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Engolasters
ℹ️Practical info — Engolasters
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The lake is easily reached by car, but parking lots fill up quickly on warm summer weekends.
- The trail circling Lake Engolasters is completely flat, making it handy for families and strollers.
- Swimming in the lake is strictly forbidden because it operates as a hydroelectric reservoir.
- Do not miss the 12th-century Sant Miquel d'Engolasters church with its impressive Romanesque bell tower.
- The area can be much cooler than the valley below; bring a light jacket even in summer.
🍽 Food
A flavorful local specialty served at the rustic restaurants near the lake.
Enjoy local meats and cheeses on a sunlit terrace overlooking the water.
Grab a quick local coffee at a lakeside café before starting your hike.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Shopping is very limited; buy your snacks and drinks in Encamp or Escaldes beforehand.
Small kiosks sell postcards and basic items during the peak summer season.
A beautiful, flat botanical path connecting the lake to Encamp with memorable views.
The far end of the lake is usually much quieter than the areas near the restaurants.
Water temperature…
Engolasters is a photogenic high plateau in the Encamp parish, best known for its eponymous lake and the historic Romanesque church of Sant Miquel. Lake Engolasters (Llac d'Engolasters) is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,616 meters and has served since 1934 as a reservoir for Andorra's first hydroelectric power plant, built by the FHASA company. Geographically, the plateau provides some of the best panoramic views over the Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany valley. The 12th-century Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters is a prime example of Andorran Romanesque architecture, characterized by its slender bell tower and reproductions of its famous frescoes. The area is a popular destination for hikers and families, featuring well-maintained paths and leisure facilities. Historically, the region was known for legends of witches' gatherings allegedly held on the lakeshore. Today, Engolasters is a vital part of the national energy infrastructure and a protected natural area. Access is provided by a winding mountain road connecting the plateau with the valley floor.
- Location: Escaldes-Engordany (Parish), Andorra
- Top sights: Agulles d'Engolasters · Madriu Perafita Claror Valley · Mirador del circuit de les fonts
- Nearby: Santa Coloma (4 km)
- Population: ~15.853
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 2 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 48 | 57 | 71 | 77 | 52 | 46 | 47 | 50 | 64 | 70 | 49 |
Geography
Facts
- The lake is situated at an elevation of 1,616 meters above sea level.
- The reservoir supplies the Encamp power station via a penstock pipe.
- Sant Miquel church features frescoes whose originals are in Barcelona.
- Lake Engolasters was originally formed by glacial action.
- A hiking trail connects Escaldes to the lake in about 1.5 hours.
- The plateau is a designated site for astronomical observation due to low light pollution.
Explore nearby
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Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Engolasters (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Engolasters lake?
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