Lago del Valle

Lago del Valle is the largest lake in Asturias, located within Somiedo Natural Park, in the municipality of Somiedo.

Where is it and how do you get there?

Sitting at 1,550 meters above sea level, Lago del Valle is part of the Saliencia Lakes (Lagos de Saliencia), a cluster of post-glacial lakes carved out during the last ice age. The group also includes Calabazosa, Cerveriz, Almagrera Lagoon, and Lago de la Cueva. Reaching the lake means hiking through Somiedo Natural Park on mountain trails, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed for the ascent. Plan for a full-day outing and factor in enough time to descend before dark.

What will you see at the lake?

Beyond being the largest lake in the region, Lago del Valle sits in one of the most ecologically valuable corners of Asturias. The surrounding valley is home to the Eurasian brown bear, and otters can be spotted in and around the water. Golden eagles and Egyptian vultures — both emblematic of the Asturian mountains — are frequently seen circling overhead. The lake basin also hosts the richest concentration of amphibian species found anywhere in the park, including the Alpine newt, palmate newt, fire salamander, common toad, common midwife toad, common frog, and Iberian frog. The entire lake area is protected as part of the Somiedo Natural Park Biosphere Reserve, recognized within the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and Lago del Valle itself was declared a natural monument on 22 May 2003.

Local legend adds another layer of interest: according to Asturian folklore, the lakes are watched over by xanas, mythical female spirits tied to water and mountain landscapes in the region's oral tradition.

When is the best time to visit?

Given its altitude and mountainous surroundings, the best window for a visit runs from late spring through summer into early autumn, when trails are clear and weather conditions are more predictable. In winter, snow can make access difficult or impossible. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best chances of spotting wildlife, particularly birds of prey circling above the lake.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lago del Valle the largest lake in Asturias? Yes, it holds that title for the whole principality and is also the largest of the Saliencia Lakes group.

What wildlife can you see around the lake? The area is home to the Eurasian brown bear, otter, golden eagle, and Egyptian vulture, and the lake hosts the greatest variety of amphibian species found in the park.

Is the lake a protected natural area? Yes, Lago del Valle lies within Somiedo Natural Park, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network, and has held natural monument status since 2003.

Are there other lakes worth visiting nearby? Yes, Lago del Valle is part of the Saliencia Lakes group, which also includes Calabazosa, Cerveriz, Almagrera Lagoon, and Lago de la Cueva, all within the same mountain range.