Ekoetxea Meatzaldea
Environmental education centre for the mining territory of Bizkaia, with an exhibition on iron mining and the landscape, in Gallarta and Peñas Negras.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Ekoetxea Meatzaldea is an environmental information and education centre in the Basque Government's ekoetxea network, run by Ihobe. It has two sites in the mining area of Bizkaia: the main one in Gallarta (Abanto Zierbena), overlooking the Concha 2ª mine, the last active mine in Bizkaia, and the one in Peñas Negras, in Ortuella, near the La Arboleda mining district and the gateway to the protected biotope Meatzaldea-Zona Minera de Bizkaia.
The permanent exhibition and audiovisual presentation explain iron ore as a resource, the history of the mining basin, the settlements, geomorphology, flora and fauna, and show how human activity has transformed the landscape. The centre also has a viewing terrace, a documentation centre and restored pieces from former mining operations.
From the sites, self-guided routes lead to points of interest in the mining heritage, such as the Corta de Bodovalle, the loading station of the Peña Mora aerial tramway, the Plano Inclinado de La Elvira, the calcination kiln of La Mina Lejana and the Urallaga Cave.
Highlights
- Exhibition and audiovisual presentation on iron mining and the transformation of the landscape
- Gallarta site overlooking the Concha 2ª mine, the last active mine in Bizkaia
- Second site in Peñas Negras, gateway to the protected mining-area biotope
- Self-guided routes through the mining heritage of La Arboleda and surroundings
- Programme of activities and workshops for families and adults
Permanent exhibition
- Exposición permanente de Meatzaldea – Exhibition and audiovisual presentation on iron ore, the history of the mining basin, the settlements, geomorphology, flora and fauna, and human influence on the natural environment.
- Operated by
- Ihobe (Gobierno Vasco)
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The programme of activities includes workshops and experiences for families. At weekends, self-guided activities with games and quizzes can be done.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gallarta is served by Bizkaibus lines A3336 (Bilbao–Muskiz), A3338 (Muskiz–Getxo), A3340 (Bilbao–Gallarta) and A3333 (Santurtzi–Gallarta; connection with the metro at Santurtzi and Portugalete), and by the C2 Cercanías Renfe line (Bilbao–Muskiz). To reach Peñas Negras, take the Valle de Trápaga-Trapagaran funicular to Larreineta and then a bus to La Arboleda, or the Bizkaibus line Santurtzi–La Arboleda.
By car
Parking available
By car to Gallarta via the A-8 (E-70): exit 131 (Zierbena/Gallarta) from Bilbao or exit 132 from Santander.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Viewing terrace, picnic area, documentation centre and video room.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for school groups with prior registration (October to June) and for other organised groups are available. The general public can visit the centre all year round and follow the self-guided routes. |
