Alt Pirineu Natural Park

Alt Pirineu Natural Park (Catalan: Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu) is in Lleida (province) of Catalonia. In the park stands out the Certascan lake, which is the largest glacial lake in Catalonia, or the Cigalera de l'Obaga de Valeran, a chasm 320 m deep and 365 m long. The mythical brown bear often wanders through the northernmost valleys. == Understand == It was born with a double vocation: on the one hand, to safeguard the values of this privileged area (the values of an extraordinary natural and monumental heritage, but also the values of an ancestral modus vivendi), geological, biological, ecological, landscape and cultural included in its scope and establish a management and planning regime aimed at the sustainable development of this territory, and on the other, to attract tourism sensitive to this rich traditional heritage and respectful of the landscape environment. Its logo represents a sexifolia, a flower with six petals. "As a symbol of the Natural Park, it represents one of the main values of this protected space: an exceptional nature shaped by human activity through a millenary culture." Among the natural values of the park, areas of geological interest stand out, such as the Certascan lake, which is the largest glacial lake in Catalonia, or the Cigalera de l'Obaga de Valeran, a chasm 320 m deep and 365 m long, and of biological interest, such as some unique species of flora and fauna, nine of which were declared strictly protected. This park continues across the French border in the 1 'Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées ariégeoises. (updated Aug 2025) and also across the border with Andorra in the 2 Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa. (updated Aug 2025) === History === Alt Pirineu Natural Park, the largest protected area in Catalonia, was officially established by decree on August 1, 2003, following negotiations from 2001 to 2003. The park covers nearly 80,000 hectares between Pallars Sobirà and Alt Urgell and includes Catalonia’s highest peak, Pica d’Estats (3,143 m), along with diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and endemic wildlife. Calls for protection date back to the 1930s, with significant advances in 1966 via the Alt Pallars-Aran National Hunting Reserve. Today, the park provides refuge for endangered species and preserves both natural and cultural legacies. === Landscape === The Park showcases dramatic Pyrenean scenery, blending alpine heights, glacial lakes and mosaic forests. Dominated by the Pica d’Estats (3,143m), Catalonia’s tallest peak, landscapes shift from Mediterranean holm oak stands in lower valleys to black pine and spruce forests and bright alpine meadows at higher elevations. Visitors encounter nearly 40 habitats, pristine rivers, and karst phenomena, with spectacular valleys such as Àrreu and Boavi offering tranquil walks through meadows and wetlands. Ancient villages and pastoral traditions add cultural depth to this wild mountain sanctuary, ideal for hiking and nature-watching. === Climate === Winters average -3°C to 5°C, while summers reach 10–18°C in valleys and stay cooler at altitude. Spring and autumn see rapid weather changes, with temperatures typically ranging 5–15°C. Even in July-August, nights can be quite cold above 2,000m. Layered clothing is advised, as visitors move between lush, sunny meadows and windswept summits. === Flora and fauna === In the lower parts there is still a strong Mediterranean influence, as indicated by the extensive holm oak forests of the rocky solells, but most of the territory is covered by vegetation of a Eurosiberian or borealpine character. At medium altitudes, Scots pine forests and various types of meadows (scythe or pasture) predominate, higher up there are black pine forests and spruces, and in the highest areas the landscape is dominated by natural meadows and rock vegetation. Of the long list of habitats represented in the park, nearly 40 are considered of Community interest at European level, some of which occupy large areas (black pine forests, high mountain scrub, grasslands, holm oak forests, etc.) The flora of the territory is around 1,500 species, among which there are a good number of Pyrenean endemics (plants that are only found in this mountain range) and also unique plants due to their rarity. Although the park is largely dominated by plants typical of siliceous soils, the presence in Alt Àneu of a group of high mountain species from calcareous soils, very rare in the whole of Catalonia, is very noteworthy. The most popular example of this group of species is the snow flower (Leontopodium alpinum), which is protected