One of the most iconic peaks in the Pyrenees

Els Encantats are among the most famous mountains in the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. With their twin peaks, they create a distinctive silhouette that has become one of the symbols of the Catalan Pyrenees.

However, according to local tradition, these two peaks were not always mountains.

The Legend of Els Encantats

The Legend

Many years ago, in the village of Espot, there lived two hunters renowned for their skill and passion for hunting. One Sunday morning, while the rest of the villagers were attending Mass, they decided to head into the mountains to make the most of the day and hunt a chamois. Despite being warned by the villagers about the importance of respecting the holy day, the two men ignored their advice and continued on their way.

After hours of chasing their prey across the steep mountain slopes, the sky began to darken. Black clouds quickly gathered over the peaks, and a powerful storm swept through the valley. The wind howled, thunder echoed among the rocks, and lightning lit up the landscape.

Just as the hunters were about to continue their pursuit, a bolt of lightning struck them. Instantly, they were turned to stone, becoming the two towering rock spires that stand side by side today. Since then, these mountains have been known as Els Encantats.

Between History and Tradition

Like many legends of the Pyrenees, there is no evidence that these events actually took place. The story has been passed down through generations and forms part of the cultural heritage of the Valls d’Àneu and the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Over the centuries, the legend has become inseparable from Els Encantats and continues to fascinate visitors, hikers, and nature lovers.

Where are Els Encantats?

Els Encantats are located beside Estany de Sant Maurici, in the heart of the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

The best place to admire them is from the shores of the lake, where their distinctive twin-peaked silhouette can be fully appreciated.

Interesting Facts

• Gran Encantat reaches an altitude of 2,748 metres (9,016 ft).
• Petit Encantat stands at 2,734 metres (8,970 ft).
• They are among the most photographed mountains in the Catalan Pyrenees.
• Their silhouette has become one of the symbols of the Aigüestortes National Park.

Visit Els Encantats from Rural Berrós

The Rural Berrós apartments are an excellent base for exploring the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Whether you are planning a hike to the lake or simply want to admire the breathtaking views of Els Encantats, this is a must-visit destination during your stay in the Pallars Sobirà region.

L'entrada The Legend of Els Encantats ha aparegut primer a Apartments Rural Berrós.

Sant Maurici Lake is the most famous lake in the Pyrenees to be within the Aigüestortes National Park, the only one in Catalonia.

We start walking from the village of Espot. First, at the exit of the village, we find the hydroelectric plant of Sant Maurici, which receives water from a pressure pipe from 500m of altitude above, of the Peguera valley. We continue along the road that goes to Sant Maurici until it reaches approximately 1.5 km, where the route divert to the right.

A little further up, on the left, we find prat de Pierró car park, which can be accessed by private vehicle in the summer season. This parking is filled very fast in summer, so I recommend going there early. From this point, we will begin to find more hikers along the way.

Finally, at approximately 7 km of route, is the hermitage of Sant Maurici, which is the one that gives name to the main lake, which is 400m in a straight line. Then, after 20 minutes, we reach the lake, from which we enjoy privileged views, from right to left: Pic del Portarró, Agulla de Portarró and Els Encantats.

Facts

* Els Encantats: Legend says that these right needles are two hunters who had fled mass for St. Mauritius (September 22) to see who was the first to beat a chamois. They were cursed and were petrified forever.
* The Lake of Sant Maurici has an area of 0.215 km2, equivalent to 21.5 hectares. It is about 1,100 meters long by about 200 wide, with a water volume of about 2.6 Hm³.Receives the waters of the rivers and torrents of Ratera, Portarró and Subenuix; while its emissary, the River Escrita, drains the Valley of Espot to the Noguera Pallaresa.
*Sant Maurici Lake is the best known, important and route of the valley.

L'entrada Sant Maurici Lake ha aparegut primer a Apartments Rural Berrós.

Discover the charm of the villages in Pallars Sobirà!

Esterri d’Àneu

Esterri d’Àneu is located on the same level as Esterri. The Romanesque bridge (photo) is the principal attraction of Esterri.

It is the cultural center of the valley, where it hosts the Ecomuseum of the Valls d’Àneu, representations of Esperanceta, a woman from Pallars who humorously expresses everything she thinks, and Esbaiola’t, an arts festival scenic. In addition, the cattle fair of Santa Teresa is held there in October.

The Esterri plateau was part of the Noguera Pallaresa glacier 40,000 years ago.

Àreu

Àreu is the last town in Vall Ferrera and is the gateway to Pica d’Estats and Monteixo, where every year the Vertical Mile is celebrated starting from Àreu.

The town is separated into two, the Villa and the Força, each with its own church. The Força d’Àreu is to the north, higher up the town and walled to protect it from attacks. Instead, the town is flat and unwalled.

Escaló

Escaló is a walled town in only 5 minutes from our apartments.. Thus, the houses were built inside the wall. In addition, there is also a watchtower.

20 minutes from the town, you will find the Monastery of Sant Pere del Burgal, a preserved Romanesque gem.

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Tavascan

Located in the Cardós valley, Tavascan has two Romanesque bridges. The Old (image) joins the two neighborhoods of the town above the river Lladorre.

Tavascan is also the starting point for the lakes of Mariola, Estanys Blaus, Blanc and Certescan. Just like the pass the port of Boet.

Airoto

Located 1-2 minutes before Tavascan, Aineto still preserves Romanesque paintings in its church of Sant Romà d’Aineto.

In addition, it has a viewpoint towards the Tavascan swamp and is recognized as a flower town

L'entrada 5 best villages to visit in Pallars Sobirà ha aparegut primer a Apartments Rural Berrós.