EH BIRIKA: A Premier Bikepacking Adventure Through the Heart of the Basque Country
Embark on an exhilarating 380-kilometre circular bikepacking journey that delves deep into the Basque Country’s most iconic natural parks. Dubbed “EH BIRIKA,” meaning “Basque lung,” this meticulously crafted route offers a harmonious blend of challenging terrains, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Route Overview
Starting and concluding in Azpeitia, the route traverses the four Basque provinces—Gipuzkoa, Navarra, Álava, and Bizkaia—connecting five of the region’s most emblematic natural parks:
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Aralar: Renowned for its high-altitude meadows, limestone ridges, and significant megalithic sites, Aralar is steeped in Basque mythology.
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Urbasa-Andia: This expansive plateau is adorned with one of Europe’s largest beech forests, offering a serene environment with karstic landscapes and ancient human settlements.
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Gorbeia: As the largest natural park in Euskadi, Gorbeia boasts dense forests, lush meadows, and an impressive subterranean cave system, crowned by the iconic Mount Gorbea.
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Urkiola: Characterized by its formidable rock formations, including Alluitz and Anboto, Urkiola provides a rugged backdrop perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
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Aizkorri-Aratz: This limestone barrier features the highest peaks of the route and some of the most spectacular high-mountain landscapes, renowned for hosting the prestigious Zegama–Aizkorri trail race.
Trail Highlights
The journey incorporates several “Vías Verdes” (Greenways), former railway lines transformed into cycling paths:
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Vasco-Navarro Railway: Spanning 35 km, this section features tunnels, restored stations, and picturesque rural landscapes, allowing for a smooth ride through forests and open fields.
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Urola Greenway: Covering approximately 20 km, this path descends gently and passes by the Santuario de Loiola, a significant landmark in the valley.
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Vitoria-Gasteiz Green Ring: Encircling the city, this network of parks and trails enables cyclists to navigate around the urban area comfortably and safely.
Stage Breakdown
The route is divided into five stages, each offering unique challenges and experiences:
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Azpeitia to Aralar (80 km / +2,500 m): Departing from Azpeitia, the path ascends to the Usurbe mountain (703 m), providing panoramic views of the Txindoki peak. The climb to Aralar is a 20 km stretch through forests and meadows, culminating at the San Miguel de Aralar Sanctuary.
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Urbasa-Andia (120 km / +2,500 m): The longest stage, featuring a demanding 17 km ascent to Beriain (1,493 m). The route then meanders through a continuous beech forest for over 30 km, offering a tranquil and immersive experience.
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Gorbeia (55 km / +1,700 m): A shorter yet intense stage, highlighted by a challenging 5 km climb to the Gorbeia cross, with gradients reaching 15%. The descent leads to Ubidea and Otxandio, serving as a natural gateway to Urkiola.
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Urkiola and Aizkorri-Aratz (75 km / +2,500 m): This stage traverses the rugged terrains of Urkiola, with an option to rest at the Zabalandi refuge. The ascent to Aizkorri-Aratz is a 14 km climb at 6.2%, passing the Aitzorrotz hermitage and culminating near wind turbines, offering panoramic vistas.
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Return to Azpeitia (50 km / +1,600 m): The final stage includes a climb to Aloña, providing expansive views of the traversed natural parks. The descent to Oñati is swift, with a recommended stop at the Bizipoz café, famed for its freshly made tortilla. The route concludes with two intense climbs leading to Urretxu, followed by a comfortable ride along the Urola Greenway back to Azpeitia.
Practical Information
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Track Availability: The route is available on platforms like Wikiloc, offering detailed GPS tracks for navigation.
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Accommodations: The path passes through numerous towns with hotels, hostels, and rural houses. Additionally, there are two free refuges (Igaratza and Zabalandi) and the Urbasa campsite, ideal for splitting the longest stage. Wild camping is permitted in many areas, provided it’s done respectfully and discreetly.
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Mechanical Support: Several bike shops are located in the main towns along the route. Notably, near the end of the 380 km journey, cyclists will pass through Azkoitia, where a public bike wash station is available.
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Assistance Services: The route creator offers support services, including luggage transport and other assistance during the journey. Contact: +34 619 418 304.
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Water Sources: Water is abundant throughout the route, with most village fountains and recreational areas providing potable water. It’s advisable to fill water bottles before entering mountainous sections.
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Parking: In Azpeitia, parking is free in most areas. The “Ikasberri Ikastola” parking lot is spacious, secure, and situated in a pleasant environment, making it ideal for starting and ending the journey with peace of mind.
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Recommended Bicycle: A rigid or dual-suspension mountain bike is ideal, as the terrain includes trails, tracks, and technical sections. Gravel bikes are possible but not recommended for most riders. It’s essential to equip the bike with knobby tires and carry basic spares: patches or tubes, CO₂ cartridges, a multi-tool, chain links, and a pump.
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Environmental Respect: EH BIRIKA traverses some of the Basque Country’s most valuable natural spaces, which are fragile and require everyone’s care. Cyclists are encouraged to ride responsibly: do not leave waste, respect the forest’s silence, keep gates and fences as found, and avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock.
Embarking on EH BIRIKA is more than just a cycling challenge; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of the Basque Country’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or an adventure enthusiast, this route promises an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s most captivating regions.