Oiartzun – Discover Nature, Culture and History

Around 3,000 hectares of Oiartzun lie within the Aiako Harria Nature Park. The Aiako Harria area was designated by the Basque Government in 2013 as a Special Area of Conservation of the European Union.

This means that Oiartzun combines an extensive landscape with an explicitly designated protected status. The nature park is present not only as a geographical part of the municipality, but also provides the setting for other places and activities connected with nature, history and regional culture.

Nature and trails

The Vía Verde de Arditurri crosses the entire municipality of Oiartzun. It runs parallel to the Oiartzun River, following a former railway line. The Arditurri mining site can be reached on foot and by bicycle.

The route of the Vía Verde thus combines orientation along a river with the use of a former railway line. Both walking and cycling are mentioned as options for reaching the mining site. The route is also one of the defining landscape features within the municipality.

In the Aiako Harria Nature Park, the Momotegi farm welcomes visitors to show them the raising of ducks and geese, as well as the artisanal production of products obtained from them.

At Momotegi, the focus is not only on the animals but also on the products obtained from them and their artisanal production. The farm thus complements the references to nature and trails with an insight into a local agricultural operation.

History and architectural heritage

Beloaga is a castle of medieval origin. The surviving remains include a liberal fortress that was built in the 19th century during the Carlist Wars on the remains of the medieval castle.

Beloaga therefore combines medieval origins with a later fortress from the 19th century. The surviving remains reflect the castle's architectural development across these two historical periods.

During the restoration of Beloaga Castle, the main structure was rebuilt, while accessibility and safety were improved. Information panels about the history of the fortress were installed for residents and visitors.

The Hospital and Basilica of San Juan next to San Esteban Church are a Renaissance building from the 16th century and served as a pilgrims' hospital.

The parish church of San Esteban de Lartaun has a single-nave layout and a ribbed vault.

Casa Museo Arizmendi enea is an 18th-century building whose structure and design were remodelled for the Arizmendi family. In 2020, the building was declared an asset of cultural heritage of special interest. Casa Museo can be visited as part of free guided tours with prior reservation.

The buildings thus cover several historical periods: from the Renaissance building of the 16th century, through the church with its single-nave layout and ribbed vault, to the remodelled building from the 18th century. Prior reservation is required for the tours at Casa Museo.

Collections and activities

Soinuenea has a collection of more than 400 instruments. A further 600-plus instruments are held in storage and can be studied by researchers.

The instrument collection is therefore divided into a publicly described holdings of more than 400 instruments and additional pieces in storage. The fact that these additional instruments can be studied by researchers is also part of Soinuenea's described offering.

The Hípica Ametsenea equestrian centre offers trail rides and riding lessons. It also provides other horse-related activities.

The patron saint's festivities, Xanistebanak, take place in Oiartzun every year. They run from 2 to 6 August.

Further destinations

Further destinations include Zegama, Lezo, Leintz-Gatzaga, Azkoitia, Antzuola, Olaberria, Lasarte-Oria and Usurbil.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gipuzkoa.