estany Negre de Cabanes

Estany Negre de Cabanes is a glacial mountain lake in the municipality of Alt Àneu, in the Pallars Sobirà comarca, tucked away in the Vall de Cabanes at an altitude of 2,178 metres. Covering nearly 7 hectares, it ranks among the larger bodies of water in this part of the Pyrenees. Its name, meaning "black lake," reflects the dark, deep water typical of high-altitude lakes ringed by bare rock and scree.

Where exactly is the lake?

Estany Negre de Cabanes sits within the peripheral zone of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, one of Catalonia's most valuable natural areas. It occupies the upper reaches of the Cabanes valley, hemmed in by scree fields on nearly every side — only the eastern shore slopes gently enough for easy access on foot. The Riu de les Abadies feeds into it, along with the outflow from the neighbouring Estany de Xemeneia, while the lake itself drains into the smaller Estanyoleta, forming a left tributary of the Riu de Cabanes.

How do you get there?

The starting point is Esterri d'Àneu, reachable by car from the main roads of Pallars Sobirà. From there, the route heads toward Refugi del Gerdar, a mountain hut that serves as the natural base for exploring the Cabanes valley further. From the refuge, a hiking trail continues up the valley all the way to the lake itself. The final stretch crosses rocky, scree-covered terrain typical of the high Pyrenees, so a reasonable level of fitness and proper trekking footwear are essential.

What will you see there?

The scenery around Estany Negre de Cabanes is stark and high-alpine: steep slopes blanketed in scree, dark water mirroring the surrounding peaks, and a silence rarely found on the park's busier trails. Its proximity to the Aigüestortes National Park means visitors may spot mountain wildlife along the way, and the Cabanes valley itself has kept much of its wild, largely untouched character. The spot appeals mainly to hikers and landscape photographers looking for solitude away from the more crowded routes.

When is the best time to visit?

Given its altitude above 2,100 metres, summer — from June to September — is by far the best window, when trails are clear of snow and Pyrenean weather is at its most stable. In early spring and late autumn, lingering snow and difficult scree conditions can make the approach harder, so it's worth checking current trail conditions in advance, ideally with Refugi del Gerdar.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive all the way to the lake? No — a car will only get you as far as Esterri d'Àneu and the approach toward Refugi del Gerdar. The final stretch to Estany Negre de Cabanes has to be covered on foot.

Is the trail technically difficult? The hike itself doesn't require climbing gear, but the scree terrain and altitude above 2,000 metres call for a good fitness level and sturdy trekking boots.

Can you swim in the lake? Given its high-altitude setting and cold water, swimming isn't practised or recommended here — the lake's main appeal lies in its scenery and natural surroundings.

Is the lake inside a national park? Estany Negre de Cabanes lies within the peripheral zone of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, meaning the area benefits from additional environmental protection.