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Hernio from Iturriotz, one of the most emblematic routes in Gipuzkoa.
The route to Mount Hernio, our latest adventure in Gipuzkoa, has led us to enjoy one of the most charismatic mountains of Euskadi. Located between the valleys of Oria and Urola, this emblematic Basque mountain surprises us with a beautiful route that takes us to reach 1,078 meters high. The route that we propose today is the same that is done during the traditional pilgrimages that are held every Sunday in September, a festival that brings together thousands of people around this Basque mountain. The ascent to Hernio from Iturriotz has all the possible incentives that can be demanded to a Basque mountain, from views to take away the hiccups to a small boardwalk in which we are encouraged to take strength before reaching the top. A great plan for people looking for routes of these characteristics in Gipuzkoa. 
There are several ways to climb Mount Hernio but without a doubt, the one we present today is one of the most emblematic and simple. Throughout the journey, from Iturriotz to the summit, nature is the main protagonist. A scenery of great visual richness, which encourages us to recommend this mountaineering trip to all of you. Unfortunately, the fact that Hernio is one of the most important mountains in Gipuzkoa has taken its toll. This is evidenced by the wear of the rocks that we found from the fields of Zelatun to the top. A lot of caution. 
Information mount Hernio.
- Altitude: 1,078 m
- Distance: 9 km.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Elevation gain: 496 meters.
- Location: Monte Hernio, Gipuzkoa, Euskadi.
The name of the mountain that we present today has variations in the spelling. Although Euskaltzaindia, the Royal Academy of the Basque language, has standardized the name as Hernio, there are many who write it as Ernio. Moreover, the refuge that we found near the top, has a sign on which you can read “Erniozaleak”, which, in Basque means “the fans of Mount Ernio”. Leaving aside this curiosity, we believe that climbing one of the most emblematic mountains of Euskal Herria is an honor. What do you say, do you dare to climb Mount Hernio? 
How to get to Iturriotz.
The inn and hermitage of Iturriotz, located in the Gipuzkoan town of Aia, represents the starting point of the route that we recommend. This name is the fusion of 2 words: “iturri” and “hotz”, “cold source” in Basque. To reach this enclave we must climb the port of Andazarrate, from where we have to turn right if we have accessed from Orio / Zarautz or left if we come from Asteasu. Once we take the turnoff towards Iturriotz, GI-4143, the road takes us directly to the parking lot where we must leave our vehicle. It is time to put on our boots and do some sport. 
Route to Mount Hernio from Iturriotz.
We should mention that, although we have chosen to climb Mount Hernio from Iturriotz, there are many other accesses to reach the summit. Among them: Bidania, Errezil, Alkiza, Hernialde or Larraul. The route to Mount Hernio from Iturriotz is a linear route of great scenic beauty. A path that we have fallen in love with. 
1.- After leaving our vehicles in the parking lot we must go down to the sale of Iturriotz to later reach the hermitage of San Juan Bautista. 2 buildings, which represent our starting point. After passing a small bridge, we enter the forest.
2.- Soon we leave this path to continue climbing along a path marked by the colors of the great routes (red and yellow lines). We change the forest for fields where the stone is the main protagonist.
3.- We continue until we find a post with several signposts, we must continue forward, Zelatun road.
We follow the dirt road until we reach the fields of Zelatun. Be careful with the last stretch. It is a rocky pass that is very polished and with some unevenness.
5.- Once in the fields of Zelatun we continue straight on until we pass the 2 bordas, we turn left. It is time to face the last stretch. We climb up the back side of Hernio until we reach the big cross. The road to the summit is again of polished stone, a lot of caution. During this stretch, Errezil is under our feet leaving us an amazing perspective. 
Once we reach the Erniozaleak refuge and the healing cross, it is time to rest, take a break, enjoy the views and proceed to the ritual of the hoops (read the section on beliefs and traditions). From this point you can see the cross and the path that leads to it. There is not much left.
7.- We continue along the polished rock, this time with a little more unevenness. Once at the top, it is time to enjoy the views. Impressive. Surrounded by dozens of crosses, among friends, we enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Euskadi. An amazing view that allows us to glimpse from the interior of Gipuzkoa to the small villages of Iparralde, also known as the French Basque Country. 
