Sopuerta: Routes and Cultural History

When planning a stay in Sopuerta, you can choose between outdoor activities and cultural and historical attractions. Vía Verde Montes de Hierro, the Las Balsas de La Baluga recreation area, Museo de Las Encartaciones, and several notable buildings offer different ways to explore the area. The main distinctions are between a route designed for several types of users, the time span covered by the museum’s exhibitions, and individual historical landmarks. The differences below can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Routes and Outdoor Activities

The Camino Natural Vía Verde Montes de Hierro begins in the El Hoyo district of Sopuerta and follows the track of a former railway line. Vía Verde Montes de Hierro runs from Traslaviña to Pobeña, passing through Sopuerta. It is designed for walkers, skaters, and cyclists, and is suitable for people with reduced mobility. In addition to serving as a route, the former railway line connects the trail with the history of rail travel.

At the Las Balsas de La Baluga recreation area in Sopuerta, walking and other activities on foot, as well as enjoying nature, are permitted. It complements the Vía Verde with a second focus on walking and nature. While the Vía Verde follows a former railway line and caters to several user groups, Las Balsas is primarily a place to enjoy outdoor activities in a recreational setting.

Museum and Historic Buildings

Museo de Las Encartaciones is located in the Abellaneda district of Sopuerta, in the historic building of the former Casa de Juntas de Abellaneda. Its ten exhibition rooms cover the history of the comarca from prehistoric times to the 19th century, offering a broad historical overview. The historic building and the exhibition’s subject matter provide two different ways to engage with the history of the comarca.

Iglesia San Martín has an interior of particular artistic significance, especially its nave and altarpieces. Sopuerta is also known for two Hornos de Calcinación de Mineral, which have now been declared artistic monuments. The old Calzada Romana Pisoraca is considered evidence of Roman presence in the comarca; it crosses the Puente Romano Medieval and leads to Torre Urrutia. If you want to focus specifically on Roman times, the Calzada offers a tangible point of reference; the museum, by contrast, covers the history of the comarca over a much broader period.

More Activities

Sopuerta Abentura is accessible and offers archery, orienteering, and a climbing wall for children. This adds another focus for activities alongside enjoying nature and exploring historical themes. Unlike the Vía Verde, a route designed for several user groups, the focus here is on individual activities. You can therefore group the options according to different interests: walking routes, enjoying nature, cultural and historical themes, or activities at Sopuerta Abentura.

Discover more destinations: Mercadillo, Gernika, Durango, Güeñes, Gatika, Valle De Trápaga, Ibarrangelu, Plaza.

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.