In Nabarniz, hiking, cycling, landscape and culture are connected to specific places. The PR BI 174 Ruta del Hórreo hiking trail is in the Barrio Elexalde; a hiking trail leads from the centre of Elexalde to the summit of Illuntzar. A cycling route in the shape of a figure eight starts and ends in Elexalde de Nabarniz. Other highlights include the Oppidum de Marueleza, churches, woodland and pastureland. These different attractions can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Hiking and Cycling

The PR BI 174 Ruta del Hórreo hiking trail is in the Barrio Elexalde in Nabarniz. This gives this hiking option a named trail with a specific location. A hiking trail also leads from the centre of Elexalde to the summit of Illuntzar. Here, the summit is the explicitly named destination—helpful guidance if you want to choose your outing based on a particular goal.

The landscape around Illuntzar is also part of the hiking experience: on the descent, a path passes through mountain pastures where cows, sheep and horses can be found. So, as you explore the landscape on foot, you can take in not only the summit but also the pastureland and animals.

For a cycling trip, there is a figure-eight route that starts and ends in Elexalde de Nabarniz. An older tourism brochure describes it as not very technically demanding, with a moderate elevation gain. The route offers views of Urdaibai and the opposite side. It therefore combines a described route shape with an assessment of its technical difficulty and specific views.

When choosing an outing, there is a clear distinction: the cycling route is a figure eight that starts and ends in Elexalde, while the summit is the stated destination of the hiking trail to Illuntzar. If you want to check the current trail conditions before cycling, note that the route description comes from an older brochure.

Woodland, Pastures and Karst

The Hayedo de Airo is a remnant of Nabarniz’s original beech forest. The name therefore refers to a specific natural feature beyond the general woodland landscape: it is a surviving part of the original beech forest.

In the Airo area, a path passes the ruins of a large farmhouse. The ruins are next to a small beech grove. Those interested in the landscape and traces of older buildings will find both in this specific description: a path that passes the ruins and the grove right beside them.

Another natural feature is the Ineritze karst shaft. It is in the area and is 330 metres deep. This precise depth gives a sense of the scale of the karst feature, adding another aspect of Nabarniz’s landscape alongside its beech forests and mountain pastures.

Oppidum, Churches and Andra Mari

At the Oppidum de Marueleza, the fortification consists of an inner area protected by a wall and an outer area. This layout helps you understand the site as a spatially divided fortified settlement: its description includes the wall, the inner area and the outer area.

The churches also provide specific points of reference. The Elexalde neighbourhood is centred around the Church of Santa María de Gorostiza. The Church of Santa María de Nabarniz stands at an elevation of 717 metres. If you are exploring the town’s churches, it is worth noting both names and their respective locations.

Nabarniz’s main festival, Andra Mari, is celebrated on 8 September. The popular stone-pulling competitions with horses are a particular highlight. If you want to plan your stay around the festival, check the specific event dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Lezama, Arrieta, Bilbao, Orduña, Erandio, Zierbena, Mundaka, Larrabetzu

For the broader travel guide: Bizkaia.