Andorra
Those who are only in transit or want to take advantage of the favorable tax conditions of Andorra are definitely missing out. The small state in a high valley of the Pyrenees between Spain and France has much more to offer. Not only the skiing areas – especially Grandvalira – enjoy an excellent reputation. Also, climbers, mountain bikers and hikers find excellent conditions for exploring.
Attractions in Andorra
Highlights
Eine tolle Aussichtsplattform die vom El collet de Montaup aus erreichbar ist.
Schmelzwassersee auf 2440 m unterhalb des Pic de Tristaina
Der See versteckt sich abseits des eigentlichen Weges zwischen üppiger Beplanzung.
Die 2802 m hohe Collada dels Pessons ist der Abschluss des Talkessels.
See auf ca. 2280 m im Bereich des Circ de Tristaina
Since 1702, the seat of the General Council of Andora, one of the oldest parliaments in Europe. The ...
The small alpine state between France and Spain
It takes just one hour to drive from the border with France in the east to the Spanish border. With an area of 468 km, Andorra is one of Europe's smallest states. The vertical extent, however, is all the greater: the state stretches between 840 and 2942m above sea level, with 65 peaks exceeding the 2000m mark. The largest part of the population is located in the main valley of Andorra, which is crossed by the Gran Valira river. It is also the location of the capital, Andorra la Vella - Europe's highest capital. The official language of the state is Catalan.
Photo: lunamarina, CC BY, Adobe Stock
Over 300 kilometres of pistes in three ski areas
Thanks to its high altitude, Andorra offers the best conditions for all those who want to be active in sports. Grandvalira is the largest ski area in Europe outside the Alps and is divided into six diverse sectors. In addition to modern, comprehensive piste fun, it also offers space for unusual activities such as heli-skiing. Soldeu has already hosted a number of Ski World Cup races, including the 2019 World Cup Final. From 15 to 19 March 2023, the World Cup event will once again travel to Andorra for the season's finale.
Video: Stations de ski
Two other ski resorts are located in the west of the country in Pal-Arinsal and Arcalis. Both have joined together to form the Vallnord ski area. You can use both ski areas with one ski pass. The first place to go for cross-country skiers is the Naturlandie cross-country ski area. Here you will find a 15km long cross-country trail at an altitude of over 2000 meters. The snow-covered peaks of the Pyrenees invite ski tourers to spectacular excursions with magnificent views of neighboring Spain and France.
Hiking in the pristine mountain ranges of the Pyrenees
Nature lovers explore the country on well-marked hiking trails. Numerous long-distance trails, such as the cross-border Camino del Reencuentro or the Coronallacs, pass through Andorra.
Those interested in the country's culture follow the Route Hábitat Rural (Rural Habitat), the Ruta del Hierro (Iron Route), or the Route Camino Hidroeléctrico de Engolasters (Engolaster Hydroelectric Route).
All those who reach for the sky climb the Comapedrosa. With a height of 2942m, it is the highest mountain in the principality. It is surrounded by the Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa. The high mountain landscape captivates with forests, lakes, and waterfalls as well as the native animal and plant world.
Crystal clear lakes in the shadow of the mountains
The crystal-clear mountain lakes in and around Andorra are also unique. Intrepid water rats venture into the ice-cold waters of the sparkling mountain lakes. With a surface area of 21.3 hectares, Lake Juclagrave is the largest in Andorra and also a worthwhile destination for hikers. You can explore the country's largest lake on a varied hike through the lower Juclar valley, for example. Once you reach the shore of the lake, you can let your gaze wander into the rugged, high alpine landscape with the striking peak of the Pic d'Escobes.
In the Vallnord area, mountain bikers are transported to the mountain station in summer and then ride down into the valley. There is certainly no lack of opportunities for climbers in Andorra. The Vía Ferrata del Roc d’Esquers, the Vía Ferrata Sant Vicenç d’Enclar and the Directíssima del Roc del Quer are just a few examples of the excellently designed via Ferrata routes.
Regular venue of the Tour de France
The mountain passes of Andorra are a regular part of the stages of the most important cycling event in the world - the Tour de France. Numerous hairpin bends wind their way up the majestic mountains. Twice - most recently in 2021 - Andorra la Velle was the stage finish. The most famous venue, however, is the climb up to Andorra-Arcalis, which is particularly well known to German cycling fans: In 1997, Jan Ullrich won the stage, took the yellow jersey, and became the first and only Tour de France winner from Germany.
This is the Andorra cycle tour, no. 7;
Experience the diversity of flora and fauna in the national parks
About 1500 species of flora and fauna are waiting to be discovered in Andorra. The white narcissus is the national flower of the small principality. Also medicinal plants (strawberry and holly), mushrooms (steep mushroom, irritable mushroom and field dizzy spear) and a large number of trees and bushes, such as hazel and boxwood can be found here in abundance.
Animals such as chamois, marmots, Aurelios mountain lizards, squirrels, wild boars, and birds of prey such as the lammergeier also enjoy the varied nature. These animal species are considered a biological heritage in Andorra and are protected in various hunting and fishing grounds and in nature parks.
Traditional celebrations
If, in addition to so much activity and movement, you want to immerse yourself in the centuries-old traditions of the Pyrenean state, visit the numerous fiestas and celebrations.
Every last Saturday in May, the Aplec de Canólich is held in the municipality of Sant Juliá de Lória. Besides the solemn mass, the famous Canólich bread is distributed and colorful fireworks light up the night sky.
The theme of fire is also the focus of the Fallaires in the capital Andorra la Vella. To celebrate the night of St. John and the summer solstice, it is a tradition in Andorra to light torches on June 23rd and to wave them dizzyingly until big fireballs are created.
The most important festival in the principality is the day of the Meritxell on the 8th of September.
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