The Holtzarte Suspension Bridge (Passerelle d’Holzarte) spans the dramatic Olhadubi Gorge in the French Pyrenees, very close to the Spanish border. This impressive structure offers visitors a thrilling experience and stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape.
The bridge’s construction dates back to 1920, built by workers seeking access to the forests on the opposite side of the gorge for logging purposes. Its design is a testament to early 20th-century engineering, utilizing a suspension system to traverse the deep canyon. The bridge is approximately 70 meters long and hangs around 180 meters above the river below, providing a dizzying perspective for those who dare to cross.
The Olhadubi Gorge itself is a remarkable natural formation, carved by the Olhadubi River over millennia. The steep, rocky walls of the canyon are covered in lush vegetation, creating a striking contrast with the exposed rock faces.
Visiting the Holzarte Suspension Bridge requires a hike through the surrounding forest. The most common starting point is near the Auberge Logibar in Larrau. The hike to the bridge is relatively short, taking 40 to 50 min, but can be extended to explore more of the area. The trail is generally well-maintained, but appropriate footwear is recommended due to the uneven terrain.
Trekking information
The route starts in the bridge located about 50 from the Auberge Logibar and follows a GR route. The first 400 meters of the route are flat and run through a forest alongside the Ohiadoko River. After that, the path begins to climb, with the river gradually getting farther below. The slope is quite steep in some sections, but the path is good. The incline ends about 500 meters before the end of the route, from where the bridge can already be seen in the distance.
- Route: Auberge Logibar – Holtzarte bridge – Auberge Logibar
- Starting point: Auberge Logibar in Larrau
- Ending point: Auberge Logibar in Larrau
- Distance: 4,66 km
- Time: 1 hour 45 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Wikiloc: Puente colgante de Holtzarte
Posted on November 1, 2025
