estany Roi de Dalt

Estany Roi de Dalt is a high-mountain glacial lake in the municipality of Vall de Boí, in the Alta Ribagorça region of the Catalan Pyrenees, Spain. The lake sits within the peripheral buffer zone of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, just outside its strict boundaries.

Where is Estany Roi de Dalt located?

The lake lies above 2,300 metres of altitude, in the southwestern section of the Vall de Llubriqueto, a side valley of the mountain massif surrounding Vall de Boí. Its coordinates are 42.5767°N, 0.8001°E. It is the highest lake in this particular sector of the valley, which means the surrounding ridgelines and peaks are visible from almost anywhere along its shore.

How did the lake form?

Estany Roi de Dalt is a glacial lake, formed in a small hollow carved out by glacial action in the bedrock — a typical process for the high-altitude cirques found throughout this stretch of the Pyrenees. The lake is small, covering roughly 1.5 hectares, making it a classic example of the tiny tarns scattered across this part of the range. Its waters drain southward, feeding the lower-lying lake known simply as Estany Roi.

What surrounds the lake?

A ring of distinctive peaks and rock formations gives the area its stark, high-mountain character:

• Pic de l'Estany Gémena — to the east
• Cresta dels Gémena — to the northeast
• Pic del Cap d'Estany Roi — to the north
• Pic de les Capceres d'Estany Roi — to the west
• Collada de Fenerui — a pass to the southwest

The same valley holds several other glacial lakes, including Estany Roi lower down and the two lakes named Gémena (Estany Gémena de Baix and Estany de Gémena de Dalt). Together they form a small lake system typical of the high-altitude reaches of Vall de Boí, and a popular target for hikers visiting the valley.

How do you get there?

Estany Roi de Dalt sits in remote, high-mountain terrain, so reaching it means hiking up from the lower parts of Vall de Boí on foot. Given the altitude and terrain — bare rock, glacial cirques, and no visitor infrastructure — the route suits hikers with high-mountain experience and is best attempted in summer, once the trails are clear of snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Estany Roi de Dalt? It is a small glacial lake in Vall de Boí, in the Spanish Pyrenees, sitting above 2,300 metres of altitude.

Is the lake inside a national park? It lies within the peripheral buffer zone of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, close to its official boundary.

What other lakes are nearby? The same valley contains Estany Roi (fed by Estany Roi de Dalt) and the two Gémena lakes.

Is the lake easy to reach? No — it lies in high-mountain terrain with no tourist infrastructure and can only be reached on foot, via a route that requires fitness and high-mountain hiking experience.