🌉 The Rabia Bridge in Zubiri: legend, history and a descent to enjoy with caution
After leaving Roncesvalles behind and overcoming the Alto de Mezkiritz, the French Way begins one of its most talked about descents: the descent to Zubiri, heart of the Esteríbar valley. A beautiful stretch, covered with beech forests and green shadows, but also technical and rocky, which requires attention and experience if faced by the original route of the Camino.
For bicigrinos seeking tranquility and safety, our recommendation is clear:
👉 descend by road.
The alternative paved descent offers a smooth ride, open views of the valley and the possibility of enjoying the environment without taking unnecessary risks. In contrast, the traditional trail – narrow, with loose rocks and uneven sections – can be very demanding, especially for those traveling with panniers or in wet conditions.

🏞 Zubiri, the village of the Arga River
Zubiri, whose name in Basque literally means “the village of the bridge”, welcomes the pilgrim with an idyllic landscape: the murmur of the Arga River, stone houses, and above all, its most famous emblem, the Rabia Bridge.
This medieval bridge with two Gothic arches, robust and elegant, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the French Way. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it was part of the ancient communication route between the Pyrenees and Pamplona. Its image, reflected on the waters of the river, invites to pause and silence.

🪶 The legend of the Rabies Bridge
Its name encloses one of the most curious and mysterious traditions of the Camino.
Legend has it that animals suffering from rabies were healed by passing three times under the arch of the bridge or by being led around its central pillar.
The myth goes back to ancient times, when the people believed that under the pillar were the remains of Saint Quiteria, protector of the sick and of those suffering from animal bites. For centuries, farmers from all over Navarre brought their livestock here in search of healing, perpetuating a tradition of faith and superstition that gave the place its name.
Beyond the legend, the bridge symbolizes the encounter between the sacred and the natural, the union between history and popular belief.

🚴‍♂️ Bicigrino Tips: how to face the descent from Mezkiritz
Technical difficulty: The original trail is narrow, with stretches of loose rocks and roots. It is easy to lose traction, especially in the rain.
Safe option: take the NA-135 road, which descends more gradually and connects directly to Zubiri. It is the ideal choice for those who prioritize control and comfort.
Enjoy the scenery: from the road there are spectacular views of the Esteríbar valley and the intense green of the Navarre forests.
Recommended stop: when you reach the bridge, stop for a moment. Cross slowly, listen to the sound of the water under the arches and feel that you are part of a history that has been flowing for centuries.

Zubiri, a well-deserved rest on the Camino
Zubiri is also an excellent resting point for the bicigrino. It has accommodation, stores, bars and areas to recharge your batteries by the river. From here, the Camino continues towards Pamplona, where the route opens up definitively to the Navarre plain.
But before continuing, it is worth stopping and looking back:
the Puente de la Rabia is not only a stone structure, but a symbol of the passage between the physical and the spiritual, between the effort of the mountain and the calm of the valley.

✨ In Bicigrino we always say it:
The Camino is not only measured in kilometers, but in emotions.
And crossing the Rabia Bridge in Zubiri is one of those emotions that remain forever engraved in the memory of the pilgrim.