Lago Cerveriz

Lago Cerveriz is one of the glacial lakes inside Somiedo Natural Park, in western Asturias, close to the border with Castilla y León. It belongs to the group known as the Saliencia Lakes, alongside Calabazosa (also called Lago Negro), Laguna de Almagrera, and La Cueva. The lake sits at an altitude of around 1,600 metres, surrounded by broad green highland meadows used as summer pastureland.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is Pola de Somiedo, the park's main village, from where routes lead up toward the Saliencia valley. From there, a circular trail connects the area's four main lakes — Calabazosa, Cerveriz, Laguna de Almagrera, and La Cueva. Since this is mountain terrain, it's best to plan a visit outside the snow season and check current trail conditions at the park's information point beforehand, as access to Somiedo's high country can be seasonally restricted.

What will you see?

Lago Cerveriz offers a quiet, rugged scenery — a still body of water framed by green pastures and the rocky slopes typical of a glacial landscape. Walking the full Saliencia Lakes route reveals how varied this shared glacial origin can look: each of the four lakes has its own character despite forming through the same geological process. The surrounding meadows also serve as a habitat for local wildlife, making the area appealing both to landscape photographers and to anyone looking for quiet trails away from the busier routes in the park.

When is the best time to visit?

The circular route linking the four Saliencia lakes is often described as one of the easier, shorter options in the park, which makes it a reasonable choice for families with children compared to longer, more demanding hikes elsewhere in Somiedo. Late spring through early autumn is generally the best window, when trails are fully accessible and the meadows around the lake turn green. Weather at these altitudes can shift quickly, so it's worth packing proper layers even in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lago Cerveriz the only lake in this part of the park? No — Cerveriz is one of four lakes that make up the Saliencia Lakes group, together with Calabazosa (Lago Negro), Laguna de Almagrera, and La Cueva. A popular circular route allows visitors to see all four on a single outing.

How was the lake formed? Lago Cerveriz is a glacial lake, shaped by the glaciers that once carved out Somiedo's mountain valleys. That history explains the rocky terrain surrounding the water today.

Is the route suitable for families with children? Yes, the circular hike around the Saliencia Lakes is generally considered one of the easier and shorter options in the park, which is why it's often recommended for families and for hikers looking for a less demanding route.

Where should the trip start? Pola de Somiedo is the natural reference point — it's where visitors can check current trail conditions and find the way toward the Saliencia valley, where the walk up to the lakes begins.