The principality of Andorra is famous around the world for its breathtaking Pyrenean scenery. This refers to a lot more than just mountains, though, as the lakes of Andorra are also beautiful and postcard perfect. And, perhaps the most famous Andorra lake of all is Lake Engolasters. Why is it so popular? Well, in this blog post we’ll outline all there is to know about Lake Engolasters, Andorra.
Explore the beauty of Lake Engolasters
With its surface area of seven hectares, Lake Engolasters is not the largest Andorra lake. That honour belongs to Lake Juclar, which measures in at 21 hectares. However, Lake Engolasters is arguably more popular with locals and tourists alike, precisely because of its beauty. With its deep blue colour, and with the forest inching down towards the shore, this is an absolutely beautiful part of Andorra.
Outdoor activities at Lake Engolasters
As well as admiring the beauty of Lake Engolasters, you and the whole family can also participate in some outdoor activities while exploring this part of the country. If you’re keen on hiking in Andorra during your stay, then you’ll be glad to know that there are not one but two Lake Engolasters Andorra hiking routes. The first begins in Encamp, at Carrer de la Vena, and leads to the lake's northern tip. This two-kilometre trail includes a modest 408-metre elevation gain, making it suitable for all ages. Best of all, the return journey is entirely downhill. The second Lake Engolasters Andorra hiking route follows the Carretera D’Engolasters, a road running along the lakeside. Lined with trees, this path offers shaded relief from the sun while keeping the lake in view throughout. Although cars occasionally pass, they move slowly, and there are plenty of spots to step aside, ensuring a safe and peaceful walk.
Water activities at Lake Engolasters
If you were planning to visit Lake Engolasters to try out some water activities, it’s important to note that swimming is strictly prohibited at this Andorra lake, because it serves as a water reservoir. A rock-fill dam, built at the lake’s southern end in the 1930s, transformed Lake Engolasters into a crucial storage site for Andorra’s water supply. There are, though, other Andorra lakes where swimming is permitted.
Local attractions near Lake Engolasters
For those curious about the history of Lake Engolasters and its dam, the nearby Electricity Museum is a popular local attraction, offering guided tours of the Engolasters Dam and providing a fascinating insight into its role in the region. It’s easy to factor this in to a trip to the lake. Another site worth visiting if you’re in this part of Andorra is the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, located just a few kilometres away from Lake Engolasters. This glacial valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and traditional Andorran architecture, including ancient stone huts and shepherds’ cabins.
Plan your visit to Lake Engolasters
When you’re planning your visit to Lake Engolasters, keep an eye out for signs for Llac d'Engolasters, as this is the name of the lake in the local Catalan language. As such, it might be referred to in both ways. The good news is that Lake Engolasters is easy to reach, as it’s just 10 kilometres or 20 minutes by car away from the capital city of Andorra la Vella. There are also regular buses to Encamp, the town where one of the aforementioned Lake Engolasters hiking trails begins from. So, there’s no excuse for not including a visit to Lake Engolasters on the itinerary of your next holiday in Andorra!