The Baztan Way
A journey through mountain ranges, villages, and heritage sites that revives one of the oldest Jacobean routes.
The murmur of the mist against the solidity of the landscape
Here, where the scent of damp earth and the solidity of the traditional stone farmhouses guide your steps, time simply flows amongst beech woods, pastures and legends. The Baztan Way is an ancient branch of the Way of St James that follows the trade route once used by caravans to link the port of Bayonne with Pamplona, allowing history and nature to coexist in silent harmony. Its atmosphere invites a peaceful walk in the shadow of the Pyrenean peaks, revealing the authenticity of a land that simply lies before those who choose to dwell in its tranquillity.
Why walk the Baztan Way?
Walking the Baztan Way allows you to discover a quieter side of Navarre, characterised by the Atlantic landscape, small villages and a strong rural tradition. The route, which is generally gentle, winds its way through beech and chestnut woods, green meadows and traditional farmsteads, offering a leisurely walk away from the busier pilgrimage routes to Santiago.
Cultural heritage accompanies the pilgrim throughout the journey. Highlights include the monastery of San Salvador de Urdazubi/Urdax, a former pilgrims’ hospital, Amaiur/Maya Castle and the palaces in towns such as Arizkun, Elbete and Elizondo. The route continues towards the Belate Pass, where the chapel-basilica and the former pilgrims’ hospital are still preserved, before descending towards Lantz and Olagüe and finally reaching the Trinidad Bridge in Arre, where it joins the French Way.
Gastronomy is also part of the experience, with products and dishes rooted in the valley’s traditions, such as mushrooms, cuajadas, Urrakin egina chocolate and other local specialities. It is a way of discovering the region through its landscapes, heritage and flavours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Baztan Way enters Navarre via Urdazubi/Urdax, after crossing the Pyrenees from France, and ends in Arre. There, next to the medieval bridge and the Hermitage of the Trinity, it joins the French Way before reaching Pamplona.
The route is usually completed in five or six stages, depending on each pilgrim’s pace and planning. The daily stages are fairly evenly balanced in terms of distance, generally ranging from 14 to 22 kilometres, although this may vary depending on the chosen itinerary.
The Baztan Way is of moderate difficulty, with a generally comfortable and gradual route. The most challenging section is the climb up to Belate, where the route crosses the ridge between the valleys before continuing on to Anue and Arre.
The route passes through some of the most characteristic villages in northern Navarre, such as Urdazubi/Urdax, Amaiur/Maya, Arizkun, Elbete, Elizondo, Lantz and Olagüe. Each village adds its own architecture, heritage and landscape to the route.
