Free walking tours in Somiedo and what to see

Must-sees

Somiedo is a nature park in south-west Asturias, a Biosphere Reserve known for its brown bear population. Its capital is Pola de Somiedo, the starting point for almost everything. The main attractions are the mountain scenery, glacial valleys and the brañas, high pastures with thatched huts known as teitos. The braña of La Pornacal is one of the best known and can be reached on an easy walk.

The lakes are the other big draw. The Lago del Valle is the largest in Asturias and is reached by a long but easy track from the village of Valle de Lago. The Saliencia lakes form another group of high-mountain lakes, with somewhat more demanding trails. In Veigas you can visit the ecomuseum, which shows traditional life in the municipality.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours as such in Somiedo. The usual format is guided hikes and wildlife-watching outings, especially to spot bears at dawn or dusk through a telescope. These are small-group activities and it's worth booking ahead. There are also guided visits to the ecomuseum and the brañas, and interpretive trips on the vaqueiro herding culture and the park's plants. For those who don't walk much, there are vehicle tours with stops at viewpoints.

How long to spend

To see the essentials you need at least two days: one for the Lago del Valle and another for Saliencia and La Pornacal. With three or four days you can add a bear-watching outing, a longer hike and the ecomuseum. Bear in mind that mountain roads make distances slow.

Where to stay

Pola de Somiedo is the most practical base, with services, restaurants and roads to all the valleys. If you're focusing on the lakes, the villages of Valle de Lago or Saliencia let you start walking from the door. Rural houses and small hotels in the park tend to fill up in summer, so book early.