Straw huts, mountain lakes and film sets – my most beautiful hikes in the Somiedo/Spain
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 8
For me, the Somiedo Natural Park in Asturias is one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in northern Spain.
Between green valleys stand ancient shepherd's huts with thatched roofs – so-called Brañas or Teitos .
The scenery looks like the village of Asterix and Obelix.
The region is still surprisingly quiet in terms of tourism. We'll see how long that lasts, since "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" was filmed here last summer.
Here I present my two favorite hikes in the Somiedo Nature Park – including GPS data so you can start hiking right away.
Los Lagos de Saliencia – mountain lakes, brañas & futuristic mirador
Thatched huts, deep blue lakes and a high plateau with wide views over the mountains – the hike to the Lagos de Saliencia is one of the most famous tours in the Somiedo Natural Park.
The mountain lakes lie in a landscape of iron-rich, reddish soil.
The intense blue of the water forms a spectacular contrast to the surrounding mountains.
Many visitors only hike as far as the third lake and then turn back. But the most beautiful section begins just beyond it: a wide plateau, framed by grey rocky peaks, with a magnificent view over the Valle del Lago .
Since February 2025, there has been a new attraction here: the Mirador de la Farrapona.
The futuristic metal viewing platform is causing discussion – it looks almost surreal among the traditional shepherd's huts with their thatched roofs.
It is precisely this contrast that makes the place exciting.
My tip: A visit to the Mirador geológico de la Farrapona is worthwhile at sunset . The light bathes the mountains and lakes in a particularly intense play of colors.
Valle de Lago circular hike – Asturias' landscape like a film set
The Valle de Lago is one of the most impressive valleys in Asturias.
No wonder scenes from The Hunger Games were filmed here.
But even without a film crew, the landscape looks like a backdrop.
The hike begins in the village of Valle de Lago , which is characterized by traditional Teitos – round stone huts with roofs made of broom, typical of Somiedo.
The trail leads first to Lago del Valle , the largest lake in the nature park. Here you can take a break or even jump into the water for a quick dip on hot days.
The return journey is varied and considerably wilder:
Alpine meadows with grazing cows
lonely mountain huts and small refuges
narrow mountain passes
Wide ridge with views over the valley
Along the way, you will frequently encounter shepherds with their sheepdogs.
Just before the end of the tour, a special highlight awaits:
Below Peña el Castiellu, a large rock hole opens in the mountain – a scene that is more reminiscent of a fantasy film than of northern Spain.
Back in the village, the hike often ends just as surprisingly as it began: While you're drinking a beer in the small bar, horses sometimes gallop through the streets.
A hike like a movie scenery
Click on the first image to start the photo gallery:
My tip: Above Valle de Lago there is a small but beautiful climbing area with views over the valley.
Practical information for hiking in the Somiedo Nature Park
You can find more information about the region on the Tourismo Asturias website .
Equipment for hiking in Somiedo
You can leave the bear spray at home. While there are supposed to be bears in Somiedo, you'd have to be very lucky to see any.
Even though the trails are well marked, you should always be prepared in the mountains of Asturias.
Recommended equipment:
Hiking boots with good tread
Layered clothing
Rain jacket and rain pants
Rain cover for the backpack
refillable water bottle
Depending on the season, additionally:
Gloves
Cap
Headlamp
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