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The Larrun Train: an essential journey to discover the heart of the Basque Country
What is the Larrun Train and why is it a must-see?
The Larrun Train —also known as the La Rhune Train— is a historic rack railway that climbs to the summit of Larrun, one of the most emblematic mountains in the Basque Country. Its route offers a unique journey through history, nature, and local traditions, making it one of the best options for those who want to visit Larrun or enjoy an excursion to La Rhune.
At 905 meters above sea level, this century-old train lets you discover a preserved landscape, with views over the Basque coast, the Landes, the Pyrenees, and, on clear days, even the Bay of Biscay.
Experience at the summit of Larrun
A pristine and protected natural setting
Upon reaching the summit, visitors find an environment that has remained practically intact. Larrun is a protected area where native wildlife, unique plants, and historical remains reflecting centuries of mountain life coexist.
360° panorama: a view to fall in love with
If the weather allows, from the summit you can enjoy a 360° panorama that includes:
The French Basque coast
The beaches of the Landes
The Pyrenees mountain range
Natural features of the Baztan Valley on clear days
It is one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Basque Country, ideal for photography and nature lovers.
Services at the summit: dining, shops, and rest
Restaurants and cafés
Up top you’ll find several cafés and restaurants where you can taste local dishes or simply enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery. There are also small establishments on the Spanish side, which gives the visit a borderland charm.
Souvenir shops
At the summit there are several shops where you can buy souvenirs, local products, and Basque crafts.
Activities and guided visits
The Privilege Journey: an enhanced experience
Those who choose the Privilege Journey can enjoy a guided visit accompanied by a local guide.
Topics explored include:
Landscape interpretation
History of smuggling in the area
Curiosities of mountain life
Characteristic natural phenomena
Seasonal activities
Throughout the year, different complementary activities are organized for families, hikers, or lovers of local culture.
| Season | Departure time (Col de St. Ignace) | Descent time (Summit station) | End of excursion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season (Except Jul–Aug–Sep) | 09:30 | 11:30 | 12:10 | Standard duration: 2h 30min |
| 10:50 | 12:50 | 13:30 | — | |
| 12:10 | 15:30 | 16:10 | *Extended stop at the summit (4h total) | |
| 14:10 | 16:10 | 16:50 | — | |
| 15:30 | 17:30 | 18:10 | Last departures | |
| Low season September 2025 | 09:30 | 11:30 | 12:10 | — |
| 10:10 | 12:10 | 12:50 | — | |
| 10:50 | 12:50 | 13:30 | — | |
| 11:30 | 14:50 | 15:30 | *Long stop | |
| 12:10 | 15:30 | 16:10 | *Long stop | |
| 14:10 | 16:10 | 16:50 | — | |
| 14:50 | 16:50 | 17:30 | — | |
| 15:30 | 17:30 | 18:10 | — | |
| 16:10 | 18:10 | 18:50 | Last round trip | |
| High season 7 July – 31 August | 08:20 * | 10:10 | 10:50 | *Only 28 Jul – 31 Aug |
| 08:50 | 10:50 | 11:30 | — | |
| 09:30 | 11:30 | 12:10 | — | |
| 10:10 | 12:10 | 12:50 | — | |
| 10:50 | 12:50 | 13:30 | — | |
| 11:30 | 13:30 | 14:10 | — | |
| 12:10 | 14:10 | 14:50 | — | |
| 12:50 | 14:50 | 15:30 | — | |
| 13:30 | 15:30 | 16:10 | — | |
| 14:10 | 16:10 | 16:50 | — | |
| 14:50 | 16:50 | 17:30 | — | |
| 15:30 | 17:30 | 18:10 | — | |
| 16:10 | 18:10 | 18:50 | — | |
| 16:50 | 18:50 | 19:30 | Last trains |
Larrun fauna: species you’ll love
The Pottok: the emblematic Basque pony
One of the mountain’s symbols is the Pottok, a small Basque horse that has lived for centuries in the wild on these slopes.
Two types are distinguished:
Mountain Pottok: lives freely for more than 9 months a year.
Meadow or sport Pottok: more accustomed to human contact.
The Manech sheep
A traditional red- or black-headed breed, famous for its silky wool and for its role in producing Ossau-Iraty PDO cheese, one of the gastronomic treasures of the Basque Country.
The griffon vulture
The griffon vulture is crucial to the mountain’s ecological balance. With a wingspan that can reach 2.7 meters, it feeds on carrion, keeping the ecosystem clean and balanced.
The train collaborates with the association HEGALALDIA for the rehabilitation and release of birds.
