The garden is built around an ancient Quercus faginea forest, also known as the Portuguese oak, which is a protected natural habitat.
The central hill, Cerro de Olárizu, is a significant archaeological site containing evidence of a Bronze Age settlement.
The garden is structured to represent the varied biogeography of Europe, with specific zones dedicated to the flora of the Iberian Peninsula and neighboring European regions.
Every year on the first Monday of September, the local community gathers at the site for the traditional Olárizu pilgrimage.
The House of Dehesas functions as an interpretative center focused specifically on the historical and environmental importance of wooded pastures in the Iberian Peninsula.
The Olárizu Botanical Garden functions as a comprehensive repository of European forest ecosystems located on the southern edge of Vitoria-Gasteiz. It serves as the primary hub for the city's 'Green Belt,' featuring a diverse collection of trees and shrubs categorized by their natural botanical distribution. The garden is anchored by the House of Dehesas, a building dedicated to environmental education and the study of traditional Mediterranean silvopastoral landscapes. Visitors traverse a network of paths that wind through sections representing Atlantic and Mediterranean forest typologies. A prominent hill within the grounds, topped by a large iron cross, provides elevated views of the city and the surrounding Álava plain. The site integrates an arboretum with a sprawling oak forest that is estimated to be several centuries old. Ongoing efforts focus on restoring the area's biodiversity while maintaining a public space for ecological research and recreation.
The base of the large iron cross at the summit of the Cerro de Olárizu for panoramic views of the city.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to handle the gravel paths and the incline leading up to the summit cross.
Bring binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching, as the old oak forest attracts diverse local avian species.
Check the weather before visiting, as the site is highly exposed with limited shelter at the higher elevations.
Attempting to shortcut through the dense, unmanaged parts of the old oak forest, which can be damaging to the root systems.
Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate flora and archaeological deposits; respect the quiet nature of the environmental research areas.
