Plenty of opportunities at Aralar Natural Park
AralarNaturalPark
Themagicofvastness
Aralar Mountain Range, with an area over 10,000 hectare divided between Gipuzkoa and Navarre, located in one of the most important mountainous areas when it comes to altitude, extension, use of the land, natural and cultural values.
Quite a symbol
Limestone mountains, rivers and natural springs, diverse vegetation and fauna, myths, legends… Aralar has been the main icon of mountain and nature in Euskadi since ancient times.
Geologicalwealth
The limestones formed during jurassic and cretaceous periods have created an spectacular mountain range, with a wide variety of structures, fossils, mines and even the remains of Euskadi’s only glacier.
Beautyunderground
Aralar is like a sponge, as the water enters the subsoil and comes up all year round at natural springs such as Pardelus. Aralar’s inner part is a labyrinth of caves, underground rivers and chasms as deep as 600m.
Betweenbeechwoods
A fourth or Aralar Natural Park’s area is covered in beech trees. But the forests are very diverse, creating spectacular landscapes.
Aplacewhereshepherdingisstillverymuchalive
The middle part is used as pasture, widely used by a big “latxa” sheep herd. Shepherding has existed here for thousands of years, proof of this activiy is the concentration of megalithic monuments: dolmens, tumulus, cromlechs and menhirs.
The three entrances to the Park
Aralar Natural Park has three entrances in Tolosaldea: Amezketa, (San Martin), Abaltzisketa (Larraitz) and Bedaio.
Aralar is often visited by mountaineers thanks to all the different options it offers, although the climb of its mountains requires some practice. Here we’ll highlight some of the most interesting features.
Arritzaga,Euskadi’sonlyglaciervalley
Arritzaga valley in Aralar keeps the remains of Euskadi’s only glacier. Here in the past, at an altitude of almost 1,000m, is where Buruntzunzin mines were located, with its remains still visible. The stream forms very particular natural pools at different heights.
See moreTxindokiorLarrunarri,themosticonicmountain
One of the Basque Country’s most iconic muontains, nicknames the Small Cervino or the Basque Cerviino because of its pointy shape. It’s a 1,346m high rocky peak, with breathtaking views from the top. The usual starting point is from Larraitz.
AusaGaztelu,theremainsofacastle
Named after a medieval castle that used to be at the peak, with the purpose protecting the Erinio, Gipuzkoa and Navarre Road. There are still remains of the 19m diametre circular building at the peak, where a family of ‘jentikak’ (creatures of the Basque mythology) used to live. The view with Txindoki as background is outstanding.
PanoramatoNavarrefromZaratepass
Located underneath Balerdi mountain, is the border between Gipuzkoa and Navarre, with a stunning view of Araitz valley. The road there goes through beautiful beech trees that during the summer host different types of artworks.
OthermountainsinAralar
In Aralar there are more peaks that can be reached through Tolosaldea: Ganboa –Aralar’s highest peak– Urreako Haitza, or the Malloas range: from Artubi to Irumugarrieta.
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