Pantà de Sallente, Stausee in Spanien
The Pantà de Sallente is a large reservoir in the mountains that holds water from higher glacial lakes, stored behind an earth-filled dam and covering about 26 hectares. The calm surface reflects the surrounding rocky peaks and steep cliffs that rise sharply from the water's edge.
The reservoir was built in 1985 to store water for a hydroelectric power station, though the system is based on tunnels and channels created in the early 1900s for earlier construction projects. This engineering infrastructure connects water from multiple glacial lakes through underground passages to generate electricity.
The reservoir reflects how the region has relied on water resources and mountain landscapes for centuries, and how communities adapted to living in high-altitude areas. Local people view this site as both a source of power and a connection to their mountain heritage, visible in the old stone structures and paths that still serve visitors today.
You can drive from La Torre de Cabdella on a paved road to reach the reservoir area, or walk a marked trail following an old railway line built in 1912 that takes a few hours. Bring your own water since there are no shops or fountains along the way, and wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
The hydroelectric power station operates on a reversible system that can pump water from one lake to another, allowing it to store energy or generate power as needed depending on daily demand. This dual-function mechanism makes the facility unique and enables flexible energy management for the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
