This refuge in the spanish Pyrenees wins my personal prize for the most impressive scenery at a…read morehigh-mountain refuge. Built atop the end of Valle de Ordesa, a large valley near the city of Torla, this place is very popular with climbers, trekking people and weekend visitors. A good place for ascents to the surrounding mountains (with Mt. Perdido (3355m) being the highest one) and also in the centre of various trekking paths crisscrossing the Ordesa NP, including the GR-11. The refuge has sleeping place for 96 people and is usually overcrowded during summer time. You are lucky if you have your own (stable) tent, otherwise book ahead. The staff is very friendly and serves great dinners. You can reach the refuge from the entrance to the Torla NP with a few hours of walking and an easy 600m ascent at the end. Climbing up here is definitely worth the effort, the view is incredible. If you come here along the GR-11 be aware that the part leading to the Refugio de Pineta in the east is really_difficult with some very steep ascents/descents! Don't try it in bad weather.

We have a large local hiking club from Chicago and recently went on a journey to the Picos de…read moreEuropa National Park in northern Spain (near the Pyrenees) with a group of about 40. Our ages ranged from 30-80, with a variety of mobility levels and hiking comfort levels. We were looking for the perfect hiking guide group to make our trip a magical experience, and we found it with Hike Pyrenees. This family-owned local company has been providing guided hikes in the Picos and Pyrenees areas of northern Spain for over 10 years, and they really know their stuff! The hiking guides were so supportive, knowledgeable, patient and kind. We not only saw incredible scenery but learned so much about the local culture, flora, and fauna. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with breathtaking views, lovely people, and wonderful hotels and food (SO MUCH GREAT FOOD!). Honestly, a trip could not get any better than this and I'd give them 10 stars if I could. If you're on the fence about booking, just do it - you won't regret it!