by law and has good populations there. Even more remarkable are some plants that have the only Catalan population in the park, such as the aquatic species Hippuris vulgaris, or that are almost not found anywhere else in the Pyrenees, such as Matthiola valesiaca. Although the wood in the area's forests has been traditionally exploited and there is no forest left that can be described as virgin, there are some particularly mature patches that have the characteristics of old forest, such as the forests of Cireres and Àrreu (Alt Àneu) or that of Arcalís (Alins-Àreu). The only tree that is listed as monumental is the Avet del Pla de la Selva (Alins), but large ones can also be found in many other places in the park. The Alt Pirineu Natural Park has the most complete representation of large fauna in Catalonia: the capercaillie has the largest Iberian population, the golden eagle, the vulture and the bearded vulture are frequent, six species of large herbivorous mammals can be observed (chamois, mouflon, roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, wild boar) and even the mythical brown bear often wanders through the northernmost valleys. The open environments of the alpine plateau have among their most notable inhabitants the white partridge, the white-winged sparrow and the rockhopper. In the high mountain forests, in addition to the capercaillie, the Pyrenean owl, the woodcock, the Pyrenean grackle and the marten are noteworthy. The extensive network of rivers in the park is home to good populations of trout and some unique semi-aquatic vertebrates, especially the muskrat - a small, endangered insectivorous mammal endemic to northern Iberian Peninsula - the otter, the water rat and the water blackbird. The above species are notable for their rarity or uniqueness in the context of Catalonia, but without a doubt the most relevant animal in the Park is the Pallaresa lizard. This species lives in the high mountains, is related to two other lizards from the Pyrenees and was discovered in the 1990s. It is endemic to a small area of the Pyrenees between the Mont-roig massif and western Andorra, so that most of its world population is within the boundaries of the natural park. === Tourist office === 3 Park main office (Seu del Parc Natural de l’ Alt Pirineu), C/ de la Riba, 1, 25595 Llavorsí, ☏ +34 973 62 23 35, pnaltpirineu@gencat.cat. (updated Aug 2025) 4 Brown bear house (Casa de l'Os Bru dels Pirineus), Carrer del Pont, 7, 25586 Isil, ☏ +34 973 083 044. Aug-Oct 10:00-14:00. (updated Aug 2025) 5 Oficina Municipal de Turisme d’Esterri d’Àneu, Carrer Major, s/n, 25580 Esterri d’Àneu, ☏ +34 973 62 63 45, turisme@esterrianeu.cat. (updated Aug 2025) 6 Tavascan Tourist office (Oficina Municipal de Turisme de Tavascan), Tavascan, ☏ +34 973 62 30 79. (updated Aug 2025) 7 Oficina Municipal de Turisme de la Vall de Cardós, ☏ +34 973 62 32 39, ajuntament@vallcardos.ddl.net. +34 973 62 31 22 (updated Aug 2025) 8 Àreu information point (Aparcament d'Àreu), Àreu. (updated Aug 2025) 9 Os de Civís information point (Centre de Visitants Terres de Frontera), Edifici de l'antiga escola, 25788 Os de Civís (road access to the village though Andorra). (updated Aug 2025) 10 Sant Joan de l'Erm Information Center (Punt informació de Sant Joan de l'Erm), Parking sant Joan de l'erm. (updated Aug 2025) 11 Rubió information point, N-260, Rubió. (updated Aug 2025) 12 Tírvia information point. (updated Aug 2025) == Get in == === By plane === The park is far from airports, being the closer ones Barcelona El Prat Airport BCN IATA in Spain 300 km (190 mi) and Toulouse–Blagnac Airport TLS IATA in France 220 km (140 mi). === By train === 1 la Pobla de Segur station, Plaça del Ferrocarril, la Pobla de Segur (take RL2 from Lleida, then take a bus to destinations near the park). (updated Aug 2025) === By bus === 2 Sort bus stop, Avinguda Comtes de Pallars, Sort. (updated Aug 2025) 3 Llavorsí bus stop, c-13, Llavorsí. (updated Aug 2025) 4 Esterri d'Àneu bus stop, carrer Major, Esterri d'Àneu. (updated Aug 2025) === By car === C-13 runs along the West side of the Park passing Sort and Esterri d'Aneu L-504 from Llavorsí - Ribera de cardós. L-510 from Tirvia to Areu N-260 runs along the South of the park from El Pont de Suert to La Seu d'Urgell The CG6 in Andorra until Os de civís (Spain). There is no road from Spain to Os de civis. You must go through Andorra! == Fees and permits == It's free to enter. Activities are regulated to protect the environment and maintain the park’s natural and cultural values. