Bassa de les Granotes

Bassa de les Granotes is a small glacial lake in the municipality of Espot, within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees. The western edge of the lake actually crosses into the neighbouring municipality of Vall de Boí, in Alta Ribagorça, placing the water right on the boundary between two Pyrenean valleys.

Where exactly is this lake?

The lake sits at an altitude of 2,324 metres, on the upper right bank of the Barranc de Peixerani stream, at the foot of the southwestern end of the Portarró d'Espot pass. From that pass the water drains westward, feeding the stream network further down the valley. The lake covers roughly 0.74 hectares and stretches about 140 metres in length — a modest size, but typical of the high-altitude glacial tarns scattered across this part of the Pyrenees.

Why is it called the "frog pond"?

The Catalan word "granotes" means frogs, so the name loosely translates as the pond or lake of the frogs. Naming small Pyrenean lakes after the wildlife found around them is a common local pattern — many nearby tarns carry names describing their appearance, setting, or the animals associated with them rather than a person or historical event.

How do you get to Bassa de les Granotes?

The lake lies deep inside the national park, surrounded by the rocky ridgelines, alpine meadows, and cluster of glacial lakes that define the Aigüestortes massif. Access is via hiking trails that pass near the Portarró d'Espot pass, and reaching the lake means walking well above 2,300 metres, so a reasonable level of fitness and proper hiking gear are needed. Because conditions at this altitude can shift with the season, it is worth checking current trail status at the national park's information point in Espot before setting out.

What else is there to see nearby?

The area around Bassa de les Granotes forms part of the wider network of glacial lakes inside Aigüestortes, one of Catalonia's most highly regarded mountain areas. Nearby, hikers pass other small tarns and viewpoints looking down over the Peixerani valley and the ridges surrounding the Portarró pass. This is a spot for travellers seeking quiet, high-mountain scenery rather than tourist infrastructure — the national park enforces the usual access and overnight-stay restrictions found in protected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high up is Bassa de les Granotes? The lake sits at 2,324 metres above sea level, inside the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

How big is the lake? It covers around 0.74 hectares and measures about 140 metres in length, making it a small glacial lake.

Which municipality is the lake in? Mostly in Espot (Pallars Sobirà), though its western edge extends into the municipality of Vall de Boí in Alta Ribagorça.

Can you reach the lake without mountain hiking experience? Since it sits above 2,300 metres deep inside the national park, the walk calls for decent fitness and proper footwear; checking the route with the park's information point beforehand is a good idea.