The Picos de Urbión, in Soria, are one of those magical, little-known corners of "empty Spain": endless pine forests, storybook glacial lagoons, the source of the Duero river, and a silence found only in Europe's most sparsely populated provinces. It's an ideal destination for truly unplugging in a motorhome. Here's the guide.
Laguna Negra
The star attraction: Laguna Negra, a dark-watered glacial lagoon nestled beneath rock walls, in a spectacular pine-forest setting. Steeped in legend (it inspired Antonio Machado's poem "La tierra de Alvargonzález"), it's magical, especially in mist or during autumn. Vehicle access is regulated in high season (you go up by bus or on foot); check in advance.
Pine forests, mountains and the Duero
- The Urbión pine forests: one of the largest pine forests in Spain, known for good timber and mushrooms (see mushroom foraging).
- The source of the Duero and the high-altitude lagoons, great for hiking (see hiking).
- Crystal-clear skies: Soria is ideal for stargazing (see astronomy).
Magical Soria
Combine it with Soria's villages: Vinuesa, Covaleda, the medieval town of Calatañazor, and the nearby city of Soria. An authentic, peaceful province full of charm that wins over anyone who discovers it.
Practical tips
- Spectacular autumn (colour and mushrooms); cool summers; snowy winters.
- Regulated access to Laguna Negra in high season.
- Very sparsely populated area: travel with autonomy and a reserve of water.
- Enjoy the silence and the starry skies.
In summary
The Picos de Urbión and Laguna Negra offer endless pine forests, magical glacial lagoons and the most peaceful side of Soria, ideal for unplugging. The step to take today: visit Laguna Negra (respecting the regulated access), combine it with hiking through the pine forests and a night of stargazing under Soria's clear skies; travel with autonomy, as it's one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe. Combine it with the routes through Castilla y León.