A land of forests, waterfalls and rivers. A jungle in the north of Spain. An enormous beech forest , the second largest in Europe. How could it be otherwise, we are talking about the majestic Irati Forest , a place to escape from the bustle of the world and breathe clean air. 17,000 hectares of wild nature await us in the north of Navarra, ready to be explored and experienced with all the senses.
A sea of ​​beeches, oaks, firs, birches, willows and ferns cover these lands. Among them live deer and roe deer, wild boars and dormice, woodpeckers and bearded vultures, and countless other species that provide enormous ecological value to the place. Given this panorama, it is to be expected that here we will always find something to do, from adventure sports to relaxing walks in the shade of the trees.
Hiking and mountain biking
“Here you can go hiking and mountain biking following routes that leave from the towns themselves,” they point out 20 minutes from the OchagavÃa Tourist Office , one of the towns in the area. For example, just 8 minutes from the town of Orbaizeta, is the Arrazola information point. Some trails start from there, such as the one that takes us to the Anbulolatz chasms, crossing pastures and beech and boxwood forests. Another route leads us to the hermitage of San Esteban through the top of Mount Azalegui, at 1,165 meters above sea level, and through a tunnel built during the Civil War.
Irati Forest
If we opt for mountain biking, in Irati we will find the “Espacio BTT”. It is a set of 16 tracks for all levels with which we can explore this privileged environment while feeling the adrenaline and freedom of this sport. These tracks, which represent a total of 400 cyclable kilometres , link the Salazar and Aezkoa valleys, through which the Irati Forest extends, with the towns of Zuberoa and Cize, already on the French side.
Rafting and skiing
In the magical area of ​​the Irati Forest there is also a place for water activities, especially in the hot summer months, because here “you can also do canyoning and rafting in the Lumbier gorges “. This spectacular enclave has been shaped by the waters of the Irati River, which we can navigate while enjoying the rugged and rugged landscape.
Foces de Lumbier
But with the changing of the seasons, outdoor activities don’t stop. The white beauty of the snow covering the Navarrese Pyrenees is something worth admiring, and we can experience it firsthand from the Irati-Abodi Mountain Center. “In winter you can go skiing and snowshoeing in the highlands,” they explain. Specifically, we will have at our disposal 22 kilometers of tracks for both those who are new to this sport and for the most experienced.
So, given this changing beauty, what is the best time to visit the Irati Forest? “Autumn is very famous because the colors change in the trees, but when you enjoy it the most is in spring ,” they say, “everything is calmer, there is much more water and more flowers.” Therefore, it is clear that between the months of March and May, even more splendor is added to this forest. Although that time of year when the beech forests adopt a vibrant green color and are perfectly distinguished from the other species “does not receive as much promotion”.
Irati Forest
Pyrenean gastronomy and rural accommodation
To gain strength and continue enjoying the place to the fullest, we will have to make a gastronomic stop and thus try the Pyrenean cuisine. Migas de pastor, veal, lamb, Navarra-style trout, game stews… these are just some of the mouth-watering dishes that are always accompanied by a delicious homemade dessert made with milk.
Irabia reservoir in the Irati Forest
On the other hand, the accommodation offer is varied. We can spend the night in both hotels and hostels, apartments and rural houses. Even in hostels and campsites to be even more in contact with nature. In addition, we can choose between the establishments of the Aezkoa Valley and those of the Salazar Valley.
