How to use Gronze: Website vs App

[cosmomom]

{Moderator note: Three threads have been merged, so the following posts include some repetitions of both the questions and the replies.}
____________________________________________

Sorry for what seems an obvious question, but is Gronze only a website and not an app?
And there’s not an English option so open in Chrome, right? Any other tips? Thank you.

 

[Bradypus]

I let Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge do the translating for me. But it is worth checking the Spanish version for misleading translations of place names - for example Carcaboso on the VdlP used to be translated to "ghoulish"!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

And there’s not an English option so open in Chrome, right?

Chrome automatically gives you the option of getting a translation. Other browsers will translate also but it is a little bit more difficult to get them to do it.

Any other tips?

Gronze is working on a map app. See

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/gps-maps-for-walking.78749/#post-1106217

 

[C clearly]

is Gronze only a website and not an app?

Yes, for the moment, but it is easy to read and use on your phone.

 

[jungleboy]

Gronze also has a lot of 'hidden' information. For each stage of a camino, there are three tabs that contain different pieces of information. Looking at it now, the tab buttons seem fairly large and obvious at the top of each page but for a long time I didn't realise that these tabs existed.

The default tab is Albergues, which is self-explanatory -- it gives you accommodation options but doesn't give any details about the stage itself apart from a brief introduction. For several years, that's all I thought Gronze provided.

The second tab is Recorrido*, which is the guide book type part of the page, where it gives way-marking instructions and talks about the villages and landmarks etc during the stage. When we finally discovered this tab last year, it was great for our Portuguese Interior because we had no other book/app and this helped us break down each stage into manageable chunks.

Finally the Al Loro tab contains 'the most interesting things to know before starting a stage' and other curiosities. I haven't used this tab much but it seems that it would be useful in the planning period, and then Recorrido is what you would look at during a stage to know what's coming up.

* I use Gronze in Spanish and I'm not sure exactly how the machines translate Recorrido in this case (and I don't want to encourage my browser to translate) but I imagine it would be something like Route or Path.

 

[Former member 104756]

I love Gronze. An incredible resource. Another feature I appreciate is rhe elevation map it provides for each stage. Can be very helpful in considering how far I might walk on any given day.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Finally the Al Loro tab contains 'the most interesting things to know before starting a stage

Al Loro becomes The Parrot

 

[pepi]

I let Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge do the translating for me. But it is worth checking the Spanish version for misleading translations of place names - for example Carcaboso on the VdlP used to be translated to "ghoulish"!

Apart from the fact that the Gronze website mainly contains language-neutral maps, information, and accommodation addresses, one has to wonder why someone who goes hiking in Spain for a few weeks does not bother to learn the few basic terms to understand the simple, repetitive information on Gronze without translation.
For me, Gronze is not only a Camino guide, but an invaluable help to familiarise myself with simple Spanish expressions and thereby a way to learn a little bit of Spanish.

 

[cosmomom]

I let Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge do the translating for me. But it is worth checking the Spanish version for misleading translations of place names - for example Carcaboso on the VdlP used to be translated to "ghoulish"!

Haha, got it. Thank you

 

[cosmomom]

Chrome automatically gives you the option of getting a translation. Other browsers will translate also but it is a little bit more difficult to get them to do it.


Gronze is working on a map app. See

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/gps-maps-for-walking.78749/#post-1106217

Excellent, thank you.

 

[cosmomom]

Yes, for the moment, but it is easy to read and use on your phone.

Thank you

 

[cosmomom]

Gronze also has a lot of 'hidden' information. For each stage of a camino, there are three tabs that contain different pieces of information. Looking at it now, the tab buttons seem fairly large and obvious at the top of each page but for a long time I didn't realise that these tabs existed.

The default tab is Albergues, which is self-explanatory -- it gives you accommodation options but doesn't give any details about the stage itself apart from a brief introduction. For several years, that's all I thought Gronze provided.

The second tab is Recorrido*, which is the guide book type part of the page, where it gives way-marking instructions and talks about the villages and landmarks etc during the stage. When we finally discovered this tab last year, it was great for our Portuguese Interior because we had no other book/app and this helped us break down each stage into manageable chunks.

Finally the Al Loro tab contains 'the most interesting things to know before starting a stage' and other curiosities. I haven't used this tab much but it seems that it would be useful in the planning period, and then Recorrido is what you would look at during a stage to know what's coming up.

* I use Gronze in Spanish and I'm not sure exactly how the machines translate Recorrido in this case (and I don't want to encourage my browser to translate) but I imagine it would be something like Route or Path.

