Between mountains and tunnels: the magic of the Plazaola Greenway
An old railway line converted into a nature trail linking Navarre and Gipuzkoa along more than 40 kilometres of pure serenity.
Walking along the Plazaola is like walking to the rhythm of the water and the wind, among mountains covered with beech forests, endless tunnels and villages that retain the rural charm of the north. In autumn, the experience becomes magical: golden leaves carpet the paths, the forest is cloaked in mist and the silence is broken only by the echo of footsteps inside the tunnels.
A train that became a path
The Plazaola began as a railway line at the end of the 19th century, connecting Pamplona with San Sebastián to transport ore, timber and passengers. But after decades of activity, the train stopped running and time turned its tracks into a natural corridor full of life. Today, the old route is one of the most beloved Greenways in the north, visited by both hikers and cyclists looking to disconnect among the mountains.
The route passes through a wide variety of landscapes: Atlantic forests, meadows, rivers such as the Leitzaran, and more than 40 tunnels dug into the rock. Some are short and bright; others, such as the Uitzi tunnel, are over a kilometre long and plunge walkers into complete darkness before returning to the light of the valley. It is a unique, almost cinematic sensation.
Most notable routes and sections
The Plazaola Greenway can be covered in sections. In Navarre, one of the most popular sections is the one that connects Lekunberri with Uitzi, ideal for a gentle and very photogenic day’s hiking. From Lekunberri, the path climbs gradually through humid forests, passes through illuminated tunnels and offers beautiful views of the rural surroundings.
In the Guipúzcoa part, the Leitzaran route is one of the most beautiful in the Basque Country: a protected valley where the river meanders through the intense green of the vegetation. Stone bridges, old railway huts and industrial remains are part of the charm of the route.
In total, the route covers more than 80 km if both sections are joined, although most visitors choose to walk a half-day or full-day section, taking advantage of the access points and rest areas scattered along the way.
The charm of the north in autumn
Few places capture the essence of autumn as well as Plazaola. The cool climate, the changing colours of the leaves and the sound of water make each section a sensory experience. It is not necessary to walk the entire route: just a few hours lost among its tunnels is enough to understand its magnetism.
It is advisable to bring a torch or headlamp, especially for the longer tunnels, and comfortable footwear that can withstand damp conditions. The terrain is firm and easy to follow, but frequent rainfall makes some areas slippery. It is also a good idea to check the lighting schedules in the tunnels and plan your route before setting off, as some sections may be temporarily closed for maintenance.
A greenway steeped in history and nature
Plazaola is not just a hiking trail: it is a journey into the railway’s past and an example of how nature can reclaim its space. Today, the Leitzaran Valley is a protected area, a refuge for birds, otters and deer, and a symbol of the balance between history, landscape and sustainability.
Walking along its footbridges and tunnels is an invitation to stop, listen to the forest and let yourself be enveloped by the calm. There is no rush or noise, just the feeling of walking among mountains that tell stories in silence.
Because in Plazaola, more than walking, you travel with your senses.