Camino de San Olav - A route full of stories and adventures from Burgos to Covarrubias

The Way of Saint Olav describes in Viajes Camino de Santiago the pilgrimage route that in its Spanish version covers about 60 km between Burgos and Covarrubias, passing through charming villages and linked to the history of Princess Kristina of Norway and the cult of Saint Olav, offering a short journey but full of history.

Camino de San Olav… Have you ever heard of this pilgrimage route named after a Norwegian saint? If not, here we will tell you everything you need to know about this impressive path. For some, it is no secret that there are two routes called Camino de San Olav. There is the one in Norway that spans about 650 kilometers from Oslo to Trondheim, where the remains of the saint being honored are located.

But there is also the Spanish route, which we will only reference in this article. It consists of 60 kilometers of trail that can be completed in two days from Burgos to Covarrubias. There, you will appreciate charming little towns such as Cardeñadijo and Quintalara. This is a journey filled with very particular stories, such as that of Princess Kristina of Norway, who at the age of 28 and on her deathbed, made her husband promise, in the 13th century, to build a temple in Covarrubias in honor of San Olav.

Well, discover in this 48-hour trip everything about this place that is so important for pilgrimage routes on Iberian soil, including the reason why the work was not completed until 2011, many years after that promise.

What places to visit on the Camino de Olav?

The Plaza del Rey San Fernando will be the starting point for one of the most significant routes in Castilla La Mancha. It is located very close to the Burgos Cathedral, right between the path of the French Way to Santiago de Compostela, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site. You will pass by the Arco de Santa María, an exceptionally beautiful place that is worth a couple of photos. Plaza Vega will be the next place to visit. You will continue along calle Madrid until you reach the Vía Verde, which will finally take you to one of the most iconic villages in the area: Cardeñadijo.

Do not miss the opportunity to refresh yourself with a delicious beer in one of its bars or to have a snack before continuing along this medium-difficulty route.

The Camino de Olav will also allow you to discover three modúbares such as the de la Emparedada, de la Cuesta, and de San Cabrián. Leave behind the modúbares to reach Los Ausines, especially valued for the three neighborhoods that make it up: San Juan, Quintanilla, and Sopeña. The passage along the Ausin River will allow you to visit Revilla de Campo and then the village of Quintalara, a village of untamed beauty that has been developing charcoal production amidst nature.

Peñalara, Cubillejo de Lara, and Tierra de Lara are part of the travel itinerary along the Spanish Camino de Olav. Discover through this walk the importance of the towns of Lara for this region and how literature has influenced civilization.

Crossing the forest and admiring the most beautiful aspects of the local fauna, you will arrive at Mambrillas de Lara. From there, via the Soria road, you will finally reach the hermitage of San Olav in Covarrubias, a place that few know but will surely steal more than one sigh.

Where to eat?

Yes, we have already mentioned it, during the journey of the Camino de San Olav in Spain you will see small villages where you will find restaurants to taste the local cuisine. Here we will show you just a few that have caught the attention of tourists.

Restaurant Tiky

It is one of the most recognized and popular within the Camino de San Olav. It is especially valued by diners for its delicious food, good service, and for guaranteeing an ideal harmonious atmosphere for the visitor. It is located at Plaza de Doña Urraca, in Covarrubias.

Bar Restaurant El Puente

Diverse menu, delicious food, and excellent service. This is how they describe the Bar Restaurant El Puente, one of the places where the seasoning and flavor of the dishes are unmatched. If you make a quality-price relationship, you will surely list it in your itinerary of places to visit. It is also located in Covarrubias, specifically at Calle Barbadillos, 25.

Bar La Cantinilla

It is a simple and warm place. Ideal for tasting homemade food made with love. Let your palate be pampered with exquisite dishes, served by friendly staff who will make you feel at home. It is located at Calle Ancha, 3, Quintanilla.

Where to sleep?

The travel itinerary would not be complete if you do not include a list of hotels or accommodation places. If you are not familiar, do not worry, we will show you some here.

Hotel Rey Chindasvinto

Covarrubias has its medieval side and this hotel is located right there. It is a place with a marked rustic decoration that makes it super special. However, it is very well preserved and very comfortable for the guest. It has comfortable rooms, satellite TV, free internet connection, among other services.

Hotel Doña Sancha

If there is one thing that characterizes the Hotel Doña Sancha, it is that it is surrounded by well-kept gardens and nature. In fact, its rooms, with large windows, have balconies with incredible views of the valley. Do not hesitate to enjoy a night’s stay at this place in Covarrubias with quality services.

Rural Hotel Princesa Kristina

In honor of the Norwegian princess who made her husband promise to build the San Olav temple, this hotel in the heart of Covarrubias has worked to ensure excellent guest service. It offers rooms with heating, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. Here, breakfast is free.

How to get there?

To undertake the Olav Way in Spain, the first recommendation is to start from Burgos. To reach this town, you can use various means of transportation such as car, train, plane, or bus. Choose the one that suits you best according to your departure location and economic availability.

If you are traveling by plane, you should know that the local airport only allows private or charter flights. It also has the Burgos Rosa de Lima Station which connects by rail to other cities such as Madrid.

By car, the journey will be equally safe. If you start your trip from Madrid, you will need to take the N – 1 or Autovía del Norte.

If your intention is to travel to Portugal and you are already there, we recommend that you start the Route of the Portuguese Way from Tui.