Third is super helpful, thank you!

 

[cosmomom]

I love Gronze. An incredible resource. Another feature I appreciate is rhe elevation map it provides for each stage. Can be very helpful in considering how far I might walk on any given day.

Yes, vital info for planning. Thank you!

 

[cosmomom]

Al Loro becomes The Parrot

That’s funny!

 

[cosmomom]

Apart from the fact that the Gronze website mainly contains language-neutral maps, information, and accommodation addresses, one has to wonder why someone who goes hiking in Spain for a few weeks does not bother to learn the few basic terms to understand the simple, repetitive information on Gronze without translation.
For me, Gronze is not only a Camino guide, but an invaluable help to familiarise myself with simple Spanish expressions and thereby a way to learn a little bit of Spanish.

That’sa really good idea, almost like a study guide. Thank you!

 

[Elle Bieling]

Gronze also has a lot of 'hidden' information. For each stage of a camino, there are three tabs that contain different pieces of information. Looking at it now, the tab buttons seem fairly large and obvious at the top of each page but for a long time I didn't realise that these tabs existed.

Thanks for the education. Interesting, I wonder if the Recorrido button is new, as I haven't used Gronze much lately and I remember the "Al Loro" button from past usage. Seems like they are constantly improving from the basics of yore.

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks for the education. Interesting, I wonder if the Recorrido button is new, as I haven't used Gronze much lately and I remember the "Al Loro" button from past usage. Seems like they are constantly improving from the basics of yore.

Those buttons have been there for as long as I've been using gronze. I think that many of us use GPS on the less traveled caminos and are thus less likely to use the Recorrido button. It does provide detailed info, though.

I will repeat my Gronze soapbox request --

If you find a mistake (for instance, an albergue reported as open when it is closed, or vice versa) or if you have interesting tidbits to add to the Al Loro section, by all means hit the contacto button. There must be an extremely dedicated Gronze team at the ready, because I always get a response within a day. And they tell me if they have added my suggestions/comments and where they have been placed.

Gronze relies a lot on people on the ground, it seems, and I know that forum members use it a LOT!

 

[erikas]

Gronze.com is my favourite! To add to all of the above, it also has a forum and beautiful photos of the routes.

 

[El Cascayal]

The Gronze maps app, see below, once you join, this is the 2nd screen that will further walk you through and to Gronze.com the usual page on the web. It is one of my go to Camino planners (+ Wise Pilgrim & Elle Bieling’s) and as Peregrina2000 and Jungleboy have posted they are very quick to respond not only to input from Peregrinos but also to hospitaleros so they are very accurate.

 

[AnneMarie1]

There is an app. I installed it a couple days ago on my iphone, and from what I gather on their website, their app for androids was developed first and maybe has more features or something. Anyhow, seems to work great. In order to leave comments of your own on albergues, you have to click on "inicia sesion" and have an account. I can't remember if I had to set up the account (which is free) before installing the app or what, but I do have an account now, so I can leave reviews and updates for others about conditions, closures, etc. Haven't explored translation options because I'm fluent in Spanish. But I think even without that, it's pretty intuitive and still likely to be very useful.

 

[El Cascayal]

I can't remember if I had to set up the account (which is free) before installing the app or what,

One you download the app, you are able to create an account. See 2nd picture above.

 

[Henry B]

Yes, for the moment, but it is easy to read and use on your phone.

Yes, for the moment, but it is easy to read and use on your phone.

Gronze Maps is an App available for Android devices

 

[cosmomom]

I let Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge do the translating for me. But it is worth checking the Spanish version for misleading translations of place names - for example Carcaboso on the VdlP used to be translated to "ghoulish"!

I love Gronze. An incredible resource. Another feature I appreciate is rhe elevation map it provides for each stage. Can be very helpful in considering how far I might walk on any given day.

There is an app. I installed it a couple days ago on my iphone, and from what I gather on their website, their app for androids was developed first and maybe has more features or something. Anyhow, seems to work great. In order to leave comments of your own on albergues, you have to click on "inicia sesion" and have an account. I can't remember if I had to set up the account (which is free) before installing the app or what, but I do have an account now, so I can leave reviews and updates for others about conditions, closures, etc. Haven't explored translation options because I'm fluent in Spanish. But I think even without that, it's pretty intuitive and still likely to be very useful.

Wow, great news that an app for androids is already available, surely an iPhone app is on the way. This is excellent, thanks for the update.

