Best mountain peaks in Zec Ordunte Kbe are found within a Special Conservation Zone in the Cantabrian Mountains, spanning the Basque Country and parts of Castile and León. This mountainous region features diverse landscapes, including beech forests, mountain pastures, and unique peat bogs. It is also notable for historical remnants such as charcoal pits and megalithic monuments. The area offers opportunities to explore its natural and cultural heritage.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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One of the emblematic mountains of the area.
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Spectacular hermitage at the very top of Kolitza.
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Ilso de las Estacas is a mountain 1037 meters high. The top is marked with a curious coffee pot on a pole and a booth. It offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and green valleys.
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This is one of the highest mountains of the Montes de Orduente on its western side and offers good views of all the lands that are on both sides of the mountain range.
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Mountain that is located in the Montes de Orduente and that is close to other peaks in the area such as Pico Zalama.
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Zalama is a mountain 1343 meters high. A few meters from the top there is a stone monolith where you can read: "Merindad de Montija, year 1886". At this point the borders of three provinces converge: Vizcaya, Burgos and Cantabria. Also close to the top is a peculiar and very scarce plant community today, the peat bog, a community of mosses and liverworts that takes root on a soil that is almost always flooded.
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Last (or first) thousand of the Sierra de Ordunte. Great views of the surrounding valleys.
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good place for hiking
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The most prominent peaks in ZEC Ordunte KBE include Zalama Summit, the highest point in the region known for its panoramic views and unique peat bog. Another significant peak is Ordunte, which is integrated into the GR 123 long-distance hiking route. Additionally, San Roque Hermitage on Mount Kolitza offers historical importance as one of Bizkaia's 'montes bocineros' with a Romanesque hermitage and impressive 360-degree views.
Yes, Zalama is highly recommended for family hikes due to its accessible routes. The ascent often starts from San Pelayo, following a well-marked GR path through forests. While specific 'family_friendly' tags aren't present for all peaks, the general accessibility of routes like Zalama makes them suitable for families.
The ZEC Ordunte KBE region is known for its diverse landscapes. At Zalama Summit, you can find a rare peat bog, an ecologically interesting wetland ecosystem. The area also features lush beech forests, mountain pastures, and heathlands. The entire zone is part of the European Natura 2000 ecological network.
Mount Kolitza holds significant historical and cultural importance. It is one of the five 'montes bocineros' of Bizkaia, where bonfires and horn calls historically convened the General Assemblies. The peak is crowned by the Romanesque San Roque Hermitage on Mount Kolitza, documented since the 11th century. The wider region also contains remnants like charcoal pits and megalithic funerary monuments.
The Cantabrian Mountains generally offer pleasant hiking conditions during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons provide more stable weather and clearer paths, making it ideal for enjoying the panoramic views and diverse landscapes. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear and caution due to potential snow and colder conditions.
Many peaks in ZEC Ordunte KBE offer stunning panoramic views. From Zalama Summit, views can stretch as far as the Cantabrian Sea. San Roque Hermitage on Mount Kolitza provides impressive 360-degree views of Balmaseda and the surrounding valleys. Burgüeno Summit and Ilso de las Estacas Summit also offer great views of the surrounding mountains and green valleys.
Yes, the ZEC Ordunte KBE offers trails ranging from intermediate to challenging. For instance, the ascent to Zalama is considered accessible, while other peaks like Ordunte and Kolitza also have well-established trails. The region caters to various hiking experiences, from moderate walks to more demanding climbs.
Beyond hiking the peaks, you can explore various cycling routes. There are options for touring bicycle routes, including loops around Alto de LA-1 and Geltoki Restaurant. For road cycling enthusiasts, road cycling routes like the challenging Alto de Ubal loop are available. Additionally, there are waterfall hikes, such as the Forgotten Way and Ordunte Reservoir Loop.
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning panoramic views, the historical significance of sites like the San Roque Hermitage on Mount Kolitza, and the unique natural features such as the peat bog at Zalama Summit. The diverse landscapes, from forests to mountain pastures, and the sense of exploration are also highly valued.
While specific public transport details for every trailhead are not provided, the region is generally accessible. For detailed information on reaching specific trailheads or for general travel advice within the Encartaciones region, it is advisable to consult local tourism resources or transport schedules.
Yes, the ZEC Ordunte KBE encompasses 27 named mountains. Beyond the most prominent ones, other notable peaks include Alto de Zalama (1,331 m), La Mana (1,203 m), Peñalta (1,145 m), Peñarada (1,125 m), and Burgüeno Summit (1,044 m). These offer additional opportunities for hiking and exploring the diverse landscape.
The ZEC Ordunte KBE region, particularly around towns like Balmaseda (near Kolitza) and other villages, offers options for accommodation, cafes, and pubs. While not directly on the peaks, these amenities are typically found in the surrounding communities, providing convenient stops before or after your mountain adventures.


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