estanh dera Solana

Estanh dera Solana is a small mountain lake in the municipality of Vielha e Mijaran, in Catalonia's Aran Valley (Val d'Aran). It sits at roughly 2,085 metres above sea level, in the Salient stream valley, above the villages of Vilac and Vielha.

Where exactly is this lake?

Estanh dera Solana lies in the upper part of the Salient valley, surrounded by open alpine meadows and gently rolling terrain. The slopes above are dominated by Tuc de Guilèm (2,401 m), visible from the area around the lake. In the local Pyrenean languages, "solana" refers to a sun-facing, well-lit spot — and indeed the lake occupies an open basin rather than a shaded hollow, with no dense tree cover nearby.

The lake itself is tiny — its surface area is only about 0.2 hectares, so this is closer to a mountain tarn than a large body of water. Despite its modest size, the calm water and open surroundings give it a distinct character as a stop on a hike through the Aran Valley's high meadows.

How do you get to Estanh dera Solana?

The usual starting point is the Pista de Salient track, at around 2,150 metres of elevation. From there, the Eth Coret de Mont trail leads toward the lake. This stretch is described as an easy walk within the lower part of the massif — it doesn't call for technical mountaineering gear or extensive experience, though as with any hike above 2,000 metres in the Pyrenees, proper footwear and a check on the weather forecast beforehand are worth the effort.

Because the lake sits above 2,000 metres, visiting makes the most sense in summer, once the trails are clear of snow. In spring, late autumn, and especially winter, snow can still cover the surrounding meadows well into the season.

What else is nearby?

Estanh dera Solana isn't the only body of water in this part of the valley. Nearby are other small mountain lakes — Estanh de Gards and Estanh de Vilac — which makes it possible to plan a longer hike linking several lakes and viewpoints in a single outing. This kind of landscape, scattered with small glacial lakes among meadows and rocky ridges, is typical of the higher reaches of the Val d'Aran.

The Arriu de Salient valley, where the lake sits, is close to Vielha, the capital of both the municipality and the wider Aran Valley, making the area a fairly accessible base for anyone staying in the region for a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high up is Estanh dera Solana? The lake sits at approximately 2,085 metres above sea level, in the upper part of the Salient stream valley.

How big is the lake? It's a very small body of water — around 0.2 hectares — considerably smaller than the well-known tourist lakes of the Pyrenees.

Where does the trail to the lake start? The hike begins at the Pista de Salient track, at roughly 2,150 metres, following the Eth Coret de Mont trail on an easy stretch through the lower part of the massif.

Are there other lakes nearby worth combining into the same hike? Yes — Estanh de Gards and Estanh de Vilac are both close by, allowing you to plan a route that takes in several mountain lakes across the high meadows of the Aran Valley.