Are there any free refuges along the GR11?
Yes, along the route you will pass a number of free shelters, however, it is not guaranteed that there will be room, nor that the shelter will be in good condition. These refuges are essential for hikers looking for basic and free accommodation during their trek.
Free Refuges on the GR11
In the GR11 guide we have in each stage a section called "Where to sleep'. in which we indicate the free refuges through which we pass and the state of the same (they may have changed). In any case, it is advisable to plan well for the end of each stage and to carry a basic bivouac / tent kit.
The conservation status of free refuges can be very random and changeable. in the weather. A strong storm on a shelter in poor condition can lead, if it has a leak, to the roof collapsing or the interior becoming totally unusable. On the other hand, all it takes is for a group of vandals with no respect for the place to vandalise the shelter and it will be totally inoperative for the hiker.
Practical considerations and advice
Spending the night in a free shelter may not be the best option if you are used to sleeping in hostels, shelters or hotels/hostels, as you will normally have to place your mat on the floor or on a bed base in a dubious state. However, even if we do not find great luxuries, these spaces allow us to spend the night and it is one of the options if we are looking to extend stages or make a different distribution.
They are also an option to adjust the budget of our journey and make it more economical. Think that the distribution of stages of the GR11 is more than 40 days, and sleeping in a place saved, in a hostel or hotel every day, means a high cost. In this way, we can alternate free options with the occasional day when we have the "luxury" of a better place to sleep and rest.
Finally, I would like to highlight the work done by groups such as Refugios Libres Dignos, which, with volunteers and contributions, repair shelters, some of which are located on the GR11.
In the case of "Refugios Libres Dignos" have been renovating mountain refuges in the Pyrenees since 2022.. They started out independently, paying for the repairs, and now have the collaboration of companies and volunteers. In addition to improving the conditions of the refuges, they promote their responsible and supportive use, turning each refuge into a more welcoming and safe space for all mountaineers. You can visit their Instagram channel.
Quick guide
GR 11
with everything you need to know before undertaking the Pyrenean Path
