Iron Road: Everything you need to know
The Camino de Hierro is one of the most visited routes within the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. It is a hiking route that follows the route of the old railway line that linked Oporto with Salamanca, now closed to traffic and transformed into an accessible trail.
This 17-kilometer 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.
In this article we want to tell you everything you need to know to do El Camino de Hierro, undoubtedly the route for which our customers ask us the most.
How the Iron Road came about
This historic railway line began in La Fuente de San Esteban, a village Xxxx of Salamanca. From there, it extended to the Portuguese town of Barca d’Alva, where it connected 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.
To learn more about the history of the construction of this immense infrastructure we recommend visiting the Casa de los Condes in Lumbrales, to put the historical context it deserves. It is the former home of the Portuguese Ricardo Pinto da Costa, named the first Count of Lumbrales by Alfonso XIII, in recognition of one of the great promoters of this railway.

What is the Iron Road
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. It is an innovative and audacious proposal, offering an experience full of contrasts of lights, perspectives and sensations.
STRETCH LA FREGENEDA – VEGA TERRÓN
The railway line that linked Fuente de San Esteban and the station of La Fregeneda had a total of 77 kilometers that were part of the Spanish branch of the Duero Line. El Camino de Hierro is the popular name given to this last section of 17 kilometers, which is currently the one that can be traveled.
Here, the construction of tunnels and bridges was very necessary, where civil engineering faced a much more challenging and spectacular terrain. Undoubtedly, for me it is one of the essential routes if you visit the Arribes del Duero Natural Park.

Just 500 meters from the station is Tunnel 1, the longest of the route 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.
At certain times of the year tunnels 1 and 3 may remain closed due to the breeding and hibernation of the bats that live there.
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.
However, these alternative trails are in themselves a real beauty. So much so that, even when the tunnels are open, there are hikers who decide to redouble their efforts and after crossing the tunnel they retrace their steps to walk the alternative trails.
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.
Where the Iron Road begins

From August 1, 2024, to start this tour you have to go to the Muelle Fluvial de Vega Terrón. Here, visitors must validate their ticket at the ticket office, which must be booked in advance on the official website of the Camino de Hierro. You will have to be punctually at the time of your reservation because a transport will be waiting to take you to the start of the tour at the old train station of La Fregeneda.
OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES OF THE ITINERARY
Please note that the Camino de Hierro covers a total distance of 17 km, which you should finish before closing time. The estimated duration is approximately 4.5 hours. 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
To access this route it is mandatory to have previously purchased tickets on the official website of the Camino de Hierro through the BOOKING section. You can do the route on your own or request to do it with a guided tour.
- General admission: 8 € per person
- Special admission: 7 €. For children under 16 years, students with valid student card, 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 simultaneously.
- Admission Neighbors: 4 €. For residents registered in Hinojosa de Duero and La Fregeneda, accredited with the DNI.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR ADVENTURE ON THE IRON ROAD
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

Camino de Hierro: best active tourism product
We have exciting news to share with you: The Iron Road in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park has been awarded ‘Best Active Tourism Product’ at the prestigious XXIX Active Tourism Awards at FITUR 2024.
This recognition is a real boost for our region and, in particular, for the route located in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. Since opening to the public in 2021, the Iron Trail has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors.
At Camping Arribes del Duero, we are proud to be part of this award-winning region and we encourage you to choose our campsite as your place to stay while exploring the Camino de Hierro and other wonders of the Arribes del Duero; we are here to make your experience unforgettable.
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.
Finally, we will soon offer a shuttle service, exclusively for our customers, to and from the campsite and the Camino de Hierro; because we know that sometimes it is not comfortable to move the camper or motorhome when you have camped.
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.
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