The best traffic-free bike rides around Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta
4.5
(22)
505
riders
17
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta traverse a high-altitude plateau in the Navarrese Pyrenees, offering expansive views of the surrounding mountains and the Aezkoa Valley. The terrain features a mix of open fields to the east and dense forests and meadows to the west, with significant relief changes. This region is characterized by its elevated position, with the municipality situated over 1,000 meters above sea level, providing a challenging yet rewarding environment for touring cyclists. The area is also a gateway to the Irati Forest, one of Europe's largest beech forests, which includes trails leading to the Irabia reservoir.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Selva de Irati, Presa de Irabia, Orbaizeta – Circular Route, a 28.2 miles (45.4 km) trail that takes 3 hours 50 minutes to complete. This difficult route features nearly 3,278 feet (999 meters) of elevation gain through the Irati Forest.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Orbaizeta, Valle Aezkoa, Selva Irati, Bizcarrandi – Circular Route, a difficult 29.9 miles (48.2 km) path. This route offers over 3,685 feet (1,123 meters) of ascent, exploring the Aezkoa Valley and parts of the Irati Forest.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Col de Orgambide – Porte Notre-Dame loop from Orbaizeta, a 40.7 miles (65.6 km) trail leading through the Pyrenean landscape, often completed in about 4 hours 45 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta is defined by high mountain passes, dense beech forests, and panoramic views of the Pyrenees. The network offers options for different ability levels, with 2 moderate and 12 difficult routes available.
- The routes in Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
5.0
(1)
18
riders
48.2km
04:10
1,120m
1,130m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(4)
20
riders
48.9km
03:44
1,230m
1,240m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
28
riders
36.5km
03:14
890m
890m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
30
riders
47.5km
03:33
1,150m
1,150m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
41.0km
03:34
1,050m
1,060m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Popular around Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta
Tips from the Community
One of the most beautiful `villages in Navarra with its stone houses, cobbled streets, and medieval bridges. It is a village that due to its location we can consider as the gateway to explore the Selva de Irati.
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Casas de Irati is the entry point to Irati through the Irati river area, which leads to the Irabia reservoir. There are parking areas, an interpretation center, a bar, and an information point for the Irati btt center, as well as many other walking routes. From this point, access is gained to the Nuestra Señora de las Nieves hermitage.
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They have the best accessible toilet within a 20 km radius.
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One of the most inhospitable and spectacular mountain passes in the eastern Pyrenees, with several slopes, all of them very difficult. The landscape is wild and wonderful. You can breathe absolute tranquility and you can dedicate yourself exclusively to enjoying the views, the horses, the sheep, the cows and the suffering on the bike. The summit is on the border with Spain, although there is no road that crosses the border, so the pass runs entirely in France. I have climbed it on 2 of its slopes. The first time I climbed it on the slope that crosses the Col d'Orgambide, on the D428 road, which starts from Estérençuby. The first 3 km are very easy, until you cross the detour to go up to Artaburu, where the road begins to have slopes of more than 10%. From there, to the summit, the climb is very hard, around 9%, on a very rough and bumpy road, with a lot of humidity and crossing a wonderful beech forest. Once you reach the top of the Col d'Orgambide, you turn right and continue climbing for another half kilometre with a gradient of 11%. There comes a small descent, to face the last 3 kms, the first 2 very hard with several 13% gradients. The last kilometre is very easy and has panoramic views that are simply wonderful. The second time I climbed it on the side that starts from Arneguy and Ondarolle. This side is harder than the previous one, with a central section that is hellish, being 6 kms at an average of 10%, and a very hard km at 12% and 18% gradients!!! The final part is more gentle. You cross the Croix de Thibault in the penultimate kilometre of the climb. The final kilometre is very gentle and with beautiful and exciting panoramic views.
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Roncesvalles, also known as Orreaga in Basque, is a small village in the Navarre region of northern Spain. It is especially known for the legendary Battle of Roncesvalles in 778, where Charlemagne's rearguard was defeated. This historic and spiritual site is also an important starting point of the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage route to the tomb of Saint James in Galicia. In Roncesvalles, you can admire the impressive Gothic collegiate church of Santa María de Roncesvalles, where the image of the Virgin of Orreaga is venerated. Other attractions include the church of Santiago, the chapel of the Holy Spirit, and the museum-treasury, where you can see relics, paintings, and sculptures from different periods.
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The monastery complex is an impressive building and worth a visit. There are also two cafés, a hotel and the pilgrims' hostel.
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After the long climb, this little spring is very welcome.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta?
There are 14 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta. These routes offer a peaceful way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Navarrese Pyrenees.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, several routes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, consider the Selva de Irati, Presa de Irabia, Orbaizeta – Circular Route, which takes you through the Irati Forest, or the Orbaizeta, Valle Aezkoa, Selva Irati, Bizcarrandi – Circular Route for a longer loop.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these routes?
Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta, being the highest municipality in Navarra, offers varied terrain. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, with routes featuring passes and panoramic views. While some paths in the Irati Forest are unpaved, many routes utilize quiet roads, perfect for touring bikes. The region is known for its 'dreamlike landscapes' and 'all kinds of passes'.
What natural features can I see along the no traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes offer access to magnificent natural features. You can visit the El Cubo Waterfall within the Roncesvalles-Sierra Irati Protected Area, or cycle past the Koixta Reservoir. The region also boasts the vast Irati Forest, one of Europe's largest beech forests, and offers panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the Aezkoa Valley from elevated points like the San Miguel quarry.
Are there any cultural landmarks or villages to explore?
Absolutely. The picturesque village of Ochagavía is a significant reference point for routes and offers a classic Pyrenean aesthetic. Abaurregaina itself hosts a museum of funerary stelae. Many routes connect charming villages, providing opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine.
What is the best time of year for no traffic bike touring in Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta?
The region's high altitude means pleasant temperatures during late spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer the best conditions for enjoying the 'balcony of the Pyrenees' with its lush forests and clear views. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially for mountain passes.
Are there facilities like cafes or bike shops along the routes?
Yes, the Irati Houses, located in the heart of the Irati Forest, serve as a central hub for outdoor activities and provide amenities such as a bar, restaurant, and a bike shop. Many villages along the routes will also offer local cafes and places to eat.
What is the difficulty level of these no traffic touring cycling routes?
Most of the no traffic touring cycling routes in this area are rated as difficult, with 12 out of 14 routes falling into this category. There are also 2 moderate routes. This reflects the significant elevation changes and varied terrain characteristic of the Pyrenean landscape. Cyclists should be prepared for climbs and descents.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta, with an average score of 4.375 stars from 21 ratings. Reviewers often praise the 'dreamlike landscapes,' 'quiet roads,' and the opportunity to discover 'beautiful towns' and 'good food' while cycling.
Is there parking available at the trailheads for these routes?
While specific parking locations for every trailhead are not detailed, many villages and popular starting points for routes, such as Orbaizeta or near the Irati Houses, typically offer parking facilities for visitors. It is advisable to check specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.
Can I reach the starting points of these routes by public transport?
Public transport options in this high-altitude, rural Pyrenean region can be limited. While some larger towns might have bus connections, direct public transport to all specific trailheads may not be available. Planning for personal vehicle transport or checking local bus schedules for connections to key villages like Ochagavía or Orbaizeta is recommended.
Most popular routes around Abaurregaina/Abaurrea Alta
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