There are places where time seems to stand still, and Selva de Irati is undoubtedly one of them. Just a few steps into its dense thickets are enough to understand why this natural haven is considered a true sanctuary of silence and untouched beauty. The circular trail around the Irabia reservoir has become one of the most popular hiking routes in this unique beech and fir forest of Navarra, which is especially dazzling in autumn. Its easy and well-marked path invites you to lose yourself among the golden shades of one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Navarrese Pyrenees.
Each step reveals a mosaic of leaves, light, and sounds that envelops the traveler in an almost magical atmosphere. Here, among centuries-old trees, it feels as if you can hear nature itself. The whisper of wind in the beech crowns and the reflection of the sky in the mirror-like surface of the Irabia reservoir accompany hikers into a world where the purity of the Atlantic forest blends with the serenity of the mountains. This ancient forest stretches between the Aezkoa and Salazar valleys, covering more than 17,000 hectares, making it one of the largest beech and fir woodlands in Europe.
This protected area, which includes the Mendilatz, Tristuibartea, and Lizardoya reserves, is home to deer, roe deer, wild boar, and a rich variety of birds. The stunning palette of autumn colors makes every visit a unique experience. The circular trail around the Irabia reservoir, about 9.5 kilometers long with an elevation gain of just 262 meters, lets you enjoy all this natural beauty without strenuous physical effort. The route, perfectly marked with green and white signs, can be completed on foot in three to four hours and is also suitable for mountain biking. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a simple yet memorable way to connect with nature, no special training required.
To start your journey, head to Orbaiceta and turn toward Mendilatz, following signs to the Arrasola information point. From there, you can continue by car to parking areas located about six kilometers further. It’s recommended to check road conditions in advance, as it may be closed on weekdays due to maintenance. This is where the SL NA 053-C trail begins—a circular path around the reservoir, filled with photogenic viewpoints. Along the hike, visitors cross wooden walkways, bridges, and meadows where the landscape opens up, revealing the blue mirror of the water. Halfway along is an old forester’s house—the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy the scenery, and recharge before continuing through an area known as ‘Paradise’, where ancient beech trees form a tunnel of light and shadow.
Those with more time can visit the megalithic site of Azpegi, about 15 kilometers from the reservoir, where prehistoric dolmens and stone circles remain. The town of Orbaiceta itself is also worth exploring, with its medieval San Pedro church and distinctive ‘garaeak’ granaries—a testament to traditional Pyrenean valley architecture. The Irabia circular route is not only one of the most accessible and beautiful trails in the Irati Forest, but also one that truly captures the spirit of the Navarrese Pyrenees: unspoiled nature, history, and silence. It’s a trail that proves sometimes the purest beauty is found on the simplest roads.
