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Magical forest of Ugasko, the magical forest of Bilbao.
The magical forest of Ugasko has become one of the most visited places in Bilbao in just a few months. This forest, carved by a pensioner from Deusto, is located 20 minutes walk from the Guggenheim Museum. A strategic location, which is ideal for hosting an open-air art gallery. Unfortunately, a group of people with paint cans in hand have destroyed part of the forest in a matter of hours. Fortunately, some of the artworks are still intact. Would you like to visit the Magic Forest of Ugasko with us?
Information about the Magic Forest of Ugasko.
- Experiences in the Basque Country: Here.
- Length: 3 km
- Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Location: Ugasko, Deusto, Bilbao.
Works of art.
There were more than 10 works of art scattered throughout the interior of the Ugasko forest. Although all of them had their own charm, there were 7 figures that perfectly conveyed the spirit of this incredible collection. We leave you the 7 most important pieces along with a brief description and their current state.
- Deustuko basajauna: The basajaun, the protector of the forest, is a mythological figure of great importance in Basque culture. It was a figure of 1 meter high, which located in a high place, dominated the entire forest. It is currently painted.
- Mr. Owl: Next to Deustuko Basajauna, in a high place, the figure of Mr. Owl awaited the arrival of the night to surprise the little ones of the house. A large carving that we are sure you will love. Nowadays it is perfectly preserved.
- Tximinoa: This figure made us travel back in time to the early days of the human being. Its primitive features reminded us of our ancestors, the primates. A figure of medium size, which was next to the road itself. Nowadays it is painted.
- Krokodriloak: In a curve, next to the road, there was a large group of crocodiles that took us to Africa. These carvings had different sizes, as if they were a family. Currently, although several pieces have disappeared, there are still some intact.
- The red bison: Simulating the paintings found in the caves of Euskadi, this reddish-colored figure made everyone stop along the way to take a picture of themselves next to it. It is currently painted.
- Bilboko bufaloa: This work makes a small wink to the great Athletic de Bilbao striker, Asier Villalibre, the Basque buffalo. These figures carved next to the bison take advantage of the protrusions of 2 old branches to create the snouts of these animals. It is currently painted.
- Deabru: Some said they were antelopes, others, guided by the expression on their faces, did not hesitate to define it as a figure of terror. In any case, the work of painting and carving carried out in this work, comes strongly to the visitor. Today it is perfectly preserved.
Video.
As usual in all our publications, we have created a short video to show you as real as possible what was and what is nowadays the Magic Forest of Ugasko. If you like this kind of videos we recommend 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!
Frequently Asked Questions.
After visiting the Magical Forest of Ugasko before and after the attack it suffered in November 2023, we have decided to create a section in which we answer some of the most frequently asked questions and offer some advice.
- Do I need to make a reservation? No, the magical forest of Ugasko does not require a reservation.
- We recommend hiking shoes and clothing. On rainy days, the trail gets muddy easily.
- Is it worth visiting the magical forest of Ugasko after the attack? Yes, although some pieces have disappeared and others have been damaged, you can still appreciate the works. We recommend you to take a look at our video.
- Who destroyed the forest? It is not known.
- Are there guided tours? No, it is a very small space for tours. Remember that we offer all kinds of tourist services for groups in Bilbao and Euskadi. Do not hesitate to ask for an estimate.
History.
The first wood carvings from this forest began to appear in January 2022. Since then, its author has expanded the collection to more than 10 works of art. In the year 2023, in addition to incorporating new carvings in its interior, the figures that we find next to the road were also created. It was in this same year, when the author decided to add color to his carvings. Since then, all the works have more detail and definition. On November 17, a group of people painted and destroyed part of the works in this forest. Fortunately, some of them are still in perfect condition. We recommend you to take a look at the video we have published.
Location.
The magical forest of Ugasko is located in the neighborhood of Deusto, next to the Artxanda tunnels and the university. In a small forest located on the slope of Mount Artxanda. A space, which until recently, was only crossed by riders who descended by bike down the slope of Mount Artxanda. The Potongo trail is one of the most emblematic MTB territories of the capital of Bizkaia.
How to get there.
20 minutes from the Guggenheim Museum and the city center, in the Deusto district of Bilbao, we find this magical forest that invites us to enter the foothills of Mount Artxanda to enjoy a small collection of art. To get there, we recommend using the metro, Deusto stop, Lehendakari Aguirre exit. Once in Deusto, we must walk along Avenida del Lehendakari Aguirre towards the University of Deusto until we cross the crosswalk that we find just before the traffic circle.
We pass the road, continue walking in the same direction. Gradually the sidewalk of the road to Ugasko is moving away from the road, we begin to climb into the forest. After passing by some houses, we find a crossroads. We continue climbing, we take the option on the right.
From this point there is no sidewalk, be careful. After 300 meters, on our left, we start to see the painted trees. We have arrived, we are entering the forest. Remember that you can also walk from almost anywhere in the city in less than 1 hour.
What to see and do in Bilbao and its surroundings.
If you want to take advantage of your trip to Bilbao to enjoy the city and its surroundings, we recommend you to take a look at our article on what to do in Bilbao in 1 day. You can also take a look at some of the surrounding areas. Here are some examples:
Anonymous author.
The author of these works of art is a resident of Deusto. A retiree, who, after receiving classes from the hand of the sculptor Amaya Conde, decided to put his learning into practice in a forest near his home. The artist, who continues to create characters in his spare time, has decided to remain anonymous. It seems that he will continue to expand his collection. What will be his next creation?
As you have been able to see through our photos and videos, the Magic Forest of Ugasko is one of the great wonders of Bilbao. Even more if we take into account that it has been made by a retired person after a carving workshop. We hope you like all the works of art that you will find carved in wood. Do not hesitate to use the comment system that you will find under these lines. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pasa!
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