Foggy Forests of Oiartzun
Photographer Oskar Zapirain captures eerie forests blanketed in thick fog, blurred light descending on green trees creating shade that blends in with the land covered in moss. Zapirain has been drawn to this landscape for years because of the unique light as well as the way it lures in the viewer into a mystical atmosphere.
The forest is located near the town of Oiartzun in Basque Country, Northern Spain. This particular forest is rare because of the regions charcoal production history. The trees were deliberately trimmed to be preserved, thus maintaining the integrity of the forest for future generations. The trees have since regrown with short trunks and extremely long brunches that are raised up like arms, adding a eerie feel to each of Zapirain’s photos. You can see more of his work on Flickr.
– via thisiscolossal.com
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Oianleku pollarded-beech woodland, Aiako Harria Natural Park, Oiartzun, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain (area reference)
- Coordinates
- 43.25144, -1.82818
- Access
- The Gipuzkoa provincial Oieleku route sheet describes an easy 3.8 km walk from the Kausoro Pass parking area on GI-3631 near kilometre 12.5, using the yellow-and-white marked PR-GI 1006. It follows forest tracks through municipal land in Aiako Harria Natural Park. The guide recommends walking clothes and footwear, water, a light snack and a phone. This is the Oianleku woodland route; it is different from the separate, difficult, unmarked Oiartzun River waterfall route.
- Admission
- The Gipuzkoa route guide presents Oieleku as a public walking route and lists no entrance ticket or visitor fee. It does not describe a staffed attraction or paid admission; check local notices for any temporary restrictions.
- Time needed
- Allow about 2.3 hours for the provincial guide’s 3.8 km Oieleku woodland walk. This is the route estimate, not time for a separate Oiartzun waterfall hike.
- Best season
- The route guide does not name a preferred season. A 2026 forestry field visit notes that rain is possible and recommends waterproof shoes and a raincoat; check trail and weather conditions before setting out.
- Opening hours
- No daily visitor hours are listed in the provincial route guide. The woodland is a public forest owned by Oiartzun Town Council and managed by Gipuzkoa’s Forestry Service; check local forestry or park notices for temporary restrictions.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-27
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-29
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
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I am trying to figure out how to visit this place but there is no information anywhere!!! Please, someone help!