The former Plazaola railway station in the upper part of Irurtzun is the starting point for several trails: Artadia PR NA-131 and Balcón de los Buitres PR NA-132 begin here; the signposted variant of the GR-21 also starts here and leads to the Trinidad de Erga Chapel. The trails offer different ways to explore the landscape and surrounding area.

Forests, rocky landscapes and birdlife

Artadia passes through a native downy oak forest (Quercus humilis) and offers views of cliffs and local birdlife. The trail can be explored on foot or on horseback, or ridden by mountain bike. From the Balcón de los Buitres viewpoint, you can see the Araquil River basin, Dos Hermanas, colonies of griffon vultures, cliff-dwelling birds and native oak forests.

The Biaizpe Gorge also shapes the landscape: the Larraun River has carved an impressive passage through the limestone there. The rocky areas near Irurtzun are also home to a significant colony of griffon vultures. Trout fishing is possible along the stretch of the Larraun that runs through the town; it is classified as a trout-fishing waterway. Before fishing, check the regulations in force and whether the relevant stretch is accessible.

Cycle path and Camino de Sakana

Two different distances provide context for the routes: the third stage of the Plazaola cycle path runs for 13.9 kilometres from Lekunberri station to Irurtzun. The 45-kilometre Camino de Sakana runs from Irurtzun to Ziordia. The current section is signposted; accommodation, dining, and travel to and from the route are available. Check the latest local arrangements before your trip.

Accessibility measures for people with disabilities have been implemented along a total of 12 kilometres of the Plazaola cycle path in Lekunberri, Irurtzun, Latasa and Leitza. A Government of Navarre report dated 25 June 2025 names the four towns and gives the total distance. The Camino de Sakana is also historically connected to an older pilgrimage route used from the 9th to the 11th century.

Church, architecture and living traditions

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 chapel is also a destination on the GR-21 variant; the statue provides another historical link between the two places.

The cultural centre is housed in a former medieval parish church in the Romanesque style, transitioning to Gothic. It preserves an early Gothic stone portal dating from the first half of the 13th century. The old bridge over the Larraun is another architectural landmark: it is built of ashlar stones and has four round arches in different styles. Repeated roadworks have contributed to its deterioration.

Local traditions include the Santa Agueda festival, which Irurtzun has celebrated since 1992 on 4 February, the eve of the feast day. The traditional almuerzo custom is also still observed. In a seasonal tradition described in 2024, residents set out on foot carrying crosses to venerate an image of the Trinity. This image is the focus of the masses and is a copy of the 14th-century Gothic original kept in the parish church. The exact dates depend on the liturgical calendar.

Discover more destinations: Garde, Andosilla, Pamplona, Roncesvalles, Ultzama, Metauten, Arrarats, Cirauqui.

For the broader travel overview: Navarre.