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and educational tours, but must follow designated trails and respect restricted zones, especially in sensitive habitats. Motorized vehicles are generally limited, and camping is allowed only in authorized areas. Fishing, hunting, and collecting plants require permits. Group activities and events often need prior authorization to ensure minimal impact. These regulations aim to balance recreation with conservation, preserving the park's biodiversity and landscapes for future generations. Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines for safety and environmental responsibility. further information at: Alt Pirineu Natural Park Activity regulations site == Get around == === 4x4 drive local taxis === The 4x4 drive local taxis are the best option to the private car when accessing the boundaries of the park. Check the taxi lists in each of the main valleys of the park, or calling the different town councils. === Parking === Village of ÀreuEntrance parking for the Pica d’Estats area. Book in advance for peak periods; from here, access the Boet forest track (La Farga, Pla de la Selva, Molinassa, Aixeus parkings). Fornet Refuge (Bonabé Valley): Parking next to the Fornet refuge, a great starting point for routes into Bonabé Valley. La Guingueta d’Àneu (Mollera d’EscalarreParking for wetland observation walks and short excursions around the Torrassa reservoir. Llavorsí(Information Centre): Administrative headquarters and main visitor office with parking, Carrer de la Riba, 1, 25595 Llavorsí, Lleida. Port de la Bonaigua: Parking at the summit area for trail access and connection to high mountain routes. Escaló: Parking near the medieval village for walks to Sant Pere del Burgal. Some remote valleys (Àrreu, Airoto) require parking at small villages (Boren, Isil, Alós) and hiking in. Always check local maps and seasonal restrictions before visiting. ==== Motorhomes areas ==== 5 Alins Motorhome area, Àrea d'autocaravanes, L-510, Alins. Max stay 48 hr. free. (updated Aug 2025) == See == === Les Valls de Cardós === 1 Estanys del Port and Mariola. Estanys del Port and Mariola. These two attractive lakes, on the border of Catalan territory, announce our arrival at the port of Tavascan, border crossing and access to the Arieges Pyrenees Regional Natural Park. (updated Aug 2025) 2 Certascan lake (Estany de Certascan). Naorte and Certascan lakes. A hundred lakes of glacial origin are scattered throughout the highest areas of the Park. Certascan, with 58 ha, is the largest on the southern slope of the Pyrenees, and Naorte stands out for its singular beauty. (updated Aug 2025) 3 Pla de Boavi. This water paradise formed by streams, birches and fir trees, surrounded by imposing mountains, does not leave visitors indifferent. The autumn colours make it a must-see. (updated Aug 2025) 4 Pica d’Estats. With its 3,143 m altitude, the roof of Catalonia majestically awaits the visit of the numerous hikers who want to add this emblematic mountain to the list of summits reached. (updated Aug 2025) 5 Santa Maria de la Llata church ruins (to the left of the Estaon River, east of Anàs and northwest of Bonestarre, approximately 200 m from each of the two towns). There is a lack of sufficient written information to document this chapel. For now, the only news available dates from 1758, the year in which the pastoral visit to the parish of Anàs was carried out: when describing its suffraganship of Bonestarre, the chapel of the Verge de la Llata is mentioned, which was "decent", and its building in good condition. In fact, the ruin of this construction began well into the 20th century. (updated Sep 2025) 6 Santa Eulàlia d'Estaon Church ruins, Estaon. It is documented in 1146 when it helped to support the church of Sant Martí de Cardós, belonging to the bishopric of Urgell. It was the parish church of the town of Estaon until the 18th century, when, due to the construction of a new temple, it became simply a chapel. In the 1920s, it was modified: the nave became a rectory and the Romanesque apse was demolished.The mural paintings that decorated it were transferred to different museums: in the National Art Museum of Catalonia, in Barcelona, there are the most complete ones, belonging to the apse, which represent the Pantocrator within a mandorla, surrounded by the tetramorph, two archangels, a seraphim and a cherub. In the Diocesan Museum of Urgell, those that decorated the north wall, with the theme of the Passion, are kept. (updated Sep 2025) 7 Cassibrós roman bridge, Vall de Cardós. Roman bridge over the Noguera de Cardós, with a single semicircular arch. The arch is formed by thin and very long slate slabs arranged radially like voussoirs. The rest of the structure, also made of slate, is smaller in size, and is all held together with mortar. The