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Belaustegi waterfall, on route through the beech forests of Orozko.
The Belaustegi waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Basque Country, forms, together with the Belaustegi beech forest, a small natural paradise. A magical space that has enchanted thousands of people. Located on the slopes of Montes de Arno, in the heart of the Gorbeia Natural Park, next to the fields of Algorta, the Belaustegi waterfall and its surroundings represent one of the most photographed corners of Bizkaia. A waterfall, which, under the protection of the karst massif of Itxina, pushes us to enjoy nature.
The Belaustegi waterfall becomes especially interesting in autumn, when the falling leaves, the increased flow and the fog merge offering us a movie scene. Conditions that act as a call effect for all those photographers seeking to capture nature in full bloom. And it is common to meet photographers along the way, who, tripod in hand, come to Belaustegi in search of that idyllic snapshot to show in their portfolios, Instagram accounts and other platforms. Are you ready to capture the charm of the Belaustegi waterfall in your retinas? 
Information about the Belaustegi waterfall.
- Online reservations: Here.
- Height: 30 meters.
- Attractions: Beech forest, waterfall and a natural environment to take the hiccups.
- Location: Belaustegi, Orozko, Bizkaia, Euskadi.
The route to the waterfall and beech forest of Belaustegi can be complemented with the route to the Majadas de Austigarmin. And although in our humble opinion, the beech forest and the Belaustegi waterfall are attractive enough, you should know that there are dozens of routes that can accompany the visit to these two Basque enclaves. 
Belaustegi waterfall and Belaustegi beech forest, the jewels of Orozko.
Near the great beech forest of Belaustegi we find several waterfalls, but none like the great waterfall of 30 meters high that hides in the middle of the forest. A magical space that we recommend you to visit with great caution. And we must point out that there are many people who have been lost during their visit to this magical corner of Bizkaia. In this publication we have tried to explain the way as well as possible. We advise you to read carefully the section on how to get to the Belaustegi waterfall. In case you have any doubt you can leave us a comment in this article. 
Belaustegi waterfall.
The Belaustegi waterfall is, with its more than 30 meters high, one of the most striking waterfalls of Euskadi. It is also one of the most unknown. Its difficult access means that few people know about it. Especially if we compare it with the number of people who visit another of the great waterfalls of Euskadi: the Salto del Nervión. In any case, it is clear that the beauty of the Belaustegi waterfall lies largely in its location. Protected by a large beech forest, a pine forest and a wetland, reaching its surroundings is complicated to say the least. 
Route to the Belaustegi waterfall.
We must point out that in this article we will only refer to the route that separates the Belaustegi parking from the waterfall of the same name. And although many people make the route from the lower part, from the neighborhood of Usabel, we believe that it is not a profile suitable for families who are not used to climb the mountain regularly. In the search for the Belaustegi waterfall, the most common option is to get lost. And there is no clear path to follow to reach this impressive waterfall. That said, you should know that there are up to 3 options to reach the Belaustegi waterfall. We hope that our indications will be of help. 
- From the parking lotIn front of the parking lot, among pines, we find a path that allows us to reach the riverbed. Unfortunately, although at the beginning the route is quite clear, the path becomes more complicated as we advance. The best option is to be guided by the sound of water and the footsteps of people. Arrived at the first crossroads we must turn left, we started to go down. We continue along this path making a “zigzag” that takes us to the riverbed. Once next to the riverbed we must go up the river until we find the Belaustegi waterfall. You should know that in winter, when the riverbed rises and the mud abounds, it is not the best route to reach the Belaustegi waterfall. The starting point of this route is marked on the map with the number 4.
- From the intersection of pines and beechesAs we go up towards the beech forest of Belaustegi, in the place where the pines give way to beeches, on the left hand side, we find a path that leads directly to two waterfalls, which, although they have nothing to do with the Belaustegi waterfall, create a very attractive space. This path has a steep slope, which, in winter, along with the mud, can make us take more than one scare. Following the riverbed we can reach the waterfall, but due to the slope we do not recommend this route. Even less if we make the route with children. The intersection of pines and beeches corresponds to number 1 on the map.
- From the beech forestThis is perhaps the best route to reach the Belaustegi waterfall, bordering the large wetland that we find in the lower part of the beech forest. Following the sound of the water, bordering the wetland, we arrive in front of the high part of the waterfall. From here we can easily descend to the base of the waterfall. The only downside of this route is that it runs through a very wet area that in winter is usually flooded. The area where you go down to the wetland is indicated on the map by the number 3.
As you have been able to see, depending on the time of the year in which we visit the Belaustegi Waterfall, it is more convenient to use one route or another. We hope that these indications will help you to find this idyllic Basque corner. In case you have any questions we encourage you to use the comment system that you will find at the end of this article. We will try to answer you as soon as possible. 
Belaustegi beech forest.
The beech forest of Belaustegi, one of the most important of Orozko, has nothing to envy to the famous beech forest of Otzarreta. Its beeches and waterfall make it one of the most beautiful forests in the Basque Country. A place that we are sure you will love, we are waiting for your opinions! 
Route to the Belaustegi beech forest.
