Lake Engolasters
A serene glacial lake in Andorra, perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, and enjoying breathtaking mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Lake Engolasters
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene glacial lake in Andorra, perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, and enjoying breathtaking mountain views.
"Simply stunning. You can do a lovely walk around the lake and have a picnic. It’s really calm and exceptionally clean!"
🧥 Bring a Jacket
Mornings can be chilly, even in late spring. A light jacket is recommended for comfort.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is usually free on Sundays. Otherwise, the fee is very low.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shoreline Walking Trail
Lake Engolasters
A relaxing 10-15 minute walk offering beautiful views and a chance for a peaceful picnic.
The Dam
Lake Engolasters
Walk across the dam for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Pyrenees mountains.
Picnic Spots
Lake Engolasters shoreline
Idyllic locations for a picnic amidst breathtaking natural beauty, with some spots offering restaurant access.
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Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Peaceful Picnics
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Jacket
Mornings can be chilly, even in late spring. A light jacket is recommended for comfort.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is usually free on Sundays. Otherwise, the fee is very low.
🚶♀️ Easy Access Walk
Expect a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the parking area down to the lake.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
While beautiful, swimming is not permitted in the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Jacket
Mornings can be chilly, even in late spring. A light jacket is recommended for comfort.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is usually free on Sundays. Otherwise, the fee is very low.
🚶♀️ Easy Access Walk
Expect a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the parking area down to the lake.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
While beautiful, swimming is not permitted in the lake.
📸 Stunning Views
The drive up and the views around the lake are incredibly picturesque. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Engolasters for its stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and the enjoyable walk around its shores, making it a great spot for picnics and relaxation. Some note that while beautiful, it might not be a 'must-be' for seasoned travelers, and swimming is not permitted.
"Close enough to Andorra valley and a nice drive up the mountain to reach the lake. There's a parking space with a restaurant that was renovating. From there, it's a nice 10-15 minutes walk down to the lake with beautiful views along the way. It was really peaceful here and cold when we came at 10am on 30 May. Bring a jacket if you are coming in the morning."
Marie T
"Lake D`Engolasters: a beautiful small lake located right near Andorra la Vella. A great place for a picnic in the great outdoors or for a walk in a breathtaking landscape. The exit to the tracks is made from the town of Encamp"
אביאל ויצמן the collection home design accessories
"Simply stunning.
You can do a lovely walk around the lake and have a picnic. It’s really calm and exceptionally clean!
There is a parking close by which is free on Sundays and it’s around a 10 minute walk from the lake.
Really a must visit."
Eddie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Lake Engolasters from Andorra la Vella. The route via Encamp is scenic, though some find the route via Les Escaldes more direct. Parking is available near the lake.
While specific public transport routes directly to the lake might be limited, buses to Encamp are frequent, from where you could potentially arrange onward travel or enjoy a longer hike.
The drive up the mountain to Lake Engolasters offers beautiful views of the Andorran landscape. It's a pleasant journey, especially during the warmer months.
Yes, there is a parking area close to the lake. It's often free on Sundays and has a very low fee on other days.
It's typically a 10-15 minute walk from the parking area down to the lake's edge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Lake Engolasters. It's a natural attraction open to the public.
Lake Engolasters is an outdoor natural area and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Parking is generally free on Sundays and has a very low fee on other days.
Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in Lake Engolasters.
There is a restaurant near the parking area, though it may be undergoing renovations at times. The shoreline is ideal for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with soft, golden hues illuminating the landscape. The reflections on the water can be stunning during these times.
You can capture beautiful shots of the serene lake, the surrounding Pyrenees mountains, the dam structure, and the picturesque shoreline. It's a great spot for landscape and nature photography.
The walk around the lake provides numerous vantage points. Walking along the dam also offers a different perspective and excellent photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Yes, sunset can offer dramatic lighting over the mountains and lake, making it a good time for photographers seeking vibrant colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The short walk from the parking to the lake means less hassle with strollers or tired toddlers. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, and perhaps a frisbee or ball for some playtime on the shore. While swimming isn't an option, the calm environment allows children to safely explore the immediate surroundings of the lake. The drive up itself can be an adventure, with winding roads and mountain views that can captivate young minds. It's a great place to connect with nature without the need for extensive planning or strenuous activity.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene atmosphere and the chance to observe the local flora and fauna. The clean, calm waters of the lake, set against the dramatic mountain backdrop, create a picturesque scene. It's an ideal location for photography, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the Andorran wilderness.
📸 Photographers
The dam provides a unique architectural element to capture, contrasting with the natural beauty of the lake and mountains. Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sky and water. The reflections on the lake can be particularly captivating, so keep an eye out for those moments. The drive up also presents numerous pull-offs for scenic shots of the valleys below.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Drive and Arrival
This initial approach sets the tone for a peaceful visit. The transition from the bustling valley to the tranquil mountain setting is immediate. It's a perfect opportunity to start capturing the essence of Andorra's natural charm, with opportunities for photos even before you reach the lake itself.
Exploring the Lake and its Surroundings
Beyond the shoreline walk, the dam is another point of interest. Walking across it provides a different perspective of the lake and the surrounding mountains. While swimming is not permitted, the area is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, perhaps with a packed lunch. Some visitors have noted the presence of restaurants, adding a touch of convenience to the natural retreat.
Best Practices for a Memorable Visit
Even in late spring, mornings can be cool, so bringing a light jacket is a practical tip shared by many visitors. For those planning a picnic, the shoreline provides numerous idyllic spots. Remember that while the natural beauty is the main draw, swimming is not allowed. The parking is convenient and affordable, especially on Sundays. For travelers seeking a challenging hike, some routes around the lake can be quite demanding and take several hours, so be prepared if that's your intention.
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