Images

The photograph shows the stunning interior of the Pozalagua Cave, famous for its high concentration of gravity-defying eccentric stalactites. The large cavern is artificially lit with warm spotlights that highlight the rock formations, columnar stalagmites, and ceilings densely covered in white and ochre formations. At the bottom, there is a metal walkway with a handrail, a prepared and accessible path that allows visitors to admire the cave's geology up close in a safe manner.

Visit - Pozalagua Cave

Go back to Pozalagua

Description

Pozalagua cave was discovered by chance on 28 December 1957 (April Fool’s Day in Spain) during work in the nearby dolomite quarry. This led to the discovery of a fascinating underground world.

Stalactites, stalagmites and the unusual eccentric stalactites in the form of roots or corals can be observed in the cave.

It is located in the Karrantza Valley, in the heart of Armañón Natural Park, where you can also visit the amphitheatre, Armañón Natural Park Interpretation Centre and the Old Dolomite Factory.

Highlight

  • The car park includes PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) parking spaces, and there is a ramp with handrails to enter the reception building.
  • There is an elevator to access the interior of the cave, bypassing the main metal stairs.
  • The interior walkway is flat and wheelchair accessible.
  • The upper viewpoint is the only non-accessible point due to the presence of steps.
  • Adapted toilets and Braille signage are available.

How to get here

By car:

  • The main access from Bilbao is by the main road BI-630.
  • From Cantabria take the CA-151 road to Trucios at Guriezo.

Route

From the car park to the cave

Suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)

From the car park to the cave there is 150-metre asphalt pathway which is quite steep. When you reach the reception building, you can take the stairs or use the ramp with handrail. Access to the cave is underground via stairs or a platform stairlift.

The tour takes 45-50 minutes in a temperature of 13º all year round. It is along a 1-metre-wide metal walkway, of which a section of approximately 500 metres has been designed free of steps.

Features and services

  • Section length
    1,00 km
    Pavement
    Exterior: asphalted; Interior: metal walkway
    Obstacles
    • Underground access with steps (platform stairlift)
    • Steps during the tour
  • 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?
    Yes
    Are there slopes at the entrances?
    Yes
    Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
    Yes, with no required assistance from third parties
    Are there railings and/or handrails?
    Yes
    Is the access properly signposted to guide users?
    Yes

    Indoor space: General features

    Does the front door have a pre-landing?
    Yes
    Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
    Yes, with no required assistance from third parties
    Is there a minimum clearance of 150 cm around furniture where turning or manoeuvring is required?
    Yes
    Does the lighting system allow for correct reading with no reflections in each equipment area?
    Yes
    Is there a logical order to the exhibition hall's route, indicated by visible arrows and/or tactile foot signs?
    Yes
    Is there a magnetic loop or modulated radio frequency anywhere in the premises?
    No
    Are there accessible ICTs "information and communication technologies" ?
    No
    Are there any resources so that people with cognitive disabilities can understand them?
    No
    Information in Braille and/or audioguide devices
    Yes
    Are there bathrooms, and is at least one of them accessible by transfer?
    Yes
    Is transfer possible on both sides?
    No
    Type of lavatory
    Long lever
    Is there an evacuation map in Braille and high relief??
    No

    Personal care area

    Are there personnel trained in accessibility in the facilities?
    No
    Are there any direct discounts on the best published rate for disabled people and/or their companions?
    Yes
    Benches or supports 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

    Clearance around obstacles of more than 90 cm
    Yes
    Information in Braille language
    Yes
  • Are there trails on the section?
    Yes

    Access

    Is there lighting at night?
    Yes
    Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
    Yes, with technical assistance
    Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces
    Yes
    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
    Yes
    Path start sign positioned no higher than 195cm
    Yes

    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