Waterfall of Xorroxin, Natural waterfall in Erratzu, Spain.
The Waterfall of Xorroxin is a natural waterfall near Erratzu that creates a vertical drop where water flows over moss-covered rocks and boulders. The cascading water forms a series of pools at different levels as it descends, each catching the flow from above.
The waterfall lies on the Iñarbegi stream, a tributary of the Bidasoa, in the Gorostapalo quarter of Erratzu, Baztan. The sources record no shepherds' gatherings here; what they do document is the 2014 flood, which badly damaged the path along the stream. Erratzu residents then restored the route through communal work (auzolan), rebuilding the narrow trail and its footbridges.
Basque legends say the lamias, women with fish tails or goat, duck or hen feet, combed their hair with golden combs at the pool below the fall, called Lamiputzu, where they hid a treasure. The goddess Mari, who lived in a cave on Mount Autza, and her companion Sugaar, a serpent, were also said to appear here. Xorroxin Irratia, a local radio station, takes its name from the waterfall.
Plan for a hiking journey of roughly 7 kilometers from Erratzu to reach the waterfall via a circular route that takes several hours to complete. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the paths can become slippery, especially near water and after rain.
The pool beneath the fall is called Lamiputzu, and legend says the lamias hid a treasure there. These Basque water beings were imagined as girls with a fish tail or goat, duck or hen feet, who combed their hair with golden combs. The radio station Xorroxin Irratia takes its name from the waterfall.
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