Foz de Lumbier
Foz de Lumbier is a deep canyon in Navarra carved by the Irati River over thousands of years, with steep rock walls that range in color from light gray to dark brown and are patched with green moss. The narrow passage features two tunnels cut into the stone, each over 150 meters long, along with the ruins of an ancient bridge and scenic viewpoints overlooking the river below.
The Irati River carved this canyon over thousands of years and remains the defining natural feature of the place. An electric railway line was built through the valley in the late 1800s, connecting Pamplona and Sangüesa and creating the first railway tunnels in the region, before the line was abandoned and the route transformed into a walking trail.
The place takes its name from the nearby village of Lumbier and was designated as a nature reserve in 1987 to protect its special landscape. Today it serves as a habitat for one of Europe's largest vulture colonies, visible from the walkway as the birds circle above the cliffs and nest on the rock faces.
The walking route is flat and easy to navigate, ideal for families with young children, and covers about 3.6 kilometers round trip with well-maintained paths suitable for strollers. A flashlight or mobile phone light is necessary to safely cross the dark tunnels, and sturdy footwear is recommended as the ground can be slippery near the edges and after rain.
A legend tells of the Bridge of the Devil, a former stone bridge whose ruins are still visible and tell of its dark history. The bridge was supposedly built in the 16th century but was destroyed by French soldiers in 1812, and now lies as a mysterious remnant in the valley that visitors can reach via a short side path.
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