Aragon is full of landscapes that have nothing to envy to the Alps. Ibones, waterfalls, and valleys that seem to postcard. Proof of this is the Linsoles reservoir, a small paradise between mountains that many compare with the Lakes of Switzerland. Located next to the town of Eriste, less than ten minutes from Benasque, this corner of the Oscense Pyrenees has everything: crystalline water, family routes, aquatic sports and poses, the second highest peak of the Pyrenees.
La Cala without a sea hidden in the Pyrenees: Crystal Water and Silence 30 minutes from Torla
Although it was built in the 60s to produce electricity, today the reservoir is a perfect place to relax, make an excursion with children or row in kayak. The complete return to the reservoir can be done in just over an hour, and those who seek something more demanding can follow routes that ascend to the Sanctuary of Guayente or enter the Conques jungle. Less than two and a half hours from Huesca, this Ribagorzano corner is an ideal escape in summer, both for families and for hikers or photography fans.
An unknown reservoir in the heart of the Pyrenees
Activities to do in the Linsoles reservoir
Eriste, a charming and tradition mountain town
How to get to the Linsoles reservoir from Zaragoza, Huesca and other points of Aragon
From Zaragoza (approximately 3 hours)
From Huesca (2 hours and 30 minutes)
From Benasque (less than 10 minutes)
An unknown reservoir in the heart of the Pyrenees
With poses in the background and surrounded by vegetation, the Linsoles reservoir remembers the Engadina or Gruyère lakes, but is in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees. From its banks, it is usual to see the mountains in the water reflected, and in spring or summer it is easy to cross with birds such as laundres or blacksmiths.
In addition, the environment is adapted for the walk and rest, with wooden catwalks, banks, picnic areas and a jetty to rent piraguas. All this without massifications or aggressive constructions: only mountain, water and silence.
With poses in the back
The circular route around the reservoir is very affordable and barely has uneven. Part of the Eriste bridge and passes through small catwalks, shadow areas and areas with perfect views for a photo. They are about 3.8 kilometers that are traveled at an hour and a half maximum.
It is also an ideal starting point to connect with other more demanding routes, such as the one that goes up to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guayente or the way to the Conques jungle, highly recommended in summer for its lush and shadow.
Activities to do in the Linsoles reservoir
During the warm months, the Linsoles reservoir becomes a perfect place to enjoy water and natural environment without hurry. One of the most popular activities is canoeing, which can be practiced thanks to the local company Grist-Kayak, located in the people of Eriste itself.
This company of adventure sports It offers rental of kayaks and canoes for 12 euros an hour, including all the necessary material. The navigation is done in calm waters, surrounded by mountains that exceed 3,000 meters of altitude, within the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. The contrast between the blue of the water, the green of the forests and the Pyrenean summits offers an impressive visual experience, ideal for both adults and families with children. In addition to the rental of boats, it also has the sale of occasion material for those who want to equip them with tight prices.
On the other hand, the reservoir environment is also perfect for those who prefer quieter activities. License fishing is allowed, and it is usual to see reeds on the banks of the water. In addition, riverside vegetation attracts birds such as laundres, blacksmiths or common airplanes, which makes it an ideal space for fauna observation or landscape photography.
Eriste, a charming and tradition mountain town
Located by just over 1,100 meters of altitude and a few minutes from Benasque, Eriste is one of those peoples of the Aragonese Pyrenees who have managed to maintain their intact essence. Empedradas streets, stone houses with wooden balconies and slate roofs, a Romanesque church at the top of the urban nucleus and a quiet atmosphere that invites you to disconnect. Unlike other more tourist destinations in the Valley, there are no boring or rush here, only calm, nature and authenticity.
The town also offers several points of cultural interest. The Church of San Félix, from the twelfth century, is one of the most representative examples of the Romanesque rural in La Ribagorza. In the old schools is the Interpretation Center of the Pyrenees of the Pyrenees, a informative space where they were formed and how these high mountain ecosystems are disappearing. It is an ideal stop before entering the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park.
Eriste is one of those peoples of the Aragonese Pyrenees who have managed to maintain their intact essence
In addition, Eriste is a starting point of highly valued hiking routes, such as the one that leads to the cascade of the spikest or the angel orús shelter, more than 2,000 meters of altitude. Its location between the Linsoles reservoir and the accesses to the Natural Park, makes the people a perfect base for those who seek to combine heritage, nature and adventure into the same escape.
How to get to the Linsoles reservoir from Zaragoza, Huesca and other points of Aragon
The Linsoles reservoir is located in the town of Eriste, within the municipality of Sahún, in the region of La Ribagorza. It is just five minutes by car from Benasque and has good road access, although it should be remembered that it is a mountain area.
From Saragossa (approximately 3 hours)
The most common route is to take the A-23 in the direction Huesca, deviate to Barbastro for the N-240 and continue through the A-139 through Graus, Campo, Castejón de SOS and finally Benasque and Eriste. It is a landscape road, especially beautiful from Campo onwards.
From Huesca (2 hours and 30 minutes)
From the capital of Oscense, the journey follows the same route from Barbastro: A-139 North direction through Graus and Castejón de Sos. In winter season it is convenient to consult the state of the road due to possible snowfall in the mountain area.
From Benasque (less than 10 minutes)
The reservoir is very close to the urban center of Benasque. It is easily accessed by the A-139 and there are parking areas next to the Eriste bridge and in the surroundings of the circular route. The Linsoles reservoir is an ideal excursion from Zaragoza, Huesca or even from Lleida, both to spend the day and to include it within a longer stay in the Benasque Valley. The area has multiple rural accommodations and tourist services.
