A Tribute to the Washing Machine
A visual journey through the history of the most famous washing machine on all the Caminos.
If you've already walked the Camino de Santiago, then you'll know it. The washing machine. I mean, THE washing machine from the Camino de Santiago.
It's just standing there. Right by the path. That's why it's called the Soda Washing Machine.
And she brings a smile to every pilgrim’s face, time and time again, day after day.
By the way, it’s located in Las Herrerias, the last village before O’Cebreiro.
That is why it is now time to pay our respects to her and say THANK YOU.
Specifically, with this little tribute to THE washing machine.
Do you have a photo of a washing machine? Maybe even a really old one? Or a funny one? If so, send it to us atinfo@caminoninja.com, and feel free to share your own little story about it. We’d be happy to include your contribution in the article!
You can also use THE washing machineView on Google Street View.
Washing Machine 2025
Rüdiger Neitzke, October 2025
Washing Machine 2024
April 2024 by Johanna Sutoris
Photographed by Norbert Müller in April 2024
Washing Machine 2019
On October 14, 2019, with Michael from Saxony
Washing Machine 2018
October 2018, Photo by Jens Bay
"When I saw this little gem, I had no idea it was a 'classic.' But I thought—it's got something special! The ravages of time have taken their toll."
September 2018, photo by Gerhard Knauf
August 2018, photo by Annette Kosak
March 27, 2018, Photo by Katha Schö
Washing Machine 2017
"Yes, it puts a smile on your face and gives you the energy to keep going. And best of all, it has an eco-wash cycle that uses no water or electricity, yet your laundry still smells fresh and natural."
May 2017, R. Eschermann
Washing Machine 2016
November 1, 2016. Photo by Michael Heitmann
Washing Machine 2014
October 13, 2014, with a Cucaracha sticker. Photo by Elisabeth.
"On my 65th day on the Camino de Santiago, I walked past the most famous washing machine in the world."
July 19, 2014, Photo by Stephan Schäfer
May 2014, photo by Karin Lenz
Washing Machine 2013
Pilgrim's laundry!
September 2013, photo by Klaus Brause.
Washing Machine 2012
June 7, 2012, Photo by Markus Becke
As a place to sit.
2012, Photo by Katharina Banczyk
This is how it looked on May 2, 2012. Photo by Gerta Görtz
Washing Machine 2011
Without a pot.
June 2011, photo by Gert Kleinsteuber
Washing Machine 2010
With a red pot.
September 2010 – during the Holy Year. Photo by Helge Kreuz.
With a white pot.
May 2010, Photo by Klara Klar.
May 21, 2010 Photo by Michael Gabler
May 21, 2010 Photo by Michael Gabler
Washing Machine 2009
September 2009, photo by Peter Gerlach
With a green pot.
June 2009. Photo by Mi Gro.
Washing Machine 2008
With a red pot.
September 2008, Photo by Ol Ma No.
Washing Machine 2007
With a green pot.
May 2007. Photo by Jürgen Berschbach.
Do you have a photo of a washing machine, too? Maybe even a really old one? Or a funny one?
Then send it to us atpeter@jakobsweg.de, and feel free to share your own little story about it. We’d be happy to include your contribution in the article!