estanh dera Lòssa

Estanh dera Lòssa is a small glacial lake in the municipality of Naut Aran, in the Catalan Pyrenees, sitting in the upper reaches of the Val d'Aran valley. Ringed by rocky slopes and alpine meadows that turn into grazing land for sheep and horses in summer, it sits within one of the most scenic high-mountain landscapes of the region.

Where exactly is it?

Estanh dera Lòssa lies within the Circ de Colomèrs, one of the best-known glacial cirques in Val d'Aran, bordering the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. This cirque is the setting for the popular "Ruta dels 7 Estanys" (Route of the 7 Lakes), which strings together Estanh dera Lòssa with its neighbors: Estanh Major, Estanh de Colomèrs, Estanh Mort, Estanh Garguilhs de Jos, Estanh de Cabidornats, and Estanh Long.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point for exploring Naut Aran is Vielha, the capital of Val d'Aran, from where roads lead further up the valley. An alternative approach is via the Port de la Bonaigua pass, which connects Val d'Aran to the rest of Catalonia from the east. From the parking area at the entrance to the Circ de Colomèrs, visitors should expect a multi-hour hike on foot — the terrain is mountainous, and the trails cross rocky sections as well as wooden footbridges over the boggy patches of ground found near some of the lakes in this cirque.

What will you see there?

Estanh dera Lòssa is one of the smaller lakes in the Circ de Colomèrs chain, and that modest scale is part of its appeal — compared with the larger, more frequented lakes of the cirque, it offers a quieter spot to pause. The surroundings feature the rock formations and glacial traces typical of the high Pyrenees, along with alpine vegetation. Along the trails connecting the lakes, hikers will come across wooden boardwalks laid down to cross the wetter stretches of ground between one lake and the next.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer, from June through September, is the best window, when the trails are clear of snow and weather at this altitude is at its most stable. In spring and early summer, snow can still linger around the lake, making the approach longer and harder going. By autumn, days grow shorter and conditions more changeable, so it's worth setting out early enough to be back before dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Estanh dera Lòssa part of a well-known hiking route? Yes. The lake sits along the Circ de Colomèrs circuit, also known as the Ruta dels 7 Estanys, which links seven lakes within this glacial cirque.

Can you drive directly to the lake? No — the lake itself is reached only on foot. Road access ends at the entrance to the valley, where the walking trail begins.

How long does the hike to the lake take? It depends on fitness and the exact route chosen, but given the mountainous terrain, it's best to plan for a full day out.

Are there other lakes worth seeing nearby? Yes — Estanh Major, Estanh de Colomèrs, and Estanh Mort are all close by, connected along the same Circ de Colomèrs trail.