Uterga

Uterga is a small village in Navarra on the Camino Francés, between Alto del Perdón and Muruzábal. It is one of the first villages pilgrims reach after the climb and descent from the famous ridge above Pamplona.

The village has a medieval history and was once a royal lordship. Records from 1280 mention Uterga paying an annual tax to the Crown of Navarra, and the Monastery of Santa María de Irache owned land in the area from at least the 12th century.

For pilgrims today, Uterga is a useful and welcome stop after Alto del Perdón. It has pilgrim accommodation, food options, a water fountain, and a quiet village centre with traditional stone buildings. The main local sight is the Church of La Asunción, a 16th-century church near the Camino route.

Uterga is not a large town, but it is practical. Many pilgrims stop here for coffee, lunch, water, or an overnight stay before continuing through Muruzábal, Obanos, and Puente la Reina. Services are more limited than in Pamplona or Puente la Reina, so it is still worth checking opening times outside the main season.