Information
Landmark: Engolasters LakeCity: Escaldes Engordany
Country: Andorra
Continent: Europe
Engolasters Lake, Escaldes Engordany, Andorra, Europe
Overview
Engolasters Lake (Estany d'Engolasters) rests high in Andorra’s Escaldes-Engordany parish, a clear, glacial pool cradled by the eastern Pyrenees.Perched roughly 1,600 meters up, it draws nature lovers, avid hikers, and anyone eager to soak in Andorra’s crisp mountain air and sweeping views.A few standout features define Engolasters Lake-clear, still water that mirrors the pines, and a quiet shoreline perfect for wandering.Engolasters Lake, cradled in the mountains, took shape thousands of years ago when ancient glaciers slowly pulled back, leaving behind its deep, clear waters.Tucked in the Engolasters Valley, it sits amid sheer cliffs, thick forest, and craggy mountains.The lake is small-about 2.5 hectares-its surface catching glints of sunlight between the pines.Clear, glassy water mirrors the jagged mountain peaks, setting the stage for hiking, paddling, or just sitting still to take it in.Tall pine and spruce crowd the shore, their scent drifting on the quiet air.With lush greenery spilling down to the water’s edge and mountains rising close behind, the lake is perfect for unwinding or wandering along quiet nature trails.Marmots dart between rocks, chamois graze the slopes, and golden eagles circle high above.In spring and summer, the meadows burst with purple and yellow wildflowers, painting the hillsides.Engolasters Lake also sits along a well-loved hiking route that rewards walkers with sweeping views of both the water and the rugged landscape beyond.The Engolasters Lake Trail offers an easy-to-moderate walk along clear, well-marked paths, winding through cool pine forests and leading to viewpoints with sweeping views of the valley and snow-dusted peaks.From the lake, you can keep climbing toward higher ground, following routes that eventually reach Pic de l’Estanyó, the tallest summit in the region.On the way to Sant Miquel d’Engolasters Church, the lake makes a natural pause, its still water reflecting the peaks above while offering a taste of local history and culture.In season, anglers can cast for trout or other freshwater fish in the quiet shallows, the only sound the soft plunk of a line hitting water.Nearby, benches and grassy patches invite picnics, perfect for lingering over lunch with the mountains all around.It’s a perfect spot for families or friends to spend the day outside, maybe sharing a picnic under the pines, and you can reach Engolasters Lake easily from Escaldes-Engordany, just a few kilometers from the heart of Andorra la Vella.You can drive to the lake along a road that twists up through the Engolasters Valley, the scent of pine drifting through open windows.A tidy parking lot sits right by the water, making it easy to step onto the lakeshore or head straight for the nearby hiking trails.Local buses also run to the area, though most visitors find it simpler to explore on foot or by car.Like many of Andorra’s natural treasures, Engolasters Lake is carefully protected to keep its beauty intact.Engolasters Lake and its surroundings lie within Andorra’s protected natural areas, where activities are carefully managed to limit environmental impact.Visitors are asked to stick to marked trails and leave no litter-no plastic bottles by the shore, no scraps in the grass-to keep the place pristine.Known for its breathtaking views, the lake is a favorite spot for photographers.Calm waters ripple beneath the shadow of towering peaks, making it a perfect spot to capture that crisp reflection in a photograph.In the still water, the peaks around Engolasters Lake appear upside down and razor-sharp, drawing photographers who love the golden light of early morning or the long shadows of late afternoon.From here, you can see the Valira d’Orient River and the sweeping Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a dream spot for nature lovers and camera lenses alike.For centuries, this lake has been woven into the fabric of Andorra’s rural life.The lake, along with the old stone Sant Miquel d'Engolasters Church, tells the story of the region’s deep cultural roots and long-held faith.Perched just a short walk uphill from the lake, the 12th‑century church stands as a striking example of Romanesque design, its stone walls cool to the touch.The old pilgrimage route winds nearby, a reminder of the lake’s role in shaping the region’s history.Engolasters Lake remains one of Andorra’s loveliest spots, where mountain air, quiet trails, and centuries of story all meet.Hike up to the lake, spread out a picnic beside its glassy shore, or simply take in the sweep of mountains around you-Engolasters Lake offers a quiet escape into nature.It’s the perfect place to breathe in Andorra’s mountain air while uncovering the stories and traditions that shaped the region.
