Climb to the Summit of La Rhune in the Basque Country
A must-do activity in the Basque Country and the southwest of France, the ascent to the summit of La Rhune offers visitors plenty of surprises, emotions, and breathtaking landscapes. From the Saint-Ignace Pass, board the cogwheel train that will take you to the mountain's summit, right at the doorstep of Spain. Along the way, admire the wild horses roaming freely, the lush green hills, and, in the distance, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay.
Several trails lead to the summit of La Rhune, allowing you to choose based on your desired hiking duration and the difficulty of the terrain.
Learn more about the stunning hikes in the Basque Country.
From Sare
Enjoy this hike to the fullest. This excursion offers breathtaking panoramic views. Rated as moderate, the entire route takes approximately three and a half hours. Start by parking your vehicle in the municipal pool parking lot. The hike begins along the "from pass to pass" trail, easily identifiable by its yellow markers. When you reach the railway tracks, leave the marked trail to begin the ascent to La Rhune. The path is physically demanding, but the reward at the summit is the stunning vistas. A loop trail is available for the descent.
From Saint-Ignace Pass
The starting point of this hike is the cogwheel train station. Most hikers choose to climb La Rhune on foot. The route is characterized by significant elevation gain, made even more challenging by the rocky sections towards the end of the hike. Along the way, hikers may encounter pottoks, the iconic Basque ponies. The ascent takes around three hours, while the descent takes two to two and a half hours. Alternatively, hikers can enjoy a more relaxed descent aboard the small train by booking tickets at the starting station before beginning their adventure.
From Ascain
Park at the Carrières parking lot, the first road on the right after passing the town hall as you head towards Sare. The hike takes over two hours uphill and about 1.5 hours downhill. The steep, rocky path makes this route physically demanding.
From Olhette
From the Trabenia hamlet, you have several options. You can pass by the Col des Trois Fontaines and the Arano Xola hut. Another trail, marked red and white (GR), leads via the Venta de Yansola. Regardless of your choice, the ascent takes 2 to 3 hours, while the descent requires 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Lizuniaga Pass
Many hikers also reach the summit of La Rhune from the southern slope. Starting at Lizuniaga Pass, near Sare, this route offers the chance to admire a mosaic of fascinating landscapes. However, the trail is more technical, and the ascent alone takes about three hours.