnels and bridges was not as necessary as in the last 17 kilometers, where civil engineering faces a much more challenging and spectacular terrain.

This tour is an invitation to immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of the area, appreciating both the grandeur of the engineering and the serenity of the Salamanca landscapes.

EXPLORE THE IRON ROAD FROM THE VEGA TERRON RIVER DOCK

The starting point, from August 1, 2024, is the Muelle Fluvial de Vega Terrón. Here, visitors must validate their ticket at the ticket office and board the shuttle that will take them to the start of the tour at La Fregeneda station.

The Iron Road covers a total distance of 17 km, with an estimated duration of 4.5 hours. Just 500 meters from the station is Tunnel 1, the longest of the trail at over 1.5 km in length. Leaving this tunnel, hikers will encounter a series of 19 tunnels and 10 bridges that unfold along a gently descending slope.

This fascinating itinerary meanders along the impressive cliffs and the Águeda riverbed, culminating in the majestic Duero river, at the only river dock in Castilla y León.

It is important to note that during the closure of Tunnel No. 3, an alternative 1.5 km trail with a 60 m drop must be used, which adds some difficulty and increases the total length of the route to 18 km.

Also, if Tunnel No. 1 is closed, an alternative 1.5 km downhill trail must be taken, which leads to the tunnel exit, where it rejoins the railway line.

This tour offers a unique experience of engineering and nature, perfect for those looking for a memorable adventure in the heart of the Arribes del Duero natural park.

OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES OF THE ITINERARY

It is essential to respect the following opening and closing times of the itinerary:

Fall-Winter (October 15 to March 31):

• The box office is open for ticket control only from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.
• Entrance is not allowed after 10:00 am.
• The route must end no later than 16:30 hours.

Spring-Summer (April 1 to October 14):

• The box office is open for ticket control only from 7:30 am to 8:30 am.
• Entrance is not allowed after 8:30 am.
• The route must end no later than 15:00 hours.

ENTRANCE FEES

General Admission: 8€.

Reduced admission: 7 € (For children under 16 years, students with valid ID, retirees with proof of age, and members of large families with proof of age).

Group ticket: 7€ (For groups of 25 to 50 people purchasing tickets at the same time).

Admission for residents: 4€ (For residents registered in Hinojosa de Duero and La Fregeneda, accredited with ID).

All prices are per person and include VAT.

All tickets include:

• Use of safety equipment (reflective vest and flashlight) during the Camino de Hierro route.
• Individual Liability and Accident Insurance.
• Shuttle service from the Vega Terrón river dock to La Fregeneda station.

REQUIREMENTS

To access the Camino de Hierro, it is mandatory to present the DNI or other official accreditation document (NIE, passport, driver’s license). In the case of minors, the DNI or Family Book is required to prove the minimum age for access.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR ADVENTURE ON THE IRON ROAD

Preparations:

• Bring enough water, trekking shoes (preferably high top), sunscreen and some food.
• Be aware of the high temperatures during the summer months.
• Wet sleepers can be slippery, so be careful.

Precautions:

• Exercise caution throughout the entire route, especially on bridges and in tunnels.
• Stop to take in the scenery and enjoy the surroundings safely.
• Remember that you are in a Natural Park, respect the environment and avoid making annoying noises.
• Use the designated places to leave garbage, do not leave garbage on the road.
• Your safety depends on your behavior, act prudently.
• Keep your ticket until the end of the tour.

Prohibitions:

• The use of drones is not allowed.
• It is forbidden to light fires at any point along the route.
• Avoid taking pictures and making disturbing noises inside tunnels number 1 and number 3.
• Do not deviate from the marked itinerary.

CONDITIONS OF ACCESS TO THE IRON ROAD

Access Requirements:

• Access is allowed only to persons over 10 years of age.
• It is not permitted for those who suffer from heart disease, respiratory insufficiencies or other similar illnesses that may pose a serious risk due to the characteristics of the route, which includes tracks, tunnels, elevated trails and steep terrain.

Entrance and Security:

• Keep your ticket during the whole tour. It will be necessary to prove your identity in possible controls and to validate your departure at the end of the trip at the Vega Terrón river dock.
• In case of an accident, the ticket is the necessary document to claim insurance.
• Remember to validate your exit from the road at the Tunnel 20 EXIT for your safety.

Reserves and Equipment:

• Reservation date changes are allowed only with a minimum of 5 days notice.
• It is mandatory to use the safety equipment provided at the beginning of the tour: vest and flashlight.

Restrictions:

• Tunnels 1 and 3 may be closed at certain times due to bat hibernation and breeding. Use the alternate trails when necessary.
• You must follow the marked itinerary and respect all the rules and general conditions.
• For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on the itinerary.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU IN THE ARRIBES DEL DUERO CAMPSITE DURING YOUR VISIT TO THE IRON WAY

To begin with, ours is an accommodation for those who like contact with nature, outdoor life and sports activities such as hiking or cycling.

But, in particular, we are the closest campsite to the Camino de Hierro. Keep this in mind because you will have to get up early to access the route.

On the other hand, we know that you like to hike with your dog, but due to the special characteristics of this route, animals are not allowed. Aware of this, we have set aside an area of the campsite as a canine nurseryThere we will take care of your furry one during the hours that you remain doing the crossing. He will be safe and you can enjoy the ride. Places are limited so you will have to contact us to make a reservation.

The Iron Road is a journey through stone, iron and water that you can not miss and remember to enjoy your adventure with responsibility and respect for nature.