Untxillaitz, Mountain peak in Biscay, Spain
Untxillaitz is a limestone mountain in the Urkiola range standing at 934 meters, forming part of the region's mountainous landscape. Its northern face displays the striking Urresti rock formation, a defining feature of the peak.
The mountain's sides were shaped by quarrying operations that ran for several decades, with the Atxarte pass quarry eventually closing down. This industrial phase gave way to the landscape we see today.
The name comes from Basque words combining 'untzi' for rabbit and 'aitz' for peak, showing how the region's language shapes place names. Visitors walking here encounter these linguistic roots in everyday speech and local signage.
Several routes lead to the summit, with the path from Zelaieta neighborhood in Abadiano via Atxarte taking about one and a half hours. Sturdy footwear is essential since the trails become rocky and steep in sections.
The Urresti formation on the northern face serves as a nesting site for vultures that can often be seen circling overhead. At the same time, these rock walls offer numerous climbing routes, drawing climbers from across the region.
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