Black Lake of Urbión, Glacial lake in Sierra del Urbión Natural Park, Spain
The Black Lake of Urbión is a mountain lake in the Sierra del Urbión surrounded by steep granite cliffs and dark water. The landscape around it features dense pine forests that cover the surrounding slopes.
The lake formed during the last Ice Age when glaciers carved a deep basin into the mountainside. This geological process created the distinctive depression where water now collects at high elevation.
The dark waters of the lake influenced Spanish poet Antonio Machado to write La tierra de Alvargonzález, incorporating local folklore into literature.
The lake sits in a remote location and is reached by hiking from a nearby parking area along a marked trail. The walk is challenging, especially in poor weather, so visitors should wear proper footwear and plan extra time.
The lake reaches a depth of 12 meters and hosts an annual swimming competition on the first Sunday of August across its waters.
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