Plazaola Greenway

A leisurely journey through the mountains

Here, where the old railway tracks once cut through damp mountains and dense forests, the Plazaola Greenway preserves the memory of the small railway that linked Navarre and Gipuzkoa for much of the 20th century. Today, the sound of the train has been replaced by the quiet passage of cyclists and walkers as they traverse tunnels, viaducts and stations surrounded by Atlantic vegetation.

The route winds through beech and oak woods and narrow valleys where traces of the old “tren txiki” railway can still be seen. The damp earth, the darkness of some tunnels and the constant sound of water accompany a route designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Plazaola Greenway – general information

The Plazaola Greenway follows the route of the old Plazaola railway, a route of around 78 kilometres connecting the Pamplona basin with Andoain, in Gipuzkoa. The origins of this line lie in a small mining train built to transport iron from the Plazaola mines to Gipuzkoa. In the early 20th century, the route was extended to carry passengers between Pamplona and San Sebastián, on a journey that passed through some of the greenest landscapes in northern Spain.

Following the permanent closure of the service in the 1950s, caused in part by severe flooding, the old railway line was converted into a greenway for walking and cycling. Today, the route passes through areas of great natural beauty, such as the Larraun Valley and the River Leitzaran, which has been designated a Protected Biotope.

How to get to the Plazaola Greenway?

The route has various access points spread across Navarre and Gipuzkoa.

• Lekunberri: This is considered the main entry point. The restored old station houses the tourist office and various visitor services.
• Andoain: At the northern end of the route, Otieta Rural Park and the Leitzaran Visitor Centre serve as a common starting or finishing point.
• Irurtzun and Latasa: Both towns offer convenient access to several intermediate sections and have rest areas.
• Pamplona: The section closest to the capital of Navarre allows you to join the route from La Rochapea, following the banks of the River Arga.

What to do on the Plazaola Greenway?

The route combines Atlantic nature, railway heritage and small mountain villages in a very accessible itinerary.

• Passing through the historic tunnels: One of the route’s main attractions is its tunnels, particularly the Uitzi tunnel, which is nearly 2.7 kilometres long and considered one of the longest on Europe’s greenways.
• Explore the route by bike or on foot: The gentle gradients — generally around 2% — allow you to enjoy the route at a leisurely pace, whether with the family or on longer sporting routes.
• Discover the industrial past: Along the route, you can still see remains linked to the old Plazaola mines, calcination kilns and railway structures integrated into the landscape.
• Visit Leitza and Peru-Harri: The area around Leitza retains distinctive traditional architecture and is home to Peru-Harri, the park dedicated to stone and rural sports created by Iñaki Perurena.
• Admire the Leitzaran Valley: The section in Gipuzkoa passes through one of the route’s most attractive natural areas, featuring waterfalls, Atlantic forest and wildlife associated with mountain rivers.
• Visit the restored old stations: Some of the restored stations keep the memory of the railway alive and offer rest areas, information points or small exhibition spaces.