construction rests directly on the rock that emerges on either side of the river. It was part of the old Cassibrós road. (updated Sep 2025) === La Vall Ferrerra === 8 Pla de Negua. The ascent to this magical place will delight us with privileged views of the Ferrera valley and the Cardós valley. Accessible on foot, by mountain bike or all-terrain vehicle (updated Aug 2025) 9 Estany d’Aixeus. . Well protected by the peaks of Monteixo and Norís, this lake of an intense bluish color is hidden. Its surroundings are one of the best viewpoints over the Pica d'Estats. (updated Aug 2025) 10 Pla de la Selva. Surrounded by magnificent fir trees, the hillsides and meadows of the Pla de la Selva plain demonstrate the importance of livestock activity. (updated Aug 2025) 11 Vall de Tor. This narrow and isolated valley naturally connects the Ferrera Valley with Andorra. With a special atmosphere, it hides spectacular corners, such as the rocky spur of the Llumeneres rock, and outstanding representatives of the Pallars architectural heritage. (updated Aug 2025) 12 Sant Joan d'Àreu church ruins. Historically, it was a suffragan church of the parish of Sant Feliu, located in Força d'Àreu. When the category of parish of Força was transferred to the town of Baix d'Àreu, it was not Sant Joan who assumed this character, but remained as a chapel of the new church of Sant Climent and Sant Feliu d'Àreu. This is stated in a list of chapels and churches of the diocese of Urgell from 1904. (updated Sep 2025) 13 Santa Maria de la Torre church, Àreu. There is no clear documentary information about this building. In 1314, delegates from the archbishopric of Tarragona visited the parish churches of the deanery of Cardós. In this list, the name Santa Maria de Ça Tor appears, which could very well be the construction we are studying. In fact, however, the reason for its location in this place is not known, since it is an unpopulated place, and it could not have been for defensive reasons. In the pastoral visit of 1758, Santa Maria is mentioned as a chapel in the municipality of Àreu, next to the road from Alins to Àreu, on the left bank of the river. (updated Sep 2025) === Santa Magdalena === 14 Sant Joan Nou church, Tírvia. It is a chapel in the town of Tírvia. This church replaced another previous one with the same dedication that was about 25 m closer to the town. (updated Sep 2025) 15 Mare de Déu de la Pietat de Tírvia museum, Tírvia. It is located next to the Tírvia cemetery. Its plan gives clear indications of an early medieval origin, as suggested by Joan Camp in 1984. It could have served as a parish, as suggested by the presence of discoidal funerary steles in the grave adjacent to the hermitage. At the end of the 20th century it was in a very damaged condition. Restored in the early 21st century, it has lost its church functions and inside, the funerary steles are exhibited, museumized.The set of nine discoidal stelae located in the hermitage come from the village cemetery. It is a homogeneous set that could be dated between the 12th and 14th centuries. The base material used to make the drawings and inscriptions is quite hard stone. Most of them have decoration on one or both sides of the stone, alluding to the profession of the deceased, and in some cases inscriptions that indicate the name of the deceased, the author of the piece or make religious invocations. (updated Sep 2025) === Massis de l'Orri === 16 Comes de Rubió. Under the privileged watchtower of the Orri tower, the Rubió peaks open up, an area of meadows and black pines that offers walks and mountain bike routes from the guarded refuge of the same name. (updated Aug 2025) 17 Escaló chappel ruins (Capella d'Escaló). Its scanty remains are located near the town of Escaló, on the old road to Espot. The plan can barely be seen, especially in the apse area. (updated Sep 2025) 18 Castell de Berrós ruins (To reach the site, you must take the path that crosses the Costalada or Berrós stream from the town of Berrós Jussà, then continue west to the foot of a group of hills where you can see the castle.). The remains form a fortified complex set on two hills. On the first of these, further east of the town, you can see the remains of a square tower, defended to the east by a moat with a wall of well-cut ashlars of small construction. On the same hill you can also see several sections of a walled enclosure that descends westwards towards the second enclosure. On the second hill, much more fortified than the first, a perimeter wall is documented from which several bastions protrude, in addition to a large interior courtyard. At the highest part there is a square tower with the same construction as