The route to the beech forest of Belaustegi is not lost. And is that the route between the parking and the beech forest runs along a forest track (with some slope) that leads directly to the beech forest. To get to this forest we must leave by the concrete track that we find next to the parking, just after leaving to the right. During the tour, to our left, we will be accompanied by a large pine forest. These pines will serve us as a reference. And it is that arrived at a point, the pines give way to the beeches leaving between seeing that we are already close. The easiest access is found about 200 meters above. Following the concrete track until we find an animal enclosure on the right hand side (number 2 on the map). It is here where we must turn left to enter the fabulous beech forest of Belaustegi. You can’t get lost. 
How to get to Belaustegi.
In order to reach the Belaustegi parking lot, we must first reach Orozko, specifically the Zubiaur neighborhood, the most populated and important of the town. From here we must head towards the neighborhood of Ibarra to later reach the neighborhood of Usabel. At this point the first signs to Belaustegi begin to be seen. We must cross the river Atxuri and pass between a couple of farmhouses and then take the concrete track that runs parallel to the river. From this point we must take extreme caution. And is that the track, narrow and with sections of steep slope does not allow the passage of 2 vehicles in opposite direction. It is best to slow down and facilitate the passage within the possibilities. Once on this concrete track, the road is not lost, straight ahead until you reach the parking lot. 
Gorbeia.
The Gorbeia Natural Park is a truly impressive space. A natural environment that surprises and enchants. In this case, the Itxina massif acts as a backdrop to our route. Undoubtedly a privileged environment. We must emphasize that the Gorbeia Natural Park is the green lung of Euskadi. A natural space of great importance located in the lands of Alava and Bizkaia, 20 minutes from Vitoria Gasteiz and Bilbao. This enclave has the Gorbeia mountain and its cross (1,482 meters) as one of the most iconic points of Basque mountaineering. 
Belaustegi parking lot.
If you want to know where you can park to visit the waterfall and the beech forest of Belaustegi you only have to look for the parking of the Natural Park of Gorbeia de Belaustegi. A parking located in the high part of this area of Orozko that allows us to enjoy the waterfall and the beech forest of the same name without making much physical effort. We must point out that the Belaustegi parking lot is perfectly signposted and can be easily found on any digital map. An example of this is Google Maps. In this case it is as simple as searching for the word “Belaustegi”. The Belaustegi parking lot has more than 30 parking spaces, and although many of you may think it is enough, it is not. During the weekends of autumn and summer it is completely overflowing. It is for this reason that we recommend you to get up early if you do not want to have problems when it comes to parking. On the other hand, as we have already mentioned, the road that leads to this parking lot is very demanding, even for cars. Narrow, with steep slopes and with many shady areas where in winter we find ice. For all this, a lot of caution. 
Is it possible to visit the Belaustegi Waterfall with children?
Although the route to the Belaustegi Waterfall does not require great physical effort, we must emphasize the difficulty of the path. And is that the steep slopes, the large wetland and the lack of a path to follow, make the route to the Belaustegi waterfall is not the best example of a family route in Euskadi. However, there are many families with children who visit this waterfall, so, as always, the last word is up to you. We have it clear, it is not a family route to use. We do not recommend it for small children. Even less in winter, when the water floods the fields and the mud causes dangerous slips on the slopes of the beech forest. Unlike the Belaustegi waterfall, the nearby beech forest is perfect for a family getaway. A space that can be reached very easily from the parking lot and has a lot of charm. Especially in autumn. 
Recommendations.
After visiting the Belaustegi waterfall and beech forest several times, we believe it is important to offer some recommendations so that you can enjoy this incredible natural paradise to the fullest.
- The route to the waterfall is not signposted and is not easy to find, so be careful.
- Carrying hiking poles may be a good idea due to the steep slope.
- In winter, it is advisable to wear hiking boots if we want to visit the waterfall.
- It is advisable to get up early to avoid parking problems.
- The track to the Belaustegi parking lot is narrow and steep, so be careful.
- In autumn, the Belaustegi beech forest represents a great option to look for mushrooms in Euskadi.
- The area near the waterfall is a large wetland that is best avoided.
- If you are looking for experiences in Euskadi we recommend you to take a look at our reservation center.
- Orozko has dozens of routes that can complete this route to the Belaustegi waterfall and beech forest.
- Access to the waterfall is easier in summer, when the water allows us to access comfortably. But on the other hand, the waterfall has a much lower flow.
Tower House of Aranguren.
The road that leads us to Belaustegi crosses different neighborhoods of Orozko. Urban nuclei of great beauty in which we find authentic architectural and cultural jewels. An example of this is the Tower House of Aranguren. A building from the 14th century that was declared a national monument. 
What to see near Orozko.
In the vicinity of Orozko we find spaces of great beauty such as those mentioned below. We hope you like them.
- Amurrio.
Video of the Belaustegi Waterfall.
As usual, we have completed the words and photographs of this article with a short video. An audiovisual through which we intend to show you the beauty of the Belaustegi Waterfall. If you like this kind of videos we encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, we are sure you will find experiences and destinations that will call your attention.
As you have been able to see, the Belaustegi Waterfall and the beech forest of the same name are places worth visiting on any trip to Bizkaia. 2 magical spaces that we are sure you will fall in love with. In case you have any questions about the Belaustegi Waterfall, we encourage you to use the comment system below these lines to let us know. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pass!
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