Olarizu Cross Viewpoint
Iconic cross atop Mount Olárizu offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Alava region and Vitoria city.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Olarizu Cross Viewpoint
Best Time
Best visibility for views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic cross atop Mount Olárizu offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Alava region and Vitoria city.
"Fantastic viewpoint atop Mount Olárizu, with perfect views of the entire Alava region."
Check the Weather First
Clear skies are essential for the amazing views! ☀️ Check forecasts before you go.
Choose Your Path Wisely
Steeper routes for a challenge, gentler paths for a leisurely walk or cycle. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Olárizu Cross
Summit of Mount Olárizu
A prominent cross offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Alava region and Vitoria city.

Panoramic Alava Views
Olarizu Cross Viewpoint
Gaze upon Gorbeia Natural Park and the sprawling landscape of the entire Alava region.

Vitoria Cityscape
Olarizu Cross Viewpoint
See the entire city of Vitoria laid out below, especially stunning on a clear day.

Olárizu Lake
Base of Mount Olárizu
A serene lake offering a peaceful contrast to the summit views, perfect for a stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessing the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Weather First
Clear skies are essential for the amazing views! ☀️ Check forecasts before you go.
Choose Your Path Wisely
Steeper routes for a challenge, gentler paths for a leisurely walk or cycle. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Especially if you plan a longer hike or cycle. Stay hydrated and energized! :water_wave: :apple:
Great for Outdoor Activities
Popular for cycling, running, and walking. Enjoy the fresh air! :bike: :runner:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First
Clear skies are essential for the amazing views! ☀️ Check forecasts before you go.
Choose Your Path Wisely
Steeper routes for a challenge, gentler paths for a leisurely walk or cycle. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Especially if you plan a longer hike or cycle. Stay hydrated and energized! :water_wave: :apple:
Great for Outdoor Activities
Popular for cycling, running, and walking. Enjoy the fresh air! :bike: :runner:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely stunning panoramic views from the Olarizu Cross Viewpoint, stretching across the Alava region and Vitoria city. It's a highly recommended spot for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, offering accessible routes for various fitness levels. Some note that it can get busy on weekends, and clear weather is essential to fully appreciate the scenery.
"Amazing views"
Simon Schebinertt
"Fantastic viewpoint atop Mount Olárizu, with perfect views of the entire Alava region, including Gorbeia, and even the entire city from that perspective. You can go up the mountain by taking a more roundabout route or directly, but with a steeper slope."
Alonso Lopez
"A great place to go cycling, running, or taking a walk and enjoying the views. When the weather is nice, you'll bump into people and the walk becomes pleasant. From the top of the cross, you can see all of Vitoria. Very beautiful."
Christian Lacunza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The viewpoint is atop Mount Olárizu, accessible from Vitoria-Gasteiz. You can drive to a parking area near the base and then hike up, or take public transport to a nearby stop and walk. There are various trails, some steeper than others, suitable for hiking, running, or cycling.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the base of Mount Olárizu, making it convenient for those arriving by car. From there, you can begin your ascent.
Absolutely! Olarizu is a popular spot for cyclists, with routes ranging in difficulty. Many enjoy the scenic ride up the mountain.
The difficulty varies depending on the chosen route. Some paths are steeper and more challenging, while others are more gradual and suitable for a leisurely walk. Assess your fitness level before choosing your trail.
You can drive, take a bus to a stop near the Olárizu area, or even cycle directly. The choice depends on your preferred mode of transport and how much of the journey you want to make on foot or bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Olarizu Cross Viewpoint and the surrounding natural area is free. There are no admission fees.
The viewpoint is an outdoor natural area and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to enjoy the views.
To avoid crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially during good weather, tend to be more popular with locals.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting on the trails. The primary attraction is the daytime panoramic view.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors are expected to respect the natural environment and follow any posted guidelines for conservation.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
From the summit, you get spectacular panoramic views of the entire Alava region, including Gorbeia Natural Park, and the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz spread out below.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Choose gentler trails for younger children, and enjoy the open space and beautiful scenery. The lake at the base is also a nice spot.
While the viewpoint itself is a natural spot, there are usually parking areas and sometimes picnic spots. The nearby Olárizu Lake area might have more amenities.
The time to reach the top varies greatly depending on the chosen route and your pace. A moderate hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
Absolutely! The panoramic views, the cross itself, and the cityscape offer numerous stunning photo opportunities. The golden hour light can be particularly magical. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There aren't typically restaurants directly at the viewpoint. However, you can find dining options in Vitoria-Gasteiz or in smaller towns nearby. Packing a picnic is a popular choice for visitors.
Yes, packing a picnic is a fantastic idea! There are often designated areas or scenic spots where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the views.
The Basque Country is known for its delicious cuisine, including pintxos (tapas), fresh seafood, and hearty meat dishes. Look for local specialties when dining in Vitoria.
It's unlikely you'll find cafes directly on the hiking trails. It's best to bring your own refreshments or plan to eat before or after your visit. :coffee:
Anywhere with a good view! Many visitors find spots along the trails or at the summit to be ideal for a picnic lunch. The area around Olárizu Lake also offers pleasant picnic locations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists and Runners
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Many visitors enjoy combining their visit with other outdoor activities. The area is popular for cycling tours and trail running. When planning your route, consider the weather conditions, as trails can become slippery after rain. Wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for comfort and safety, especially on the steeper sections. Remember to stay on marked paths to protect the environment and ensure your own safety.
Capturing the Views
For the best photographic results, aim for clear weather days to maximize visibility. Early mornings or late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' offer the most dramatic lighting and softer shadows. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a telephoto lens to zoom in on details of the city or distant mountains. Don't forget to capture the journey up the mountain as well, as the trails themselves offer beautiful scenery. :camerawithflash:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit