Hiking routes in Navarre: trails for all levels

Discover the best hiking routes in Navarre from Pamplona. Explore trails through forests, waterfalls, valleys and mountains and choose your next adventure.

Navarre has much more to offer than urban tourism. Just a few kilometres from Pamplona, the landscape changes completely, giving way to forests, valleys, waterfalls, rivers and mountains that make the region a perfect destination for anyone who enjoys exploring on foot.

From easy walks and hiking routes near Pamplona to trails through the Irati Forest or the landscapes of the Navarrese Pyrenees, there are plenty of options to choose from. Add destinations such as Elizondo, Zugarramurdi and Roncesvalles, as well as historic trails such as the Camino de Santiago, and the possibilities are almost endless.

And you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. Among the different hiking routes in Navarre, you’ll find options for different fitness levels, schedules and ways of travelling. Put on some comfortable shoes and let’s get started.

The best hiking routes in Navarre to discover its landscapes

One of the best ways to discover Navarre is by following its trails and seeing how dramatically the landscape changes from one area to another. From the surroundings of Pamplona to the lush forests of the north and the mountains of Navarre, there are completely different experiences to choose from.

Rather than creating a definitive ranking, we’ve selected some of the best hiking routes in Navarre worth discovering for their scenery, heritage or the experience they offer.

Camino de Santiago in Navarre: stages and landscapes

The Camino de Santiago offers a different way to explore Navarre. The French Way crosses the region from the Pyrenees, taking you through small villages, forests, historic bridges and landscapes that gradually change as you head south. You don’t need to complete the entire Camino to enjoy the experience. You can walk one of the sections between Roncesvalles, Zubiri and Pamplona and experience the atmosphere of the Camino for a few hours.

For example, the official stage between Zubiri and Pamplona is 20.26 kilometres long, follows a linear route and is classified as moderately difficult. The trail passes through villages such as Larrasoaña and Akerreta before joining the Arga River Park and entering Pamplona through the historic Portal de Francia.

Walking these trails means discovering Navarre at a different pace, following a route that has connected places, villages and travellers for centuries.

Zugarramurdi: hiking among forests, caves and legends

Zugarramurdi is a perfect option for anyone looking for something more than a conventional hiking route. Here, nature coexists with its famous caves and stories of witchcraft, which have made the village one of the most unique places in Navarre. The surrounding area also makes it possible to extend your excursion with other outdoor activities around Baztan-Bidasoa, from trails through forests and villages to sections of the Baztan Way of the Camino de Santiago or the Bidasoa Greenway.

It’s an excellent choice for spending a full day exploring northern Navarre and combining hiking, heritage and charming villages.

Hiking routes near Pamplona

Staying in Pamplona makes it easy to alternate city plans with a few hours surrounded by nature. There are hiking routes near Pamplona for those who simply want to switch off, as well as more demanding alternatives for hikers looking to explore the surrounding mountains.

Arga River Park: nature just a stone’s throw from Pamplona

You don’t even need to leave the city to start walking. The Arga River Park follows the course of the river through green areas, historic bridges, mills, vegetable gardens and other corners that reveal a different side of Pamplona. Within Pamplona alone, the route covers around 16 kilometres, although there’s no need to complete the entire trail: you can choose shorter sections depending on how much time you have. The route also continues beyond the city into the surrounding area.

It’s one of the easiest options for anyone looking for a walking route in Pamplona that combines nature and city life without spending an entire day in the mountains.

Lumbier Gorge: walking between towering rock walls

The Lumbier Gorge offers a completely different landscape. Here, the trail runs between towering limestone walls carved out by the Irati River, in an area where birds — particularly griffon vultures — are commonly spotted. The official circular route is 6.02 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 300 metres and is considered moderately difficult. Part of the trail also follows the former route of the Irati railway and passes through its old tunnels, adding another interesting element to the excursion.

It’s a particularly attractive route if you’re looking for a visually spectacular day trip without venturing into the more mountainous areas of the Pyrenees.

Mountains near Pamplona: Irulegi

For those who want to add a little more mountain scenery to their trip, the area around Pamplona also offers several alternatives. One of them is Irulegi, particularly well known for the archaeological discovery of the Hand of Irulegi. The trail combines forest, heritage and panoramic views. The longest option is approximately 4 kilometres and passes along part of an old Cañada Real livestock route, through a forest featuring wooden carvings and past the remains of the medieval castle and Iron Age settlement.

It’s a great alternative for discovering the mountains near Pamplona without having to plan a high-mountain hike.

Routes in the Navarrese Pyrenees: hiking and mountains

As you travel north, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous. The Navarrese Pyrenees are home to some of the region’s most impressive natural areas, with forests, valleys and trails offering a completely different experience from the routes closer to Pamplona.

