Ordunte reservoir, Stausee in Spanien
The Ordunte reservoir is a water body in the northern part of Burgos province, formed by a concrete dam that holds back the waters of the Ordunte and Cerneja rivers. It sits in a forested valley enclosed by hillsides covered mainly with oak and pine.
The dam was built in 1933 to control flooding and secure water supply for the surrounding towns, creating the reservoir by blocking two rivers. The construction required the relocation of communities that had previously lived in the valley.
The area around the water draws families and walkers from nearby villages, especially on weekends when the paths along the shore fill with people looking for a simple outing. Picnic tables near the dam are a common stop, giving the place the feel of a shared local green space.
A walking path circles the entire shoreline and can be done in a few hours, with the option to cut the route short depending on conditions. Parking is available near the dam, which is the most convenient starting point for the walk.
When the water level drops in late summer, the foundations of old buildings and traces of former settlements emerge along the shoreline. A small church called San Bartolome de los Montes, moved to its current spot when the dam was built, still stands nearby as a visible trace of the village that once occupied the valley.
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