DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Bearded Vulture High Peaks

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°4
Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)

Weather…

The Bearded Vulture, also known as the Lammergeier, is one of the most enigmatic and rarest birds of prey in Europe, with a significant presence in the high-altitude peaks of Andorra. This majestic bird, boasting a wingspan of nearly three meters, is a specialist scavenger that occupies the most rugged and inaccessible cliff faces of the Pyrenees. It is easily identifiable by its dark facial mask and the tuft of bristles under its beak that gives it its name. Its ecological role is unique, as it is the only bird known to feed almost exclusively on bones. To consume larger skeletal remains, the vulture flies to great heights and drops the bones onto flat rocks below, shattering them into manageable fragments. This specialized behavior allows it to access the nutrient-rich marrow inside. In Andorra, the bird is a symbol of successful mountain conservation, as protected nesting sites and feeding stations have helped prevent its extinction in the region, allowing hikers to occasionally witness its silent silhouette.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-21591416161282-1
Rain mm604857717752464750647049

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to observe the bearded vulture in the Pyrenees is late spring and summer (May to August), when it searches for bones on the highest peaks. In winter it moves to lower elevations but remains rare in the highlands.
🌅
Best time of day
In the morning, when thermals develop, bearded vultures often circle for hours above the peaks searching for food. Late afternoon they return to their roosts on the cliffs, offering good observation opportunities.
📜
Etiquette
Keep a very large distance from the bird - at least 200 meters - and avoid any disturbance during nesting or feeding times. Do not use drones, as they can cause panic reactions in the birds.
🎒
What to bring
A high-quality spotting scope or binoculars with 20-60x magnification are necessary to identify this rare bird in the vastness of the high mountains. Warm clothing and wind protection are essential on the exposed peaks.
🧭
Getting there
The highest peaks of the Pyrenees in Andorra are reachable via challenging mountain hikes, often requiring multi-day trips. Coma Pedrosa or Pic de Casamanya are popular starting points, but the ascent is long and strenuous.
🦌
What to expect
Bearded vultures are extremely rare in the Pyrenees - you can spend several days without seeing a single one. The key is patience: linger at exposed viewpoints and continuously scan the sky.

Geography

Coordinates
42.52000, 1.73000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pic de les BrouesPic de les Broues<1 km · NEExplore →
Pic de la CrevetaPic de la Creveta2 km · NWExplore →
Pas de la CasaPas de la Casa3 km · NExplore →
Pic de la MinaPic de la Mina3 km · SWExplore →
Pic de la SellaPic de la Sella3 km · WExplore →
Bordes d'EnvaliraBordes d'Envalira5 km · NWExplore →
Pic de la Sella de les OnesPic de la Sella de les Ones5 km · WExplore →
GrandvaliraGrandvalira7 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bearded Vulture High Peaks (4)

Pic Negre d'Envalira

Mountain in Andorra and France, a peak on the border between the two countries.

Pic Blanc

Mountain in Andorra, a peak in the Pyrenees.

Pic

Mountain in Andorra, a peak in the mountainous region.

Ancien émetteur Sud Radio

Ruins of a former radio transmitter in the mountains.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the best viewpoints for bearded vultures?
The high peaks of the Comapedrosa massif offer excellent opportunities to see these birds circling.
What do bearded vultures eat?
They are specialized bone-eaters that drop large bones from the air onto rocks to shatter them.
How large is the wingspan of a bearded vulture?
An adult bearded vulture can reach an impressive wingspan of up to 2.8 meters.
Is the bearded vulture endangered in Andorra?
Yes, it is strictly protected. Conservation programs help keep the small Pyrenean population stable.
When do they fly most often?
Usually from late morning onwards, when thermals are strong enough to lift them effortlessly.
Bearded Vulture High Peaks: where is it located?
Bearded Vulture High Peaks is located in Andorra.
Bearded Vulture High Peaks: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pic Negre d'Envalira, Pic Blanc, Pic.
Bearded Vulture High Peaks: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bearded Vulture High Peaks: why is it worth visiting?
The Bearded Vulture, also known as the Lammergeier, is one of the most enigmatic and rarest birds of prey in Europe, with a significant presence in the high-altitude peaks of Andorra.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Andorra →

History & landmarks

Pas de la Casa Border Customs — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Pas de la Casa Border Customs
This border crossing with France is crucial for the import of goods.
Caldea Spa Building — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Caldea Spa Building
The striking Caldea building, with its 80-meter glass spire, is a landmark of modern architecture.

Nature

Pic de les Broues — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Pic de les Broues
Pic de les Broues is a 2,605-meter-high peak in eastern Andorra.
Pic de la Font Negra — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Pic de la Font Negra
This peak rises near the French border to 2,668 meters.
Estany de les Abelletes — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Estany de les Abelletes
This small mountain lake forms the border between Andorra and France.
Pic de la Creveta — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Pic de la Creveta
Pic de la Creveta reaches a height of 2,656 meters in the Encamp region.
🗺️
Pic de les Pedrusques
Pic de les Pedrusques is a 2,618-meter-high mountain.
🗺️
Pic de la Mina
Pic de la Mina is a 2,650-meter-high peak in the Encamp region.
Pic de la Sella — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Pic de la Sella
This peak reaches 2,590 meters and is located near Encamp.
Cirque de Pessons — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Cirque de Pessons
A large glacial cirque containing a chain of several mountain lakes at different altitudes.

More places

Serra de Ensagents — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Serra de Ensagents
Serra de Ensagents is a prominent mountain ridge in the Encamp parish.
Ptarmigan High Altitudes — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Ptarmigan High Altitudes
The rock ptarmigan is found in the highest, rockiest areas of Andorra, changing its plumage with the seasons.
Serra de l&#39;Obaga — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Serra de l'Obaga
Serra de l'Obaga is an elongated mountain ridge in the central Pyrenees of Andorra.
Fire Salamander Damp Forests — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Fire Salamander Damp Forests
Damp, shady forests throughout Andorra provide a habitat for the striking fire salamander.
Sant Serni de Canillo — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Sant Serni de Canillo
The largest church in the Canillo parish, built in Baroque style over a Romanesque foundation.
Motorcycle Museum — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Motorcycle Museum
A museum in Canillo documenting the history of the motorcycle from its beginnings to the present.
Sant Romà de les Bons — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Sant Romà de les Bons
This 12th-century Romanesque church is part of a fortified medieval complex in the parish of Encamp.
Santa Eulàlia d&#39;Encamp — Bearded Vulture High Peaks (Andorra)
Santa Eulàlia d'Encamp
The parish church of Encamp boasts the country's tallest Romanesque tower at 23 meters.