One of the most beautiful forests to visit in autumn is in Navarra

With the arrival of autumn, some corners of the Iberian Peninsula stand out for being ideal for a weekend getaway in which you can fully enjoy the wonders of the season. It is in this season that the trees acquire yellowish and reddish colors that stain their crowns and fill the ground with fallen leaves, forming unparalleled scenes in their wake.

Throughout the entire Spanish territory it is possible to enjoy a great variety of forests and groves. However, the autonomous community of Navarra is home to one of the most special. Thus, the Irati Forest – or Iratiko oihana in Basque – has emerged as one of the most impressive forests throughout the country’s geography.

Known for being the second best preserved ancient beech and fir forest in all of Europe, the jungle offers impressive autumn views thanks to the qualities of its trees, which mix deciduous and evergreen leaves to form an unparalleled view.

History and mythology of the Irati Jungle

The area is located between the border of France and Spain in the Pyrenees, a fact that has caused various conflicts throughout history. Thus, although the grove is protected today, it was a source of conflict for decades because it was one of the main exploitations of wood for the manufacture of boats, mainly from the 16th century onwards.

Currently, logging and wood harvesting activities are still continuing, although in a selective and orderly manner. This respect for the environment on the part of the inhabitants and responsible institutions of the valley has allowed the enclave to be preserved in its fullness, which is why it was included in the list of World Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Organization for Humanity. Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) in 2017.

The space is not exempt from rumors and legends, since along its paths, local inhabitants speak of appearances of witches and other mythological beings, such as the so-called Basajaun, or lord of the forest, one of the main characters of the Basque-Navarre mythology.

Hiking routes through the Irati Jungle

Throughout the territory, it is possible to discover the forest through multiple marked paths for hiking or cycling, although it is also possible to enjoy other activities such as skiing at the Abodi resort.

One of the best-known routes in the area is the Paradise-Erlan route, a circular route just under 5 kilometers long and relatively easy, making it a perfect option to enjoy the grove with family or friends.

To begin, you have to go to the parking lot at the top of the Irabia Reservoir – 13 kilometers from Orbaizeta. From there, you will have to take a wide track surrounded by ancient beech trees until you reach a recreation area, where it is possible to rest and learn about the peculiarities of woodpeckers.

Next, you will have to take a path that ascends through the forest along a slope of Mount Mozolotxiki to a clearing, from which you can enjoy unique panoramic views of the Irati River reservoir. Less than 1 kilometer later, the descent will begin until reaching the path that will lead back to the parking lot at the beginning, ending the route.

In any case, this is not the only way to enjoy the enclave, since the variety of routes and ways to appreciate the fauna and flora are part of its uniqueness. Thus, there are multiple options for different paths throughout the territory, divided mainly according to the mountain valley chosen: Aezkoa or Salazar.

In this way, these are the possible routes around the Aezkoa valley:

On the other hand, the routes available through the Salazar Valley are the following:

Fauna and flora in the Irati Jungle

The Irati jungle has a unique environmental wealth, which has allowed animals such as the white-backed beak – a species of woodpecker in danger of extinction – to grow in number until it is once again considered a moderate population.

Other species such as the Pyrenean desman have also found a unique place in the area where they can reproduce and fight against the danger of extinction they face, mainly in the last 20 years.

In the Irati Forest there are also eight hunting reserves, although all of them with moderate and environmentally responsible activities.

Regulation and access to the Irati Forest

In order to promote a satisfactory and environmentally friendly visit to the forest, the Irati Forest has regulated access, taking into account that the influx of visitors is abundant, especially on weekends and long weekends. On October 19 and 26, as well as November 1, 2 and 3, access to the Salazar Valley – from Ochagavía to Casas de Irati (NA-2012) – and the Aezkoa Valley – from Orbaizeta to the dam Irabia Reservoir (NA-2030) – will be regulated.

The passage of vehicles may be cut off occasionally when the parking lots are full, although these will be reopened on the same day as there is movement and availability of spaces. Likewise, vehicles will not be allowed to enter after 6:00 p.m. to facilitate a smooth exit for visitors.