Esterri d'Àneu, in the Pallars Sobirà, Lleida, Catalonia

Alt Pirineu Natural Park

Lleida

It is the largest protected natural area in Catalonia

It is located below the highest peak of the Pyrenees, Pica d'Estats, and has an area of almost 80,000 hectares across the regions of Pallars Sobirà and Alt Urgell in the Lleida.

Accredited in 2023 with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST), this park stands out for its extensive pastures maintained by select livestock and emblematic animals such as the capercaillie, the bearded vulture, and the brown bear. It also boasts nearly a hundred glacial lakes, such as Certascan, the largest on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, majestic forests of fir, pine, birch, and oak trees, and a flora of around 1,600 species. Highlights include the edelweiss, a species found only in this mountain range, enhancing its flower-filled meadows and promoting the existence of a great diversity of butterflies.Throughout the year, the park offers multiple options for ecotourism and spectacular panoramic views. Discover incredible high-mountain lakes, admire the spring blossoms, or enjoy the elegant colours of autumn along historic trails. Visit its museums or take a snowshoe walk along its slopes. 

ECST Natural Spaces

Alt Pirineu Natural Park

Lleida  (Catalonia)

Type of area:Natural Park Area:79,317.21 hectares Email:pnaltpirineu@gencat.cat Tel.:+34 973 622 335 Website:Alt Pirineu Natural Park
Useful information

What you need to know

  • Cultural information

    You'll be fascinated by discovering ancient mines and monuments such as the church of Santa María de Ribera de Cardós, the hermitage of Sant Miquel, or the church of Sant Serni de Baiasca, which preserves Romanesque paintings. Beautiful bridges, medieval remains, and picturesque villages only accessible on foot are part of the valuable heritage you'll discover.

  • Environmental information

    The Alt Pirineu Natural Park is structured into five large valleys of great environmental interest. You'll be dazzled by glacial lakes like Certascan, considered the largest in the Pyrenees, or by places like the Virós forest, one of the largest in Catalonia and home to one of the only two beech forests in the natural park.Its natural spaces are ideal for watching birds that use the wetlands as shelter or migratory stopovers, for trout fishing among riparian forests, or for watching other types of wildlife, such as deer and roe deer. This area also offers ideal routes for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

  • Information for visits

    The Alt Pirineu Nature Reserve has a network of signposted trails and routes, allowing visitors to plan their outings. There are routes organized by difficulty level depending on their type (high mountains, forests, ranches and livestock areas, historical and cultural heritage, recreational areas and viewpoints). Other services and activities can also be found at various information points, such as the Pallars Sobirà Regional Tourist Office or the Alt Urgell Regional Tourist Office.