The forest historically provided timber for the Spanish Royal Navy to construct warships in the 18th century.
It is home to the Irati River, which originates at the confluence of the Urtxuria and Urbeltza streams.
The forest contains significant remnants of megalithic structures, including dolmens and tumuli dating back to the Bronze Age.
The Irabia Reservoir, located in the heart of the forest, was built in the early 20th century to store water for timber floating.
The region maintains a unique cultural heritage influenced by Basque traditions and historical transhumance routes.
The forest floor is renowned for its high density of fungi, particularly during the autumn months.
The Selva de Irati is the second-largest and best-preserved beech and fir forest in Europe, covering approximately 17,000 hectares in the western Pyrenees. It spans the border between northern Navarre, Spain, and the Labourd and Soule regions of France. The landscape is dominated by the Irati River, which has been dammed to form the Irabia Reservoir. The area is a protected Special Protection Area for birds (SPA) and is included in the Natura 2000 network. Centuries of sustainable forestry and its relative isolation have allowed for high levels of biodiversity, including rare species like the white-backed woodpecker and the Pyrenean desman. The forest contains several marked hiking trails ranging from gentle valley walks to more strenuous ascents into the surrounding mountains. Access to the interior is managed through entry points at Orbaiceta and Ochagavía.
The western bank of the Irabia Reservoir reflecting the surrounding beech canopy.
Register your vehicle at the entry control points during peak autumn season to manage parking capacity.
Carry offline GPS maps as cellular reception is non-existent within the forest interior.
Layered waterproof clothing is essential, as the Pyrenean microclimate can trigger sudden rainfall.
Do not attempt to navigate forest tracks in standard low-clearance vehicles during heavy rain or snow; avoid visiting on weekends in October unless arriving early in the morning.
Access fees for parking are typically applied during the high season in autumn and summer months; vehicle access to specific forest tracks may be restricted during winter due to snow.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive undergrowth; keep dogs on a leash; do not forage for mushrooms without the required local permits.
