Excursion to the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint
Every year, more and more people visit Ordino Arcalís during the summer to enjoy their holidays in a unique natural environment. This ski resort in Andorra changes its landscape with the changing of the seasons, encouraging everyone to explore nature through active tourism. In Andorra, you can find a great variety of mountain walking routes to some of the surrounding peaks. During your visit to Ordino Arcalís, don’t miss the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint, which is found within the Ordino Biosphere Reserve. It’s a structure formed by a suspended metal ring measuring 25 metres in diameter, which crowns the Peyreguils peak at an altitude of 2,702 metres. It’s the best point from where you can enjoy unparalleled views, particularly of the Tristaina lakes and Ordino valley. As its name suggests, aside from being a viewpoint, it’s also a sundial, as its central gnomon marks the time on the circumference of the structure itself.
How to get ready for your visit to the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint
Although it’s not a technically challenging excursion as it can be done on foot or using either or both of the resort’s ski lifts, it’s important to bear some things in mind in order to make the most of the experience. It’s a good idea to bring a rucksack with some food, water and sun cream with you. Wear comfortable clothes, aside from hiking shoes, as the last stretch involves a short hike through mountainous terrain.
It’s also advisable to check the weather forecast before leaving and taking some warm clothes with you. Weather in the high mountains can change quickly during the day and it’s usually quite windy. Furthermore, in May and June, it’s quite common to find snow at some points.
Please bear in mind that you’re in a natural environment, so it’s important to take care of the flora and fauna. Take everything you brought with you back home, including rubbish. This way, we’ll all be able to continue enjoying the marvellous landscapes of Andorra.
How to get to the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint
To get to the viewpoint, you’ve got several options. Below are two different ways:
- How to get to the Solar Viewpoint by cable car: This is the most comfortable option and it also gives you excellent views during the ride on the resort’s ski lifts. Your adventure starts with the Tristaina cable car, at the base station in L’Hortell. After a pleasant panoramic ride lasting six minutes, you’ll reach La Coma. At this point, you’ll find a restaurant and terrace where you can grab a bite or a drink before or after going to the viewpoint. From the base station in La Coma, you can continue your journey on the Creussans chairlift, which will take you almost to the top in approximately 15 minutes. Then, it’s a 20-minute walk to the Solar Viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views. We recommend that you have a look at the opening dates of the cable car and chairlift. If you’re going with children, please bear in mind that the minimum height to get on the Creussans chairlift is 1, 20 m.
- How to get to the Solar Viewpoint on foot: If you love trekking and mountain walking routes, this is just the thing for you. You can do this trail on your own, although there are also guided excursions by Grandvalira Mountain Guides. You can start the trail at several points. One of the most common options is to set off from La Coma and follow the path towards the Peyreguils peak. As you ascend, you’ll find the Creussans lake, formed by glacier water, where you can take a break and refresh yourself before carrying on. Once you get to the Peyreguils peak, it’ll be about a 20-minute hike to the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint. The excursion takes approximately 2h. You can check the map to see other alternatives and trails in Ordino Arcalís.