Astorkigane Pass Road Through Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

The Astorkigane Pass Road is situated in the Basque Country, Spain, within the province of Biscay. It connects the towns of Ermua and Gernika-Lumo, traversing a region characterized by a mix of natural landscapes and small settlements. The road passes through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a protected area recognized for its ecological significance and biodiversity. The route also runs adjacent to the Lea River for a portion of its length, adding to the natural context of the ride. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road extends approximately 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) and features an asphalt surface rated as good quality. It is predominantly two lanes wide (about 91%) with a small section of single-lane road (around 5%). The width of the road is mostly wide (about 87%), with some middle-width sections (12%). The route is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 1.81 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Elevations along the road range from 15 meters (49 feet) at the lowest point to 351 meters (1,152 feet) at the highest, reflecting its mountain pass status. Speed limits vary between 30 and 60 km/h (19 to 37 mph), appropriate for the road's characteristics and safety considerations.

The defining feature of this route is the Astorkigane mountain pass, which provides a gradual ascent and descent through the Basque hills. The road's passage through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve means riders experience a protected natural environment with diverse flora and fauna. The reserve is a UNESCO-designated biosphere, emphasizing conservation and sustainable use. The Lea River runs alongside the road for about 9% of its length, offering scenic water views and contributing to the area's ecological richness.

The road passes through several small settlements, including Berreño auzoa, Ziortza-Goierria auzoa, Berezipe kalea, and Simon Bolibar plaza. The towns of Ermua and Gernika-Lumo mark the start and end points of the route, respectively. Ermua is located approximately 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) from the road's starting point, while Gernika-Lumo is just over 1 kilometer (0.7 miles) from the endpoint. These towns offer cultural and historical points of interest, complementing the natural surroundings of the ride.

The road is open year-round, but riders should be aware that mountain pass roads in this region can be subject to seasonal weather conditions that may affect riding safety. There are no tolls or entrance fees associated with this road, but conditions may change, so it is advisable to check local traffic information before planning a trip. For more information on road tolls and fees in Spain, visit the official Dirección General de Tráfico website.