Parque de Ametzola

Ametzola Park sits in Bilbao's Recalde district, on the left bank of the Nervión river. The site once carried the southern railway tracks running through the city, and today it's one of the greenest, most-used public spaces in this part of Bilbao.

Why is there a park here instead of railway tracks?

Until the late 19th century, Ametzola was rural land belonging to the municipality of Abando, dotted with farmland and scattered farmhouses, and it sat outside Bilbao's city limits altogether. As industry and the railway expanded, the area turned into a rail junction that for decades acted as a physical barrier separating the Ensanche from the Recalde neighbourhood.

That changed with a special urban renewal plan (PERI), which called for rerouting and burying the railway line, building a new station, adding new housing, and opening a public park for everyone to use. The project was designed by architects Javier López Chollet and Marta Dalmau, and the park opened in 2004. The redevelopment was carried out by Bilbao Ría 2000, the company responsible for reclaiming former industrial land across the metropolitan area for green public use.

What will you actually find there?

The park covers roughly 36,000 square metres and holds more than 450 different plant species, making it one of the botanically richest parks in the city. Its centrepiece is a pond of nearly 1,000 square metres, ringed by walking paths. Above the train station, now tucked underground, rises a pergola — a distinctive architectural feature that ties the park directly to the transport infrastructure beneath it.

Another focal point is a 12-metre aluminium sculpture by Miquel Navarro, one of the park's more recognisable artistic touches. Older kids and teenagers gravitate toward the dedicated skate and parkour zones, while anyone looking to stay active can use the marked 1.2-kilometre running and walking loop that circles the grounds.

How do you get there, and when's the best time to visit?

The park sits directly above Ametzola train station (Renfe Cercanías), which makes it easy to reach by public transport from central Bilbao. Admission is free, and the park is open daily — generally from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM in summer, and until dusk in winter. Morning or late afternoon tends to be the nicest time to visit, when the light flatters the greenery and the pond, and temperatures are more comfortable for walking or running.

Given how close it sits to the Recalde district and the train station, the park works well as a stop along the way between central Bilbao and other parts of the city — you don't need to plan a separate trip, just fold it into whatever route you're already walking.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry to Ametzola Park is completely free and open to everyone, year-round.

What's the fastest way to get there? Take the Renfe Cercanías train to Ametzola station — it sits literally underneath the park, so you're there the moment you walk up the stairs.

Is there anything for kids and teenagers? Yes, the park has dedicated skate and parkour zones popular with older children and teens, plus wide lawns and paths that work well for younger kids too.

How much time should I plan for a visit? A relaxed walk around the pond and paths takes about 30–45 minutes, but if you want to use the 1.2 km running loop or just sit by the water for a while, plan for an hour or more.