Discover Erro: Nature, Pilgrim Routes and Heritage

Erro brings together the landscapes around Sorogain, pilgrim history, historic buildings and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different places and themes: some highlights are in Sorogain, while others are in Ardaitz or Bizkarreta-Gerendiain. This lets you match your interests with the specific locations in the region.

Landscape and nature around Sorogain

Sorogain is surrounded by emerald-green meadows, clear waters, forests such as Odiakoa and mountains. Adi reaches 1,457 metres and is the highest mountain in the area. The Erro River also begins here: from Sorogain, it flows 40 kilometres before reaching the Irati River. At Alto de Erro, two climate zones meet; it forms the boundary between the Atlantic climate in the west and the sub-Mediterranean climate in the east.

The activities available around Sorogain range from hiking and mountain biking to caving, horse riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are also megalithic routes. The range therefore includes both outdoor pursuits and routes focused on archaeological themes. Which activities are right for your trip depends on what you would like to focus on; seasonal offerings may vary.

Routes through the Valle de Erro

The Way of St. James runs through the middle of the Valle de Erro. Two cycling routes with different crossings are described: the Gran Ruta del Pirineo Carretera goes over Puerto de Erro, crosses the Valle de Erro on quiet roads and then continues into the Valle de Arce. The Gran Ruta del Pirineo Gravel comes from the Valle de Esteribar, goes over Puerto de Errea into the Valle de Erro and then continues directly into the Valle de Arce. You can use these route sequences to distinguish the respective sections on the map; check the route before your trip.

The Camino del Fuerte Carlista also connects historical and landscape features. It provides access to a promontory where batteries of the Carlist army were located. Its upper section follows part of the Way of St. James and offers a viewpoint from which to observe and interpret the transition between landscapes.

Pilgrim history and buildings

In Bizkarreta-Gerendiain, the surviving remains of the pilgrims’ hospital recall its former role as an important refuge on the Way of St. James. This role dates from before the pilgrims’ hospital in Roncesvalles was established. This historical context also makes the site interesting to travellers keen to learn about the stages and facilities along the pilgrimage route. However, only remains of the hospital survive, not the entire original building.

The buildings in Ardaitz and Bizkarreta-Gerendiain offer different points of interest. The Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Ardaitz is an early Gothic building dating from the early 13th century; its Romanesque tower and Gothic portal bring together different architectural features. Near the centre of the village is a restored 13th-century Gothic fountain that protects a water source. The Church of San Pedro in Bizkarreta-Gerendiain also dates from the early 13th century. It is early Gothic, has a Romanesque-style façade and stands on higher ground above the village centre.

Bizkarreta is also home to the Mugarri Tumulus, an archaeological site associated with prehistoric rituals in the Auritz dolmen sector. A walk through these places can therefore bring different historical periods into view side by side: pilgrim history, medieval architecture and prehistoric sites.

Traditions and mycology experiences

Traditional livestock marking takes place in Sorogain throughout the year to distinguish animals from both sides of the border. Cattle and horses are marked in May, and sheep in September. If you would like to plan a trip around this, check the exact dates in advance.

The Erro-Roncesvalles Mycological Park covers the municipalities of Erroibar, also known as Valle de Erro, Auritz/Burguete and Orreaga/Roncesvalles. Guided nature visits are listed for 2026, during which experts share their knowledge of mycology. At your request, the visit can include a mushroom tasting at a local business. Before your trip, check whether visits are available and which dates suit you. The mycological information centre in Bizkarreta-Gerendiain offers advice, foraging supplies and personal assistance.

In Sorogain, the former warden’s house now serves as a hostel and restaurant and houses a tourist information point. If you plan to use it, check the current opening details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Yesa, Añorbe, Yerri, Javier, Salinas De Oro, Irurtzun, Fitero, Eulate

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.