The Somiedo Natural Park, in south-western Asturias, is one of Spain's great sanctuaries of wild nature, a biosphere reserve and, above all, the land of the Cantabrian brown bear. Genuine mountains, glacial lakes, the characteristic "brañas" (mountain shielings) with their thatched-roof "teitos", and the chance to see wildlife roaming free. Here's the guide, always with respect coming first.
The bears: the great attraction
Somiedo is one of the best places in Europe to try to spot brown bears in the wild, especially in spring and autumn, at dawn and dusk, watching from a distance with binoculars. The golden rule: absolute respect. Always observe from far away, without approaching or disturbing them, ideally with local guides who know the area and the ethics of wildlife watching. The bear's survival depends on not being disturbed (see wildlife watching).
Lakes, shielings and mountains
- The Lagos de Saliencia and Lago del Valle: high-mountain glacial lakes, with beautiful routes.
- The brañas with teitos: high-altitude pastures with their thatched-roof huts, a unique piece of ethnographic heritage.
- Villages like Pola de Somiedo (the park's base), Valle de Lago, Saliencia.
Practical tips
- Spring and autumn for wildlife; autumn colours the mountains.
- Narrow, winding mountain roads: take care with your vehicle's size (see driving in the mountains).
- Get an early start for wildlife spotting and bring binoculars and warm clothes.
- Respect the park's regulated overnight parking and leave no trace; it's a fragile, protected environment.
In summary
Somiedo is wild mountains, shielings with thatched-roof huts and the land of the brown bear, Asturian nature in its purest form. The step to take today: go in spring or autumn, get up early with binoculars to try to spot wildlife from a distance (ideally with a local guide and maximum respect), and combine it with a route to the lakes; stay at authorised designated areas. Combine it with the routes through Asturias.