Somiedo Natural Park

Parque Natural de Somiedo

A remote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its wild brown bears, glacial lakes, and traditional thatched-roof herders' huts called teitos. It offers some of Asturias's most authentic and untouched mountain landscapes.

Things to do

• Hike to Lago del Valle — Asturias's largest glacial lake sits below the Cornón peak and is reachable via a scenic trail from Valle de Lago village.
• Explore the Lagos de Saliencia — A dramatic cluster of glacial tarns, including Lago de la Cueva and Cerveriz, set among steep cirques near the Puerto de Somiedo pass.
• Go brown bear spotting — Join a guided watch at a designated viewpoint like La Peral or Valle de Saliencia, where wild Cantabrian brown bears are sometimes seen at dawn or dusk.
• Wander Valle de Lago's teitos — This tiny hamlet preserves clusters of thatched-roof stone huts once used by herders and their livestock during summer grazing.
• Visit the Ecomuseo de Somiedo in Pola de Somiedo — A small interpretation center explaining the park's geology, wildlife, and vaqueiro herding traditions.
• Explore Cueva Huerta — One of Asturias's longest cave systems, with impressive galleries carved by an underground river through karst limestone.
• Walk the Senda del Oso extension trails — Quiet paths through beech and oak forest connect Somiedo's villages, offering chances to spot deer, wolves, and birds of prey.
• Photograph the brañas of La Corra — A high mountain settlement of teitos still used seasonally, offering some of the park's most iconic pastoral scenery.

Food to try

• Queso de Somiedo — A smoked, artisanal cheese traditionally made by herders in mountain brañas using raw cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk.
• Pote asturiano — A hearty bean-and-vegetable stew with chorizo, morcilla, and pork, perfect after a day hiking in the cold mountain air.
• Cachopo — Two breaded veal fillets stuffed with local cheese and ham, a filling Asturian classic found in Pola de Somiedo's restaurants.
• Trucha de río
• Castañas asadas — Roasted chestnuts gathered from the park's forests, a traditional autumn snack sold at local fairs.
• Miel de brezo — Heather honey produced by small-scale beekeepers in the reserve, sold in village shops and markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Book bear-watching tours in advance — Numbers are limited to minimize disturbance to the endangered Cantabrian brown bear population, so reserve guided outings early.
• Respect restricted valley access — Some roads into high valleys like Saliencia are closed to private vehicles during peak season to protect wildlife and pastures.
• Learn about the vaqueiros de alzada — This historically distinct herding community practiced seasonal transhumance between lowland villages and highland brañas, shaping Somiedo's culture.
• Pack for sudden weather shifts — Mountain weather changes quickly, so sturdy boots, layers, and rain gear are essential even in summer.