Attractions and Places To See around Arratzu - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Arratzu, located within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Spain's Basque Country, offers a diverse landscape. The region features a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage. It is an area known for its rural landscapes, ancient history, and significant religious sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Arratzu
- The most popular attraction is Oma Forest, a unique artistic creation where tree trunks serve as canvases for various images. It…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza
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Guernica Mural in Gernika
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Artzubi Bridge
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The itinerary of the Camino de Santiago from the north or from the coast runs over it.
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Old Tree of Gernika (Gernikako Arbola)
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Oma Forest
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Recreation of Picasso's famous painting. The original can be seen in Madrid.
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The Oma Forest - Omako basoa in Basque - is also known as the painted forest, the enchanted forest or even the Ibarrola Forest. Its most common name - Oma Forest - refers to the district in which it is located, which belongs to the municipality of Kortezubi. This original work of art was created between 1982 and 1985, when the Basque painter and sculptor Agustín Ibarrola used the trunks of trees as a kind of canvas for a total of 47 images. On them he painted animals, geometric figures and people, or just parts of them, such as eyes and lips. In addition, many of the compositions do not consist of a single tree, but must be viewed in the context of several tree trunks. To do this, you must pay attention to the signs on the ground that tell the viewer where to stand in order to enjoy the whole image.
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When the Condor attacked, the residents of Guernica tried to protect the tree with their bodies because it is sacred to the Basques. Even today, elected politicians have to swear their loyalty to the Basque Country at an oak tree that stands a few meters away.
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A peaceful, pretty and quiet walk. Recommended with children.
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In 1982, artist Agustín Ibarrola began painting the pine trees in the forest near his homestead with the intention of using the landscape as a canvas to give continuity to his artistic expression. It is at this moment when he decides to break the law of perspective and transgress the three-dimensionality of a white line until it becomes two-dimensional. From then on, he explored the possibilities offered by the arrangement of the forest trees, playing with the different planes of depth and creating artistic sets composed of human figures, curves or straight lines, and circles of intense colors. The ideas and concepts that it develops become more complex and advances in various directions as the painted forest expands. With the help of two students from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the UPV/EHU, he carried out a large part of the work that was open to the public until 2018, at which time the biological cycle of the forest came to an end. Given the importance that the work had acquired, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia began the process of making the Forest last, for which it had from the first moment the support of the artist who had made clear his desire for the forest to survive. In this way and in order to preserve El Bosque de Oma, the Ibarrola work has been moved to a new location, also recovering original artistic ensembles lost due to felling, attacks and natural tree falls. Today we can enjoy El Bosque de Oma more complete and more faithful to the artist's original idea.
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The Forest of Oma is one of the best-known works of the Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola and is an expression of the artistic movement known as Art and Nature, which emerged in the late sixties of the 20th century and whose purpose is to convey artistic work to the natural environment, using the landscape as a framework, support and raw material for the artist. The work, located in the town of Kortezubi (Bizkaia), is made up of several sets of geometric motifs and figures painted on the trunk of radiata pine trees. The use of natural living supports, the play of two-three-dimensionality and the experience of placing the visitor at the center of the work of art through his discovery, as well as the diversity of responses it proposes, make this work a reference of the Art and Nature movement and of Basque Art in particular.
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Wall reproduction of Picasso's painting "Guernica" exhibited at the Reina Sofía Museum in Paris.
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Gernikako Arbola is an oak tree in the Basque city of Gernika.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Arratzu?
Arratzu is nestled within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated area known for its diverse ecosystems. You can enjoy incredible Views over the Urdaibai marsh, where the landscape changes with the tides. Don't miss the unique Oma Forest, also known as the 'painted forest,' where tree trunks serve as canvases for art. The Golako River and the Artzubi Oak Grove also offer beautiful natural scenery.
Are there historical sites to visit near Arratzu?
Yes, the area is rich in history. A significant site is the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza, an ancient collegiate church and National Monument that was an important stop on the Way of St. James. You can also see the 16th-century Romanesque Artzubi Bridge, which was part of the Camino de Santiago coastal route. The Oppidum de Arrola, an Iron Age settlement, and the Church of Santo Tomás Apóstol with its Baroque choir are also notable.
What cultural points of interest are there in the Arratzu area?
Beyond its natural beauty and historical sites, Arratzu offers cultural insights. In nearby Gernika-Lumo, you can visit the Guernica Mural, a powerful reproduction of Picasso's painting commemorating the 1937 bombing. The Casa de Juntas and Gernika Peace Museum Foundation also provide deep dives into Basque history and peace efforts. The region's rural architecture, including hermitages, mills, and tower houses, reflects its traditional way of life.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Arratzu?
Many attractions in the Arratzu area are suitable for families. The Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza is recommended for a peaceful visit with children. The unique Oma Forest, with its painted trees, offers an engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the Views over the Urdaibai marsh provide a beautiful and accessible natural outing for families.
What hiking opportunities are available near Arratzu?
Arratzu is an excellent base for hiking. The Golako Trail (PR-BI167) is a popular 5-kilometer route showcasing the area's natural and cultural richness. You can find more detailed hiking routes, including easy and moderate options, by exploring the Hiking around Arratzu guide. Routes like the 'Church of Santo Tomás – Artzubi Bridge loop from Mendata' offer scenic walks.
Can I go running or cycling near Arratzu's attractions?
Absolutely! The region offers various routes for running and road cycling. For runners, there are several loops around areas like Punta de Murueta and Gernika, which you can find in the Running Trails around Arratzu guide. Cyclists can enjoy diverse road cycling routes, including the 'Biscay Tour Trail: Gernika - Elantxobe Loop' or more challenging ascents, detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Arratzu guide.
What is the significance of the Way of St. James in Arratzu?
Arratzu holds historical importance as a small section of the coastal route of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) passes through the town. The Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza was a crucial stop for pilgrims during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and the 16th-century Artzubi Bridge was also part of this historic pilgrimage path.
What makes the Oma Forest unique?
The Oma Forest, also known as the 'painted forest' or 'enchanted forest,' is a unique artistic creation by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola. He used the trunks of trees as canvases for various images, geometric figures, and human forms, making it a prime example of the Art and Nature movement. Visitors are encouraged to find specific viewpoints to see the complete compositions.
Are there any accessible attractions for wheelchair users?
Yes, the Guernica Mural in Gernika is noted as being wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to experience this significant cultural and historical artwork.
What kind of views can I expect in the Arratzu area?
The region offers stunning panoramic views, particularly from the Views over the Urdaibai marsh. From certain vantage points along the road, you can witness the dynamic landscape of the Urdaibai estuary, which constantly changes with the tides. The Artzubi Bridge also offers picturesque views of the Golako River and its surroundings.
What is the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, and why is it important?
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO-designated area where Arratzu is located. It's important for its diverse ecosystems, including estuaries, rivers, and holm oak forests, which support a rich variety of plants and animals. It's a prime location for nature lovers and birdwatching, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and conservation efforts.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Arratzu?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The peaceful and pretty walks around sites like the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza are highly appreciated, especially for families. The unique artistic experience of the Oma Forest and the scenic Views over the Urdaibai marsh are also frequently praised for their beauty and tranquility.
Most popular attractions around Arratzu
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