Gernika → Lezama
A demanding-profile stage through inland Biscay, climbing Monte Billikario and crossing the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
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Hills and valleys of inland Biscay
Leaving Gernika means facing the day's biggest challenge right away: the climb up Monte Billikario, with almost 300 metres of ascent in barely 3 km. From there, the Camino crosses the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve through forests, farmhouses and green meadows, on a profile of successive hills and valleys, always away from the coast.
After Eskerika, the route picks up stretches of asphalt, leaving the old path behind as it descends towards the Asúa valley. The final stretch, from Goikolexea to Lezama, is practically flat, already hinting at the first industrial grey of the Bilbao metropolitan area.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A profile of successive hills and valleys, with a demanding climb up Monte Billikario at the start and a flat final stretch towards Lezama.
Scenery
Forests, farmhouses and green meadows within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Path type
Mountain and inland trails as far as Eskerika, with stretches of asphalt on the final approach to the Asúa valley.
Villages
Small rural hamlets of inland Biscay, with Eskerika and Goikolexea marking the final stretch.
Water points
Available in the rural hamlets along the way, though it's best not to rely solely on them during the initial climb.
Shade
Good tree cover through the Urdaibai stretch, more open on the final approach to Lezama.
Traffic
Generally low, with a bit more on the asphalt stretches near the Asúa valley.
Key tip
Take the climb up Monte Billikario calmly right after leaving Gernika: it's the main challenge of an otherwise manageable stage.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Accommodation in Lezama
Lezama has a small municipal albergue run by volunteers. Indicative price per night.
Albergue de peregrinos de Lezama
A 20-bed municipal albergue at the Centro Cívico Uribarri Topalekua, run by the Asociación de Hospitaleros Voluntarios de Bizkaia. Open from 1 June to 30 September; outside season it's best to plan accommodation in Bilbao, very close by.
Refuelling on this stage
Services are limited during the mountain section; Lezama offers a bar and restaurant option at the end of the day.
Simple local options
A small town, already almost within the Bilbao metropolitan area, with a bar and restaurant to refuel.
Historic stops on this stage
Monte Billikario
The day's most demanding climb, with almost 300 m of ascent in barely 3 km, right after leaving Gernika.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
The Camino crosses this UNESCO-designated reserve through forests, farmhouses and green meadows of inland Biscay.
The last stretch of old trails
From here the route picks up asphalt, leaving the traditional mountain path behind.
Crossing the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is one of the greenest stretches of the entire Camino del Norte: take the time to enjoy it before approaching Bilbao.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Gernika has good train (Euskotren) and bus connections to Bilbao.
If you need to head back from Lezama: there's a bus connection to Bilbao, a very short distance away.
What to know before this stage
Pace the climb up Monte Billikario
It's the main demand of the day, right after leaving Gernika: don't push the pace from the first kilometre.
Check the opening dates of the Lezama albergue
It only opens from June to September; outside that season, Bilbao offers alternatives close by.
Enjoy the Urdaibai stretch
It's one of the most valuable natural settings of the whole stage; there's no need to rush through it.
Get ready for a change of scenery
The stage ends already hinting at the industrial, metropolitan surroundings of Bilbao.
Don't ruin this stage
Leaving Gernika too fast
The climb up Monte Billikario arrives right away, so it's best tackled with fresh legs.
Not checking whether the Lezama albergue is open
It only operates from June to September; outside those dates you'll need another plan.
Rushing through Urdaibai
It's one of the greenest stretches of the Camino del Norte, ideal for enjoying without hurrying.
Underestimating the stage because of its moderate distance
Despite the 19.8 km, the initial climb makes it more demanding than it looks on paper.
Everything you're wondering before this stage
How many kilometres from Gernika to Lezama?
What is Monte Billikario?
What is the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve?
Where can I sleep in Lezama?
What if the Lezama albergue is closed?
Is this stage difficult?
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