Sorteny Valley

Sorteny Valley is a protected natural park in the parish of Ordino, renowned for its extraordinary botanical diversity and pristine landscapes. Spanning over 1,000 hectares, the park is home to more than 700 species of vascular plants, many of which are endemic to the Pyrenees. The valley serves as a living museum for alpine flora and features a botanical garden that showcases species typical of various altitudinal zones. Historically, the valley was a site for iron and copper mining, with old tunnels and remains of smelting furnaces still visible today. The Sorteny River flows through the valley, creating small waterfalls and crystal-clear mountain lakes such as Estany de l'Estanyó. Hikers will find a well-developed trail network leading to peaks like Pic de Sorteny or Pic de l'Estanyó, both exceeding 2,900 meters. The Refugi de Sorteny provides mountain accommodation and excellent local gastronomy in the heart of the high-altitude world. In 2020, the valley, along with the parish of Ordino, was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Nearby cities

Casa Molines

A historic manor house that is part of a small hamlet near Ordino.

Segudet

A picturesque, quiet village with traditional houses, very close to the center of Ordino.

Pla d'Ordino

A flat, open area near the village of Ordino, used for walks and recreation.

Riu de Tristaina

The river that descends from the famous Tristaina Lakes, flowing through the upper Ordino valley.

Ordino-Arcalís

A ski resort renowned for its excellent snow and freeride opportunities.

El Serrat

A small village at the end of the Ordino valley, near the Ordino-Arcalís ski resort and the Sorteny Nature Park.

Pont d'Arcalís

A bridge and area that marks the start of the final climb to the Arcalís ski resort.

Els Plans

A high plateau near El Serrat, serving as a starting point for mountain excursions.

Arans

A small village on the way to El Serrat, known for its traditional 'bordas'.

Llorts

A village famous for its iron mine and the 'Iron Route', which honors the region's iron industry past.

Les Salines

An area in Ordino known for its recreational facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool.

Sornàs

A small village in the Ordino valley with a charming little church and rural atmosphere.

La Cortinada

Known for its Romanesque church Sant Martí with beautiful 12th-century frescoes, and a nature center.

Ancodina

A small grouping of houses between Ordino and La Cortinada.

More places

Wild Berry Harvesting in Ordino

In late summer, wild raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries can be foraged in the forests and slopes of Ordino.

Capercaillie Forests Ordino

The old-growth forests in the Ordino valley are one of the few places in Andorra to find the elusive capercaillie.

Tawny Owl in Old Forests

The characteristic call of the tawny owl can be heard at night in the old forests of Ordino.

Butterfly Meadows Ordino

The flower-rich meadows in the Sorteny Valley are a paradise for numerous butterfly species in summer.

Ibex Reintroduction Zone

Ibex have been successfully reintroduced in the Sorteny Natural Park and can now be seen roaming the high slopes.

Sheep and Goat Farms Ordino

In Ordino, there are several small farms that raise sheep and goats for the production of cheese and meat.

Pyrenean Chamois Area Ordino

The rocky slopes around Ordino are a prime habitat for the agile Pyrenean chamois.

Pyrenean Newt Streams

The cold, clear mountain streams of Ordino are home to the endemic Pyrenean brook newt.