Somiedo Natural Park
Asturias, Principado de
Somiedo Natural Park, located in the Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain's Asturias region, spans over 39,000 hectares encompassing the entire municipality of Somiedo and parts of Belmonte and Teverga. Established as a natural park in 1988 and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000, it is renowned for its rugged landscapes, glacial lakes, and traditional pastoral systems called brañas. The park supports diverse flora, including extensive beech forests, oaks, and endemic plants like the Centaurium somedanum. It is a vital refuge for wildlife such as the endangered Cantabrian brown bear, which thrives here alongside deer, wolves, and over 120 bird species including the Cantabrian capercaillie. The park's cultural heritage is embodied by the vaqueiros de alzada, a nomadic people with unique traditions, and by teitos-ancient stone cabins with broom roofs used historically for livestock. Visitors can explore numerous hiking routes through valleys, lakes, and brañas, while the Interpretation Centre in Pola de Somiedo offers educational resources about the park's natural and cultural significance. Somiedo's blend of ecological richness and human heritage makes it a compelling destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Somiedo Natural Park is late spring through early autumn when trails and brañas are accessible and wildlife activity is high. It is advisable to obtain maps and information at the Interpretation Centre in Pola de Somiedo before setting out. Purchasing tickets or permits in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Visitors should prepare for mountainous terrain with appropriate footwear and gear. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or educational visits. Respect for local customs and wildlife is essential to preserve the park's delicate ecosystem.
Faits intéressants
- •Somiedo Natural Park is home to about 40-50% of the Cantabrian brown bear population in the Cantabrian Mountains.
- •The park contains the Conjunto Lacustre de Somiedo, a natural monument comprising its glacial lakes.
- •Traditional braña systems in Somiedo are considered exemplary models of sustainable mountain farming.
- •The park supports over 120 bird species, including the rare Cantabrian capercaillie, which is subject to a recovery plan.
- •Teitos, the traditional stone cabins with broom roofs, date back to medieval times and are unique to this region.
Histoire
Somiedo Natural Park was declared a protected natural park in 1988, recognizing its ecological and cultural value.
In 2000, UNESCO designated it a Biosphere Reserve due to its sustainable traditional farming practices, especially the braña system of transhumance.
Historically, the area has been inhabited by the vaqueiros de alzada, whose nomadic lifestyle influenced the region's pastoral culture.
Over centuries, the construction of teitos cabins emerged as a distinctive architectural feature linked to livestock herding.
Conservation efforts have focused on protecting the endangered Cantabrian brown bear and preserving the park's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Guide du lieu
Interpretation Centre in Pola de Somiedo
The Interpretation Centre provides comprehensive information about the park's ecosystems, wildlife, cultural heritage, and hiking routes. It serves as a starting point for visitors to learn about the park's significance and plan their excursions.
Brañas (High Mountain Pastures)Medieval period origins
Traditional summer grazing areas used in the transhumance system, featuring ancient teitos cabins with broom roofs. Brañas like Pornacal, Mumián, and Sousas showcase sustainable farming and cultural heritage.
Glacial Lakes of Saliencia and VallePost-glacial period
These picturesque lakes, designated as a natural monument, are remnants of the park's glacial past and offer stunning landscapes and habitats for diverse flora and fauna.
Teitos CabinsMedieval origins
Traditional stone huts with broom thatched roofs used historically by the vaqueiros de alzada for sheltering livestock and people. They represent a unique architectural and cultural element of Somiedo.
Contact
Téléphone: 985 76 37 58
