The Selva de Irati and the village of Ochagavía lie 108 km northeast of Pamplona in the Navarrese Pyrenees, reachable via the A-21 and NA-140 in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car. This is the most remote of Navarre's popular day trips and requires a private vehicle — no practical public transport reaches the Irati forest interior.
Ochagavía is a picture-perfect Pyrenean village of stone houses, a medieval bridge, and a whitewashed church, frequently cited as one of the most beautiful villages in Navarre. The Ermita de Muskilda, a 16th-century hermitage perched on the hillside above the village, is reachable on foot in around 20 minutes and offers sweeping views over the valley. Several restaurants in the village serve Navarrese mountain cuisine including grilled lamb cutlets (chuletillas al sarmiento), river trout, and local cider.
From Ochagavía, a 15 km surfaced forest road (narrow, single-track in places) leads north to the Irabia reservoir at the heart of the Selva de Irati, one of the largest remaining Atlantic beech-oak forests in Europe, covering over 17,000 hectares across the Spanish–French border. Marked walking trails from the Irabia car park include the Hayedo de Irati loop (8 km, 2–3 hours, gentle elevation) and a longer circuit to the Abodi ridge (18 km, 5–6 hours, for experienced walkers). Trail maps are available at the Irabia information kiosk, open June–October.
Wildlife in the forest includes roe deer, wild boar, griffon vultures, and brown bears — a recovery programme information panel at Irabia describes the species' gradual return. Mid-October brings deep gold and russet foliage, drawing photographers from across Spain. June through August offers pleasant walking conditions with lush green canopy.
Visitors should allow a full day: depart Pamplona by 8 AM, explore Ochagavía in the morning, reach Irabia by midday, complete a forest walk, and return to Pamplona by early evening. Fuel up in Ochagavía — no services exist on the forest road or at Irabia. The road to the reservoir is typically closed November–April due to snow.
How to get there
- Car — rent in Pamplona from Europcar (+34 948 175 234, Pamplona Airport) or in city centre
Location
Ochagavía village, 31680 Ochagavía, Navarre
42.9217, -1.0894 View on map
Highlights
- Selva de Irati: one of Europe's largest Atlantic beech-oak forests covering 17,000+ hectares
- Irabia reservoir loop: 8 km forest trail with gentle elevation suitable for most fitness levels
- Ochagavía: one of Navarre's most beautiful Pyrenean villages with medieval bridge and stone architecture
- Mid-October autumn colour among the finest beech-forest foliage displays in Spain
- Wildlife including roe deer, griffon vultures, and brown bears in a recovery programme
Tips for visiting
- Fill up with fuel in Ochagavía before continuing to Irabia — no petrol stations exist on the forest road
- The Irabia road closes November–April due to snow; contact the Ayuntamiento de Ochagavía to confirm access in shoulder months
- Trail maps are at the Irabia information kiosk (open June–October) and at Ochagavía's tourist office
- Depart Pamplona by 8 AM to fit Ochagavía village and a 2–3 hour forest walk into a single comfortable day
- Bring layered clothing — forest temperature is 5–10 °C cooler than Pamplona even in midsummer
When to visit
Mid-October is the prime season for peak autumn colour; June–August is best for comfortable forest walking under a green canopy. The Irabia forest road is closed November–April due to snow.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to visit the Irati forest by public transport?
No practical public transport runs to the Irabia forest interior. Conda buses serve some Pyrenean villages but not the forest car park. A hire car is essential; rental agencies in Pamplona (including Europcar at the airport and city centre) offer competitive rates. Organised guided tours from Pamplona are an alternative.
When is the best time to see the autumn colour in Irati?
Mid to late October — typically the second and third weeks — produces peak colour as the beech canopy turns gold and deep russet. Weekends in this period are busy; a Tuesday to Thursday visit offers the same spectacle with significantly fewer visitors.
What walking routes are available from the Irabia car park?
The main options are the Hayedo de Irati loop (8 km, 2–3 hours, moderate) and the Abodi ridge circuit (18 km, 5–6 hours, for experienced walkers with good fitness). Shorter paths around the reservoir shore (2–3 km) are suitable for families and less experienced walkers.
Is there anywhere to eat near the Irati forest?
Restaurants are in Ochagavía village, 15 km from the Irabia car park. There are no facilities of any kind inside the forest. Visitors are strongly advised to carry packed food and at least 2 litres of water per person for any walk lasting more than two hours.