Leurtza Reservoirs from Sunbilla: routes, parking and complete guide
The Leurtza reservoirs are among the quietest and most photogenic landscapes in northern Navarra. Two small bodies of water surrounded by beech forest form a Natural Recreation Area between Urroz and Beintza-Labaien, with routes for several ability levels and particularly striking autumn scenery.
From Sunbilla they work well as either a half-day excursion or a full day out. Visitors can choose between a short waterside walk, an adapted trail and a longer circular hike climbing through woodland and mountain passes.
Leurtza reservoirs: quick facts
• Access: from Urroz along an approximately 5 km paved rural road.
• Adapted trail: 2 km and about 30 m of elevation gain.
• Short route: 3.5 km and around 60 m of elevation gain.
• Long route: about 9 km and 452 m of elevation gain.
• Parking: paid in high season; advance booking is recommended in summer.
• Landscape: Atlantic beech forest, two reservoirs, Leurtza stream and megalithic heritage.
• Current notice: at the September 2026 review, the adapted trail was listed as not passable Monday to Friday until further notice.
1. How to reach Leurtza
The usual approach is through Urroz. From the village, an approximately 5 km paved rural road climbs to the information point and parking area where the three marked routes begin.
The final road is narrow and mountainous, so drive slowly. During high season the car park is paid and advance booking can prevent arriving when all spaces are taken.
Leurtza reservoir from the dam. Photo: Txo / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0.
2. Short route: the easiest option for a first visit
The short route is around 3.5 km with only about 60 m of elevation gain. It loops around both reservoirs and offers water, woodland and interpretation points without turning the day into a demanding hike.
It is the best choice for families, visitors who prefer a relaxed walk or travellers combining Leurtza with another place on the same day. Even the easy paths can be slippery in wet conditions.
3. The adapted trail
The adapted trail is approximately 2 km long and circles the lower reservoir. It includes features designed for visitors with reduced mobility and visual impairment, including a prepared surface, edging, benches and interpretive signs.
Navarra tourism notes that some ramps exceed an 8% gradient. It also carried a temporary notice at our September 2026 review stating that the adapted trail was not passable Monday to Friday until further notice. Check the official status if accessibility is essential to your visit.
4. Long route: 9 km through water and beech forest
The long itinerary extends to roughly 9 km with 452 m of ascent. Navarra tourism classifies it as medium difficulty and describes it as a circular hike around the Leurtza stream basin.
After crossing the upper reservoir dam, the trail climbs towards Zumardena pass, connects with sections of the GR12 and reaches higher ground with broader views over forest and surrounding mountains.
Leurtza reservoirs. Photo: Francis Vaquero / Turismo de Navarra / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
5. Beech forest and wildlife
One of the area's main attractions is the contrast between water and beech forest. The long route follows habitat used by the common frog and other species associated with humid Atlantic woodland.
The experience changes with the season: spring brings water and intense green, summer provides shade, autumn makes the beech forest the main visual attraction and winter requires more attention to mud, cold and daylight.
6. Old paths and megalithic heritage
The longer route is not purely natural. It passes remains of the old Eltzaburu road and can be linked with megalithic elements in the area, including the Pittortzar dolmen when following the GR12 towards Belate.
Leurtza also preserves other prehistoric traces around the recreation area, making it a landscape where nature and human history overlap.
Leurtza menhir. Photo: Uranzu / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
7. Parking and high-season booking
The recreation-area car park is paid during high season. Navarra tourism recommends booking in advance during summer, when demand can be high.
For weekends, public holidays and holiday periods, check the official reservation website before leaving. Controlled access helps reduce overcrowding in a natural area with limited capacity.
8. How much time should you allow?
For the short circuit and a few photo stops, allow around 90 minutes to two hours. A relaxed visit with a picnic can easily fill half a day.
The long route takes roughly three hours as a general reference, plus breaks, photos and travel time from Sunbilla.
9. Leurtza with children
The short route is a strong family option because the distance is manageable and the mix of woodland, water, dams and small bridges keeps the walk varied.
It is still a natural area rather than an urban park. Supervise children beside the water, stay on marked paths and use suitable footwear in wet conditions.
10. What to bring
For the short route, comfortable footwear, water and clothing suited to the forecast are usually enough. For the long route, hiking footwear, food, a waterproof layer and sufficient phone battery are sensible.
In autumn and winter, pay attention to shorter daylight hours. Woodland becomes dark earlier than open terrain and the surface can remain wet for longer.
11. Combine Leurtza with other places
Leurtza combines well with Doneztebe/Santesteban and Donamaria for a day focused on Malerreka. It can also be treated as a standalone excursion during a longer stay in Sunbilla.
Other days can be used for the Bidasoa Greenway, Bertiz, Elizondo, Amaiur or Zugarramurdi and Urdax, keeping each day at a comfortable pace.
Where to stay for visiting Leurtza
El Eco de los Robles is in Sunbilla and works as a base for Malerreka, Baztan-Bidasoa and other parts of northern Navarra. The whole house sleeps six guests with two additional places and includes a garden, seasonal swimming pool, barbecue area and private parking.
A multi-day stay in Sunbilla makes it easy to devote one day to Leurtza while keeping the rest of the trip open for different routes, villages and excursions.
Frequently asked questions about the Leurtza reservoirs
Where are the Leurtza reservoirs?
They are located between Urroz and Beintza-Labaien in northern Navarra. The usual access is from Urroz along an approximately 5 km paved rural road.
How many marked routes are there at Leurtza?
Navarra tourism describes three marked options: a 2 km adapted trail, a 3.5 km short route and a longer route of about 9 km.
Is the short route difficult?
No. The short circuit is about 3.5 km with roughly 60 m of elevation gain and goes around both reservoirs.
How long is the long route?
The longer itinerary is around 9 km with about 452 m of elevation gain and is classified as medium difficulty.
Do you need to reserve parking?
Parking is paid during high season, and Navarra tourism recommends booking in advance during summer.
Is the adapted trail currently open?
At the September 2026 editorial review, Navarra tourism reported that the adapted trail was not passable Monday to Friday until further notice. Check the official status before travelling.
Is Leurtza suitable for children?
Yes, especially the short route around the reservoirs. Choose the itinerary according to the children's age, weather and trail conditions.
Sources consulted
Official Navarra tourism information for the Leurtza reservoirs and the Baztan-Bidasoa trail guide, including distances, elevation, difficulty, access, parking and current notices.
Information reviewed in September 2026. Route incidents and parking conditions can change, so check official information before travelling.
Image credits
Cover image: Francis Vaquero / Turismo de Navarra / Wikimedia Commons, Leurtza reservoirs, CC BY 4.0.
Interior image 1: Txo / Wikimedia Commons, Urroz embalse de Leurtza, CC0 1.0.
Interior image 2: Uranzu / Wikimedia Commons, Leurtza zutarria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comments