Lintzoain: Camino de Santiago, hiking trails and cultural heritage

Lintzoain brings together two key landmarks: the French Way of the Camino de Santiago passes through the village on the Roncesvalles–Zubiri stage, and Lintzoain lies on the N-135 between Pamplona and Roncesvalles. The pilgrimage route and the road therefore provide two concrete reference points for planning your trip.

Lintzoain on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago

The Roncesvalles–Zubiri stage is 21.65 kilometres long, has an elevation change of 318 metres and is of moderate difficulty. These figures refer to the stage as a whole and can help you assess the route when planning your day. Map updates may cause slight changes to the measurements.

On this stage, the route to Lintzoain passes through a forest, goes by the remains of the former Venta del Puerto inn, and then descends steadily. The forest, the ruins of the former inn and the subsequent descent define this section. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Hiking and archaeological sites

From Lintzoain, signposted circular hiking trails lead towards Egietako Gain, Erro and Esnoz. These three destinations give you specific points of reference for planning your hike. Check the signage and trail conditions locally.

An archaeological route starts in Lintzoain and leads to the Otsogalla Dolmen and Alto de El Fuerte. A route description published in 2012 gives its length as six kilometres. Check trail conditions before setting out, as the description reflects conditions at the time.

The Otsogalla Dolmen is located in Lintzoain. What remains are a mound and several stones from the chamber; parts are covered by vegetation, and the dolmen is in poor condition. The remains are therefore best viewed carefully, rather than expecting a fully exposed monument.

At Alto de El Fuerte, a ditch surrounds the highest point. The hill was used during the Carlist Wars because of its strategic location. The landform and its historical use go hand in hand: the ditch is the distinctive feature at the highest point, while the strategic location explains its use at the time.

Church and architectural history

The Church of San Saturnino in Lintzoain was built in the 13th century and remodelled in the 16th century. Its architecture combines the austere simplicity of the Romanesque style with Gothic elements; the building also has an original square tower.

Romanesque and Gothic styles appear here side by side as distinct forms of expression. Together with its history—built in the 13th century and remodelled in the 16th—the church offers a tangible introduction to the village’s cultural heritage.

The landscape of the Erro Valley

The communal mountain areas of Lintzoain are part of the Erro-Roncesvalles Mycological Park. The park’s main roads and paths are signposted. Its forests belong to the Natura 2000 network and the Monte Alduide Special Area of Conservation.

The wider landscape of the Erro Valley is also worth exploring: the northern half has numerous beech forests due to high rainfall, while Scots pine forests predominate in sub-Mediterranean habitats in the south. This regional contrast adds a broader perspective on the valley to Lintzoain’s specific routes and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Aspurz, Zizur Mayor, Mélida, Fontellas, Bera, Viana, Adiós, Pueyo

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.