Forest walks in Andorra: real routes among pine and fir

The most charming routes for forest walks in Andorra

Forest walks in Andorra have one big point in their favour: within a few kilometres you go from holm oaks and chestnuts in the low valleys to Scots pine, fir and mountain pine higher up. If you stay at Hotel Grau Roig, in Grandvalira, several of these routes are within a reasonable drive. The hotel appears in the MICHELIN Guide, with one Key. These are real routes, with their published details.

1. Vall d’Incles, the closest

The Incles valley, a U-shaped glacial valley between El Tarter and Canillo, is about 10 minutes by car from the hotel. It has mountain pine and fir forests, well-marked paths and a low level of difficulty. One of its routes, 2.6 kilometres long, can be done in a morning. From mid-June to early September an electric buggy runs to the head of the valley.

2. Camí de les Pardines, from Engolasters

It sets off from the church of Sant Miquel d’Engolasters and passes the lake, at 1,622 metres. It is 13.8 kilometres there and back, with 250 metres of cumulative ascent and 3 hours 40 minutes without stops; if you leave a car at the end, it drops to about 6.9. Scots pine predominates, with mountain pine and rhododendron towards the end, along with box, birch and willow. It includes a botanical trail with information panels.

3. Vall del Madriu, the great cultural landscape

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley is listed by UNESCO as a cultural landscape. The Huts Itinerary starts at the information point by the car park, just before Engolasters. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes without stops, with 586 metres of ascent and medium difficulty. You will find Scots pine on the sunny side, fir on the shady slopes and mountain pine between 1,700 and 2,000 metres, alongside dry-stone huts, charcoal pits, a forge and the remains of sawmills.

4. Circuit de les Fonts, for taking it easy

From La Comella, in Andorra la Vella, it is 3.26 kilometres, 1 hour 10 minutes and easy. It is a damp area with aspens, whitebeams and silver firs, and home to asarina, a Pyrenean endemic.

5. Vall de Sorteny Nature Park

In Ordino, along the CG-3 and then the CS-370 past El Serrat, this park of about 1,080 hectares brings together more than 700 plant species, over 50 of them endemic to the Pyrenees. UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve in 2020, and it has themed guided routes, including one on ancient forests.

6. Santa Coloma to La Margineda

A short walk in Andorra la Vella: 60 minutes, 50 metres of ascent and low difficulty, among chestnuts, oaks and holm oaks. It is a good example of low-valley woodland.

Essential tips for enjoying forest walks in Andorra

The forest does not ask for much, but the mountains change quickly. These tips work for almost all the routes.

Choose according to your time

For a short outing, Incles or the Circuit de les Fonts. For a full day, the Madriu. If you are unsure, read our guide to hiking routes in Andorra. The forecast is on meteo.ad, and it is worth checking before you leave.

With a guide, if you prefer

The hotel has mountain guides who adapt and create routes for all levels and types of visitor. It is a good option if this is your first time in the Pyrenees. Its website also mentions a gourmet picnic at 2,400 metres, so ask about the terms when booking.

Basic safety

Tell someone your route, carry a charged phone and remember that the emergency number is 112. In the Madriu, watch out for vipers: look where you put your hands when leaning on stones.

Respect the forest

Stay on the marked path, take your rubbish with you and do not pick flowers. The poet’s narcissus, Andorra’s national flower, grows in places such as Incles. If you bring a dog, keep it under control so that it does not disturb the wildlife.

A good ending

Back at the hotel, the spa has a heated pool, whirlpool bath, sauna and Turkish bath, from 10 am to 9 pm, free of charge for guests. The treatment menu includes chiro-massage and foot massage, which are ideal after a walk.

Benefits of forest walks: reconnect with nature in Andorra

Walking among trees is one of the simplest ways to slow down. You do not need to go far or climb a peak to feel it.

Switching off without effort

An hour’s walk on the Circuit de les Fonts requires no special preparation. The mountain air, the sound of water and the change of pace do much of the work.

Exercise that suits you

With routes lasting from an hour to more than 6 hours, you can choose how much effort to put in each day. Walking uphill is also good exercise without the impact of running.

All year round

In spring the forest fills with green; in autumn with contrasting colours, as we explain in Andorra in autumn. In summer the shade is welcome. And in winter the snow transforms everything.

Eating well on your return

After a walk, La Fromagerie’s fondues and raclettes go down well, as do La Marmita’s market cooking and La Vaquería’s traditional mountain food. You will find everything on our restaurants page.

Preparation and equipment for forest walks in Andorra

You do not need technical gear for these walks, unless you are heading out on long routes or in winter. These are the basics.

1. Clothing and footwear

Breathable, quick-drying clothes and a good pair of mountain boots or shoes. Add a warm layer and a waterproof: at altitude, the weather changes fast.

2. Navigation

Carry a map or a route downloaded to your phone, especially in the Madriu. Tourist offices can point you in the right direction.

3. Rucksack

• Water and food: especially on long routes.
• Sun protection: sun cream, sunglasses and a cap.
• Basic first-aid kit: always worth having.

4. Useful accessories

• Poles: they help on uneven ground.
• Binoculars: to watch wildlife without disturbing it.
• Camera: for the views and the flowers.

5. In winter

From November to April, snow changes the rules. Snowshoes are the natural way to keep walking: the hotel suggests them for discovering frozen lakes. The route to the Pessons lakes, which starts from Grau Roig, can be done on snowshoes and is more demanding; check the avalanche risk and go in a group. In Incles, roads close during heavy snowfall, although many areas remain accessible on foot.

Discover the flora and fauna on your forest walks in Andorra

Part of the interest of these walks lies in what you see and hear along the way. Keep your eyes open.

Trees by altitude

On the valley floors, holm oaks, oaks, chestnuts and hazels dominate. Higher up comes Scots pine, especially on sunny slopes, and fir on the shady ones, often with rhododendron in the understorey. Between 1,700 and 2,000 metres, mountain pine takes over. On the fir branches in the Madriu you will see the lichens known as old man’s beard.

Flowers

Poet’s narcissus, lilies, gentians, broom and rhododendron grow in Incles. In Sorteny, the diversity is far greater, with more than 700 species.

Wildlife

In Incles you may see vultures, bearded vultures and golden eagles, as well as marmots, newts and common frogs near the water, plus squirrels and roe deer. Sorteny is home to chamois, roe deer, marmots, martens and wild boar. In the Madriu, there are foxes, chamois and boar, whose tracks you may find.

How to observe wildlife

Set out early, walk quietly and use binoculars. For more context, Sorteny runs guided excursions all year round, on birds, butterflies and wetlands, among other topics. Its mountain hut, the Borda de Sorteny, opens in winter and summer and serves meals.