The Selva de Irati (“Irati Forest”) is the second largest and best preserved beech and pine forest in Europe, after the Black Forest in Germany. The Irati Forest is a beautiful place to visit and is located in the northeast of Navarre and covers more than 17,000 hectares of forest. It extends through the valleys of Aezkoa and Salazar, where one of the most beautiful villages in Navarre, Ochagavía.
Each season of the year offers a unique experience in the Irati Forest. In spring, the forest comes to life with the fresh green of new leaves and blooming flowers. The summer months invite walks along the winding paths and to cool off by the banks of the Irati and Urbeltza rivers. In autumn, the forest transforms into an amazing color spectacle. The leaves turn into red, yellow, and orange. Even in winter, the Irati Forest has its charm. The snowy landscapes create the perfect setting for winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Activities in the Forest of Irati
The Forest of Irati and its surroundings are the perfect place to enjoy nature. There are various routes available for hikers and (electric) mountain bikers. The mountain bikes can be rented on site, with the option for guided tours.
The routes in the Forest of Irati range from short distances of just 5 km, ideal for quiet family walks, to longer routes of up to 20 km for more experienced walkers and cyclists. For detailed route information, click here. In addition, there is a handy app available (Android/iOS) that provides all the necessary information about the hiking routes.
In addition to these routes, the area also offers opportunities for adventurous activities such as canyoning, rock climbing and horseback riding. For more information about this, click here.
