Overview
Covering 39,165 ha the Somiedo Nature Park is located in the central area of the Cantabrian Mountains. It comprises of five main valleys: Sapiencia, Valle del Lago, Puerto de Somiedo, Las Aortas and Cigüeñas. These valleys are unspoilt and surrounded by peaks reaching up to 2,000m. The park is home to a significant amount of wild brown bear.
Walking
The Príncipe Viewpoint has stunning views of special areas of the Reserve such as Cornón peak and the Mumián "braña" (high pastureland).
These are many walking routes within the park that range from 4km up to 15km.
Sightseeing
Within the park are many traditional cabins. These are grouped in brañas (high mountain meadows), or scattered around the mountains. They are particularly unique as their roofs are covered with a wild shrub called broom. The shepherds use the cables as lodgings, straw lofts or stables. The brañas of Pornacal and Mumián are fine examples.
Geology
The Nature Reserve’s consists of substrate formations composed of siliceous (slate, sandstone, quartzite) and carbonated (limestone and dolomites).
Animals/Birds
The populations of brown bears, wolves, capercaillies and otters constitute a biological treasure of immeasurable value. Wild boar, deer, chamois, roe deer, hare, fox , jockeys, wildcat, marten and badgers are all found in this nature reserve. Birds of prey include Golden Eagle, Egyptian vulture, and peregrine falcon
Plants
Due to the existence of nearly all altitudes within the reserve, there are examples of all types of forests. These include beech and oak forests and birch groves. Ash, maple and linden trees as well as holly and yew are all found here. Holm oaks cover some of the lower areas. The fauna in Somiedo is in general, very similar to that found in the rest of the Cantabrian Mountains.
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