Discover Irurtzun: Hiking Trails, Cliffs and Cultural Heritage

If you’re looking for a hotel in Irurtzun, the activities you have planned can help determine your choice of destination. The Artadia Trail passes through downy oak woodland, the Balcón de los Buitres viewpoint offers views of the landscape, and the signed GR-21 variant leads to the Trinidad de Erga Chapel. The area’s landscape of cliffs, historic buildings and local traditions also form part of the town’s character.

Woodland, Cliffs and Birdlife

The Artadia PR NA-131 trail passes through native downy oak woodland (Quercus humilis). Along the way, it offers views of cliffs and local birdlife. The route can also be travelled on horseback or by mountain bike. This trail brings together woodland, rocky scenery and birdwatching.

From the Balcón de los Buitres viewpoint, you can see the Araquil River basin and Dos Hermanas. Other sights include colonies of griffon vultures, cliff-dwelling birds and native oak forests. Another geological feature is the Biaizpe Gorge, where the Larraun River has carved an impressive passage through the limestone.

Starting Point and Choosing a Route

The Artadia Trail begins in the upper part of Irurtzun, at the former Plazaola railway station. The Balcón de los Buitres PR NA-132 trail starts on the grounds of the former station. The signed GR-21 variant starts from the same point as these two trails and leads to the Trinidad de Erga Chapel. So, while all three trails share a starting point, they offer different highlights: woodland and cliff views, viewpoints and birdlife, or a chapel as a destination. This can help you choose a route based on the subject that interests you most.

Camino de Sakana and Plazaola Greenway

The Camino de Sakana runs 45 kilometres from Irurtzun to Ziordia. Its current section is signposted and offers options for overnight stays, meals, and onward travel. Check local arrangements for your dates. The Camino is linked to an older pilgrimage route used from the 9th to the 11th century.

The Plazaola Greenway has its own route details: its third stage covers 13.9 kilometres from Lekunberri railway station to Irurtzun. A report by the Government of Navarra dated June 25, 2025, describes accessibility measures for people with disabilities along a total of 12 kilometres of the greenway in Lekunberri, Irurtzun, Latasa and Leitza.

River and Leisure

The Larraun section that runs through Irurtzun is designated as a trout fishing water, where trout fishing is permitted. If you plan to fish, check the regulations in force and access arrangements before your trip.

Church, Cultural Centre and Old Bridge

The Church of San Martín was built in the last decade of the 19th century by the architect Ansoleaga. Since 1935, it has housed a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary from the Trinidad de Erga Chapel. The cultural centre is housed in a former medieval parish church, built in the Romanesque style with Gothic elements. Its Early Gothic stone portal dates from the first half of the 13th century.

The old bridge over the Larraun is another notable structure: it is built of ashlar stone and has four round arches of different styles. Repeated roadworks have affected its condition. The church, cultural centre and bridge each reveal a different aspect of the town’s history and architecture.

Local Traditions

Irurtzun has celebrated Santa Agueda on February 4, the eve of the feast day, since 1992. The traditional custom of having almuerzo (a mid-morning meal) is also still observed. These customs offer a glimpse of local life alongside the trails and buildings.

Discover more destinations: Oronz, Mendigorría, Betelu, Espinal, Burgui, Azcona, Dorrao, Biurrun

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.