the one previously described. Around it, a series of rock cutouts can be observed that indicate the existence of a complex of buildings related to the activity of the castle, but of which it is not possible to establish their layout or functionality. (updated Sep 2025) === Other visits === Karst phenomena on the banks of Isil. Caves, chasms and springs appear scattered at high altitudes in Alt Àneu, the main high-mountain limestone area of the park. Mollera d'Escalarre. The tail of the Torrassa reservoir forms the main wetland area of the Park. An extensive riverside forest, reedbeds and open water areas make it a resting point for numerous birds on their migrations. Unarre, Àrreu and Airoto Valleys. These relatively little-traveled valleys are located in the northwest of the Park. Their paths give access to ponds and wetlands where water is the protagonist of the landscape. == Do == === Hiking === ==== Long range ==== Two long-distance routes cross the Alt Pirineu Natural Park. The best known is the GR-11, which crosses the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and, in an east-west direction, enters the Park through the Baiau pass (border with Andorra) and exits at Mont Caubo (between Estaon and Dorve). The second is the Alta Ruta Pyreneanca, a poorly signposted high mountain route, recommended only for experienced mountaineers. It follows a parallel route to the GR-11, but passes very close to the Pyrenean divide (border). The cross-border routes connect the GR-11 with its counterpart on the northern Pyrenean slope, the GR-10. They do so through the passes of Clavera, Aulà, Salau, Tavascan, Colatxo, l'Artiga and Boet. They are the result of an Interreg cross-border cooperation project between the Pallars Sobirà Regional Council, the Aran General Council and the Ariège General Council (France). The Alt Pirineu Natural Park provided technical support for the creation of the Pallars Sobirà sections of these itineraries. ==== Local hikes ==== (with distance in km, change in elevation in m, and expected duration) Estany del Port, 3.7km, 230m, 1hr 25min Pla de Boavi, 5km, 100m, 1hr 15min Pla de Boet, 4km 210m, 1hr 20 min La Canerilla, 2.5km, 30m, 35 min Ruta dels santuaris, 8km, 75m, 2hr La Gola i tres estanys, 8.3km, 600m, 3hr Itinerari de Montaner, 4.1km, 340m, 1hr 35min. Estany Arioto, 11.6km , 1140m, 5hr 40 min Mollera d'Escalarre, 9.1km, 30m, 2hr, handicapped friendly Sant Joan de l’Erm, 1km, 5m, 15 min, handicapped friendly === Ski === Tavascan - www.tavascan.net Virós-Vallferrera - www.totnordic.com Sant Joan de l’Erm - www.santjoandelerm.com Port Ainé - www.portaine.cat === Mountain biking === Check the tourist offices near your destination. for detailed information and maps. ==== Valls d'Aneu. North side ==== A1 La Mollera: Esterri – Escalarre – La Torrassa – La Guingueta – La Mollera – Salito – Esterri. 12,6 km +140 m 1 hr 30min. A2 La Pressalla: Esterri – La Colònia – La Presalla – Esterri. 5,2 km +10 m 30min A3 Dorve: Esterri – Escalarre – Dorve – Llavorre – Burgo – Escalarre – Esterri. 18,75 km +815 m 3 hr 15 min. A6 Mont Caubo: Esterri – Unarre – Burgo – Lo Calbo – Burgo – Escalarre – Esterri. 31,6 km +1.350 m 4 hr 30min A7 Girola: Esterri – València – Boren – Sorpe – Son – Esterri. 20,6 km +740 m 2 h 30min A8 Vola Àneu – Aran: Esterri – València – Boren – Montgarri – Bagergue – Salardú – Argulls – Bonaigua – Son – Jou – Esterri. 85 km +2.700 m 5 h A20 Bonabé: Alós d’Isil – Refugi Fornet – Montgarri – Refugi Fornet – Alós d’Isil. 35,2 km +700 m 2 h 15 min. A30 Isards: Unarre – Cerbi – Unarre 7,65 km +270 m 1 hr ==== East side ( Les Valls del Cardós area and Vall Ferrera Area ) ==== P1 Búnquers de Cardós: Ribera de Cardós – Surri – Anàs – Bonestarre – Cassibrós – Ribera de Cardós 8,4 km +335 m 1 h 20 min. P2 Corbiu: Refugi Pleta del Prat – Mirador del Corbiu – Trencacalders – Mirador del Corbiu – Refugi Pleta del Prat 14,6 km +510 m 2 h 40 min. P3 Pla de Boavi: Tavascan – Presa Montalto – Pla de Boavi – Presa Montalto – Tavascan 16,6 km +385 m 2 h 20 min. P4 Pla de Negua: Cassibrós – Ainet – Arrós – Esterri – Pla de Negua – Cassibrós 25,8 km +1.000 m 3 h 15 min. P5 Bosc de Virós: Bordes de Virós – Refugi Gall Fer – Buiro – Bordes de Virós 11,7 km +380 m 1 h 45 min. P6 Circuit del Ferro: Alins – Mirador del Cubil – Refugi Gall Fer – Buiro – Alins 38,3 km +1.335 m 4 h P7 Pla de Boet : Àreu – La Farga – Pla de la Selva – Pla de Boet – Pla de la Selva – La Farga – Àreu 23,4 km +900 m 3 h P8 Coma de Burg: Tírvia – Glorieta – Montesclado – Mallolís – Alendo – Farrera – El Farro – Tírvia 21,8 km +715 m 3 h P9 Coll de So: Tírvia – Burg – Farrera – Coll de So – Juberri – Montesclado – Glorieta – Tírvia 36,8 km +1.360 5 h P10 Ras de Conques: Civís – Coll d’Ares – Bordes de Jussà – Refugi Ras de Conques – Ars – Minestrells – Civís 31,8 km +1.090 m 3 h 45 min. P11 Gallina: Civís – Coll de la Gallina – Bixessarri – Os de Civís – Coll de Laquell – Coll d’Ares – Civís 35,4 km +1.490 m 4 h P12 Volta al terme de Montferrer. 