Vasco-Navarro Greenway: the journey of the ‘Trenico’ train through mountains, tunnels and nature

There are routes that are created to connect cities… and end up connecting landscapes, stories and slower ways of travelling.

The Basque-Navarre Greenway is one of them: an old railway line that has now been converted into one of the great cycling and hiking routes in northern Spain.

Between the Basque Country and Navarre, this greenway follows the route of the legendary ‘Trenico’, a railway that for decades linked industrial and rural towns until its last journey in 1967. Today, that iron road has been transformed into a natural corridor perfect for discovering Atlantic forests, agricultural plains, historic tunnels and small towns full of character.

A long, varied and surprising route that invites you to take your time exploring it.

An old railway line turned into an outdoor adventure

The Vasco-Navarro Greenway follows the railway line that connected Estella-Lizarra (Navarre) with Bergara (Gipuzkoa) via Vitoria-Gasteiz, reusing the infrastructure of the historic train that was inaugurated in the 20th century and closed down for good in 1967.
It currently covers some 123.5 kilometres, making it one of the longest and most complete greenways in Spain.
The route retains the essence of the original railway:

• Old refurbished stations
• Viaducts and overpasses
• Sections carved out of rock
• Long tunnels, such as the spectacular 1.4 km Acedo tunnel

Thanks to its gentle slopes—typical of railway design—it is an ideal route for both cyclists and hikers.

A journey through three very different landscapes

One of the great attractions of the Basque-Navarre route is its diversity. In just a few days, the landscape changes completely.

Navarre: Tierra Estella and the Atlantic Mediterranean landscape

The route begins in Estella-Lizarra, crossing the Ega River valley. Here you will find vineyards, open fields and quiet villages where medieval history blends with Navarre’s rural culture.

It is one of the most accessible and family-friendly sections, with compact surfaces and long cycleable stretches.

Llanada Alavesa and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Upon entering Álava, the greenway crosses vast agricultural landscapes until it reaches Vitoria-Gasteiz, a European benchmark in urban sustainability and the perfect place to divide the route into stages.

From here, the route allows you to easily connect with the city’s Green Belt and continue towards more mountainous areas.

Basque mountains towards Gipuzkoa

The last section takes on a more mountainous character: forests, tunnels and old railway crossings lead to the Arlabán pass and the Deba valley, revealing the greenest and wettest side of the Basque Country.

The Derio / Basque Country section: railway essence and nearby nature

In the Basque Country —where many restored sections connect with old railway branches and greenways near Bilbao and its surroundings— the experience changes pace: dense forests, converted industrial areas and paths ideal for short weekend getaways appear.

Here, the greenway demonstrates its versatility:

• family routes lasting a few hours
• gentle cycling training
• hiking trails among industrial heritage

The contrast between the railway’s past and the restored natural environment is particularly striking.

Technical details of the route

Total distance: approx. 123.5 km
Type of route: linear
Surface: compacted earth and paved sections
Difficulty: medium (moderate physical effort, low technical difficulty)
Use: hiking, gravel, MTB and cycle touring
Cumulative elevation gain: approx. +1,000 m
The surface allows for comfortable riding on almost any bicycle except pure road bikes.

Tunnels, viaducts and industrial heritage

Travelling along this greenway is like taking a journey through 20th-century railway engineering. Along the way you will see:

• More than a dozen bridges and overpasses
• Converted old stations
• Illuminated tunnels (although it is always recommended to carry a headlight)

Each element is a reminder of the importance of this railway for the economic development of the north of the peninsula.

How to cycle the Basque-Navarre Greenway

Although experienced cyclists can complete it in a single day, it is best to divide it into stages to enjoy the surroundings and local cuisine.

Common options:

• 🚴 Estella → Vitoria (a classic cycling route)
• 🚶 Short stages from Vitoria-Gasteiz
• 🌲 Family-friendly sections in Navarre or Llanada Alavesa

In addition, many towns offer services, rest areas and nearby public transport.

When to go

The route can be travelled all year round, but each season has its own charm:

• 🌸 Spring: green fields and mild temperatures
• ☀️ Summer: ideal in wooded sections
• 🍂 Autumn: probably its most spectacular time
• ❄️ Winter: absolute tranquillity and open landscapes

A greenway for slow travel

The Vasco-Navarro Greenway is not just a cycle route: it is a journey through the industrial history of the north, through villages that grew up alongside the railway and through nature that has reclaimed its space.

A perfect itinerary for those who see the outdoors as more than just clocking up the miles: a way to discover the region step by step, pedal stroke by pedal stroke.