Laguna Negra and Urbión Glacial Cirques Nature Reserve
A lagoon shrouded in legends
This is one of the most beautiful places in the entire province of Soria (in Castile and León). The lagoon is located at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters and is surrounded by granite walls and pine forests.
Ice was responsible for sculpting this glacial landscape where today we can see the lagoon, streams, forests and grasslands. The Scots pine is especially prominent, covering nearly the entire Revinuesa and Duero valleys.In this area is also the Urbión peak (which at 2,228 meters is one of the highest in the Iberian System), near which the Duero River rises.This natural space and, more specifically, its dark and mysterious lagoon, have always fascinated and even inspired great literary works, such as “La Tierra de Alvargonzález”, by Antonio Machado.The famous Swim Crossing across the lagoon takes place on the first Sunday in August.
Laguna Negra and Urbión Glacial Cirques Nature Reserve
Laguna Negra Nature Reserve Visitor Centre and Forest Museum
Pista forestal Vinuesa-Laguna Negra, km 3
42150 Vinuesa, Soria (Castilla y Leon)
What you need to know
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Cultural information
The area is also known for its cultural heritage, traditional architecture, customs and cuisine. It's worth visiting towns like Covaleda, Duruelo de la Sierra and Vinuesa, which boast an important historical and artistic heritage along their cobbled streets.
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Environmental information
The natural assets of the surrounding spaces have resulted in its addition to the Natura 2000 Network and the Sierras de Urbión and Cebollera Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).Regarding the fauna, one invertebrate stands out, the beetle Rosalia alpina and also reptiles, amphibians and mammals such as the squirrel, marten, fox, weasel, badger, deer, roe deer and wild boar. Rarer are the wolf, the otter and the European mink.
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Information for visits
For most months of the year, it is not possible to access Laguna Negra by car. You must park in the Paso de la Serrá car park and walk the last two kilometres. A bus usually runs from El Paso during the summer.The natural area has a Park House, located three kilometres from the municipality of Vinuesa, where there is an exhibition on the natural and cultural values of the area, a Sensory Forest, an audiovisual room and an interpreted tour.
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