 

[BennyB]

Wow, great news that an app for androids is already available, surely an iPhone app is on the way. This is excellent, thanks for the update.

From your mouth to God’s ears.

 

[AnneMarie1]

Wow, great news that an app for androids is already available, surely an iPhone app is on the way. This is excellent, thanks for the update.

The app is on my iPhone now.

 

[Goyo]

Apart from the fact that the Gronze website mainly contains language-neutral maps, information, and accommodation addresses, one has to wonder why someone who goes hiking in Spain for a few weeks does not bother to learn the few basic terms to understand the simple, repetitive information on Gronze without translation.
For me, Gronze is not only a Camino guide, but an invaluable help to familiarise myself with simple Spanish expressions and thereby a way to learn a little bit of Spanish.

Hmm. Could be fear of making a boo-boo. Learning a bit of the lingo and putting it to use goes a long way with locals, whatever the language.But you have to shed your inhibitions, throw yourself into the mix, worry not about your accent, making mistakes or the giggles that may follow. Giggle, or better yet, laugh right out loud with them. Language acquisition is about making mistakes. The key is to not to allow your mistakes to keep you from learning.

 

[trecile]

Gronze Maps is an App available for Android devices

Yes, but it's still in beta, and can only be used with an internet connection.

 

[Henry B]

Works just fine using mobile data on your phone...and it doesn't use a lot, so you don't need to spend a fortune to buy some extra data if needs be.

 

[Henry B]

Works just fine using mobile data on your phone...and it doesn't use a lot, so you don't need to spend a fortune to buy some extra data if needs be.

Yes, but it's still in beta, and can only be used with an internet connection.

Works just fine using mobile data on your phone...and it doesn't use a lot, so you don't need to spend a fortune to buy some extra data if needs be.

 

[Goyo]

Does anyone know why there’s only a Gronze app available to Android phone users? I can imagine why, but don’t know for sure…

 

[El Cascayal]

only a Gronze app available to Android phone users?

It is available on Apple as well.

 

[Goyo]

It is available on Apple as well.

Hmm. It says No Results for “Gronze” on my Apple App Store. A lotta apps referring to “Bronze” tho’

 

[Goyo]

It is available on Apple

It is available on Apple as well.

I just checked the Gronze.com website. There it said “próximamente” on the Apple app store, so ¿quién sabe?

 

[trecile]

Does anyone know why there’s only a Gronze app available to Android phone users? I can imagine why, but don’t know for sure…

Because they chose to develop it for Android first.

It is available on Apple as well.

Not according to Gronze. You can add a link to their site on iPhone, but an app is not yet available.

 

[El Cascayal]

Because they chose to develop it for Android first.

Not according to Gronze. You can add a link to their site on iPhone, but an app is not yet available.

I have an iPhone and I have the app.IDK what this means. I tried to go to the Apple App Store and all of you are correct that it doesn’t come up.
Message #19 has a picture of it and from there I can get to Gronze. When is an app, not an app?
And don’t ask me how it got there, I don’t remember.

 

[pepi]

Does anyone know why there’s only a Gronze app available to Android phone users? I can imagine why, but don’t know for sure…

The IOS version is in the works....

 

[trecile]

I have an iPhone and I have the app.IDK what this means. I tried to go to the Apple App Store and all of you are correct that it doesn’t come up.
Message #19 has a picture of it and from there I can get to Gronze. When is an app, not an app?
And don’t ask me how it got there, I don’t remember.

It sounds like you have followed these directions from Gronze. This adds a link to the Gronze Maps website to your phone. It is not a true app, but probably functions just as well.

 

[C clearly]

When is an app, not an app?

When it is just a link to a website that you view with a browser. (I think )

 

[Jarrad]

Just so you are aware, you can easily translate the Gronze website in the Safari browser if you are using an iPhone. Find the address bar and tap the aA button that appears on the left side of the address bar. A menu will pop up that allows you to translate the website.

One other cool function: The same pop-up menu allows you to adjust the size of the font you are viewing -- a nice feature for older eyes.

 

[MassNative]

Something I did not realize right away with Gronze. When you are on a "stage page", with towns listed in order on the stage. The town names are all HTML URL links, that will take you to a detailed page on that town. It includes a zoomed in map of the town, with the camino route through town, with accommodation icons. This help you see how far off-route you might need to walk for a specific albergue or hostel. (See attachment...)

Also, in bigger towns, look for a "See More" button at the bottom of the accomodation list. I was not getting the full list when I first starting using Gronze.

