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Route 6. Barbadun and Itsaslur: Iron, Water and Sea

6.b. Iron and Water: on the Banks of the Barbadun river

We recommend going by

  • andar

  • bicicleta

The Iron Mountains Greenway is an old 28 km train route running nearly parallel to the Barbadun river, connecting Traslaviña and Gallarta.

Now a trail for cycling and walking, the route passes over gentle hills and through wide curves providing a level of comfort and ease throughout. Over the course of the route, in this incredible landscape, you can visit a large number of old mining operations that will take you back to a time when in addition to transporting iron ore to the port and steel mills in Bilbao, its rails handled the regular flow of passenger trains.

Points of interest

  • Muñatones Castle

    The result of a long construction process, which spanned the 14th and 15th centuries, in the context of the War of the Bands, which devasted the Basque ...

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  • El Pobal forge

    In the heart of the mining area of Bizkaia, on the banks of the Barbadún river, lies El Pobal Forge. In operation from the 16th century, it is a hydraulic ...

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  • Iron Mountains greenway

    The Iron Mountains Greenway is an old 28 km train route running nearly parallel to the Barbadun river, connecting Traslaviña and Gallarta.

    More information

  • Classic and antique car museum Loizaga Tower

    The castle of Concejuelo, known as Loizaga Tower, houses an exceptional collection of classic and antique cars considered unique in the world for having all ...

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  • Abellaneda Council House

    The next stop is in neighbouring Sopuerta. The Abellaneda Council House, home to the Encartaciones Museum, which collects, analyses and shares the region's ...

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A Good Idea

Iron and water

The Industrial Landscape of the Barbadun River as it flows through Muskiz and Galdames is a spectacular showcase of industrial and mining heritage remains. With the river and its tributaries at the heart of a valley enclosed by iron-rich hills, significant industrial, productive and economic activity developed along the Barbadun from the 15th century onwards, with the output of the ironworks being shipped to sea via the former port of Lavalle (Muskiz), which no longer exists. You can explore this impressive route either on foot, following the course of the river upstream from Pobeña, or by bicycle. As well as the striking El Pobal Ironworks, on the way to Galdames you can enjoy a txakoli tasting at the Valdivian heritage complex. It’s also home to a restored 17th-century flour mill that’s still in operation and now offers accommodation in a natural setting steeped in history and authenticity.

Guide in pdf format

Download the Iron River guide.

DownloadGuide in pdf format