Flavours
of Urdaibai

Difficult mountain biking route in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

Flavours of Urdaibai

This circular mountain bike route from Gernika-Lumo starts on the bidegorri (cycle path) in the direction of Belendiz.

It then climbs up to Arrola to continue towards Nabarniz and allows us to tackle the ascent to Mount Illuntzar. Without reaching the summit, it heads towards the Airo beech forest, where it continues along the wide track that leads to Ereño.

Continue towards Akorda and cross the oak grove, from where you can tackle the climb to the beautiful summit of Atxarre if you take the turn-off to San Pedro de Atxarre at kilometre 35 (optional).

It then descends to Kanala and continues towards Gautegiz-Arteaga, passing by the Ozollo tide mill, Arteaga Castle and the Urdaibai Bird Centre.

The last section of the route runs along the footbridges of the Urdaibai marshes.

Departure

Gernika-Lumo

Arrival

Gernika-Lumo

Difficulty

Low

Elevation difference

+1.090m

Distance

49km

Difficulty

Low

Airo beech forest

Atxarre

Tide mills of Ozollo

Arteaga Castle

What to see on the route?

At the foot of Mount Iluntzar, you’ll enjoy cycling through the magical Airo beech forest, a unique and very beautiful spot.

Mount Atxarre (312 m), without being very high, is one of the peaks with the best views of the area, with several viewpoints from which to look out over the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

You’ll also see the only surviving tide flour mill in the Mundaka estuary and, nearby, in the heart of Urdaibai, the beautiful Arteaga Castle, a structure inspired by French Gothic architecture.

Airo beech forest

Town

Mount Atxarre

Tide mills of Ozollo

Arteaga Castle

MTB routes in Urdaibai

Discover the mountain biking routes in one of the most beautiful areas of the Basque Country.