Images

  1. Slide 1:
  2. Slide 2:
The photograph shows the interior of a large cave with high ceilings and irregular rock walls in shades of gray and ochre. In the center, two people equipped with helmets and headlamps explore the rocky and rugged terrain, their silhouettes standing out against the dim natural light entering from a side opening. The ground is covered with rocks of different sizes, and the atmosphere is damp and gloomy, typical of karstic systems.
The photograph shows the monumental entrance and interior of the Baltzola Caves. It features a massive natural gray limestone cavity with irregular walls and very high ceilings. On the outside, the entrance is surrounded by lush green vegetation that contrasts with the stone. Inside, the ground is rocky and uneven, and two people equipped with helmets and headlamps are seen exploring the cavern, their silhouettes standing out against the light coming from the back of the gallery.

Baltzola Cave

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Description

The Baltzola caves are located inside Urkiola Natural Park, a land where the culture, history and traditions of the Basque people are very much alive.

These natural formations, known as the Baltzola Caves, were created by the erosion of stone over thousands of years, a creation that has given rise to one of the most visited places in Dima.

This small geological complex is visited annually by thousands of historians, climbers, ecologists and mountaineers in search of the same goal: to enjoy the landscape formed by the Baltzola caves.

Highlight

  • Difficulty: Low.
  • Profile: Route suitable for a family outing.
  • Terrain: Rocky ground on part of the path and inside the cave.
  • Warnings: Rocky drops/slopes near the caves.

How to get here

By Bus:

  • A3925 Bilbao-Lemoa-Otxandio-Ubide (Indusi stop, 4073).

Parking:

  • Parking is available in the Indusi and Baltzola neighborhoods, although there are no official parking lots.

Route

From the Indusi district to the Abaro bridge and the caves

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)

It is a route of approximately 2 km (round trip) that begins at the information panel. It follows the course of the Baltzola River, passes through the Abaro natural tunnel, and reaches the great entrance of the Baltzola Caves. The route is of low difficulty and is suitable for families. However, the path is uneven and rocky around and inside the cave (there is no designated walkway or handrail inside). It is recommended to use flashlights or headlamps, as there is no light in the middle of the cavern.

Features and services

  • Section length
    1,17 km
    Pavement
    Starts off asphalted, dirt and stony path, stone caves.
    Obstacles
    • Part of the path and the interior of the cave consist of rocky terrain.
    • There are rocky drops and uneven terrain near the caves.
  • Is there reception equipment on the section?
    Yes

    Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

    Is there a parking area?
    Yes
    Parking. Are there any minimum dimensions for adapted vehicles?
    Yes
    Is there any adapted access?
    No
    Are there slopes at the entrances?
    Yes
    Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
    No
    Are there railings and/or handrails?
    No
    Is there an equipment entrance sign next to the access, and is it adapted?
    Yes
    Is the access properly signposted to guide users?
    Yes

    Indoor space: General features

    Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
    No

    Rest zone

    Is there a rest area at the reception?
    No

    Store

    Is there one or more stores at the reception?
    No

    Children’s area

    Is there a children’s area at the reception?
    No

    Exhibition room

    Is there an exhibition room at the reception?
    No

    Exhibition Hall

    Is there an exhibition hall at the reception?
    No

    Exhibition Hall: Panel

    Information in written format
    No
  • Are there trails on the section?
    Yes

    Access

    Is there lighting at night?
    No
    Minimum accessible connection between parking spaces, if any, the start of the obstacle-free trail
    Yes
    Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
    Yes, with no required assistance from third parties
    Informative poster at the start of the trail indicating the length, route, difficulty, duration and slopes by sections
    Yes
    Path start sign positioned no higher than 195cm
    Yes

    Itinerary

    Vertical start signage
    Yes
    Vertical signage type
    Visual information panel with information about the route (flora, time span, history and culture) and the different points of interest.
    Compact, non-slip and with no projections along their entire length, allowing wheelchair transit
    The section begins with asphalt paving, and continues on a dirt track, with stones and wet areas as it is close to a river bank. The path near the tunnel and caves, as well as inside, is made of stones of varying sizes. It is not apt for wheel-chair use.
    The route is more than 150cm wide, with occasional narrowings of 90cm
    Yes
    Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
    No
    Tree branches do not obstruct the route at below 2.20 m
    Yes

    Cycle touring lane

    Does the section have a cycle touring lane?
    No

    Lookout and observatory

    Is there a lookout or observatory on the section?
    No

  • Nature classroom

    Is there a nature classroom on this section?
    No
  • Is there a recreational area on this section?
    No

    Access

    Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
    No
  • Is there a beach on this section?
    No

From Baltzola neighbourhood to the caves

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)

Baltzola auzotik kobazuloetara 2 km inguruko ibilbidea dago (joan-etorria). Ondoren Parke Naturaletik doan lurrezko eta harri txikizko bidea dago eta Baltzolako Kobetako barrunbe harritsuaren barrualdera iristen da. Zailtasun txikia du eta  familian joateko egokia da. Hala ere, bideak gorabeherak ditu harraitsua da haitzuloaren barruan bereziki (barruan ez daude pasatzeko egokitutako biderik eta eskudelik). Ibilbideari buruzko informazioa jasotzea komeni da, ez baitu seinaleztapen propiorik ibilbidean zehar, ez eta linternak/bekoki-argiak erabiltzen ere, leizearen erdian argitasun gutxi dagoelako.

Features and services

  • Section length
    1,01 km
    Pavement
    Dirt and stones
    Obstacles
    • Bide harritsua
    • Kobazulo barruan harrizko gorabehera irregularrak.
    • Argitasun naturala kobaren sarreran eta iluntasun osoan leize barruan.
  • Is there reception equipment on the section?
    No

    Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

    Is there a parking area?
    Yes
    Parking. Are there any minimum dimensions for adapted vehicles?
    Yes
    Is there any adapted access?
    No
    Are there slopes at the entrances?
    No
    Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
    No
    Are there railings and/or handrails?
    No
    Is there an equipment entrance sign next to the access, and is it adapted?
    No

    Indoor space: General features

    Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
    No

    Personal care area

    Are there personnel trained in accessibility in the facilities?
    No

    Rest zone

    Is there a rest area at the reception?
    No

    Store

    Is there one or more stores at the reception?
    No

    Children’s area

    Is there a children’s area at the reception?
    No

    Exhibition room

    Is there an exhibition room at the reception?
    No

    Exhibition Hall

    Is there an exhibition hall at the reception?
    No
  • Are there trails on the section?
    Yes

    Access

    Is there lighting at night?
    No
    Minimum accessible connection between parking spaces, if any, the start of the obstacle-free trail
    Yes
    Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
    No
    Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls
    No
    Informative poster at the start of the trail indicating the length, route, difficulty, duration and slopes by sections
    No

    Itinerary

    Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
    No

    Cycle touring lane

    Does the section have a cycle touring lane?
    No

    Lookout and observatory

    Is there a lookout or observatory on the section?
    No

  • Nature classroom

    Is there a nature classroom on this section?
    No
  • Is there a recreational area on this section?
    No

    Access

    Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
    No
  • Is there a beach on this section?
    No