Plazaola, a greenway on the former railway
Plazaola Greenway
A route connecting Gipuzkoa and Navarre
Plazaola greenway follows the path of the former railway connecting Pamplona and St. Sebastian through Leitzaran river valley. 22 of its 68km belong to the Gipuzkoan section, from Berastegi to Andoain. The perfect active tourism destination.
Plazaola train
Plazaola was a miner and passenger train that passed through narrow valleys in Navarre and Gipuzkoa from 1905 to 1953. It passed 66 tunnels, 32 bridges and 15 stations.
Leitzaran Biotope
The Leitzaran Valley protected biotope formed by the river of the same name and its surroundings is a special place thanks to the quality of the water, the great animal and plant wealth and the industrial and cultural heritage in it.
More about Leitzaran Biotope
Perfect destination for touring cyclists
The best way to discover this beautiful landscape is going through the greenway, either on foot or by bicycle. It’s suitable for all ages and levels. There are different picnic areas on the way, even places to have a bath of hot days.
Download mapHow to get there
The two main acces points in Gipuzkoa are Andoain, from Otieta Park, where you can find a bike rental place, and Berastegi, through Urto recreational area. Andoain can be reached by train.
Leitzaran Visitor's Centre
Points of interest along the route
In the way we’ll find a very special natural and cultural landscape: remains of former mines, kilns, forges, bridges, aqueducts, tunnels…
Tunnels
One of the highlights of Plazaola greenway is the several tunnels made to pass the mountains: you’ll find 53 of them. The greenway goes through them. Even if they’re well lit, it’s recommended to bring a torch or flashlight.
Former Bizkotx mines
In Leitzaran there are remains of different mines, specially on the right bank. Also magnificent kilns, like the Bizkotx one, in Berastegi, that is part of our industrial heritage. These mines were the origin of the railway, as they needed a way to carry the minerals.
Mustar bridge
The greenway crosses different bridges and aqueducts, some of them with special historical value. As example we can find Mustar bridge, built in 1755 replacing the former wooden bridge. It’s 15m long and 3m wide.
Ameraun aqueduct and bridge
Built in 1904 and located close to Mustar bridge, the aqueduct carried the river waters from Mustar to thr former channel that would carry them to Ameraun headquarters. It’s 70m lond and about 24m high. Ameraun bridge, that connected the forge with Berastegi through Gorosmendi hill, is close to it. In 1990 remains of the paving of this road appeared.
More points of interest in the greenway
The whole route has other highlights outside Tolosaldea: from Azkoate viaduct in Andoain or Gulina in Navarre; to Ixkier waterfall or the former train stations in Leitza, Lekunberri or Latasa.
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Opening hours
From Tuesday to Friday
11:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Saturdays
10:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Sundays
10:00 — 14:00
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