Excursion to Lake Urdiceto

The beautiful Urdiceto Lake located in the municipality of Parzán, Province of Huesca - Aragon in Spain, is at an altitude of 2400 metres surrounded by a majestic Pyrenean high mountain landscape that you cannot miss.

When you drive from Bielsa and once you cross the village of Parzán, approximately one and a half kilometres further up, turn right and you will find a forest track. From there it is about 12 km to the Urdiceto pass in the middle of pine and fir forests and then a few metres further on, you will find a natural spectacle in the incomparable waters of the Urdiceto Lake.

The average annual temperature in the region is 3°C. The warmest month is July and the coldest month is January. The rainiest month is April and the driest month is July.

Lake Urdiceto: turquoise and crystal-clear waters in the high mountains

Urdiceto Lake is a marvel with its crystal clear, calm, cold waters that invite you to take a dip, but think carefully, because the water is freezing cold. The intense cold of its waters will make you get out immediately, although in a small and very quick dip you can open your eyes inside the water and witness an incomparable turquoise blue colour, as if you were floating in a blue dream surrounded by the beautiful mountain. You come out immediately and warm yourself with the sun while you take some food on the shore of this paradisiacal lake.

On the slopes of the beautiful lake you can see what remains of the dwellings of the staff who worked on the construction of the first pumping station in Europe, the Urdiceto power station, which came into service in the 1930s.

Would you prefer to go to Urdiceto Lake by bike?

But if you prefer to do the same route, but by bicycle, you should be well prepared: good hydration and adequate clothing to cover 44.75 km. The estimated time for the round trip is between 7 and 10 hours (depending on your pace). The most recommended time to do this itinerary is from June to November.

Please note that once you cross Parzan there is a steep climb of about 10 km. The first 4 kilometres are very tiring because of the curves and because the area is covered with trees. But when you reach the beautiful Urdiceto Lake, you forget your tiredness, rest and take a breath of fresh air while observing a dreamlike landscape.

Then you start the downhill section between fast areas of trail, but also with some rocky areas and you will even have to get off the bike to cross some streams. There you will be able to contemplate impressive landscapes such as the Urdiceto peak (2597 metres high) to the left and Punta Suelza (2972 metres high) to the right. You will then cross an area with several apparently ferruginous springs, as it is an area where iron pyrites used to emerge among the rocks.

The route is spectacular and unforgettable in spite of the demanding and heavy climb, but it is rewarded by the benefits for your body and the scenic spectacle of the wonderful Urdiceto Lake.