What to Do in Encamp: Lake Engolasters, Cable Car and Tranquillity

Lake Engolasters and the cable car

Lake Engolasters is probably the most iconic image of Encamp. Located at 1,616 metres above sea level, this glacial reservoir offers exceptional views over the parish and the surrounding mountains. The water takes on an intense blue-green colour depending on the light, reflecting peaks that exceed 2,500 metres on clear spring and autumn days. It is not a remote high-mountain lake: it is well connected and suitable for the whole family.

The most comfortable access — and undoubtedly the most memorable — is via the Encamp cable car. This public transport facility carries passengers from the village centre up to the high zone in just a few minutes, passing through pine and fir forests with panoramic views of the parish. The price of the cable car is notably lower than any ski pass: it is the most affordable excursion in all of Andorra to enjoy the heights without technical clothing or special preparation.

Once at the top, the circular walk around the lake takes approximately 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. The path is flat and well marked, skirting the shore between meadows and woodland. In summer it is common to find families with young children, hikers who have arrived from Andorra la Vella on the longer path, and mountain cyclists descending from the mountain refuges in the area.

Museu de l'Electricitat

Few visitors know about it, and it is a real gem. The Museu de l'Electricitat in Encamp is housed in the former FEDA (Forces Elèctriques d'Andorra) hydroelectric power station beside Lake Engolasters, and tells the story of how Andorra generated and distributed its own electricity from the early 20th century. The building itself is an example of mountain industrial architecture that is worth seeing even from the outside.

Inside you will find perfectly preserved original machinery: turbines, transformers, period lever-switch control panels and explanatory boards that contextualise the role of hydroelectric energy in the Principality's development. The guided tour — available in Catalan, Spanish and French — lasts approximately one hour and is adapted for all audiences, including children.

Entry is free or costs a token amount. Combined with the walk around the lake, it makes for a complete and culturally rich morning at almost no cost.

Hiking through the valleys of Encamp

Encamp is the starting point for some of the least crowded hiking routes in Andorra. The parish occupies a wide valley with access to several high-mountain areas and the border with France to the north, making it an excellent base for those who want to hike without encountering too many people.

The Ransol valley and les Bons

The road that climbs from Encamp towards Ransol passes through one of the best-preserved traditional agricultural landscapes in the Principality. Les Bons, the small historic hamlet halfway up, has a 12th-century Romanesque church — Sant Roma de les Bons — perched on top of a rock that commands the entire valley. From there, paths lead to the Pessons lakes, a cluster of small glacial lakes above 2,200 metres that in summer become one of the most justifiably beautiful mid-mountain destinations in Andorra.

Towards Pas de la Casa and the Envalira pass

For more experienced hikers, Encamp is also the starting point for long routes connecting with Pas de la Casa via the Envalira pass, the highest mountain pass in Andorra and the entire Iberian Peninsula. These routes require good weather conditions and adequate preparation, but reward with panoramas spanning both sides of the Pyrenees.

Ordino Arcalís: quiet skiing near Encamp

Although Encamp does not have its own ski domain, it is excellently positioned to access Ordino Arcalis, the smallest and most authentic station in the Grandvalira system. Arcalis has a reputation as the favourite domain of local skiers: shorter queues, slopes with generally good snow conditions, and a more family-oriented atmosphere than the busier Grandvalira sectors such as Pas de la Casa or Soldeu.

Access from Encamp requires crossing into the parish of Ordino, which by car takes 30 to 40 minutes. For those looking to ski without the pressure of crowds, the combination of accommodation in Encamp and skiing at Arcalis is one of the most interesting in all of Andorra.

Where to eat in Encamp

The gastronomy of Encamp reflects the character of the parish: authentic, unpretentious and oriented towards local clientele. The village restaurants work with seasonal produce — mushrooms, game, river trout, mountain lamb — and maintain traditional Andorran and Catalan recipes that are increasingly hard to find in the more tourist-oriented venues of the centre.

To book a table at restaurants in Encamp and across Andorra you can use Tavlo, the Principality's restaurant reservation platform. From the app or website you can check real-time availability, browse menus and confirm your reservation in seconds.

Practical tips

Getting there: Encamp is on the central axis of Andorra, about 6 kilometres from Andorra la Vella along the main CG-2 road. The intercity bus connects the village with the capital several times per hour throughout the day. By car, parking in the village centre is free in most areas.

Best time to visit: Encamp works well year-round. In winter (December–March) it is a quiet base for skiing at Arcalis or Grandvalira. In summer (June–September) it is the ideal starting point for hiking to the Pessons lakes and high-mountain routes. Autumn — especially October — is particularly beautiful for the forest colours and mushroom season.

What to bring: For the lake walk and museum visit no special equipment is needed. For longer hikes — especially towards the Pessons lakes or the Envalira pass — mountain boots, warm clothing even in summer and enough water are essential. Mountain weather can change quickly: always carry an extra layer.