Estany de Trebens

Estany de Trebens is a small glacial lake in the Carlit massif, within the commune of Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the historic Cerdagne (Cerdanya) region straddling the Catalan-French border. The Catalan word "estany" simply means "lake," a name shared by dozens of other high-altitude lakes scattered across this mountain range.

Where is Estany de Trebens located?

The lake sits at an altitude of roughly 2,330 metres and covers an area of just under 4 hectares. It is one of many glacial lakes in the Carlit massif, shaped by glacier activity during the Pleistocene. Its coordinates are 42.576683, 1.960839.

Estany de Trebens is fed by water flowing down from the higher-lying Estany de Sobirans, as well as by snowmelt from the Coma de Trebens, a mountain cirque above it. From its shores, hikers get a clear view of Pic Carlit, the massif's highest peak at 2,921 metres and a popular objective in this part of the Pyrenees.

How do you get to the lake?

The most common starting point for reaching Estany de Trebens is the Bouillouses dam (barrage des Bouillouses), from which a marked trail leads past several other lakes in the massif, including Estany del Viver, Estany Llat, and Estany d'en Gombau. This route forms part of a wider loop known as the "loop of the twelve Carlit lakes," roughly 11 kilometres round trip from the dam.

Estany de Trebens lies near the end of this route, just before the final approach to Pic Carlit, which makes it a natural stopping point before a summit attempt — or a turnaround spot for less experienced hikers. A small mountain shelter (abri) stands near the lake, offering protection in case weather conditions change suddenly, which can happen even in summer at this altitude.

What should you know before hiking there?

Because of the altitude — over 2,300 metres — the trail is realistically only accessible from late spring to early autumn; for much of the year the area remains snow-covered. The terrain around the lake is rocky and open, with no tree cover, typical of the alpine zone of the Eastern Pyrenees. Proper hiking boots, sun protection, and enough water are essential, since there are no supply points along the trail.

The Cerdagne region is known for its exceptionally sunny climate and serves as a gateway to numerous hiking routes leading to the lakes of the Carlit massif. Each lake has its own character, ranging from small, shallow pools to larger, deeper basins framed by rocky ridgelines.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Estany de Trebens? The lake covers about 4 hectares and sits at an altitude of nearly 2,330 metres.

Where does the lake's water come from? It is fed by the higher-altitude Estany de Sobirans and by snowmelt from the Coma de Trebens cirque.

How do you reach Estany de Trebens on foot? The usual route starts at the Bouillouses dam and passes Estany del Viver, Estany Llat, and Estany d'en Gombau, forming part of the roughly 11-kilometre loop of the twelve Carlit lakes.

Is there any shelter near the lake? Yes, a small mountain shelter (abri) stands nearby, useful if the weather turns suddenly.

When is the best time to visit? Given the altitude and snow cover for much of the year, June through September is the best window for a visit.