Jim

 

[David Tallan]

When is an app, not an app?

When is an app not an app? When it is a shortcut to a mobile optimized website perhaps.

 

[Albertagirl]

Thanks to all for the information. It will be very useful for my upcoming pilgrimage on the VdlP.

 

[Goyo]

Just so you are aware, you can easily translate the Gronze website in the Safari browser if you are using an iPhone. Find the address bar and tap the aA button that appears on the left side of the address bar. A menu will pop up that allows you to translate the website.

One other cool function: The same pop-up menu allows you to adjust the size of the font you are viewing -- a nice feature for older eyes.

There are some good translation apps available, for sure, but if you’ve got some time on your hands while planning a future camino, why not use one of the language learning apps to pick up some Spanish, Portuguese or French. Listening to music or news podcasts (there are some where the conductors don’t speak so fast) is a great way to get your “ear” accustomed to a language; or read some children’s books or comics in one of the languages. For me, it seems to be an integral part of anyone’s planning

 

[Jarrad]

Amén mi hermano! I love me some Duolingo. Simple phrase lists are just the best too. Worst case scenario (you somehow get to do a Camino with no advance notice -- could happen -- still waiting for that to happen for me!), know how to say please and thank you.

 

[Goyo]

Amén mi hermano! I love me some Duolingo. Simple phrase lists are just the best too. Worst case scenario (you somehow get to do a Camino with no advance notice -- could happen -- still waiting for that to happen for me!), know how to say please and thank you.

Ándale with the Duolingo. It’s free, unless you don’t want it to be, and it’s fun. I started the French course back in March 2020 right about when we started Covid lockdown in México, and have kept with it to this day. Granted, my English and Spanish are waaay better, but I can defend myself, and you will always get a from the locals for making the attempt to communicate in their language. Buen camino, brah.

 

[Van De Casteele]

Sorry for what seems an obvious question, but is Gronze only a website and not an app?
And there’s not an English option so open in Chrome, right? Any other tips? Thank you.

But waiting for the app for iPhone. I hope they will develop it for iPhone too.

 

[Franciscoveredas]

También está disponible en Apple.

Zas

 

[WGroleau]

There are some good translation apps available, for sure, but if you’ve got some time on your hands while planning a future camino, why not use one of the language learning apps to pick up some Spanish, Portuguese or French. Listening to music or news podcasts (there are some where the conductors don’t speak so fast) is a great way to get your “ear” accustomed to a language; or read some children’s books or comics in one of the languages. For me, it seems to be an integral part of anyone’s planning

Here, hear! Let's do what we can to put more nails in the coffin of our language-bigot reputation (we English speakers). That said, many of us will still need translation on occasion. For which, I recommend the app from DeepL. It does a better job than Google on Indo-European languages (Spanish & English), and MUCH better on non-Indo-European languages. (And, for what it's worth, Microsoft's Bing is much worse than Google.)

 

[Goyo]

Here, hear! Let's do what we can to put more nails in the coffin of our language-bigot reputation (we English speakers). That said, many of us will still need translation on occasion. For which, I recommend the app from DeepL. It does a better job than Google on Indo-European languages (Spanish & English), and MUCH better on non-Indo-European languages. (And, for what it's worth, Microsoft's Bing is much worse than Google.)

I second your motion on nailing that dang coffin shut. And I totally agree with u, WGroleau, @ DeepL. It is my go-to translator for all of my French studies, as well as non-Mexican Spanish words and phrases. Google-schmoogle! DeepL is it!

 

[WGroleau]

I second your motion on nailing that dang coffin shut. And I totally agree with u, WGroleau, @ DeepL. It is my go-to translator for all of my French studies, as well as non-Mexican Spanish words and phrases. Google-schmoogle! DeepL is it!

And I could have added that Google might well be NSA’s biggest competitor, with China close behind. Facebook is trying hard, but they're still barely "honorable mention."

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I have an iPhone and I have the app.IDK what this means. I tried to go to the Apple App Store and all of you are correct that it doesn’t come up.
Message #19 has a picture of it and from there I can get to Gronze. When is an app, not an app?
And don’t ask me how it got there, I don’t remember.

You probably created a shortcut icon to the website that appears as an app on your Home Screen. If you Google “how to create a website shortcut on your iPhone”, you’ll find instructions on how to do it. I imagine one could accidentally do that as well.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

When it is just a link to a website that you view with a browser. (I think )

Unless it is an Instant App, see https://developer.android.com/topic/google-play-instant/overview

 

[El Cascayal]

I imagine one could accidentally do that as well.

