4.1
(20)
786
riders
86
rides
Mountain biking around Encartaciones offers diverse natural landscapes, characterized by rugged hills, expansive forests, and picturesque valleys. The region, located in the westernmost part of Bizkaia, features karstic landscapes within Armañón Natural Park and significant mountains like Zalama, Ganekogorta, and Kolitza. These natural features create varied terrain for mountain bike trails, ranging from gentle paths to demanding climbs.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
75
riders
66.2km
03:53
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
40
riders
48.3km
04:20
1,220m
1,220m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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5.0
(1)
38
riders
44.9km
04:48
1,530m
1,530m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
39
riders
23.0km
02:50
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
29
riders
25.0km
02:40
750m
750m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
riders
13.2km
01:22
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
22
riders
27.1km
02:29
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
22
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
49.1km
05:02
1,520m
1,520m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
17
riders
42.8km
03:30
770m
780m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Encartaciones
No wagons have been loaded here for a long time...
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If necessary, this is a good opportunity to carry out minor repairs on your bike and refill your water supplies. A short rest at the benches and tables is also a good option.
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One of the many beautiful tunnels on the "Green Trail of the Eisenberge", a railway trail.
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The railway hasn't run through this tunnel for a long time, but the "Vía Verde de los Montes de Hierro" railway trail runs through here. Very beautiful!
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The "Green Way of the Iron Mountains," or Vía Verde de los Montes de Hierro in Spanish, is a network of cycle paths on former mining railways that transported iron ore from the mountains in the hinterland of Bilbao to the smelting and loading stations at the mouth of the Río Nervión. Beautiful and easy to cycle, with lots of nature and many tunnels.
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The monument pays homage to the "putxera," a traditional way of cooking bean stew typical of the Balmaseda region. The "putxera" is a special pot originally used by railway workers in the area. They used the heat from steam locomotives to cook their meals. The monument is made of iron and features a relief depiction of a steam locomotive, commemorating the origins of the "putxera."
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The bridge was built in the 11th century and served as an important crossing point on the old road to Castile. It crosses the Cadagua River and is one of the city's landmarks. The bridge consists of three arches and has a Gothic tower added in the 15th century. This tower was formerly used to collect tolls.
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Encartaciones offers a wide selection of mountain bike trails, with over 80 routes documented on komoot. These trails cater to various skill levels, from easy paths to challenging ascents.
The region is characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including rugged hills, expansive forests, and picturesque valleys. You'll encounter karstic landscapes, especially within Armañón Natural Park, and significant mountains like Zalama, Ganekogorta, and Kolitza, which provide varied terrain from gentle paths to demanding climbs.
Yes, Encartaciones has a good selection of easier routes. There are 7 easy mountain bike trails available, perfect for those new to the sport or looking for a more relaxed ride. These often follow greenways or less challenging terrain.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Encartaciones offers 33 difficult mountain bike trails. Routes like the Vía Verde del Cadagua – Ilso Summit Viewpoint loop from La Calzada or the Peñalta Peak (1,145 m) – La Vigana Salduero loop from Karrantza feature significant elevation gain and technical sections, providing a rewarding experience for advanced mountain bikers.
Encartaciones is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the karstic landscapes of Armañón Natural Park, home to the impressive Pozalagua Cave, famous for its eccentric stalactites. Many trails also offer panoramic views from peaks like Zalama Summit, Ganeran Summit, or San Roque Hermitage on Mount Kolitza. The region's historical towns, such as Balmaseda, also provide cultural immersion.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Encartaciones are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Old Bridge of Balmaseda – Vía Verde del Cadagua loop from La Calzada, which offers a scenic circular ride.
The mountain biking experience in Encartaciones is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the blend of natural beauty with historical elements, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Yes, the region features greenways that highlight its rich history. The Vía Verde del Cadagua is a popular choice, offering a relatively easy route through significant historical landscapes. The Old Bridge of Balmaseda – Vía Verde del Cadagua loop from La Calzada is a great example of a trail utilizing this greenway.
Absolutely. Encartaciones offers several routes around the 20km mark. For instance, the Ganeroitz loop from Zaramillo is approximately 23km, and the Old Bridge of Balmaseda – Kolitza Parking loop from La Calzada is about 25km, providing good options for a moderate ride.
Yes, the region's historical towns, such as Balmaseda, often serve as starting points for routes and offer various amenities including cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel after your ride. Many routes pass through or near these charming villages.
Encartaciones offers good mountain biking conditions for much of the year. The diverse landscapes mean that even in different seasons, there are suitable trails. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer can be great for higher elevation routes. It's always advisable to check local weather conditions before heading out.


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