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Eltso

Let’s explore Eltso

Very close to the Orgi Forest we find the endearing village of Eltso. After passing Gerendiain—and surrounded by greenery and the area’s typical architecture—the road turns right and gradually brings us to this idyllic village of large farmhouses. The population does not exceed 50, and the village enjoys one of the most privileged views in the Ultzama Valley.

Eltso is the village of honey and is home to an interesting Beekeeping Museum. The study of bees, honey, flora, pollen and other aspects of beekeeping also form part of the museum’s activity. Guided visits to the Beekeeping Museum (by appointment) offer an engaging and educational introduction to the art and science of bees, flowers and apiculture. Not only that: tastings are also offered of different raw honeys from Navarre, harvested locally, as well as other hive products.

Pueblo Eltso

History / Art:

The parish church of San Esteban is a stone building with a single nave, a straight-ended chancel, and a slender bell tower set at the west end over the first bay of the nave. The interior is accessed through a semicircular arched doorway in ashlar stone, opened in the wall on the epistle side.

Over the centuries, the addition of attached constructions—the rectory, sacristy and side chapels—has masked its internal structure from the outside, but it is well worth visiting.

A proposal:

A walk to the “balcony”

To visit Eltso and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the Ultzama Valley, we propose a short and interesting circular route.

From Eltso we climb the track heading northeast. Soon we reach the pass where the Hermitage of Santa Lucía stands. After ringing its bell, we head to our first summit: Arañotz, just 400 metres away.

From the summit we return to the hermitage and continue along the ridge track through the forest. When we come to a main track that skirts a fenced meadow, we follow the fence—first along the main track, then along a secondary one. Finally, we walk through the spectacular beech forest up to the summit of Epaitzburu.

From this summit we return to the main track, which we now use to descend to Urritzola/Galain, the “balcony of Ultzama”, and from there connect back to Eltso.

To finish, we can stop for a drink at the inn (ostatu) in Gerendiain. The croquettes are excellent.

Where is it?

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