La Arboleda, what to see and what to do.

La Arboleda, what to see and do in one of the most important mining areas of Bizkaia.

La Arboleda, Zugaztieta in Basque, is a rural area located in the Trapaga-Trapagaran Valley, province of Bizkaia. Its location and composition, in a high place, surrounded by leisure and recreation areas, have made it one of the most demanded places by the people of Bizkaia. And it is that, thanks to its wide spaces, impressive views and great history, La Arboleda has been chosen along with the municipality of Getxo, as one of the most complete destinations in the vicinity of Greater Bilbao. A space that invites us to enjoy while we disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Bilbao. Although today La Arboleda is known as one of the largest recreational areas of Bizkaia, in the past it had a totally different role, and is that this urban center was one of the places where more tons of iron were extracted. One of the most important mining areas of all Euskadi. Currently, it is the last of its kind, one of the last remnants of the mining past of our people. The iron mountains that surround this urban center, the mountains of Triano, are witness to the change that this area has undergone throughout history. A transformation that we can see for ourselves by visiting the Peñas Negras Interpretation Center, where we find several photographs that show us the before and after the mining boom that La Arboleda suffered. Mind-blowing. Mining has completely changed the landscape. The reddish color of the iron-rich rocks and the green of its mountains, are today 2 of the hallmarks of La Arboleda. A natural space full of history that we recommend you to visit.

This historic center was declared a Monumental Site in 2003, an appointment in which it was argued that La Arboleda was one of the few mining towns that are still standing in the Basque Country. A fact that, together with the different artificial reservoirs and mountains that surround it, make it a very attractive place to visit. The mines, many of them nowadays converted into artificial lakes, attracted in the past thousands of people looking for work, thus creating a great fusion of cultures, an authentic mining settlement.

La Arboleda is, in short, an old mining site that represents the industrial Bilbao that gave so much joy to the Basque economy. A great legacy, a heritage to protect and enhance. Nowadays, the mines, reconverted into artificial lagoons, are one of its great attractions. Places where bathing is not allowed but where fishermen have found a nice recreational area where they can enjoy their passion.

Although it is a very small urban center, La Arboleda has a large number of attractions to visit. In addition, its location, 30 minutes from the center of Bilbao, in the middle of the mining area, invites us to visit many other places of interest. We are sure that some of the resources on this list will catch your attention. Are we betting?

Urban center: The neighborhood of La Arboleda, full of narrow streets and small, gives us multiple winks of its mining era. Among all of them, the wooden houses and the monument to the borers are the ones that most attract the attention of visitors. These details were essential when this 19th century mining district was declared a Monumental Site in 2003. The mining town of La Arboleda was founded in 1877 to provide shelter for the thousands of people who worked in the mines. A group of wooden houses, which, even today, can still be seen in several streets of the surroundings. Next to them, there were emblematic and important spaces such as the union, the store or the miners’ hospital. Unfortunately, to this day, none of them has preserved its structure intact. We must get the idea that what today is a small neighborhood of Trapagaran Valley, was then one of the most important areas of the area, easily exceeding 5,000 inhabitants. The village is very small, we encourage you to walk around it and enjoy the incredible green environment that surrounds it. We are sure you will love it, are you up for it?

Peñas Negras: The Peñas Negras Environmental Interpretation Center shows us the past of this land while inviting us to walk through the mountains and forests that surround it. An environment in which the scars of the mining exploitation are everywhere. There are dozens of marked routes that run through the bowels of this mining area, its greatest attractions, the views, history and nature. So much so that hiking has become one of the most popular experiences for visitors to La Arboleda. Many of the people who come to Peñas Negras do it walking from the urban center itself, a route that we do not recommend unless you have the whole day to dedicate to this enclave.

Mines of La Arboleda: The mining past of La Arboleda is indisputable, wherever we go, the mining sector is always present. And, in addition to the different mines that we find scattered throughout La Arboleda, we also find wagons to extract ore, iron-rich stones and many other objects related to the sector. Commemorative elements of that time, which give La Arboleda a special charm. Although most of the mines have become artificial lagoons due to the different subway watercourses that run through them, the reddish color of the ground we walk on gives away their nature.