110 km +3.245 m 13 h (1r dia) Montferrer – Ras de Conques – Santa Magdalena – Refugi Basseta (2n dia) Refugi Basseta – Sant Joan de l’Erm Vell – Port del Cantó – Guils – Vilamitjana – Montferrer P13 Tornafort: Tornafort – Bosc de Tornafort – Puiformiu – Tornafort 17,7 km +625 m 2 h P14 Freixa: Llagunes – Soriguera – Puiforniu – Tornafort – Freixa – Junyent – Port del Cantó – Rubió – Llagunes P15 Sant Jaume: Arestui – Sant Jaume d’Arestui – Arestui 16,5 km +550 m 2 h 15 min. ==== Sort. South West ( Massis de l'Orri ) ==== S1 Les Vernedes: Sort – Riu del Cantó – Sort 5,7 km +50 m 1 h S2 Sant Antoni: Rialp – Minicentral – Mola de Sall – Rialp 3,1 km +35 m 30min. S6 Els Santuaris: Pont d’Arboló – Arboló – Gerri de la Sal – Arcalís – Pont d’Arboló 17,9 km +650 m 1 h 40 S7 Vall de Siarb: Sort – Riu del Cantó – Llaveners – Puigforniu – Vilamur – Sort 25 km +760 m 2 h 30 S8 Volta al Pic de l’Orri: Vilamur – Port Ainé – Refugi Comes de Rubió – Les Collades – Vilamur 43,5 km +1.250 m 4 h 30 min. S8b Les Collades: Vilamur – Les Collades – Vilamur 21,7 km +775 m 2 h ==== La Seu d'Urgell. South East ( Santa Magdalena area ) ==== U43 La Seu: – Sant Joan de l’Erm La Seu – Bellestar – Comes de Burbre – Ras d’Ars – Santa Magdalena – Sant Joan de l’Erm – Vilamitjana – La Seu 72 km +2.500 m 7 h 20 min. U45 La Seu – Sant Joan de l’Erm per Castellbò: La Seu – Bellestar – Castellbò - Carmeniu – Refugi la Basseta – Vilamitjana – La Seu 47,2 km +1.300 m 4 h 40 min. U51 Santa Magdalena: Refugi la Basseta – Santa Magdalena – Creu de Bedet – Bordes de Jussà – Sta. Magdalena – Refugi la Basseta 37,9 km +680 m 3 h 40 min. U52 Sant Joan Vell: Refugi la Basseta – Sant Joan de l’Erm Vell – Refugi la Basseta 10,9 km +90 m 1 h U53 Pic de l’Orri: Refugi la Basseta – Sant Joan de l’Erm Vell – Port Ainé – Pic de l’Orri – Coll de Leix – Refugi la Basseta 35,9 km +950 m 3 h 30 min. U54 Prat Muntaner: Refugi la Basseta – La Culla – Prat Muntaner – Coll de Leix – Refugi la Basseta 24,3 km +490 m 2 h 20 min. U55 Coll de Leix: Refugi la Basseta – Coll de Leix – Refugi la Basseta 6,8 km +70 m 50 min. === Road cycling === C-13 runs along the West side of the Park passing Sort and Esterri d'Aneu. continue until Port de la Bonaigua. A great climb N-260 runs along the south of the park from El Pont de Suert to La Seu d'Urgell. There are many challenging segments in this route. === Water Sports & adventure === 1 Roc Roi ràfting, C-13 Eix del Pallars, Llavorsí, ☏ +34 973 62 20 35. (updated Aug 2025) == Buy == Formatgeria Girola, C. del Castell, 1. 25587 València d’Àneu, ☏ +34 658 326 437, cabrapirineus@gmail.com. Goat cheese and meat (updated Aug 2025) Biolord apples (Poma de muntanya Biolord), Ctra. Vella, 12. 25596 Escaló(la Guingueta d’Àneu), ☏ +34 660 196 682, dolors-escalo@hotmail.com. ecological mountain apples (updated Aug 2025) La Roseta de Gavàs, Casa Roseta. 25588 Gavàs.(la Guingueta d’Àneu), ☏ +34 973 250079, larosetadegavas@gmail.com. Goat cheese (updated Aug 2025) Bakery and pastry shop Ca la Gemma, Ctra. Vall d’Aran, 33, Baixos. 25595 Llavorsí, ☏ +34 973 621 126. Bread & pastry (updated Aug 2025) Cheese shop - Tros de Sort, Camí de les Vernedes, s.n.,25560 Sort, ☏ +34 973 621220, info@trosdesort.cat. cheese shop (updated Aug 2025) Salt mines and Gerri de la Sal museum (Salines i museu de Gerri de la Sal), Plaça Angel Esteve s.n.,25590 Gerri de la Sal, ☏ +34 679 152 875, saldegerri@gmail.com. Small artisanal salt production, using traditional methods and tools from over 2000 years ago (updated Aug 2025) Artetu-Leather craftsman., Disseminat, s.n.25591 Peramea (Baix Pallars), ☏ +34 610 880 423, artetucuir@gmail.com. Handcrafted pieces in tanned leather and innovations with Xisqueta sheepskin, using traditional and ancestral techniques. Recovery of the traditional shepherd's backpack (updated Aug 2025) Herbes de l'Alt Pirineu, Carrer Únic, 35. 