Ultzama

Here, where the name of the land whispers of an ancient origin linked to the heights and the landscape unfolds like a tapestry of meadows and beech woods, time stands still. In Ultzama, the atmosphere is reflected in the mist that envelops the damp oak groves of Orgi and in the tranquillity of the peaks that silently separate two worlds of water: the Cantabrian and the Mediterranean. I am a land of deep roots, where the stone of the stately homes and the murmur of the rivers Ultzama and Arkil coexist in a slow harmony, allowing the identity of the fourteen villages as one —Hamalau bat— to reveal itself effortlessly. 

Ultzama general information

The valley lies in the north-west of Navarre, forming part of the Ultzamaldea region and situated some 25 kilometres from Pamplona. Ultzama’s identity is rooted in an area of approximately 96–98 km², which forms a transitional slope between the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions of Navarre. The terrain, which is not particularly rugged and is covered in abundant vegetation, has an average altitude of 542 metres, rising to 1,145 metres on the border with Lanz .

Its history records human presence dating back over 15,000 years and an administrative history established in the 11th century, receiving its charters from Sancho VII the Strong in 1211. Administratively, it is situated in the Basque-speaking area, where the Basque language is a living trace of its everyday culture. In Ultzama, daily life is rooted in the land through cattle, sheep and horse farming, which provides the raw ingredients for our renowned cuisine. 

What to see in Ultzama?

In Ultzama, landscape and history intertwine in a dialogue that is felt rather than seen.

• Orgi Forest: Located in Lizaso, this is an 80-hectare ancient oak forest. It is the only example of a lowland wet oak forest in Navarre, home to unique trees and a biodiversity that has been protected since 1996.
• Monastery of Our Lady of Velate: Situated at the pass of the same name, this medieval complex and its guesthouse bear witness to the historic route of the Baztan Way of St James.
• Ultzama Mycological Park: An area for observation and foraging where the beech and oak forests (covering more than 5,000 hectares of the valley) offer mycological material of great value and quality.
• Eltzaburu Oak: A Natural Monument with a base diameter of 1.88 metres and a height of over 26 metres, a testament to the valley’s enduring vegetation.
• Traditional architecture: An area for observation where the typical ashlar-built houses with coats of arms stand out, particularly visible in villages such as Iraizotz or the area around Auza.
• Megalithic heritage: Its landscape is home to up to 32 archaeological sites declared Assets of Cultural Interest, including dolmens and menhirs concentrated mainly in the Mortua area.

Towns and villages of Ultzama

The Ultzama valley reveals itself through the villages that inhabit it, each one a guardian of a part of its history.

• Alkotz: A village where daily life retains traces of traditional architecture, historically linked to the upper part of the valley.
• Arraitz-Orkin: Situated at the point where the River Ultzama enters the valley, it features a landscape shaped by the Velate Pass and the village of Ventas.
• Auza: A village where the stream’s surroundings shape the hamlet, allowing one to observe the solidity of its buildings.
• Eltso: A parish that shares territory with Gerendiain and features a five-pointed star in its coat of arms.
• Eltzaburu: Nestled at the foot of the communal hills, it is home to the famous monumental oak tree and marks the boundary with the higher northern areas.
• Gorrontz-Olano: A parish comprising two hamlets situated towards the south-west, where the terrain reaches an altitude of 800 metres.
• Gerendiain: A village overlooking the valley floor from the slopes of Arañoz, sharing farmland and pastures with Eltso.
• Ilarregi: Situated in the western part of the region, its town centre is arranged around a central market garden, with its waters flowing towards the Larraun basin.
• Iraizotz: A village organised around a structured central axis, where stone defines the character of the street.
• Larraintzar: The administrative capital of the valley and seat of the local council, situated in a spacious area at the bottom of the valley beside the River Arkil.
• Lizaso: Gateway to the Orgi Forest, where the main street climbs towards the church, setting the rhythm of the village.
• Suarbe: A small village situated within the Special Conservation Area for oak forests, nestled within the valley’s woodland.
• Urritzola-Galain: A parish that spans the Arañoz basin, uniting two former settlements into a single entity.
• Zenotz: A village notable for its central square next to the pelota court, which sustains the social and daily life of the valley.