estany de Sarradé

Estany de Sarradé is a glacial mountain lake in the municipality of La Vall de Boí, sitting at roughly 2122 m above sea level within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Where is estany de Sarradé located?

The lake lies in the Vall de Sarradé, a side valley branching off from the valley of the Riu de Sant Nicolau, in the Alta Ribagorça district. It falls under the municipality of La Vall de Boí, one of the main gateways into the eastern half of the park. The lake itself covers around 4.2 hectares, and its coordinates are 42.563534, 0.896167.

What does the Sarradé valley look like?

The wider valley sits entirely above 1700 m and spans roughly 5.2 km², with a perimeter of about 10 km. It is a classic glacial valley, shaped during the Pleistocene, with a relatively flat floor flanked by rocky ridges. Compared with the park's better-known routes, this corner sees far fewer visitors, so the area around the lake keeps a quiet, untouched feel.

What else is there to know nearby?

Higher up the same valley, at around 2550 m, sits a second, smaller body of water — Estany de Sarradé d'Amont, covering barely 1 hectare. Both lakes are fed by snowmelt and rainfall typical of the high Pyrenean belt. Trails in this part of the park also connect toward the Cavallers reservoir and continue to Estany Llong, from where hikers can carry on to Taüll — one of the best-known villages of La Vall de Boí, famous for its Romanesque churches listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

How do you get to the lake?

The usual starting point for hikes into this part of the park is the parking area near La Molina, above Boí. From there, a footpath climbs into the valley, passing the Cavallers reservoir before heading toward Sarradé and the upper reaches of the park. The route runs through genuine mountain terrain, so proper footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are needed. The best window to walk it runs from June to September, once snow has cleared from the higher sections of the valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is estany de Sarradé inside a national park? Yes, the lake sits within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, in its eastern, less-visited section.

How high up is the lake? It lies at around 2122 m above sea level, while the higher Estany de Sarradé d'Amont sits at roughly 2550 m.

Is the hike to the lake difficult? The approach crosses high-mountain terrain and calls for good fitness and preparation, though it is not a technical climbing route.

Are there other attractions near the lake? Yes — the Cavallers reservoir lies in the neighboring valley, and connecting trails lead to Estany Llong and the village of Taüll, known for its historic Romanesque architecture.