25573 Araós (Alins), ☏ +34 655 927 780, info@herbesdelaltpirineu.com. Aromatic and medicinal herbs. Cultivated or harvested in an ecological way. They are dried and transformed in an artisanal way into infusions or condiments. (updated Aug 2025) == Eat == 1 Restaurant La Basseta, Montferrer i Castellbò, Alt Urgell, ☏ +34 973 298 015, info@santjoandelerm.com. from €15. (updated Jul 2026) === Picnic === Valls d’Àneu Fornet Area (Alós d’Isil): 2 picnic tables Mollera d’Escalarre Areas (La Guingueta d’Àneu): 4 contiguous areas with a total of 7 picnic tables and several interpretive panels. Estaron Area: 1 picnic table and 1 fountain Vall de Cardós Pont de la Bolle area (Tavascan): 2 picnic tables, next to the Tavascan river, and 1 interpretive panel Mare de Déu del Pont area (Lladrós): 2 picnic tables Fontifreda area (Esterri de Cardós): 1 picnic table and 1 fountain Sawmill area (Esterri de Cardós): 1 table and 1 hydraulic sawmill with 3 interpretive panels Cassibrós area: 3 picnic tables, 1 barbecue and 2 interpretive panels Pont de la Reguera area (Ribera de Cardós): 3 picnic tables Ginestarre area (Esterri de Cardós): 1 table, 1 fountain-washing station Vall Ferrera Plan de Boet area (Area): 2 picnic tables and 1 fountain Plan de la Selva area (Area): 2 picnic tables, 1 shelter and 2 interpretive panels Àreu area: 3 picnic tables, 1 fountain and 2 interpretive panels Sant Quirc area (Alins): 1 picnic table and 1 fountain Cassos Area and Viewpoint (Alins): 3 picnic tables, 1 fountain and 1 panoramic table Les Bordes de Virós area (Araós): 3 picnic tables, 2 fountains, 1 barbecue and 1 interpretive panel Sant Francesc area (Araós): 1 table and 1 bench Gall Fer Shelter area (Ainet de Besan): 2 tables Font de la Mola area (Tírvia): 3 tables and 1 fountain Area and Mirador del Roser (Tírvia): 2 tables, 1 fountain and 1 panoramic table Vall de Santa Magdalena Area of Bordes de Conflent (Os de Civís): 2 picnic tables and 1 fountain Area of Santa Magdalena (Farrera): 1 shelter, benches and 1 fountain Area of Refugi del Ras de Conques (Ars): 2 stone tables and 1 fountain 2 Area of Sant Joan de l’Erm (La Basseta). 12 picnic tables, 6 barbecues and 1 fountain. Parking. (updated Jul 2026) 3 Area of Bosc de Pallerols. 6 picnic tables, 1 fountain, 1 shelter and 1 interpretive panel. Parking. (updated Jul 2026) Massís de l’Orri (Llavorsí – Vall de Siarb – Arboló) Area of Rasos de Baiasca (Baiasca): 1 picnic table, 1 hut and 1 fountain 4 Area of Pla d’Artigues (Baiasca). 1 picnic table and 1 fountain (updated Jul 2026) Area of Sant Jaume (Arestui): 4 picnic tables and 1 fountain Area of Biuse (Llavorsí): 3 picnic tables, 2 barbecues, 1 fountain and 1 interpretive panel Area of Riberies (Llavorsí): 2 picnic tables, 1 toilet and 1 interpretive panel 5 Area of La Pega (Montenartró). 3 picnic tables, 1 fountain and 1 shelter (updated Jul 2026) * 6 Area of Sant Miquel (Roní), Port Ainé access road. 8 picnic tables, 4 barbecues and 1 fountain (updated Jul 2026) Area of the Camí de la Canerilla (Rialp): 1 picnic table and 1 fountain Sant Joan de Colinos Area (Beraní): 6 picnic tables Noufonts Area (Sort): 3 picnic tables and 1 fountain 7 Matraca Area (Sort):. 4 stone tables and 1 fountain. Parking. (updated Jul 2026) Solé Area and Mirador (Sort): 3 stone tables and 1 panoramic table Saverneda Area (Sort): 2 picnic tables and 1 sports area 8 Rubió Area and Viewpoint. 3 picnic tables and 1 viewpoint. Parking. (updated Jul 2026) 9 Comes de Rubió Refuge Area. 2 picnic tables and 1 fountain. Parking. (updated Jul 2026) 10 Port del Cantó Area, N-260 road. 5 picnic tables. Parking. (updated Jul 2026) Arboló Area (Arcalís): 1 large stone table next to the Sanctuary 11 Tornafort Area (Soriguera). 2 tables, 1 fountain. Parking. (updated Jul 2026) == Drink == Bars available in main villages in the area. == Sleep == === Lodging === Check hotels in the main villages around the Park: Sort, Esterri d'Aneu, Llavorsí . === Camping === 1 Càmping Bordes de Graus, Ctra. Pleta el Prat, Km 5; 25577 Tavascan, ☏ +34 973 623 246, +34 637 984 805, info@bordesdegraus.com. (updated Aug 2025) 2 Camping Llavorsi, Cami de Riberies, nº1, 25595 Llavorsí, Lleida, ☏ +34 609 924 927, info.campingllavorsi@gmail.com. (updated Aug 2025) 3 camping aigues braves, Carretera d’Esterri s/n, 25595 Llavorsí, ☏ +34 973 622 153. (updated Aug 2025) 4 Càmping Vall d'Àneu, ☏ +34 659 10 45 75, toll-free: +34 636 66 96 21, campingvalldaneu@gmail.com. (updated Aug 2025) 5 Càmping Nou Camping, Ctra. Valls d’Àneu, s/n,Lleida, España, ☏ +34 973 62 62 61, noucamping@noucamping.com. (updated Aug 2025) 6 Aigüestortes Càmping Resort, Ctra. C-13, 25580 ESTERRI D'ÀNEU, ☏ +34 973 62 62 63. (updated Aug 2025) 7 Càmping Del Cardós, Avda Hug Roger III, 2,25570 Ribera de Cardós, ☏ +34 973 623 112, info@campingdelcardos.com. (updated Aug 2025) 8 La Borda del Pubill, Carretera de Tavascan, Km 9.5, 25570 Ribera de Cardós, ☏ +34 973 62 30 88, info@campinglabordadelpubill.com. (updated Aug 2025) 9 les Contioles, ☏ +34 873 451 115 , +34691 446 762, campinglescontioles@gmail.com. (updated Aug 2025) 10 Càmping Serra, Carretera Tavascan, s/n, 25576 Lladorre, ☏ +34 973 623 117, campingserra@gmail.com. (updated Aug 2025) 11 