In our case, stopping to take pictures and at a familiar pace, we reached the summit in about 1 hour and 50 minutes. After the typical photos of the summit, we descend the same way until we reach the fields of Zelatun. Now it is time to get our strength back before descending to Iturriotz. A good cup of salda (broth in Basque) in the hard winter days or a good glass of fresh cider in summer are as necessary as enriching. We resume the descent. In total, with a strategic stop at the gunwale, the time was about 4 hours approximately. A great plan to enjoy with friends or family. 
Beliefs and traditions.
Meters before reaching the top of Mount Hernio, next to the Erniozaleak shelter, we find the Healing Cross. On the arms of this cross rest several circular and rectangular rings, which, according to legend, have healing properties. Hence its name, “healing rings”, “healing rings”. There are several theories about the diseases that these rings cure and how they should be used. The first theory, perhaps the best known, indicates that these rings cure rheumatism after passing them over the different parts of the body. On the other hand, the second theory indicates that we must pass our whole body, from head to toe, 3 times in order to have good health. 
As if all this were not enough, we should mention that according to legend, St. Ignatius of Loyola slept in the Venta de Iturriotz during his journey from Paris to Azpeitia. And it is here, next to the hermitage of San Juan de Iturriotz, where we find the fountain of the same name. A fountain that emanates a very special water. According to what we are told, drinking this water cures diseases such as scabies. A drink? 
Pilgrimage to Mount Hernio.
The pilgrimages that are held every Sunday in September on Mount Hernio are of great interest to all Basques. Dates marked in the calendar, which make Hernio vibrate with a great festive atmosphere. We must emphasize that although the pilgrimages take place on every Sunday in September, the most important one takes place on the last Sunday of September. A day on which all kinds of people, from adults to children, gather on the different routes that lead to the fields of Zelatun and the great white cross that crowns the top of Mount Hernio. 
As you have been able to see, the pilgrimage of Mount Hernio is one of those traditions that is of great importance in Gipuzkoa. If you want to enjoy this festive day, if you want to know the pilgrimage of Mount Hernio and taste the traditional white donuts to the rhythm of the Trikitixa, we recommend you to get up early to avoid the long queues that are formed both on the way up and on the way down. We must remember that the September pilgrimages are not the only events held on Mount Hernio. And is that on Good Friday, before ascending to the summit, usually takes place a Via Crucis, which, although it does not have the same following as the rest of the appointments mentioned, it is also a day marked in the calendar of Mount Hernio. 
Recommendations to climb Hernio from Iturriotz.
After our ascent of Mount Hernio, we thought it would be a good idea to share with you the most important recommendations or tips for this route.
- Leashed dogs, there are horses, sheep and goats in the fields surrounding the borda, and loose dogs can be a problem.
- Being one of the most emblematic mountains of Gipuzkoa has its drawbacks, the rocks surrounding the summit are very worn, caution.
- The terrain that covers the space that separates the summit and the fields of Zelatun is a bit rugged, pay attention to each step we take.
- After the descent, it is practically obligatory to regain strength at Zelatun’s shores.
- There are 2 fountains, the first one next to Venta de Iturriotz and the second one next to the Zelatun fields.
- In case of adverse weather conditions, we recommend not reaching the summit.
Where to eat after climbing Mount Hernio.
In Txotx season (from mid-January to almost June), accompanying this route with a good cider house menu may be the best option. In our case, we chose to taste the menu of the Sarasola cider house in Asteasu. An emblematic establishment that opened its doors in 1970 by the hand of Aniceto Sarasola, father of the current owner, Inaxio Sarasola. According to its owners, 75% of the apples used for the elaboration of cider are native, Basque. Witness of it are the 2 kupelas (barrels in Basque) that have the seal of the denomination of origin Euskal Sagardoa. 
Thus, after the climb to Hernio we enjoyed a good traditional cider house menu consisting of cod omelette, cod with peppers, steak, cheese, quince jelly and nuts. As a curiosity, we must say that we had the opportunity to try the sardine omelette zaharra (old in Basque). A dish that is not usually part of the traditional cider house menu and that was quite a surprise. A great discovery. 
What to see near Mount Hernio.
Mount Hernio is located less than 30 minutes from the capital of Gipuzkoa, Donostia San Sebastian. That is why, after this route, we encourage you to enjoy this city and many other attractions of Gipuzkoa. We leave you a small list for you to get ideas about the different options you have.
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The ascent to Mount Hernio from Iturriotz is one of the most emblematic routes of Gipuzkoa. A beautiful route that we recommend you to enjoy with caution. In case you have any questions or suggestions about this route, we recommend you to use the comment system that you will find below these lines, we will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pasa!
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