During our trip through Spain, we have discovered countless destinations that reveal a small part of the natural wealth that our wonderful country has. One of these impressive places is the Mount Santiago Natural Monumentlocated on the borders of Biscay and Burgos, in the Basque Country.
Here we were amazed by a spectacular natural wonder of our country: a majestic waterfall falling from a height of more than 220 meters, for a total altitude of 270 meters. This place offers a breathtaking view of wild beauty of natureas well as the ecological diversity that characterizes the region.
This impressive waterfall is part of the first sections of the Nervión River, which at its mouth gives rise to the Bilbao estuary. We are talking about Nervous jumpthe highest waterfall in Spain and the entire Iberian Peninsula. A natural spectacle that leaves those who have the privilege of contemplating it speechless.
Nervous jump
The Salto del Nervión is located on the edge of the Sierra Salvadora mountain range that constitutes a natural border between the provinces of Burgos and Alava, separating the Basque Country from Burgos. This impressive waterfall is located in a karst complex, formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite and gypsum, which, over time, has given rise to caves, underground streams and spectacular slopes, such as the one that can be seen in the Saut de Nervión.
He Nervion River It is responsible for feeding this waterfall, which originates in a small spring in the nearby mountains and receives the contribution of several tributaries throughout its course. However, the flow of the waterfall is intermittent, as it depends largely on rain, storms and snowmelt. During the summer months, the waterfall can be reduced to a thin trickle of water or even disappear completely.
For visit the Salto del NerviónYou can access it from the Mirador del Nervión, located at the top, or take a hiking route from the municipalities of Amurrio and Orduña to admire the waterfall from below, crossing the Delika canyon. The best time to visit is in spring or after heavy rains, when the waterfall reaches its maximum splendor.
He around the Salto del Nervión It is a haven of biodiversity, with river ecosystems, rocky cliffs and mixed forests that are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The surrounding forests are populated with beech, oak and pine trees, while the cliffs are home to birds of prey such as the griffon vulture and mammals such as wild boar, deer and fox. In addition, the Nervión River is home to a diversity of aquatic life, including freshwater fish and the Iberian frog.
The best routes
First of all, you can start your excursion from the Fuente Santiago car park and go to the Mirador Esquina de Ruben following the PR-BU 41 road. This route, of low difficulty, allows you to enjoy a 1.7 kilometer route with an estimated time of 15 minutes. . From this viewpoint, you can contemplate the majesty of nature while admiring the imposing Salto del Nervión waterfallwhich rises to a height of more than 220 meters.
You can also take the PR-BU 42 road, which starts from Fuente Santiago and takes you to the Salto del Nervión viewpoint. This route, two kilometres long and with a slope of 17 metres, offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself even more in the amazing natural landscape that surrounds the Salto del Nervión. Also of low difficulty, you can complete this route in about 20 minutes, taking advantage of the panoramic views that the point of view offers.
For a more complete experience, you can opt for the Circular route which combines the route of the two previous routes. This route, which starts from the Fuente Santiago car park to the Esquina de Ruben viewpoint and then to the Salto del Nervión viewpoint, allows you to explore different perspectives of the environment on a route of 6.4 kilometers. With an estimated duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes, this circular route offers you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Salto del Nervión and its unique environment.
Nervión Linear Park
The Nervión Linear Park, which extends along the banks of the river of the same name, extends from the majestic Salto del Nervión to the Cantabrian Sea, passing through the charming villages of the Ayala Valley. The greenway offers a peaceful route of more than 8 kilometres, which follows the first steps of the Nervión River towards Bilbao. This little-used route offers the opportunity to enjoy nature in complete serenity.
Regarding its characteristics, the greenway of the Parque Lineal del Nervión has a length of 8.8 kilometers and is of low difficulty, being suitable for all audiences. The estimated duration is approximately two hours.
