A Journey to Mondragon: An Eco Tour into the Heart of Cooperative Living
Tucked into the lush, rolling hills of Spain’s Basque Country lies a quiet revolution. Well, revolutionary then, and a hopeful re-revolution here in the states.
It’s one that’s been thriving for nearly 70 years.
Mondragon is a place where jobs and ownership is equal. It’s a place where worker-owned businesses thrive. It’s a living model of economic democracy, sustainability, and community resilience.
For eco-conscious travelers, a visit here is more than a tour; it’s a transformative experience that can reshape how we think about work, ownership, and the future of our communities.
The cost of living these days especially for our older and younger Americans, the American dream is more like an American economic nightmare. The high cost of food, shelter, healthcare and less and less livable wage jobs is a recipe for disaster. So, this concept of friends and communities creating their own homes, economy and health lifestyles, makes complete sense!
Ready to jump on board? Are you interested in visiting a place like this first?
The ideal time to explore Mondragon is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October). The shoulder season offers mild weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant landscapes, bonus for hiking the surrounding green hills or enjoying local harvests. Summer brings festivals and cultural events, but also higher prices and crowds.
Getting There: Air & Rail
Fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), the nearest international hub, which is well-connected to major European cities like Madrid, Paris, and Frankfurt. From Bilbao, take a train or bus to Arrasate-Mondragón, a scenic 90-minute journey through the Basque countryside. Euskotren and Renfe operate regular services, and buses run frequently from Bilbao’s Termibus station.
Where to Stay
For an immersive experience, book a room at Hotel Mondragón, a cozy, locally owned hotel in the town center. It’s walking distance from cooperative offices, local cafés, and artisan shops. Alternatively, eco-travelers might enjoy rural guesthouses (caseríos) in the surrounding hills, offering farm-to-table meals and a taste of Basque hospitality.
Participating in the Cooperative Experience
Start your visit at Otalora, Mondragon’s Cooperative Management and Development Center. Here, you can:
Join a guided tour of the cooperative network.
Attend a seminar on cooperative economics.
Visit Fagor, one of Mondragon’s flagship manufacturing co-ops.
Explore Mondragon University, where students learn cooperative leadership and innovation.
To arrange a visit, contact the Mondragon Corporation’s Visitor Program via their website: mondragon-corporation.com/en/visit-us. Tours are available in English and must be booked in advance.
For deeper engagement, consider enrolling in the “Keys to the Mondragon Cooperative Experience” course offered by Mondragon University, which includes both online learning and an optional in-person immersion.
Savoring the Local Culture
Between cooperative visits, explore the town’s vibrant markets, sample pintxos (Basque tapas), and sip txakoli, the region’s crisp white wine. Hike the trails above Arrasate for panoramic views or take a day trip to San Sebastián or Bilbao for art, architecture, and coastline.
A Lasting Impact
What makes a visit to Mondragon truly special is what you bring home. Hopefully, you will have met some friends and get inspired to introduce the idea to your communities at your local pub, church, library, school, family gatherings. Start or join worker cooperatives in your community or nearby communities, and help grow the re-revolution!
Advocate for economic justice and workplace democracy.
Launch community land trusts, food co-ops, or mutual aid networks.
Share what you learned through local workshops or storytelling events.
The Mondragon model proves that communities thrive when we work in the places we own, doing business within our communities where everyone works in the industry or arts they choose and are co-owners of the business or service- food /agriculture/ culinary / arts/education / community services/waste management and recycle/upcycle/ renewable energy/ building & design/ hospitality/ transit/ commuting /healthcare/etc. For those seeking more than a vacation, but a vision of a functioning co-existing world, this eco tour offers a rare glimpse into a future rooted in cooperation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Is There Anywhere in the US We Can Go to Tour a Community Model? Way To Go Ohio!
In Cincinnati, you can tour Co-op Cincy which supports co-ops in food, energy, childcare, and more. They host annual events like the Union Co-op Symposium, which includes site visits and workshops. Contact: coopcincy.org
In Cleveland, Evergreen Cooperative is a national model for urban cooperative development. Their tours showcase how these businesses operate with employee ownership and sustainable practices. Evergreen Cooperative Laundry, Green City Growers, and Berry Insulation. Contact: evgoh.com
Ohio Worker Ownership Network (OWN) is a coalition supporting co-op development across Ohio and offers resources, training, and connections to existing cooperatives. If you write to them, they may visit your community and help with your community launch! Contact: oeockent.org.
Let us know what your cooperative community is doing to change for the better!