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Salto del Nervion

De Pancorbo a Orduña, Álava, País Vasco

Description

The Salto del Nervión is Spain's highest waterfall with the Delica river dropping 222m into the namesake canyon and becoming the Nervion river. Since this is limestone rock, there is siginificant water filtration and, most of the year, the water finds its way to the bottom of the canyon via underground routes.

Access & Transport

The waterfall is located at the border between the province of Alava (Pais Vasco) and that of Burgos (Castilla y León). From Bilbao or Vitoria, drive 40km to Orduña and from there you have 2 options: 1) go over the Orduña pass and turn left past the ruins of the sanctuary of Monte Santiago. From parking #3, it is a short walk to the viewpoints. 2) drive to Delika and then walk from there (you will be on the eastern side of the canyon). Blogs suggest the return hike takes 2h

Instructions & Recommendations

If you have flexibility, the waterfall is best enjoyed after a period of rain or during snowmelt season. Otherwise you run the risk of not seing much water at all. Also, it tends to be windy so take a windbreaker/jacket wih you

Meta review

The cascade is advertised as one of the most impressive natural features in the western Spanish Basque Country but, as statistically expected, most of the online reviewers state not having seen any water. That being said, they do mention that the views over the canyon were worth the drive and the walk. The route could be better indicated so do spend a few minutes looking at the map beforehand (but not Google map apparently) .

Environmental & Social

Green attraction with little infrastructure. Brings some small economic activity to surrounding villages

Conclusion

Considering there is no guarantee to see the cascade, we would recommend this activity for genuine outdoor enthusiasts who will be happy with the walk and views of the canyon. Spring is probably the best time of the year to get a chance to see meaningful water volume.

Key positive

Visually impressive scenery

Key negative

Unreliable waterfall

Suitability

Not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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