Nature

Arrikrutz, the Caves of Oñati

If one day you want to become a speleologist, come to this underground temple called the Sixth Continent. Come and meet Arrikrutz!

Practical information

Location

Adress: Araotz auzoa 75, 20567, Oñati (Gipuzkoa)
Email: arrikrutz@onati.eus
Telephone: 943 08 20 00

Visits

Visit on a walkway
EspeleoTxiki, fun in family
EspeleoArrikrutz, adventure in the cave
Bookings: order online or +34 943 082 000.

Notes

No pets are allowed.
Temperature inside the cave: 10ºC.
It is essential to be at the Interpretation Centre 15 minutes before the start of the guided tour. (It is recommended to be in the parking lot 30 minutes before the visit).

In the neighborhood of Araotz (Oñati), in the heart of the Aizkorri mountain range, one of the largest caves in Gipuzkoa is located within the most unique karstic landscape of Euskal Herria. In the Lower Cretaceous, which was founded over 100 million years ago, there is a 15-kilometer development through interconnected galleries.

This water-carved gale for centuries is peculiar to its paleontological discoveries. In addition to the traces of the hairy rhino or giant deer, mention should be made of the many cave bear bones found there, as well as the complete skeleton lions in the caves of the entire peninsula.

The Interpretation Center is the entrance point to Kobeta. It's about 200 meters from the parking lot. He informs the visitor of the discoveries in the cave, from which begins the exploration of the underground world.

The reception, in addition to being the point of entry merchandising in Kobeta, is also the starting point of the geological route. On this route the visitor will be able to see minerals and rocks of the Basque Country.

You have three types of visits to visit the airfield: a regular passerelle visit, EspeleoTxiki activity and EspeleoArrikrutz adventure.

Arrikrutz: among prehistoric animals

Oñati-Arrikrutz Cave is unique for the paleontological discoveries made. Traces of the Woolly rhinoceros (Coleodonta antiquitatis), the Cave hyena (Crocuta crocuta spelaea) and Irish elks (Megaloceros giganteus) have been found, and the various skeletons of the Cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) are worth mentioning too. Nevertheless, the most important discovery so far has been the complete skeleton of the Eurasian Cave lion (Panthera leo spelaea). This skeleton, vestige of one of the biggest felids in our surroundings, is the first discovery made in Spain.