Larrun flora: a preserved botanical treasure
Drosera, the mountain’s tiny carnivore
Among Larrun’s botanical surprises stands out Drosera rotundifolia, a carnivorous plant that attracts insects with its shiny sweet droplets. It is a protected species that shows the area’s ecological richness.
Preserving the environment is essential: every plant, rock, and species is part of a fragile balance that we must respect.
🥾 Looking for spectacular hiking routes?
Check out our guide to
routes through the Irati Forest.
👨👩👧👦 Ideal for families with children: discover the Xorroxin waterfall and its easy trail.
Special experiences to enjoy the Larrun Train
“In the footsteps of smugglers”
One of the most popular experiences is this guided visit that follows real smuggling stories, secret routes, and local anecdotes.
Perfect for curious travelers and history lovers.
An ideal trip for families, couples, and adventurers
The Larrun Train suits all audiences:
Families with children
Couples looking for a romantic plan
Hiking enthusiasts
Visitors to the Baztan Valley who want to round off their getaway
Tips for your excursion to La Rhune
Best time to go up
Spring and summer offer the best weather, but autumn is ideal for those seeking peace and reddish landscapes.
Don’t miss the return train
Timetables are strict, and it’s important to plan your ascent and descent to avoid setbacks, especially in high season.
Clothing and footwear
Even if you go up by train, the summit is usually colder and windier. We recommend:
Comfortable shoes
Windbreaker jacket
Sun protection on clear days
If you want to discover the most authentic flavors of the valley, visit our complete Baztan gastronomy guide:
Click here.
Family plan on the Larrun Train
Enjoy an unforgettable family day riding the legendary Larrun Train, a perfect experience for young and old alike. This historic rack railway will take you to the summit of La Rhune, at 905 meters above sea level, on a route full of nature, spectacular scenery, and the magic of the Basque Country.
Along the way you can observe animals in the wild such as the famous pottokas, Manech sheep, or the majestic griffon vulture. Once at the summit, a 360° viewpoint awaits with breathtaking views of the Basque coast, the Landes, and the Pyrenees. An ideal setting for taking photos, breathing fresh air, and enjoying a family moment.
At the summit you’ll find restaurants, souvenir shops, and perfect places to rest or have a drink before starting the descent.
The trip is safe, comfortable, and designed so that both children and adults can enjoy a unique experience among nature, culture, and fun.
A perfect plan to disconnect, learn, and share special moments as a family. Ride the Larrun Train and discover an adventure you’ll remember forever!
After the visit, we decided to stay at Casa Angiz, in Sunbilla. And I must say it was the best choice of the trip. The proximity to the caves made the journey short and comfortable, and when we returned we were greeted by an atmosphere of total peace. After an intense day of sightseeing and adventure, the calm you breathe at Casa Angiz is a gift. Sleeping surrounded by nature, with the silence of the Baztan valley and the Baztan-Bidasoa as a soundtrack, was simply spectacular.
Best experiences on the Larrun train.
| Experience | Short description | Approx. duration | Season | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided visit “In the footsteps of smugglers” | Tour with a local guide who tells real smuggling stories, old routes, and anecdotes from the area. | 2h 30min | All year (depending on schedule) | Book |
| Privilege Journey (guide + priority access) | Premium experience with guide, detailed explanations, and priority boarding to make the most of the summit. | 2h 30min — 4h (depending on option) | Spring – Autumn (check) | Book |
| 360° panorama and photography | Viewpoint with views of the Basque coast, the Landes, and the Pyrenees — ideal for panoramic photography. | 1h 20min at the summit | All year (depending on opening) | Book |
| Family plan | Activity designed for families: short routes, pottok sightings, and picnic areas at the summit. | 2h 30min | Spring – Summer | Book |
| Wildlife observation and bird release | Activities organized in collaboration with HEGALALDIA: release of rehabilitated birds and talks on conservation. | One-off event (varies) | According to the association’s calendar | More info |
| Local tasting: Ossau-Iraty | Opportunity to try cheeses and local products in summit cafés or craft stalls. | Variable | All year (depending on service) | Book |
| Hiking and guided routes from the summit | Marked trails and guided excursions departing from the upper station to explore the massif. | 1h – 4h | Spring – Autumn | Book |
| Sunrise / sunset photography | Special departures to capture the best moments of the day — check availability in advance. | Special departures | High season / Selected dates | Info / Book |
| Note: Always check availability, schedules, and prices on the official website before booking. The train is closed in winter and reopens in March 2026. | ||||
🌿 Where to stay near the Larrún Train?
I stayed at Casa Angiz, a rural house with views over the valley and a silence that is much appreciated after a day of excursions. Its location allowed me to go to Larrún and also visit Elizondo, Amaiur, Urdax, and the Señorío de Bertiz without rushing.
