Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park encompasses 141 square kilometres of high mountain landscape in the Catalan Pyrenees of northeast Spain, designated in 1955 and expanded in 1996. The park protects spectacular glaciated terrain characterized by over 200 lakes, deep cirques, U-shaped valleys, waterfalls, and granite peaks rising above 3,000 metres, with Comaloformo reaching 3,033 metres as the highest point. The name "Aigüestortes" means "twisted waters" in Catalan, referring to the meandering streams crossing meadows in the western valleys. The eastern section features the dramatic Sant Maurici Lake beneath the distinctive twin peaks of Els Encantats (The Enchanted Ones), the park's iconic image. Alpine and subalpine ecosystems include extensive forests of Scots pine, silver fir, and black pine at lower elevations, transitioning to alpine meadows, rocky peaks, and permanent snowfields above treeline. The park supports diverse wildlife including isard (Pyrenean chamois), marmots, brown bears occasionally crossing from France, golden eagles, and endemic Pyrenean brook salamanders. Nine traditional villages lie within the park and peripheral zones, maintaining pastoral heritage including summer grazing in high mountain pastures. The designation protects one of the most spectacular glaciated landscapes in the Pyrenees while managing tourism and traditional land uses.