Zugarramurdi can be explored from several angles: the Cueva de Zugarramurdi showcases a distinctive karst formation, while the museum and historical events connect the town with the history of witch persecution. The Ruta de la Pottoka Azul adds a cross-border perspective. This gives you the option to weigh up the cave landscape, local history and a longer route.
Karst Cave and Forest Path
The Cueva de Zugarramurdi, also known as Sorginen Leizea, is a surface karst complex. Its main cavern forms a 120-metre-long natural tunnel, complemented by two galleries at a higher level. The complex thus comprises several cavities arranged at different levels, rather than a single hollow.
The cave entrance is about 400 metres from the village and can be reached by walking through the surrounding forest. If you include the Cueva in your plans, both its approximate distance from the village and the forest path are useful points of reference.
Witch History and Museum
The Museo de las Brujas de Zugarramurdi is housed in a former hospital dating from the 17th century. It opened as a museum in July 2007. It preserves the town’s historical memory and shows visitors how people in the region lived in the past.
The permanent exhibition is divided into four sections: witch persecution; witchcraft and the Inquisition; mythology and ethnology; and an exhibition dedicated to researcher Gustav Henningsen. This layout goes beyond the history of persecution: regional mythology, ethnology and research on Gustav Henningsen complement the themes of witchcraft and the Inquisition.
The cave is also part of this historical context. Some of its chambers are associated with pagan celebrations in antiquity. During the Inquisition trial of 1609 to 1614, these celebrations were presented as evidence of witchcraft in Zugarramurdi. It is important to distinguish between the celebrations themselves and how they were used in the trial: the celebrations were presented as evidence.
A Route Across the Border
The Ruta de la Pottoka Azul is an almost 35-kilometre circular route through the cross-border region of Xareta. It links the caves of Urdazubi/Urdax, Zugarramurdi and Sara on the other side of the border. A small blue horse painted on stones marks the route. Zugarramurdi is also part of the Ruta de la BrujerĂa.
The 12-kilometre distance refers to the Navarra section of the Pottoka Azul route, not the entire circular route. When comparing distances, be sure to distinguish between this section and the almost 35-kilometre loop. Check route conditions before setting out.
The Zikiro jate
Another specific occasion is the Zikiro jate at the Cueva de Zugarramurdi: it is held every year on the last day of the village festivities. A ticket purchased in advance is required to attend the celebration on 18 August. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the festival date and ticket requirements in advance; event arrangements and ticket rules may change.
Discover more destinations: AdiĂłs, Zilbeti, Villanueva de Arce, Bizkarreta-Gerendiain, Dicastillo, Cárcar, Oskotz, MendigorrĂa.
For the main travel overview: Navarra.
