The Camino de Santiago offers a wide variety of historic routes that allow travelers to discover Galicia from unique perspectives. Among the most notable alternatives are the Winter Way and the Künig Route, two lesser-known itineraries that combine nature, heritage, and tranquility. These paths are gaining popularity among those seeking an authentic experience, especially during the colder months. Below we explore their characteristics, routes, and cultural significance.
The Winter Way in Galicia
The Winter Way—also referred to as the Southern Winter Route—is a historic alternative to the French Way. It begins in Ponferrada and enters Galicia through the region of Valdeorras, crossing the south of Lugo and the north of Pontevedra before reaching Santiago de Compostela.
Covering approximately 240 kilometers, the Winter Way is known for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Along the route, travelers can enjoy:
- The Médulas, an ancient Roman gold-mining site and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Serra da Enciña da Lastra Natural Park, perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
- The dramatic canyon of the Sil River, gateway to the Ribeira Sacra.
- Renowned wine regions such as Valdeorras and Terra de Lemos.
Key towns along the path include O Barco de Valdeorras, A Rúa, Quiroga, Monforte de Lemos, and Chantada. One highlight is the Alto do Faro, a viewpoint overlooking several Galician provinces.
Historically, this route was chosen by merchants and pilgrims seeking to avoid the snowy mountain passes near O Cebreiro in winter. Its official recognition as a Jacobean route in the early 2010s boosted its development in terms of services and signage.
Main Features of the Winter Way
- Low crowd levels: Ideal for travelers seeking a quiet and authentic experience.
- Cultural richness: Roman remains, traditional architecture, and significant heritage sites.
- Strong natural connection: Vineyards, forests, river landscapes, and protected areas.
Thanks to its progressive recognition, the Winter Way is becoming a strong alternative to the more popular French or Portuguese routes.
The Künig Route: A Historic Northern Winter Path
The Künig Route—also known as the Northern Winter Route—is another historical alternative connected to the Camino de Santiago. This itinerary follows an old medieval path that allowed travelers to avoid more challenging high-altitude sections.
The route passes through several towns in the interior of Lugo and connects with the Primitive Route in key locations such as:
- San Román da Retorta
- Guntín
- Ponte Ferreira
- Vilouriz
- Melide, where several Camino routes converge
Different municipalities are currently working to recover and promote this historic route, giving new visibility to an itinerary with strong cultural value.
Cultural Importance of the Künig Route
The Künig Route preserves ancient paths, bridges, and infrastructure once used by travelers and pilgrims. Its recovery highlights the historical evolution of the Camino de Santiago and allows modern walkers to explore rural areas rich in heritage.
Although the route remained in the background for years, its revitalization has positioned it as a potential official route in the future.
When to Walk the Winter Way and the Künig Route
Both routes can be walked year-round but are particularly suitable in winter due to their lower altitude and accessibility compared to other mountain routes. When planning, it is important to consider:
- Weather conditions: which may affect the difficulty of certain stages.
- Accommodation availability: especially outside the peak season.
- Local festivities: which can enrich the cultural experience.
Preparing in advance and considering these factors will help travelers fully enjoy the Winter Way and the Künig Route, discovering the nature, history, and peaceful atmosphere that these trails offer in Galicia.
