Zerain is one of those small towns that have managed to preserve the charm of the traditional rural environment.
This cozy locality has always been linked to agriculture and the exploitation of natural resources such as iron, coal, wood… and precisely, one of its main attractions, the Zerain Cultural Park, shows the visitor the traditional way of life in a pleasant and fun way.
The tour begins in Zerain Square (345 m), runs through Goikoaldan and surrounding Barbarimendi returns to the square.
The first section shares it with the Saint Jaques Way and the GR-34 Donostia-Arantzazu, up to the Arrola River (400 m). In this section it runs through old slopes and roads through rugged forests.
Following Arrola rive, with Aizkorri in front, passes through Arrolazar farmhouse towards the top of Barbariaitz (583 m). Leaving behind the farmhouses and pastures of Barbari, between forests we will descend to Gaztelumuño (510 m) and the tour ends in Zerain Square after surrounding the rock Txoritegiko Haitza.
In this small tour (PR), we will cross landscapes typical of grazing and cantabrian forest: farmhouses, countryside, slums, forest, extensive meadows and pastures where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the botanical elements that make up this landscape.
This tour takes place through the mining environment of Aizpea mines in Zerain.
The path starts on Aizpitta interpretation centre where we can leave the vehicle and enter the iron mountain where there are about 300 gallerias where the iron ore was extracted. For safety it is only possible to access, by appointment, the one next to the calcination furnaces.
Along the way we will be able to see the house of the engineers, current Aizpitta interpretation centre, the calcination furnaces, the cable, a replica of the train path used to transport the material and know a beautiful environment that is part of the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park.
Mutiloa, Ormaiztegi y Zerain
Cultural landscape
Museum of Ethnography This small museum shows Goierri’s tradition and its way of life. Your visit starts with a slideshow about the town, followed by a powerful illustration of its historical development from agriculture, grazing, mining… you will see tools, furniture, documents… collected by its inhabitants!
TIMETABLE
-Monday-Thursday: 10:30-14:00
-Friday: 10:30-14:00 and 16:00-18:30
-Saturday and Sunday: 10:30-14:00
-Holidays, Eve of holidays and Easter: 10:30-14:00 and 16:00-18:30
-July and August: Monday-Sunday 10:30-14:00 and 16:00-18:30
ENTRY
Consult the tourist office, the price is 3€ for adults and 2€ for children.
Email: turismobulegoa@zerain.eus
Telephone: (+34) 943 80 15 05 / 649 946 277
| Aizpea Mines | Basque |
10:45 |
| Larraondo sawmill | Bilingual |
12:00 |
| Aizpea mines | Spanish | 12:45 |
The prison Built together with the city council’s building in 1711, it is the only example of a prison from the 18th century still standing in Gipuzkoa. Due to its location, a lot of prisoners condemned to force labour in the mines of Zerain would spend the night there. The hooks and rings used to hold the prisoners can still be seen.
The mountain of iron
| Aizpea mines | Basque |
10:45 |
| Larraondo samwill | Basque-spanish |
12:00 |
| Aizpea mines | Basque | 12:45 |
Aizpitta’s Interpretation Centre has been created with the purpose of researching the history of the town and showing the tourist the true essence of the place. Zerain has some other highlights as well: its 18th century prison, its hydraulic sawmil… the guys at their tourist office are eager to show you everything!
To know about the timetable of the other equipments. take a look at the Cultural Landscape section. Link.
The Mountain of Iron Knowing Zerain is knowing its past in the mining industry. Since the 11th century, iron has been extracted in their Aizpea mines, an externsion of 150 hectares inside Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, shaping a very peculiar landscape that is worth a visit. This mines have been declared Monumental Complex by the Basque Government’s Ministry of Culture. Aizpitta Interpretation Centre is the place to start your visit! You will clearly see the impact of this industry in the current landscape, our society, the local economy and some sociocultural aspects from the 11th century till now.Knowing Zerain is knowing its past in the mining industry. Since the 11th century, iron has been extracted in their Aizpea mines, an externsion of 150 hectares inside Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, shaping a very peculiar landscape that is worth a visit.
This mines have been declared Monumental Complex by the Basque Government’s Ministry of Culture.
Aizpitta Interpretation Centre is the place to start your visit! You will clearly see the impact of this industry in the current landscape, our society, the local economy and some sociocultural aspects from the 11th century till now.
Small Idiazabal factory, a nice place to get to know the shepherd and explore the world of making Idiazabal cheese. If you want, you can see the sheep in their routine! Also local products are available to buy and to try!
Service: Idiazabal Cheese factory / Ovine Cattle
Address: Garoa Baserria, Zerain
Opening time: Tuesday-Friday 10AM-1PM. Any other day, by appointment only.
GPS: 43.010814,-2.270865
Phone: 681 345 319
Email: garoagaztak@gmail.com
Villages
Located at the foot of Aizkorri mountains, Zerain has many trekking itineraries available for you to enjoy. In the urban area you can find notable buildings: the parish church, the Jauregui Palace, the Museum of Ethnography and a prison from the 18th century.
Next to the tourist office there is a store with local products like natural cider, artisan cheese, beans, a local variety of apples, jam, pottery… In one of the rooms of the museum, they organise tastings and pairings between Idiazabal cheese and natural cider, all locally produced in the farms of the area.
There’s also the possibility of visiting the hydraulic sawmill of Larraondo. Just 5 minutes away from Zerain you can visit the old mines of Aizpea, with its own Centre of Interpretation to learn everything about this industry. They would extract ore in their quarries from the 11th century to the first half of the 20th century, so visiting the facilities is quite an experience!