Zugaztieta Park: The so-called Zugaztieta Park, also known as Zugaztieta recreational area, is located just a few meters from the town of La Arboleda. An area full of striking lagoons and uneven terrain, which makes it clear that this is a landscape altered by mining. It is here, where we find, totally flooded, spaces typical of the mining exploitation as an old mineral washing place. This is how this place has been converted from a mining operation to a leisure area. This area, once desolate, invites you to walk. We recommend that you enjoy the different sculptures that we find scattered throughout this park, a small labyrinth of rocks and vegetation that offers us a route of approximately 1 hour. Remember that the different reservoirs found in this park are not equipped for bathing. Caution.

Mining Museum of the Basque CountryLocated in Gallarta, just 10 minutes by car from the town of La Arboleda, this space is essential to get an idea of what happened in this place. A museum that we recommend you to visit before starting your adventure in La Arboleda. We are sure that this visit will provide you with a different point of view that will allow you to know in greater detail the space you are going to visit. Many experiences and mining objects await you next to the old mine Concha II, a huge open pit that overwhelms just by looking at it. This museum is the result of a great social work, and is that, although many people do not know it, until recently groups were organized to rescue from oblivion the different elements of the mining sector that had been abandoned throughout the length and breadth of the mountains of La Arboleda.

Castle of Muñatones: This fortress located in Muskiz, is together with Butron Castle, one of the most striking buildings of the Biscayan Middle Ages. Two stone structures, which, united by much more than their aesthetics, will transport us to another era. It should be noted that both spaces have restrictions when it comes to visiting them, and that, while Butrón Castle can only be visited from the outside, Muñatones Castle is only open to the public at certain times of the year. Let’s hope that these details are not an impediment to enjoy its elegance and history. They are well worth it.

Loizaga TowerOne of the largest private collections of Rolls Royce vehicles in Europe. An ideal place for motor lovers. The surrounding landscape and the historical buildings that make up this museum are some of its other attractions. Undoubtedly, a place to take into account in any trip to Bizkaia.

Forge El Pobal: The forge El Pobal, shows through its guided tours, the transformation of the mineral in different objects of our day to day. A historical space, which, once again, puts in place its mechanisms to publicize the importance that the forges had in the past. Its proximity to other spaces such as the Loizaga Tower or the Castle of Muñatones, its theme and the high quality of its guided tour, make it a space that perfectly complements the visit to the urban center of La Arboleda.

El RegatoThe green lung of Barakaldo. Another of the recreational areas of the mining area. A natural space, close to the historic center of Barakaldo, which shares great similarities with La Arboleda. A place to take into account in the vicinity of the Great Bilbao, especially for the people who wish to know Barakaldo. An emblem of Barakaldo, a typical weekend plan.

These are just a small representation of the spaces that can be seen in La Arboleda and surroundings. If you think they are not enough, or you simply want to know more places to visit in the vicinity of Greater Bilbao, we recommend you to read our article 199 things to see in Bilbao.

La Arboleda has everything you need to spend a great family day, an example of this is the large amount of space it offers. In this sense, the Meaztegi golf course, the different climbing areas or the Peñas Negras interpretation center are just a small appetizer.

Larreineta Funicular: The Larreineta funicular is one of the 3 funiculars that are still active in the Basque Country. A fact that makes this transport, built in 1926, one of the major attractions of La Arboleda. The origin of this funicular can be found in the mining industry, and this means of transport was essential for the extraction of the mineral from the high areas of Trapagaran. The upper station is located in La Reineta, about 1 km from La Arboleda, a nice, short and pleasant walk, which encourages people to use this funicular. If you are passionate about contemplating the cities from above, if you are attracted to this type of transport, we recommend reading our article on Artxanda and its funicular, in it you will find all the information you need to know one of the most famous mountains of Bilbao.

Hiking: The iron mountains of La Arboleda invite you to walk. Both Zugaztieta Park and the surroundings of Peñas Negras have routes suitable for all audiences. More than a dozen routes await your arrival. A very attractive and healthy plan with which we encourage you to know this mining environment of Bizkaia.

Meaztegi: Meaztegi golf is the only publicly owned golf course in Bizkaia. A sports complex, designed by the great Severiano Ballesteros, invites you to have fun and enjoy. The 27 holes that make up its 2 courses are located between mines and large rocks. A landscape that has more than 65 hectares of playing area. Almost nothing.

We recommend this experience, both to lovers of this sport and to all those people who have never had contact with golf. If you belong to the latter group, if you have never practiced this sport, we encourage you to go through the driving range of Meaztegi, sure that you end up hooked. On the other hand, if you are regular players, know that this par 72 course has everything you need to surprise the player. Shall we play a few holes?

