Jaunsaras: oak forests, cycling routes and culture
Accommodation in Jaunsaras
Those wishing to discover Jaunsaras through specific landscapes will find a clear starting point in Jauntsarats with the “Robles Monumentales de Jauntsarats” route. The route is a 1,800-metre circular trail. Its starting and finishing point is next to the school in Jauntsarats; the car park is located next to the school and sports centre, and the adapted path leads back to the starting point. Small wooden markers in the shape of painted oaks indicate the route.
Nature
Along its course, the route crosses a lowland oak forest. This habitat of European importance is included in the Natura 2000 network as “Bosques de robles de Ultzama y Basaburua”. The oak “Roble de Jauntsarats I” was declared a natural monument in 1991 because of its growth, exceptional dimensions and the resulting ecological value. A hiking route from Jauntsarats also passes through the Beheitikolanda oak forest, where it reaches another centuries-old oak tree.
For your own planning, the length, markings and the different references to the oak trees can be considered separately, without conflating the individual characteristics of the routes.
On the way
The Basaburua mountain-biking route has a medium difficulty level, is not signposted, covers 37.6 kilometres and has an elevation gain of 1,192 metres. It starts in Jauntsarats and passes through Udabe, Erbiti and Aizarotz. Cycling tours in Basaburua run through wild beech and oak forests.
Another connection is provided by the Jauntsarats–Lekunberri cycling route, which links EuroVelo 1 with the Plazaola Greenway. A transport service for people and bicycles is available for the return to Jauntsarats, departing at 12:30 p.m. Different route lengths, elevation gains and return options each provide their own details for trip planning.
The short marked loop, the moderately difficult mountain-bike route and the connection to Lekunberri thus represent clearly distinguishable ways of experiencing Jauntsarats and Basaburua on the move. Length, signposting, elevation gain and the possibility of return transport are the specific differences between the routes.
Culture
The cultural landscape includes a small, simple church dedicated to the Saviour, with a Baroque altarpiece. Garaikoetxea is one of the few elegant houses dating from the 18th century. These two places add their own historical accent between the forest paths and cycling routes.
For a holiday apartment in Jaunsaras, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be compared as separate details on the accommodation pages.
Traditions
The second Basaburua Chestnut Fair was scheduled to take place in Jauntsarats from 31 October to 2 November and was dedicated to chestnut culture, its traditions and the natural value of chestnut trees. As part of the Chestnut Fair, tastings of roasted chestnuts, the sale of chestnut products and a family land-art workshop were planned in the Jauntsarats oak grove from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For the general travel overview: Basaburua.
