The Basque Country: Wild, Beautiful and Fantastic!

A typical picture of the beautiful and rugged coastline in the Basque Country. The Atlantic Ocean can be rough.

The Basque Country is an adventurous little country of about 7,200 km2 and with about 2 mio inhabitants. An area that not many tourists visit. It is a piece of Spain that lies north on the Atlantic coast and where the high Pyrenees mountains are behind you.

There is a lot of green. Sometimes wild; sometimes friendly and very different from what we are used to in Denmark. The Atlantic ensures that the climate is cooler than the Mediterranean, and it rains many days a year. But despite that, it is an incredibly beautiful and lovely area to visit.

One of the most distinctive features of the Basque Country is its unique language, Euskara. Unlike most European languages, Euskara is not part of the Indo-European language family, making it an enigma with no known linguistic relatives. Its complexity and age have puzzled linguists for centuries, and the continued use of the language in Basque society reflects a strong commitment to preserving the region’s cultural heritage.

The Basque people have a long history of navigating challenges while maintaining their identity. The region’s landscape, which includes both mountains and coastlines, has played a significant role in shaping the Basque way of life. The combination of fishing and agriculture – shepherds still exist – has produced a culture that honors tradition and self-sufficiency.

Despite periods of political and social turbulence, the Basques have managed to preserve their cultural expression through dance, music and traditional sports such as “pelota”, a ball game with roots dating back centuries. The Basque Country has won international recognition for its unique and delicious cuisine. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, Basque cuisine is a fusion of tradition and innovation. Pintxos, small snacks served on toothpicks, are a hallmark of Basque culinary culture and can be found in bars throughout the region. In addition, the Basque Country is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing the region’s culinary creativity on a global stage.

While the Basque Country is rooted in tradition, its urban centers, particularly Bilbao and San Sebastián, are dynamic hubs of modernity and innovation. Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial port to a cultural center is a testament to the region’s adaptability. The iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, with its striking modern architecture, welcomes visitors from all over the world and has become a symbol of the city’s renaissance.

The Basque flag can be seen everywhere.

Another scenic picture of the coastline.

The Basque population fought against Franco during the Civil War.

The green mountains give you another dimension of the Basque Country. Not only beaches.

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