With the arrival of autumn, certain corners of the Iberian Peninsula stand out for being ideal locations for a weekend where you can fully enjoy the wonders of the season. It is in this season that the trees acquire yellowish and reddish colors that stain their crowns and fill the ground with dead leaves, forming unprecedented scenes in their wake.
Throughout Spain it is possible to enjoy a wide variety of forests and groves. However, the autonomous community of Navarra is home to one of the most special. Thus, the Irati forest – or Iratiko oihana in Basque – has become one of the most impressive forests in the entire geography of the country.
Known to be the second best preserved ancient beech and fir forest in all of Europe, the jungle offers impressive autumn views thanks to the qualities of its trees, which mix deciduous and evergreen leaves to form an unprecedented view.
History and mythology of the Irati jungle
The area is located between the French-Spanish border in the Pyrenees, which has caused various conflicts throughout history. Thus, although the grove is protected today, it was a source of conflict for decades because it was one of the main exploitations of wood for the manufacture of boats, mainly from the 16th century.
Currently, logging and timber harvesting activities continue, although in a selective and orderly manner. This respect for the environment on the part of the inhabitants and the institutions responsible for the valley has made it possible to preserve the enclave in its entirety, which is why it has been included in the list of World Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Humanity Organization. Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) in 2017.
The space is not free from rumors and legends, since along its paths local inhabitants speak of apparitions of witches and other mythological beings, such as the so-called Basajaun, or lord of the forest, one of the main characters of the Basque people. Navarrese mythology.
Hiking routes through the Irati Jungle
Throughout the territory, it is possible to discover the forest through multiple marked trails for hiking or cycling, but it is also possible to practice other activities such as skiing at the Abodi resort.
One of the best known routes in the area is the Paradis-Erlan route, a circular route just under 5 kilometers long and relatively easy, making it a perfect option to enjoy the grove with family or between friends.
To start, you have to go to the parking lot located at the top of the Irabia reservoir, 13 kilometers from Orbaizeta. From there you will have to take a wide path surrounded by century-old beech trees until you reach a recreational area, where it is possible to rest and get to know the peculiarities of the peaks.
Then you will have to take a path that climbs through the forest along a slope of Mount Mozolotxiki to a clearing from where you can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the Irati River reservoir. Less than a kilometer later, the descent will begin until reaching the path that leads back to the parking lot at the beginning, thus completing the route.
In any case, this is not the only way to enjoy the enclave, since the variety of routes and ways to appreciate the fauna and flora are part of its uniqueness. Thus, there are multiple different trail options throughout the territory, distributed mainly according to the mountain valley chosen: Aezkoa or Salazar.
Here are the possible routes around the Aezkoa valley:
- Route of the Horreos.
- Zamariáin viewpoint.
- Cave of Arpéa.
- Aribe Suspension Bridge.
- Ambulolatz SL-NA 50C.
- Azalegui SL-NA 51C.
- Beunza Square SL-NA 52C.
- User SL-NA 57B.
- Mendilatz SL-NA 58B.
- Arlekia SL-NA 58B.
On the other hand, the routes available through the Salazar Valley are as follows:
- Gartxot route.
- Holtzarte suspension bridge.
- Paseo de los Sentidos SL-NA 61A.
- Rio Urbeltza SL-NA 62A.
- Zabaleta Forest SL-NA 63A.
- Goñiburu viewpoint SL-NA 67.
- Abodi Heights SL-NA 68.
- Kakueta Gorge.
Fauna and flora of the Irati jungle
The Irati Jungle has a unique environmental richness, which has allowed animals like the white-backed woodpecker – an endangered woodpecker species – to grow in numbers until it is once again considered a moderate population.
Other species like the Pyrenees desman have also found a unique place in the area where they can breed and fight the danger of extinction they face, mainly in the last 20 years.
In the Irati Forest there are also eight hunting reserves, but all with moderate and environmentally friendly activities.
Regulations and access to the Irati forest
In order to promote a satisfying and environmentally friendly visit to the forest, the Irati Forest has regulated access, taking into account that the influx of visitors is abundant, especially on weekends and bridges. On October 19 and 26, as well as November 1, 2 and 3, access to the Salazar Valley – from Ochagavía to Casas de Irati (NA-2012) – and to the Aezkoa Valley – from Orbaizeta to the dam of Irabia reservoir (NA-2030). ) – will be regulated.
The passage of vehicles may be interrupted occasionally when the car parks are full, but they will be reopened the same day depending on traffic and space availability. Similarly, vehicles will not be allowed entry after 6:00 p.m. to facilitate a smooth exit of visitors.
