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Route 9: From Bilbao, along the right bank of the estuary, to Erandio and Leioa

From Bilbao, towards Erandio and Leioa.

The right bank of the river estuary usually brings to mind the area that was home to the giants of industry, but the history of the first section when leaving Bilbao is very different. It mirrors the left bank, with working class neighbourhoods (San Ignacio, Elorrieta, Lutxana, Astrabudua, Asua, Lamiako), lesser know but thriving factories (Vicrila) and land used for farming and a fledging leisure industry… including football. It also offers panoramic views over the industrial remains on the other bank.

We recommend going by

  • andar

  • bicicleta

  • metro

The route between Bilbao and Leioa along the right bank is under ten kilometres and is ideal to do on foot or by bike. Leave the city through the San Ignacio and Elorrieta neighbourhoods and walking along the river bank will bring you to Erandio.

If you decide to use public transport, Line 1 of the Metro underground has stations at nearly all the points along this route: San Ignacio, Erandio (in the centre and in Lutxana and Astrabadua), Leioa and Lamiako.

Points of interest

  • The Bilbao neighbourhoods of San Ignacio and Elorrieta

    The Bilbao neighbourhoods of San Ignacio and Elorrieta

    Two neighbourhoods in Bilbao with a rich industrial history.

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  • The Elorrieta pump

    The Elorrieta pump

    The first modern wastewater treatment system to be implemented in the entire country.

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  • Erandio and its industrial heritage

    Erandio and its industrial heritage

    The reflection of the left bank of the estuary on the right bank. The site of “the other industry”, the lesser-known one, which thrived in the shadow of the ...

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  • Lamiako floodplain

    Lamiako floodplain

    One of the most outstanding industrial landscapes in the whole of Bizkaia, which can be enjoyed peacefully on foot or by bicycle along its spectacular ...

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  • Udondo Bridge

    Udondo Bridge

    The first iron bridge built in Spain and the oldest still standing today.

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  • Lamiako: where football began

    Lamiako: where football began

    This was the site of the first football pitch with conditions in line with the corresponding regulations as well as good turf, the first of its kind in ...

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  • Vicrila and the txikito wine glass

    Vicrila and the txikito wine glass

    The first company to establish itself in Lamiako and the first of its kind in the country as a whole.

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Good Idea

A Good Idea

Artaza Palace

From Lamiako, you can walk to one of the most spectacular homes of Bizkaia’s industrial bourgeoisie, which is now a public path. It is Artaza Palace, the property of the family of the industrialist Víctor Chávarri y Anduiza, I Marquis of Triano, and his wife Josefa Poveda Echagüe. An opportunity to enjoy a palace inspired by the great Victorian homes of that time, along with its gardens, that hark back to the heyday of Bizkaia’s industrial bourgeoisie.

Guide in pdf format

Download the Iron River guide.

Downloadguía en formato pdf