La Rhune rack railway
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La Rhune - by Superbass (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
La Rhune is a mountain culminating at 905m located in the French Basque Country, at the border with Spain, which can be accessed by a rack train or hiking along a trail. The trains consist of a four-wheeled electric locomotive that pushes two coaches up the mountain and leads them down. They leave from the top of Col de Saint Ignace between Ascain and Sare and takes 35mins one-way for a 4.2km journey with a 1h55 interval between the beginning of the ride up and the ride down leaving customers with about 1h20mins at the top. The mountain is considered sacred in Basque mythology and there are some dolmens and other neolithic monuments on its flanks. It was also a smuggling route for refugees during the Spanish Civil War and WW2.
Access & Transport
There aren't many roads around, so it is quite easy to find the way: aim for Ascain if you are coming from the west or north (Saint Jean de Luz & Biarritz) and then continue on the D4 towards Sare until you reach the top of the short climb to the Col of Saint Ignace.
Instructions & Recommendations
This review is for the train ride but hiking up and down is also a good option, make sure you have proper footwear with you. Trains frequency is every 40mins or so and we strongly suggest booking ahead of time in July / August. Please check the latest schedule here and note the extended hours in the summer months: https://www.rhune.com/en/opening-hours/
Environmental & Social
The train is electrically powered. Good for the local community as it provides economic activity that benefits the local villages.
Conclusion
La Rhune makes for a nice hike or fun train ride but the price and limited capacity during the summer months can easily turn it into an irritating experience so our advice would be to hike up and down in July & August if your fitness allows (~2h up) - the views from the top are some of the best in the region.
Key positive
Fantastic panoramic views in fair weather
Close to the ocean
Key negative
Expensive tickets and limited capacity
Long lines both ways in peak season
Suitability
Suitable for all ages It is possible but not easy for people with reduced mobility to get on the train - there are 2 steps and wheelchair need to be folded (seating is on a wooden bench) but the staff will help.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:3h
Start of Season 1:Mar, 30
MONDAY09:15 - 18:50
TUESDAY09:15 - 18:50
WEDNESDAY09:15 - 18:50
THURSDAY09:15 - 18:50
FRIDAY09:15 - 18:50
SATURDAY09:15 - 18:50
SUNDAY09:15 - 18:50
Start of Season 2:Nov, 04
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY -
THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
SATURDAY -
SUNDAY -
Max total number:4
Max number of adults:2
Min.child age:4
Max.child age:12
Price for family€76