Top 16 Natural Monuments around Aulesti
Best natural monuments around Aulesti are found in the historical territory of Bizkaia, offering significant natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The region features prominent mountains, river paths, and unique natural art installations. Aulesti is encircled by mountains and traversed by the Lea River, providing diverse landscapes for exploration. The area offers a variety of natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best natural monuments around Aulesti
- The most popular natural monuments is Oma Forest, a forest that features geometric motifs, animals,…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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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Ereño Marble Quarries
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Balcón de Bizkaia Viewpoint
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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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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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Gernikako Arbola is an oak tree in the Basque city of Gernika.
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This bridge is an incredible find in the middle of the forest. It is covered with ivy and in summer it is so green that it is hardly visible. If you go down next to the river you can take some great photos with the water and the bridge. For many years this bridge has had to survive numerous floods. It's amazing that he's still here.
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The Artzubi Romanesque bridge was built in the 16th century. Wherever you see it, it has overcome floods and floods from the Golako River, which passes below and flows into the Oka River. In another time there were more bridges like this one, but it is the only one in the area that has endured. https://www.urdailife.com/artzubi-puente-cuento-arratzu-mendata/
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Planted in 1742 to replace the Parent Tree. In 1839, the regent María Cristina swore the Fueros on behalf of Queen Isabel II; this was the last time this rite took place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural attractions to explore near Aulesti?
Aulesti offers a variety of natural attractions. A standout is the Oma Forest, also known as the 'painted forest,' where artist Agustín Ibarrola transformed tree trunks into a unique art installation. For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Monte Urregarai, which offers vistas of the Urdaibai Biosphere and surrounding mountains. The Lea Walking Path provides a serene experience along the Lea River, perfect for connecting with nature.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities around Aulesti?
Yes, several natural spots near Aulesti are suitable for families. The Oma Forest is a fantastic option, offering an engaging and interactive art experience amidst nature that children often enjoy. Aulesti Park, located by the Lea River, is another great choice for relaxation, picnics, and play. Additionally, the easy 10-15 minute walk to the summit of Monte Urregarai from the Santa Eufemia field, where the Atxagarai shelter is located, makes it ideal for family outings.
What kind of historical or cultural sites can I find alongside natural monuments?
Beyond purely natural sites, the region around Aulesti also features historical elements. The Artzubi Bridge is a beautiful Romanesque bridge from the 16th century that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings and is part of the Camino de Santiago. The Old Tree of Gernika, while a natural monument, holds deep historical and symbolic significance for the Basque people. You can also explore the Ereño Marble Quarries, which were exploited by Romans in the 1st century AD and are rich in local history.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Aulesti is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding mountains like Illunzar, Bedartzandi, and Motrollo. The Lea Walking Path is perfect for walking or cycling along the river. For more structured routes, you can find numerous MTB trails, cycling routes, and gravel biking paths that allow you to explore the diverse landscapes.
Are there any viewpoints offering scenic vistas of the region?
Absolutely. The Balcón de Bizkaia Viewpoint is a notable spot, offering expansive views of the mountainous landscape of the Urdaibai basin and the area's forest mass. From the summit of Monte Urregarai, you can also enjoy magnificent panoramic views encompassing the Urdaibai Biosphere, the coasts of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, and the mountains around Durango.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural attractions around Aulesti?
Visitors frequently highlight the diverse natural beauty and the unique experiences offered. The Oma Forest is particularly praised for its originality and the interactive discovery of art within nature. The historical significance of sites like the Artzubi Bridge and the Old Tree of Gernika also resonates deeply with many. The stunning views from places like the Balcón de Bizkaia Viewpoint and Monte Urregarai are also highly appreciated.
Are there any natural areas suitable for swimming or relaxation near Aulesti?
Yes, Aulesti Park, situated on Gernika Street alongside the Lea River, is an excellent spot for relaxation. It offers opportunities to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy a picnic by the river, making it an ideal setting for a peaceful day outdoors.
Can I find circular walks or trails around the natural monuments?
While specific circular walks for each natural monument are not detailed, the region is well-suited for creating your own loops. The Lea Walking Path offers numerous access points, allowing for varied walking or cycling routes. The mountains surrounding Aulesti, such as Illunzar, Bedartzandi, and Motrollo, provide a network of trails that can be combined for circular hikes. You can also find various MTB and cycling guides that feature circular routes in the broader area.
What is the best way to access Monte Urregarai for its panoramic views?
You can reach the summit of Monte Urregarai by walking from Aulesti or surrounding villages. For a shorter and easier ascent, it's possible to drive up to the Santa Eufemia field, from where it's just an easy 10-15 minute walk to the top. The Atxagarai shelter is also located in this field, providing a convenient base.
Is there an area where nature and art merge near Aulesti?
Yes, the Oma Forest is the prime example of nature and art merging, featuring painted trees by Agustín Ibarrola. Additionally, alongside the Lea Walking Path, between Zetokiz and Aulesti Park, you'll find Aisureta gunea, an area with sculptures by Basque artist Mikel Lertxundi that symbolize air, fire, and water, offering another unique blend of art and the natural environment.
Are there any natural monuments that are particularly good for photography?
Many natural monuments in the area offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Oma Forest, with its unique painted trees, provides a vibrant and artistic backdrop. The Artzubi Bridge, especially when covered in ivy, offers picturesque scenes with the river. Panoramic viewpoints like Monte Urregarai and the Balcón de Bizkaia Viewpoint are perfect for landscape photography, capturing the vastness of the region.
What kind of terrain can I expect when exploring the natural monuments around Aulesti?
The terrain varies significantly. You'll find gentle, flat paths along the Lea Walking Path and in Aulesti Park. However, exploring the surrounding mountains like Illunzar, Bedartzandi, and Motrollo will involve more challenging, uneven, and sometimes steep trails. The path to the Ereño Marble Quarries also involves intermediate terrain. Always be prepared for varied conditions, especially if venturing into the higher elevations.
Most popular attractions around Aulesti
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