There are loads of accidental things I seem to manage to do on my IPhone. What freaks me out the most is that Siri is always listening and lately if any word sounds like “Siri” she responds. So maybe Siri did it.
Seriously, thanks for your reply.

 

[Goyo]

And I could have added that Google might well be NSA’s biggest competitor, with China close behind. Facebook is trying hard, but they're still barely "honorable mention."

Ooh, now that’s “spooky”

 

[Jenyat53]

Just wondering if it is possible to translate the Gronze app to English?
I know how to do it on the website but am challenged by the app.
I can make sense of most of it anyway but the question piqued my interest.
Many thanks

 

[nycwalking]

Just wondering if it is possible to translate the Bronze app to English?
I know how to do it on the website but am challenged by the app.
I can make sense of most of it anyway but the question piqued my interest.
Many thanks

Use Google Chrome.

It will translate Gronze.com for you.

 

[C clearly]

This question comes up on every thread about Gronze - for example, this recent one.

Edited to add: I now realize that you know how to do it with the browser on your phone or computer, but can't with the Map App. Sorry, I can't answer that question, but maybe the linked thread has some clues.

 

[trecile]

The map app is just maps with gps. If you click on a link to an albergue it will take you to the Gronze site with the information for that albergue. If you have your phone set up to open links in Chrome it will translate the text for you.

 

[Jenyat53]

This question comes up on every thread about Gronze - for example, this recent one.

Edited to add: I now realize that you know how to do it with the browser on your phone or computer, but can't with the Map App. Sorry, I can't answer that question, but maybe the linked thread has some clues.

Many thanks @ C clearly.

 

[nycwalking]

Use Google Chrome.

It will translate Gronze.com for you.

Excuse.

Just fully read your post.

Hope above answers helped.

Buen camino!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

In case you are an iPhone user know that the iPhone version of the Gronze app is implemented by a "magical" link to the Gronze website. I don't know what the app looks like but if you visit the Gronze website with a browser the browser likely has a way to translate the webpage. The Chrome browser notices that the page isn't in your language and automatically asks if you want it translated instead of having you work to find the translation facility.

 

[ncwep]

Is Gronze an app, or just a website? I haven't been able to find it as an app.

 

[Goyo]

Is Gronze an app, or just a website? I haven't been able to find it as an app.

I believe it’s only available as an android app now, but an iOS version is in the works. I’m using the website until then.

 

[dougfitz]

Is Gronze an app, or just a website? I haven't been able to find it as an app.

There is an Android app in beta testing. I don't know the status of any iOS version.

 

[trecile]

Is Gronze an app, or just a website? I haven't been able to find it as an app.

The Android app that is in beta is just for maps, and needs to be connected to the internet to function.

 

[Goyo]

From gronze.com: “Para iPhone y otros dispositivos existe una Aplicación Web (PWA). Próximamente también estará disponible en el Apple Store.” Stay tuned, Apple folks!

 

[Goyo]

Seems that you can add the maps from the gronze.com site by tapping on “App” at the top of the page, scrolling down ‘bout halfway to where it gives instructions for “Instalación de Gronze Maps” on ipads and iphones.

 

[trecile]

Seems that you can add the maps from the gronze.com site by tapping on “App” at the top of the page, scrolling down ‘bout halfway to where it gives instructions for “Instalación de Gronze Maps” on ipads and iphones.

But, it doesn't work offline like other maps apps. (Yet)

 

[Goyo]

But, it doesn't work offline like other maps apps. (Yet)

Nope, not yet. Still an iOS app in progress, and the website doesn't give a timeline for its completion.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I have not read this entire thread, but does anyone know if it's possible for users to leave photos on the lodging pages? I can't find a way to do it.

 

[trecile]

I have not read this entire thread, but does anyone know if it's possible for users to leave photos on the lodging pages? I can't find a way to do it.

I don't believe so. The user reviews don't include photos.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I have not read this entire thread, but does anyone know if it's possible for users to leave photos on the lodging pages? I can't find a way to do it.

You could submit the photos in a PM here to @Joan Fiol (Gronze.com) the forum member who is the owner of Gronze.com.

 

[trecile]

You could submit the photos in a PM here to @Joan Fiol (Gronze.com) the forum member who is the owner of Gronze.com.

But would they use the photos if they are not vetted by the albergue owner?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

But would they use the photos if they are not vetted by the albergue owner?

Another reason to PM Joan.