Hiruma: welcome to the soul of Euskadi, between nature, heritage and local products

Imagine a place where authenticity isn't just a slogan, but a daily reality. Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, Hiruma is a must-see destination for travelers seeking meaning, unspoiled nature, and enriching experiences. Far from the crowds, Hiruma offers a stay that celebrates the region through its three founding pillars: spectacular nature, a vibrant cultural heritage, and the excellence of its local products. If you're looking for an immersive experience and the promise of an unforgettable discovery in the Basque Country, pack your bags. Hiruma opens the doors to a hidden and captivating region.

AN ESCAPE TO THE HEART OF NATURE

The first treasure Hiruma reveals is its breathtaking natural environment, typical of the inland Basque Country. Livestock farming and pastoralism have shaped magnificent Basque landscapes here, which visitors are invited to actively explore.

To better understand the richness of this green sanctuary, Hiruma can be discovered through three distinct natural worlds: its protected natural park, its mysterious caves and its iconic peaks.

The Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park

The vibrant heart of nature in Hiruma lies within the Aizkorri-Aratz Nature Park. This protected area is an invitation to complete disconnection. Wandering through its vast beech forests and alpine meadows, you breathe in the pure mountain air and reconnect with the soothing rhythm of the seasons. It's the perfect place for a tranquil retreat where you can observe exceptionally rich flora and fauna.

The caves

The adventure continues beneath the surface. The destination is home to fascinating geological treasures, such as the famous Arrikrutz cave in Oñati. Sculpted by water over millennia, it reveals impressive galleries and unique paleontological discoveries. Visiting the Hiruma caves is like embarking on a true journey through time, into the very mineral soul of the Basque Country.

You can also discover the Ekainberri caves, an exceptional site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This visit is ideal for families, friends or groups, and allows you to admire remarkable Magdalenian rock paintings, with nearly 70 animal representations, including 64 painted and 6 engraved, unique testimonies of prehistoric art.

Routes and Mountains

For hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, Hiruma is an endless playground. You'll find marked trails suitable for all levels:

• Family walks in the green valleys.
• Mythical climbs that offer breathtaking views of the Euskadi mountain ranges.
• Themed circuits linking nature and culture to discover the vestiges of pastoralism.

The authentic taste of local produce

A trip to the Basque Country wouldn't be complete without a culinary journey. Focusing on local products is a path to excellence. The region's gastronomy is renowned for its simplicity and the exceptional quality of its ingredients, sourced primarily from local producers. To fully experience this culinary adventure, Hiruma offers three complementary approaches.

Local products

Hiruma's richness is best experienced through its iconic products. The region's crown jewel remains Idiazabal cheese, a treasure made from sheep's milk, whose unique flavor reflects the mountain pastures. But the Basque table offers many other delicacies: crusty, locally sourced bread, wild honey from the valleys, and Buzkantza (a traditional blood sausage). Every bite is an encounter with traditional, animal-friendly agriculture.

In Hiruma, in Leintz-Gatzaga, there are traditional salt pans where "white gold" is produced using an ancestral process of evaporating salt water from a natural spring that gave its name to the town.

Agriculture plays a vital role in the region. Vineyards, in particular, allow the production of Txakolí, which benefits from the "Getariako Txakolina" designation of origin, as well as cider under the "Euskal Sagardoa" AO, true emblems of local know-how.

Fairs and events

To truly experience the local rhythm, nothing beats the fairs and events that punctuate the year. These festive occasions are the best showcases of Basque Country 's expertise. Here you can admire the finest livestock or simply soak up the warm atmosphere of village squares during the seasonal agricultural fairs.

Immersive experiences

Hiruma invites you to step through the looking glass to understand the origin of what you are tasting.

• Producers: Step inside the producers ' farms. Meet the men and women who shape the land. These visits offer a glimpse into the philosophy of ethical production.
• Museums: Enrich your culinary knowledge by visiting dedicated sites such as the Leniz Salt Museum, the Igartubeiti Farm Museum, or the Chocolate Interpretation Centre. There you will discover the secrets of chocolate making and the history of pastoralism.

A LIVING HERITAGE TO DISCOVER

Immerse yourself in the heart of the deep identity of the Basque Country. The region is distinguished by a rich local history and an important architectural and cultural heritage, where each village tells a story.

Euskera: The Heart of Basque Identity

The true wealth of the Basque Country lies in its values of solidarity, heritage, and above all, its language: Euskera. A source of local pride, Basque is one of the oldest living languages in Europe, an integral part of its identity and heritage. To understand Euskera is to touch the soul of this land.

An Architectural and Spiritual Heritage

Explore the charming, typical villages of the region. Their houses and churches, testaments to a centuries-old architectural tradition, are unique in the Basque Country. The spiritual heritage is also monumental, notably with the unmissable Three Temples :

• The majestic Sanctuary of Loyola, whose baroque dome will leave you speechless.
• The historic Hermitage of La Antigua : discover its medieval sculptures on the roof.
• The spectacular Sanctuary of Arantzazu.

Don't hesitate to explore the preserved historic city centers, such as Bergara, Oñati, Arassate, Azkoitia, Leintz Gatzaga, Urretxu, as well as the magnificent Loyola Valley, where the heritage truly comes to life.

FROM TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES TO MUSEUM TREASURES

Cultural richness doesn't stop at the stones. Take the time to discover the ancestral skills and traditions that unite this region. These treasures are preserved and showcased through a network of museums and themed sites.

• Take the Workers' Route, visit the Mirandaola Forge and the fascinating Basque Railway Museum to understand the industrial history of the region.
• Discover places like Arrasate, Azkoitia, Bergara, Leintz-Gatzaga, Oñati and Urretxu.
  
• Immerse yourself in the heart of Basque nature at the Mendietxe Museum, a place dedicated to the splendor of the local environment.

THE DEEP SOUL OF EUSKADI

Hiruma is much more than just a stop on a map. It's a destination in the Basque Country that promises to rejuvenate the spirit, enrich knowledge, and delight the palate. By combining nature escape, a rich heritage, and the bounty of local produce, this region offers one of the most complete and unique experiences in Southern Europe. For your next stay, choose the authenticity of the Basque Country.

Don't wait any longer to visit Hiruma, this hidden gem awaits you for an unforgettable adventure thanks to programs adapted for everyone !

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