Càmping Vall Ferrera, Carretera S/N, Alins, 25574 Lleida, ☏ +34 973624408, resbac@gmail.com. (updated Aug 2025) 12 Càmping Pica d'Estats, camping@picadestats.com. (updated Aug 2025) === Mountain refuges === Guarded refuges 13 El Gerdar, Alt Àneu, ☏ +34 619 044 476, refugidelgerdar@gmail.com. In the Gerdar forest, at 1,550 m, 26 places. (updated Aug 2025) 14 Alós refuge, Alós La Placeta, s/n (old school building), ☏ +34 644 045 719, info@refugidalos.com. (updated Aug 2025) 15 Del Fornet, Alt Àneu , Ctra. de Bonabé s/n, ☏ +34 973 091 156, refugidelfornet@yahoo.es. at 1,365 m. +34 618 146 705 (updated Aug 2025) 16 Certascan, Lladorre, ☏ +34 973 092 315, certascan.refugi@feec.cat. Next to the Certascan lake, at 2,240 m, 40 places. +34 647 961 946 (updated Aug 2025) 17 Pleta del Prat, Lladorre, ☏ +34 615 241 414, info@refugipelatadelprat.net. At the foot of the Pleta del Prat ski resort (Tavascan), at 1,720 m, 50 places. (updated Aug 2025) 18 Estaon shelter, Vall de Cardós, in the town of Estaon, ☏ +34 693 707 981, refugiestaon@gmail.com. 16 places. +34 973 083 090 (updated Aug 2025) 19 Vallferrera, Alins, ☏ +34 973 624 378, vallferrera.refugi@feec.cat. Next to the Areste ravine (Àreu), at 1,940 m, 60 places. +34 669 532 513 (updated Aug 2025) 20 Gall Fer, Alins, ☏ +34 654 757 221, refugallfer@gmail.com. In the Bosc de Virós, at 1,670 m, 30 places. (updated Aug 2025) 21 Arestui shelter (Alberg Refugi Arestui), C/Únic s/n (25595) Arestui, Llavorsí, ☏ +34 680 565 376, alberg-arestui@hotmail.com. 24 places (updated Aug 2025) 22 Alberg l’Abadia de Montenartró, Carrer Únic, 4, 25594 Montenartró, Lleida, ☏ +34 666 611 646, +34 666 611 557, info@abadiademontenartro.com. 20 places (updated Aug 2025) 23 Comes de Rubió, Soriguera, ☏ +34 973 107 475, info@refugicomesderubio.com. In Les Comes de Rubió, at 1,980 m, 50 places. +34 677 065 773 (updated Aug 2025) 24 La Basseta, Montferrer i Castellbò, ☏ +34 973 298 015, info@santjoandelerm.com. In Sant Joan de l’Erm, at 1,690 m, 93 places. (updated Aug 2025) 25 Ras de Conques, Valls de Valira, ☏ +34 973 091 154. In Ras de Conques, at 1,840 m, 16 places. (updated Aug 2025) El Gall Negre. Montferrer i Castellbò, in the village of Solanell. Tel. +34 973 298 584 El Cabirol. Montferrer i Castellbò, in the village of Solanell. Tel. +34 659 463 935/ hola@cabirolnatura.com Vall de Siarb. Soriguera, in the village of Llagunes, 23 places. Tel. +34 649 257 884/ info@refugivalldesiarb.com ==== Unguarded refuges ==== 26 Gràcia- Estany d'Airoto. Alt Àneu, at the foot of the Pic de Qüenca, at 2,200 m, 12 places. (updated Aug 2025). 27 Broate, Lladorre. In the Broate valley, at 2,200 m, 18 places. (updated Aug 2025) 28 Mont-roig “Enric Pujol”, Lladorre. Next to the Estany inferior de la Gallina, at 2,290 m,18 places. (updated Aug 2025) 29 Baiau “Josep Maria Montfort”, Alins. Next to the Estanys de Baiau, at 2,517 m, 18 places. (updated Aug 2025) 30 Baborte “Cinquantenari”, Alins. Next to the Estany de Baborte, at 2,400 m, 16 places. (updated Aug 2025) 31 Estany de la Gola., Guingueta d'Àneu. Next to the Estany de la Gola dam, at 2,231 maltitude, 10 places. (updated Aug 2025) 32 Peracalç. Cardós Valley, under the Soliguera Lakes, 2,020 m altitude, 5 places (updated Aug 2025) . 33 Fangassal, Lladorre. Under the Mollàs Lake, 1,880 m altitude, 8 places. (updated Aug 2025). == Stay safe == Staying safe in Alt Pirineu Natural Park involves several key guidelines designed to protect visitors and preserve the environment. Visitors are advised to use park information centers for orientation and always stick to marked trails, respecting restricted or private areas. Camping is limited to bivouac from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. above 2,000 meters, and campfires are prohibited except in designated barbecue areas. Always carry out your litter and keep dogs on a leash to avoid disturbing wildlife or livestock. Do not pick plants or feed animals. Emergency numbers and rules must be followed, and visitors should prepare for sudden weather changes, especially in high-altitude zones. Respect for private property and park regulations ensures safe, responsible enjoyment of this pristine mountain environment. Following these safety practices helps maintain the park's natural beauty and cultural heritage for all visitors. == Go next == Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park a park located at the West of Alt Pirineu Natural Park Sort. Main village in the area Andorra. Small country in the heart of the mountains, Alt Pirineu Natural Park shares border with it. Nature parks in Catalonia: List of parks in Catalonia National parks in Spain: List of National parks and Biosphere reserves in Spain