Climbing: La Arboleda has several areas where you can practice climbing. Among them, the most popular are the ones next to the soccer field and the Peñas Negras Interpretation Center. Both have several signposted and equipped routes that allow the practice of outdoor climbing to all those who wish to do so.

Clay pigeon shooting: The Abanto Shooting Range is one of the few shooting areas in Bizkaia. Its location, halfway between La Arboleda and the industrial area of El Campillo, makes it another of the many places to visit in this area of Bizkaia. As usual, given the danger involved, it is necessary to be in possession of a gun license to practice this sport. We understand, therefore, that this complex is not of general interest. However, it is worth mentioning it, as some of our readers may be looking for a place with these characteristics.

Views of Gran Bilbao: The location of La Arboleda, at an altitude of 462 meters, makes the views of Gran Bilbao simply breathtaking. Whether from the funicular, from the golf course or from Peñas Negras, La Arboleda invites us to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views. Among all the spaces that these views offer us, the coast of Getxo, its cliffs and the Bay of Abra stand out. A gift for the senses. In our opinion, the best views are obtained from the road that leads to the Peñas Negras Interpretation Center.

As you have been able to see, La Arboleda has a nice list of things to do, becoming a universe full of possibilities that attracts thousands of people throughout the year.

The local gastronomy is another of the attractions of the area that concerns us today. Eating beans in La Arboleda has become a tradition. Although nowadays the level of beans in La Arboleda is not the same as in the past, it is still the specialty of the area. It is nice to see how history and gastronomy merge in the main street of La Arboleda, a space full of bars and restaurants, which fills this old mining town with life. There are many restaurants that offer among their star dishes a good alubiada. If you like beans and you plan to spend the day in La Arboleda, we recommend that you opt for one of these establishments, sure you will not be disappointed. In our case, we decided to visit one of the most awarded temples, Casa Sabina, recommended.

The mining village of La Arboleda originated as a response to the great demand for housing by the workers of the mining industry in Trapagaran. The first houses, old barracks built with wood, are nowadays simulated in many of the houses that we find. A popular and historical aesthetic that continues to give La Arboleda a special charm. After the first settlements, basic services such as hospitals and schools were created, which were later joined by religious buildings and other types of structures.

La Arboleda is located on a hill, a space that can be accessed both by public and private transport. There are many options, here is a brief summary of all of them. If you choose public transport, you have 2 options, bus or funicular. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but what is clear is that the funicular is a different transport, with a lot of charm. A transport that the little ones of the house love. If you opt for the latter, you should know that the lower station is located in La Escontrilla, in San Salvador del Valle. We recommend that you consult the rates and schedules of the funicular de la Reineta on the website of Euskotren. If you choose to take the bus, please know that you must use the line A3332 (Santurtzi – La Arboleda). On the other hand, if you use private transport, there are two roads, the old section, more direct but with more curves, and the new route, without curves but somewhat longer. Our recommendation is clear, the new road. To use it we must take the A8 towards Santander and take the exit towards Zierbena/Gallarta, to later use the N-639 and BI-2757 roads to reach our destination. This small neighborhood of Trapagaran, aware of its charms, has 3 large free parking lots (at the entrance of La Arboleda, next to the Zugaztieta park and next to the golf course), facilities that are very practical and comfortable for all those who visit this urban center in a private vehicle.

La Arboleda is an ideal place to visit at any time of the year. Both in winter and summer. And on special days, we have seen how huge caravans of cars were created trying to reach this small mining center. In winter, when the snow makes an appearance and in summer, when the rays of sunshine bathe Euskadi, La Arboleda becomes one of the most demanded spaces by the Basques themselves. Our recommendation is simple, if you have decided to visit Bilbao and you have time to visit La Arboleda, we recommend you to do it regardless of the time of the year.

We have uploaded several videos of La Arboleda to our YouTube account so that you can see in first person each and every one of the spaces that await you in this hidden place of Bizkaia. We hope that, together with the words and photographs in this article, they will encourage you to enjoy this place. If you like this kind of destinations, we recommend you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, we are sure you will find many spaces that will catch your attention.

As you have been able to see, La Arboleda invites us to enjoy each and every one of the charms that it keeps inside. A perfect complement to any trip to Bilbao. We hope that each and every one of the spaces that we recommend to see in La Arboleda are of your interest. If you have any questions or suggestions, we recommend that you use the comments in this article to let us know. Ondo pasa!