The bridge was modeled after the Inca suspension bridges in the Andes.
Original construction was commissioned to facilitate timber extraction from the Holzarte forest.
The floor of the bridge is composed of wooden planks that allow visibility of the canyon floor 150 meters below.
The bridge is located at an altitude of approximately 480 meters above sea level.
During the 2026 season, the site has remained a popular point of interest for trail runners and trekking enthusiasts.
The Olhadibi Gorge is part of the extensive geological system of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department.
The Passerelle d’Holzarte is a 70-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 150 meters above the Olhadibi Gorge in the French Basque Country. Constructed in 1920 by Italian workers from the Lombardi company, the bridge was originally designed to provide access for loggers working in the surrounding forest. The structure spans a narrow canyon carved by the Olhadibi river, which joins the Uhaitza river shortly downstream. Access to the bridge requires a steep, marked hiking trail starting from the Logibar lodge. The terrain is characterized by limestone cliffs and dense vegetation typical of the Pyrenees. It serves as a prominent node for hikers navigating the long-distance GR 10 trail. The bridge remains a structural marvel, secured by cables that anchor it to the rock faces on either side of the gorge. In 2026, the site remains an open-access hiking destination maintained by the local municipality.
From the trail path looking up toward the bridge before you begin the final approach to the crossing.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with aggressive tread, as the trail involves steep, uneven, and slippery sections.
Bring a backpack with sufficient water and snacks, as there are no amenities on the trail itself.
Check local weather reports for high wind warnings, as the bridge is exposed and can sway.
Do not attempt the hike in flip-flops or open-toed footwear. Do not veer off the marked path, as the gorge edges can be unstable.
Not recommended during winter months or heavy rain due to extremely muddy and hazardous trail conditions.
Avoid crossing with more than two people at a time to minimize excessive oscillation of the structure.
