Aizpea Mines are one of the most interesting industrial heritage sites in the interior of Gipuzkoa. Located near the small village of Zerain, in the Goierri region, these former iron mines allow visitors to discover the mining tradition that played an important role in the economy of the Basque Country for centuries.
Iron extraction in the area dates back to medieval times, although industrial-scale activity increased significantly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The mountains around Zerain contained rich iron ore deposits that supplied local foundries and industries across Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia. Mining activity transformed the landscape and created jobs for generations of local families, although working conditions were often extremely hard.
Today, the mines have been converted into an open-air cultural and historical site that combines industrial heritage with nature. Visitors can walk along old mining routes, explore restored tunnels, and see the remains of the cable transport systems once used to move iron ore through the valley. Information panels throughout the site explain how the mines operated and how mining shaped daily life in the region.
One of the highlights of the visit is the underground gallery tour, where visitors can enter part of the original mine and better understand the difficult working conditions faced by miners.
The current site is well adapted for tourism and can easily be visited together with other attractions in Zerain. Guided tours depart from the Zerain Tourist Office every weekend and on public holidays. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and if the minimum group size of 6 people is not reached, the tour will be cancelled.
More info: https://goierriturismo.com/en/culture-en/zerain-the-mountain-of-iron/
Updated on September 23, 2026
