Senda del Golako, family route in Arratzu.

Senda del Golako, hiking route for the whole family in Urdaibai.

The Golako Trail, also known as PR-BI167, is one of the most beautiful routes of Urdaibai. A route of 5 kilometers long, which guides us through the towns of Arratzu and Mendata showing us some of its most beautiful corners. A route of great natural and cultural richness, which is worth visiting in every trip to Urdaibai. Remember that we offer all kinds of tourist services, do not hesitate to ask us for a quote. Do you dare to walk the Golako path with us?

Route of the Golako Trail.

The Golako Trail consists of 2 completely different routes. Two circular routes, which have a common element, the parking lot of the Elexalde neighborhood. We recommend that you pay close attention to this explanation, as the route can be a bit confusing. The most important thing is to differentiate the 2 routes: the dam walk and the Artzubi bridge walk. Both are marked with the white and yellow signage of the small routes.

The order is indifferent. We start with the smallest route, the Golako dam walk. After leaving the parking lot behind, we head towards the church of Santo Tomás, in front of it, we find several signs. In this case, we must follow the signs indicating the Olazarra forge (0.4 km).

We go down a road, between farmhouses, until we reach the next detour. Turn left, follow the road to the Olazarra forge (0.2 km), and descend to the level of the Golako River.

Before reaching the bridge, on the right hand side, we find the Olazarra forge. Although today we can only see part of this structure, we can still see the arches of water inlet and outlet. We must remember that the Olazarra forge is located on a private plot of land, so we must be content to observe it from the road.

Remember that although this route shares part of the route with the Camino de Santiago, this is not always the case. And it is that after contemplating the forge, we must leave the road and follow the Golako riverbed towards the Olazarra dam (0.5km). We enter the riverside forest.

After walking 500 meters along the shore, we came across the Golako dam. A structure that was essential for the proper functioning of the forge. This is undoubtedly one of the most idyllic areas of the route. A magical corner where we recommend you stop to enjoy the moment.

After the break, we return to the trail to continue up the Golako River. The path takes us to know some of the charms of this riverside forest. Small corners, which together with the animals that we find along the way, make it a very special walk.

The route leads us to a house that is next to the riverbed itself. It is here, where we leave the Golako river. After 200 meters, we return to pass a gate, this time of iron. We pass next to the church of Santo Tomas and return towards the parking lot.

Before reaching the parking lot, on the right hand side, we find a sign next to a detour. This is the beginning of the second route, the walk to the Artzubi bridge (0.2km).

After descending 200 meters we find the Artzubi bridge. An architectural and historical jewel that represents one of the great attractions of this route. Although most people decide to go down to the riverbed itself, we do not recommend it. Be very careful.

We follow the path, we enter the oak grove. In this part of the route it is common to meet pilgrims, as it shares a path with the Camino de Santiago de la Costa.

Soon we come to a new junction. We take the road to the left. You should know that, although we recommend you to continue on the left, you can also turn right. And it is at this point that the circular route begins.

We continue ascending while enjoying the views offered by the valley. Before reaching Mendata, we find another detour. In this case we must continue ahead, although before we recommend you to turn right to visit the tower of Montalban. Although the tower is in ruins, the panoramic views are worth it.

We return again to the road to walk among the hamlets of the area until we reach the hermitage of San Cristobal and San Pedro Apostle. A small temple that we love.

We go down the road of the Zarra neighborhood until we find a new crossroads, in this case, we turn right and go back towards Elexalde.

After walking 400 meters we find a sign indicating that we must turn off to the right.

We enter the medieval road from Zarra to Elexalde. A road that takes us back to the Artzubi bridge and the parking lot. We return home.

As you can see, the Golako Trail offers us a great number of attractions. Rarely do we find so many places of interest in a single hiking route. Do you dare to do it with us?

Video.

As usual in all our publications, we have created a short video about the Golako Trail. We hope you find it helpful. In case you like this kind of videos, we encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel to discover all the places and experiences that we recommend in Euskal Herria. We are waiting for you!

Where to park.

Next to the church of Santo Tomás, in front of the cemetery of Arratzu, there is a parking lot with 35 parking spaces. A space, in which we can park our vehicles for free. Remember that in high season it tends to reach its limit very easily, we recommend you to get up early.

Excursions for groups.

The Golako trail is one of the many routes we offer to groups visiting the Basque Country. A hiking experience that helps us to show one of the wildest sides of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. If you want to do this excursion, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organize transport, guide and food for you to get to know this area of the province of Bizkaia. We are waiting for you!

Where to eat.

In the center of Arratzu, on the first floor of the town hall, in front of Arrolagune (the interpretation center of the Oppidum of Arrola) we find a small bar and restaurant where we can get our strength back after the Golako Trail. If you want to eat, remember that it has a very small dining room, so it is important to make a reservation. In our case, we settled for a couple of pintxos.

Artzubi Bridge.

The medieval bridge of Artzubi is undoubtedly one of the great attractions of the Golako Trail. A 16th century structure that links the towns of Arratzu and Mendata by means of the medieval road. We must remember that the section of the Way of St. James that joins Zenarruza and Gernika passing through the Artzubi bridge was recognized in 1759 as an exemplary path of medieval architecture. An architectural structure that is still intact after suffering several floods due to large floods of the Golako River.

Family routes in Euskadi.

The Golako Trail is one of the many routes that we recommend to families visiting Euskadi. A simple and beautiful route, which is a good plan to do with children in Urdaibai. If you are interested in this type of routes, we encourage you to read the article in which we include all the routes of this same profile: routes to do with children in Euskadi.

What to see in Urdaibai.

If you want to continue enjoying this corner of Bizkaia after the route, we recommend you to read our article on what to see in Urdaibai. We leave you some examples so that you can see some proposals that the area offers.

What to do in Urdaibai.

If you are looking for active tourism activities, we recommend you to take a look at our reservation center. Here are some examples to give you an idea of the activities you can do in Urdaibai.

Arratzu.

Arratzu, a small town located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, offers us to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the big cities through cultural and natural attractions. An idyllic space, located less than 5 minutes from Gernika, offers a beautiful landscape of rivers, chapels, forges, tower houses, mills and medieval bridges.

As you have been able to see, the Golako Trail is a route to take into account in every trip to Urdaibai. A family route that we highly recommend. We encourage you to use the comment system that you will find below these lines to send us your questions. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pasa!