Irati Forest: hiking among beech and fir trees

The Irati Forest is one of the great destinations for hiking in Navarre. Its trails run through extensive beech and fir forests, offering a different experience in every season: vibrant greens in spring, shade and cooler temperatures in summer and a spectacular palette of colours in autumn.

There are numerous trails and access points from the Salazar and Aezkoa valleys. Official options include Errekaidorra, a 10.04-kilometre route classified as easy, and Paraísos-Erlan, a 5.42-kilometre route that is also considered easy. It’s always advisable to check access conditions before travelling, especially in winter, as some roads may close due to weather conditions.

Roncesvalles: nature and the Camino de Santiago

Roncesvalles doesn’t have to be just the starting point of a stage of the Camino. Its surroundings offer a combination of heritage, forests and gentle walks without the need to tackle a high-mountain route. One easy option is the Basajaunberro Forest, a 4.04-kilometre circular route classified as easy that starts in Roncesvalles. The trail passes through beech and oak forests, meadows and other landscapes closely associated with the imagery and legends of the Pyrenees.

After your walk, you can visit the Collegiate Church of Santa María and discover one of the places most closely associated with the Camino de Santiago in Navarre.

Easy hiking routes in Navarre

Hiking in Navarre doesn’t necessarily mean covering long distances or tackling steep elevation gains. There are also routes designed simply for walking, breathing in the fresh air and discovering new landscapes.

Easy hiking routes for families

If you’re looking for easy hiking routes in Navarre, these options allow you to enjoy the surroundings without taking on particularly demanding trails:

• Xorroxin Waterfall: 7.4 kilometres through Erratzu, forests, streams and the rural landscape of the Baztan Valley.
• Basajaunberro Forest: a 4.04-kilometre circular route from Roncesvalles through beech and oak forests and meadows.
• Dronda Mata de Haya: 4.61 kilometres through one of the most beautiful forests in the Belagua Valley.
• Paseo de los Sentidos, in Irati: around 2 kilometres along a very accessible route starting from Casas de Irati.

Although these are considered easy routes, it’s always advisable to check trail and weather conditions before setting out.

Walks through forests, along rivers and between villages

Not all excursions in Navarre need to have a mountain summit as their final goal. Some of the best experiences are simply about walking alongside a river, crossing a forest or connecting small villages. The Arga River Park, the trails of Baztan and the walks through Irati are all great examples. These types of routes allow you to slow down, enjoy the landscape and combine your walk with gastronomy, heritage or cultural visits.

How to choose a hiking route according to your level

Before deciding which trail to take, consider more than just the number of kilometres:

• Distance: consider whether you can comfortably complete the planned route.
• Elevation gain: a short route can still be demanding if it involves a lot of climbing.
• Duration: always leave enough time for breaks and unexpected delays.
• Difficulty: check the official classification and characteristics of the terrain.
• Time of year: mud, snow, heat or rain can significantly change the conditions of a route.

Where to stay in Pamplona to discover Navarre

If you want to explore different parts of Navarre, Pamplona is a perfect base for combining city sightseeing with nature excursions. From the city, you can plan routes to Baztan, the Pyrenees, Roncesvalles and other natural areas before returning at the end of the day. Kora Kiliki offers fully equipped studios and apartments that give you the flexibility to organise your stay at your own pace, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to spend several days exploring Navarre.

After a day of hiking, you can return to Pamplona, relax and plan your next adventure. Book your stay at Kora Kiliki and discover Navarre at your own pace.

Tips for hiking in Navarre

Navarre offers a huge variety of landscapes and routes, so preparing properly for each excursion is important whether you’re planning an easy walk or heading into the Navarrese Pyrenees.

• Choose a route that suits your level: check the distance, elevation gain, duration and difficulty before setting out.
• Check the weather forecast: particularly in mountain areas, where conditions can change quickly.
• Wear suitable footwear and clothing: adapt your equipment to the terrain, season and weather forecast.
• Bring water and some food: even on easy routes, it’s advisable to carry enough supplies.
• Check the current condition of the trail: snow, mud, maintenance work or restrictions may affect some routes.
• Plan your journey from Pamplona: calculate how long it will take to reach the starting point and return.
• Take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area: combine nature with villages, local gastronomy and heritage.
• Respect the natural environment: stay on marked trails, don’t leave any waste behind and respect local flora and fauna.

Navarre invites you to slow down and explore on foot. From a walk along the Arga to a day among the forests of the Pyrenees, every route reveals a different side of a region where nature always feels much closer than you might expect.