Transiting through Val d’Aran

In order to get from Aigüestortes to Estany de Sant Maurici, you either have to hike right through the national park or drive around it by car. Since my rental car unfortunately did not fit in my backpack, I decided to do the latter. From the two possible routes, I chose the one via the Val d’Aran. Continue reading Transiting through Val d’Aran

Parque Nacional de Aigüestortes …

After the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, it was time for the next national park (take a deep breath!): Parque Nacional de Aigüestortes y Estany de Sant Maurici – or more precisely, the “first half” of the park (so to speak), i.e. Aigüestortes. A visit of the “second half”, i.e. Estany de Sant Maurici, is scheduled in two days. Continue reading Parque Nacional de Aigüestortes …

A few hours in Aínsa

The location of Aínsa is definitely excellent: at the confluence of two rivers (Río Ara and Río Cinca), with (the remains of) a medieval fortress on a small hill, and the Pyrenees in the background. But can it keep me busy long enough to fill the time until I can drive on to my next accommodation? Continue reading A few hours in Aínsa

Monte Perdido Lluvioso

My first stop in Spain was intended to be (mainly) dedicated to the Monte Perdido National Park. Unfortunately, this “forgotten mountain” (Monte Perdido) was also a “rainy mountain” (monte lluvioso) for me. In addition, access to the park was scheduled to be closed for around ten days starting the next day, Monday, due to road construction works. This of course further complicated things. After heavy rains basically all day yesterday, I had to bite the bullet today, and try my luck despite the mediocre weather forecast. After all, this was the last day that the area was accessible. Continue reading Monte Perdido Lluvioso

Crossing the Pyrenees

My next destination was actually less than 35 kilometers away as the crow flies. However, as the Pyrenees lie in between, the journey by road was more than four times as long (and around three and a quarter hours’ drive). To break up the journey a little, I went on a short hike at the Col d’Aubisque en route. Continue reading Crossing the Pyrenees