TELLBY
English
Nature

Hayedo De Otzarreta

Spain

8 story sections

Espectacular little beech forest in the Gorbea Nature Park.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to the Hayedo de Otzarreta, often described as one of the most magical and visually stunning forests in the world. Located within the Gorbeia Natural Park, this small grove of beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) offers a…

    Listen in the app
  2. 2The Anatomy of the Pollarded Beeches

    The defining characteristic of Otzarreta is the peculiar architecture of its beech trees. To understand why they look the way they do, we must delve into the history of Basque silviculture. …

    Listen in the app
  3. 3The Zubizabala Stream — The Forest’s Mirror

    The Zubizabala stream is the soul of Otzarreta. It is a slow-moving, meandering creek that winds its way through the center of the grove, its dark waters reflecting the grey trunks and green canopy above. …

    Listen in the app
  4. 4The Mossy Carpet — A World of Miniature Life

    One of the most striking features of Otzarreta is the incredible abundance of moss. It is everywhere—coating the trunks of the beeches, blanketing the exposed roots, and covering the rocks along the stream. …

    Listen in the app
  5. 5Charcoal Production — The Vanished Industry

    To fully understand the landscape of Otzarreta, one must imagine the forest as it was a hundred years ago—a place of industry and hard labor. The peculiar shape of the beeches is a living record of the 'ikatzainak' or charcoal…

    Listen in the app
  6. 6Autumn in Otzarreta — The Red Carpet

    There is perhaps no more iconic time to visit Otzarreta than the late autumn, specifically the window between late October and mid-November. During this brief period, the forest undergoes a dramatic transformation. …

    Listen in the app
  7. 7Photography and Conservation — A Delicate Balance

    The Hayedo de Otzarreta has become a global sensation in the age of social media, attracting thousands of photographers eager to capture its unique beauty. While this brings attention to the wonders of the Basque Country, it also…

    Listen in the app
  8. 8Closing

    Our journey through the Hayedo de Otzarreta has come to an end, but the images and feelings it evokes will likely stay with you for a long time. We have explored the unique anatomy of the pollarded beeches, those living monuments…

    Listen in the app

What is Hayedo De Otzarreta?

Hayedo De Otzarreta is a place in Spain with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationSpain
TypeNature
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates43.0488, -2.7127
Last updated
Listen in the app