Saint Maurice Lake, Glacial lake in Espot, Spain
Description
Saint Maurice Lake fills a glacial basin surrounded by steep rock walls and alpine terrain. Multiple mountain streams feed the water, which sits in a natural mountain bowl carved by ancient ice.
History
During the last ice age, glaciers covered the Pyrenees and carved out this basin through their slow, grinding movement. When the ice retreated, it left behind this depression that now holds water.
Culture
The lake is named after a patron saint and reflects the mountain dwellers' deep connection to the land. Local communities have shaped the surrounding landscape through their daily rhythms of pastoral life across the high valleys.
Practical
Plan a visit during summer months when the mountain trails are clear and weather is most favorable. Bring warm clothing and sturdy boots regardless of season, as temperatures remain cool at this elevation.
Did you know?
The water disappears into underground channels beneath natural rock formations before emerging in a distant valley. This hidden drainage system shows how complex mountain hydrology can be.
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Gran Encantat
1.7 km
Sant Maurici dam
296 m
Pic de Subenuix
3.6 km
Pic del Portarró
2.9 km
Vall de Monestero
2.4 km
Agulla del Portarró
2.3 km
Cap de Crabes
3.3 km
Vall de Ratera
2.2 km
Embalse de Amitges de Ratera
2.2 km
Pics de Bassiero
2.9 km
Pui de Linya
3.6 km
Agulles d'Amitges
2.9 km
Pic Morto
3.4 km
Vall de Subenuix
2.2 km
Pic d'Amitges
3.4 km
Sant Maurici d'Espot
763 m
Pic de Saboredo
3.5 km
Pic de Monestero
4.1 km
Coma d'Amitges
2.7 km
Coma dels Pescadors
3.2 km
Vall de Peixerani
3.7 km
Pic Inferior de Subenuix
3.2 km
Pui Pla
1.5 km
Agulles de Bassiero
2.3 km
Los Tres Puis
3.9 km
Pletiu d'Erdo
3.7 km
Coma de l'Abeller
2 km
Vall d'Escrita
2.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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