Looking for a unique family getaway, filled with magic and art surrounded by nature? Then get ready to discover a hidden treasure in the Ugasko Forest in Artxanda. There, among the trees, lies a peculiar open-air “museum,” the work of a retiree with an astonishing talent for wood sculpture.
The Magic of Braña de Aineru
Imagine walking through the forest and coming across Majestic bison, eagles in full flight, galloping horses, and even lurking crocodiles… All carved with incredible precision from tree trunks! This is the fruit of the labor of Braña de Aineru, a 73-year-old man who, just three years ago, decided to unleash his creativity by signing up for sculpture classes. What began as a hobby has transformed into this magical forest we can enjoy today.
Braña, born in a small Cantabrian village near the Picos de Europa, but who has been a Bilbao native for over 50 years, has craftsmanship in his soul. As a child, he was fascinated by watching wood, stone, and clay being worked in the markets, seeing how “everything was so handcrafted.” Perhaps for this reason, all of his work is deeply inspired by nature.
Handmade art with respect for the environment
Each of the carvings in this forest has been made entirely by hand, using gouges, chisels, and axes. Braña works following the natural shapes of each tree trunk, making each piece unique and special. He also feels that working this way is safer and allows him to fully develop his artistic and creative abilities.
This isn’t the first “magical forest” Braña has created. A couple of years ago, similar sculptures adorned a nearby spot. Sadly, in November 2023, a group of unknown individuals completely destroyed those works. But Braña’s passion and spirit are unwavering. Little by little, this new forest is regaining its charm, and some of the figures we see today are restored pieces from the previous one.
The first figure he brought to life in this new space was a bison, inspired by those in the cave paintings he saw in southern France. He is currently working on a mikeldi, a Basque prehistoric figure. Hours and hours of work alone in the mountains have resulted in these wonders.
Braña de Aineru hopes that this new forest will be viewed with respect and that it will never be vandalized again. It is a gift for everyone, a space where art and nature merge thanks to the talent and dedication of this artist.
How to find this hidden treasure?
The path to Ugasko Forest is not marked, so you’ll have to be careful to find it. However, the effort will be worth it. It’s an ideal plan to spend time with the family, unwind, and enjoy these unique works of art.
We encourage you to discover this magical corner of Artxanda and support the art of Braña de Aineru with your respect and admiration!
