There are several
paths of different length and gradient that allow you to appreciate the finer points of this Atlantic wood. If you prefer, specialist guides can take you to unforgettable spots while they tell you amazing stories about mythological figures. Explore this Atlantic wood, where a damp microclimate, free of frosts, has created an elegant and exuberant natural environment.
At the entry to the park stands the
Botanical Garden over 100 years old and the greatest treasure of the
Natural Park. A network of paths allows the visitor to admire more than 120 different bush and tree species. It was designed by a French gardener in 1847, and Pedro Ciga extended it by combining local species with others from far-off places. Among the former, the beech is the most abundant species, and among the more curious are the cypress, Lebanon cedars, the
gingko from China, araucarias from Tierra del Fuego, sequoias from California, camellias, azaleas and bamboos. Jewels of
Art Nouveau such as ponds, bridges, arbours, a
Belle Epoque viewpoint and a chapel make this delightful garden even more beautiful.
The garden is not the only attraction in
Bertiz. It has a number of ameneties dedicated to teaching about the environment. Near the viewpoint is the Palace of Ciga, now converted into an exhibition hall, and a
Nature Interpretation Centre that provides information on the park's ecosystem and the surrounding area.
Outside the garden is a lare green zone with a picnic area and swings, a car park, an
open-air exhibition of sculptures, a charcoal pile (which shows how charcola is made), a limestone quarry to burn limestone and a
tourist infomation office, certified with a
Q rating for its quality and service. You can get a map-guide of the park with information about the facilities and walks through the natural enclave. It is a good starting point if you wish to explore the forest, the biggest area of the park with major differences in heigth (between 110 and 842 metres).
Some of thes
paths you can following in the Natural Park of
Bertiz:
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Aizkolegi: an 11-kilometre-long path takes you to the highest point in Bertiz, where the palace of Aizkolegi stands, a modernist structure from the early 20th century that remains closed but takes us back to the era of splendour of the estate a century ago. This spot offers excellent views over the park and the surrounding valleys. (Estimated time; between 6 and 7 hours)
-
Plazazelai: a straight route 8 kilometres long to the wicket gate that marks the boundary of the Señorío de Bertiz with the Baztan valley. (Estimated time: 5 hours). This is the only route authorised for cyclists.
-
Senda Irretarazu: 7 kilometres of paths and tracks from the charcoal pile. This route shows traditional trades of the forest. (Estimated time: 4 hours). Two shorter paths are the Senda del
Suspiro (5 km) and
Iturburua (3 km).
Any season of the year is good for a visit to the park, although if you choose the summer you will see its vegetation in its full splendour, as well as delightful shade. In mid-autumn the intense green of the summer gives way to ochre and red, and this is a good time to observe the migratory movements of several birds.
Recommended route for getting to know the area around the Señorío de Bertiz.
Bertiz Natural Park
