The Parque Micológico Ultzama covers 5,566 hectares of forest that is significant for its fungi. The area is shaped above all by communal beech forests and Atlantic oak forests. This offers different ways to explore the landscape when choosing an outing: forest paths, guided mycological excursions and circular routes with specified distances.

Forest Landscapes and Trails

The Bosque de Orgi is considered the only surviving example of Navarre’s moist oak forests. Guided visits and cultural activities are offered there. At Puerto de Belate, a network of forest trails runs between streams and beech forests. This means a distinctive forest landscape and trails through different natural areas are available side by side, without both options requiring the same kind of visit.

Individual trees also make their own impression: the Roble milenario (Arraitz Orkin) is catalogued as one of Navarre’s 47 monumental trees and has a trunk circumference of approximately 10 metres. In general, walks in Ultzama can start from villages and forests, on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. If you want to compare circular routes by distance, two specific figures are available: the Sendero de Orgi is 8.5 kilometres long and passes through Lizaso, Gorrontz-Olano and Guelbenzu. The Sendero de Auzarabide covers 7.10 kilometres and passes through Zenotz, Iraizotz and Larrainzar. The first is 1.4 kilometres longer; the places mentioned also differ.

Prehistory and Buildings

The Cueva de Abauntz in Arraitz-Orkin, Ultzama, has an archaeological occupation sequence from the Mousterian to the end of the Roman Empire in Late Antiquity. The map of Abauntz from Arraitz-Orkin is displayed in a case in the permanent prehistoric exhibition at the Museo de Navarra. It is dated to 9815 BC; its engravings depict geographical features around the cave, including the Zaldazáin stream and the Ultzama River. The story thus spans a long history of settlement and a single, dated artefact.

Further cultural details can be found in Arraitz and Larraintzar: the Iglesia parroquial de la Asunción in Arraitz has an octagonal tower. Larraintzar has a Romanesque bridge and a Renaissance church. At the Casa-museo Apicultura Ezkurdi, visitors can learn about the life of bees and honey production in the hive in a beekeeping laboratory; there is also an exhibition on the history of beekeeping. A guided visit is available year-round by prior arrangement. Arrange a time before you arrive.

Guided Experiences and Finding Accommodation

For nature enthusiasts, the Parque Micológico Ultzama organises guided mycological excursions throughout the year. The Granja Escuela Ultzama offers guided visits where visitors can meet the animals kept there, as well as workshops on the artisanal production of cuajada. These activities have different focuses: the forest and its mushrooms, animals or an artisan food.

The horse-riding options also differ. The Robledales de Ultzama equestrian centre in Zenotz specialises in classical dressage. The Doble A equestrian centre in Lizaso offers rides on horses or ponies, as well as riding lessons; ask the operator about current availability before your visit. This lets you tailor your search to your planned focus, without having to turn the different options into a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Larraintzar, Marcilla, Muneta, Artazu, Acedo, Ochagavía, Abaurrepea / Abaurrea Baja, Arbizu.

For the broader travel overview: Navarre.