If you’re looking for nature, peace, and nearby activities, Casa Angiz is the perfect place. I highly recommend it. 💚
🏡 My experience staying at Casa Angiz
After enjoying the excursion to the Larrún Train, I decided to stay at Casa Angiz… and what I found exceeded my expectations. I was welcomed by a quiet little house, surrounded by green mountains, with that forest smell that makes you breathe differently. No noise, no rush. Just nature and calm.
One of the things I value most when traveling is feeling “at home,” and at Angiz that feeling appears from the very first minute. Breakfast with views of the valley, hearing the birds when you wake up, returning from a hike and lighting the fireplace… these are small moments that turn any getaway into a special memory.
In addition, its location is perfect for lovers of routes, viewpoints, and charming villages. From the house I was able to visit incredible places such as Elizondo, Amaiur, Urdax, the Señorío de Bertiz, or the Bidasoa Greenway. Every day there was something different to discover: trails through forests, fascinating caves, movie-like landscapes, and the best gastronomy of Navarre.
If you feel like disconnecting, exploring, and experiencing nature calmly… I recommend Casa Angiz without hesitation. It’s the kind of home where you arrive for a getaway and end up wanting to stay longer. 🌿💚
👉 Book your getaway to Casa Angiz and discover Baztan at your own pace.
❓ Common questions from our guests
Here are some of the real questions our guests usually ask before coming to
Casa Angiz. We answer them all from our own experience and with one clear goal:
to make your stay unique and unforgettable.
Remember that we help you book and organize any plan or route you need.
🧭 Is it easy to organize routes and plans from Casa Angiz?
Yes, and you don’t have to worry about anything. Many guests tell us they arrive a bit lost
with so much information about the Baztan Valley and surroundings, so we take care of
helping them choose routes according to the time they have and their fitness level.
We send you personalized suggestions for walking routes, visits to charming villages, family plans
and excursions such as the Larrún Train. If you need it,
we help you book activities and organize each day of your getaway.
🌿 “We’re looking for peace and quiet — do you really rest well?”
This is one of the most repeated comments: “we slept better than we had in a long time”.
Casa Angiz is in a very quiet setting, surrounded by nature, with no traffic noise or urban bustle.
If you come specifically to disconnect, breathe fresh air, and slow down,
you’ll notice it from the very first day. And if you want to combine relaxation with activity,
we suggest gentle routes or walks through nearby villages.
🚗 “Do I need a car to get around the area?”
The most convenient option is to come by car or have a vehicle, because that way you can make the most of your visit:
Baztan Valley, Señorío de Bertiz, caves, viewpoints, nearby coast…
Even so, if you don’t like driving too much, we help you plan routes by day
so you don’t have to make long trips. Many guests appreciate that we
organize a simple plan with recommended stops and places to eat.
👨👩👧 “We’re traveling as a family — are there plans for children?”
Yes, and they’re often the trips they enjoy most. Several families have told us their little ones
had a great time with the easy routes, the Larrún Train, the river, the villages, and the animals.
We can suggest child-friendly plans, with short routes, play areas,
snack spots, and activities they usually enjoy. If you tell us the children’s ages,
we’ll prepare tailored recommendations.
🌧️ “What if the weather is bad — is it still worth coming?”
Several guests have told us that even in the rain they enjoyed their stay immensely.
The valley in the mist has a special charm and there is always something to do:
visit villages, try local gastronomy, go to caves, or walk through protected forests.
If the forecast isn’t favorable, we suggest alternative indoor plans
or short routes to make the most of the moments when the sky clears.
Our goal is for you to go home feeling you’ve had a complete experience.
📍 “We find it hard to choose what to see — can you guide us with a plan?”
Of course. This is one of the most common requests. Many guests write to us saying
they don’t know where to start, and that’s normal: Navarre and Baztan-Bidasoa have so much to offer.
Before you arrive, or once you’re here, we can help you organize each day:
which village to visit, which route to take, where to eat, and what to see along the way.
That way you make the most of your stay without spending hours looking for information.
💬 “Do you really provide as much support as the reviews say?”
We try to, always. Many of the reviews we receive highlight precisely
the friendly treatment, personalized recommendations, and help organizing the stay.
We like you to feel that, in addition to accommodation, you have someone in the area who
guides you, answers your questions, and suggests plans based on your tastes.
If you want a very active getaway, we fill your days with routes.
If you prefer calm, we suggest gentle walks and quiet spots.
In short: from Casa Angiz we help you book and organize any plan or route you need
so that your stay is truly unique and unforgettable.
