Groups of geometric motifs and figures are painted on the trunks of radiata pines. The Bosque de Oma in Kortezubi is a work of art by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola and belongs to the Arte y Naturaleza art movement. The different groups of motifs draw attention to the interplay between shapes and tree trunks.
You can choose between a self-guided visit and a guided tour. Advance booking is required for both; check availability before planning your visit.
Early traces and cultural memory
The archaeological traces in the Cueva de Santimamiñe reach far back into the past. The cave preserves the remains of human settlements dating back more than 14,000 years. Nearly fifty cave paintings depict bison, horses, a bear and a deer. Together, the settlement remains and animal depictions offer two different ways of discovering the site’s past. Advance booking is required; check availability beforehand.
The Árbol de Gernika is regarded as a living symbol of Basque history. The Casa de Juntas de Gernika is the seat of Bizkaia’s highest institutional body. A virtual tour conveys the beauty and history of the building; when planning, check whether the digital offering is available.
The Euskal Herria Museoa is housed in the Baroque Palacio de Alegría, built in 1733. Its exhibition explains the historical, political and cultural significance of the foral setting, as well as the characteristics of the spiritual community formed by Euskal Herria. The Museo de la Paz de Gernika houses a documentation centre about the bombing of Gernika. The exhibition presents audiovisual accounts from people who experienced the bombing. The museum also preserves and displays material and documentation on the history and memory of the bombing of Gernika-Lumo, the Civil War and the post-war period in Euskadi.
Landscape, birdlife and outdoor activities
The Urdaibai Bird Center is dedicated to the scientific study of birds, their migrations and their habitats, and to sharing knowledge about them. An ornithological trail leads from the centre to two birdwatching sites it operates, where visitors can observe birds in the wetlands. Learning and observation thus offer two different ways of discovering birdlife. Check the current visitor arrangements in advance.
Bizkaia combines a maritime coastline with a green hinterland, caves, mountains, valleys, farmhouses and greenways. Along its 150 kilometres of coastline are 28 beaches facing the Cantabrian Sea. One particular coastal highlight is Barinatxe Beach in Sopela: it is known for surfing, and paragliding is also possible from the surrounding cliffs. Barinatxe offers a specific focus for outdoor activities within a region whose landscape is also shaped by mountains, valleys and a green hinterland.
Cyclists can also choose from different types of routes: Bizkaia’s cycle network includes Bidegorris, greenways, routes specially developed for cycling, urban cycle lanes and trails in nature. The range extends from urban cycle lanes to routes in natural surroundings.
Those interested in regional products can explore the Ruta del Txakoli Bilbao-Bizkaia. It comprises ten routes through the landscapes of Bizkaia, with Txakoli at their heart. Participating businesses and route itineraries may change; check the latest route information before planning. Another possible discovery is the making of cheese or talos, which is recommended as a visitor experience in Bizkaia. Find out in advance about specific options.
Discover more destinations
Bilbao, Mendieta, Sopelana, Barakaldo, Lezama, Muskiz, Portugalete, Plentzia, Orduña, Mundaka, Morga, Lekeitio, Ibarrangelu, Durango, Derio, Amorebieta-Etxano, Plaza, Traslaviña, Etxebarria, Loiu, Getxo, Balmaseda, Muxika, Arantzazu, Ortuella, Mungia, Arrieta, Murueta, Orozko, Lejona, Santurtzi, Sestao, Zamudio, Areatza, Bermeo, Larrabetzu, Garai, Busturi-Axpe, Ermua, Lanestosa, Gernika, Igorre, Güeñes, Erandio, Bakio, Elorrio, Mallabia, Valle De Trápaga, Valle De Carranza, Otxandio, Nabarniz, Abadiño, Basauri, Gautegiz Arteaga, Gordejuela, Mimetiz, Zubialde, Galdakao, Sopuerta, Laukiz, Gatika, Altamira-San Kristobal, Alonsotegi, Ea, Zelaia, Izartza, Arrigorriaga, Gaztelu-Elexabeitia, Elantxobe, Arakaldo, Zierbena, Markina-Xemein, Elexalde, Urriola, Trucios-Turtzioz, Fruiz, Urduliz, Sanfuentes, Osma, Ziortza-Bolibar, Butroi, Ondarroa, Kanpantxu
Back to the main travel overview: Basque Country.
