Ordino Arcalís will once again become this August one of the privileged settings for astronomy lovers. On August 7 and 8, the first light of day will once again pass through the natural hole in the Pic d’Arcalís, an astronomical phenomenon known as the Solar Mountain, making it a unique landscape moment in the Pyrenees. The astronomical event attracts observers, photographers and nature lovers every summer to visit the area. This year, the astronomical conditions will make it possible to see the alignment on two consecutive dawns, offering visitors more opportunities to enjoy this natural spectacle.
Each year, around 7:37 a.m., the first rays of sunlight pass for approximately three minutes through the characteristic natural hole in the Pic d’Arcalís, creating an alignment of great precision that has made this spot a benchmark for astronomy and mountain enthusiasts. The phenomenon was rediscovered by Bonaventura Adellach, although it is believed that the valley’s ancient inhabitants already knew the symbolism of this mountain, considered a sacred place linked to sun worship.
This legacy is also reflected in the Tristaina Solar Lookout, inaugurated in 2021 on the Pic de Peyreguils (2,701 metres). The monumental sundial, made up of a suspended metal sphere 25 metres in diameter and weighing 32 tonnes, offers a 360-degree panorama over the Tristaina glacial cirque, the Ordino Arcalís domain and the French valleys of Auzat, becoming one of the station’s major landscape attractions.
Guided experiences to discover the mountain at dawn
To experience the phenomenon from a privileged point, Ordino Arcalís offers a guided experience with the Grandvalira Mountain Guides, which includes the accompaniment of a mountain guide and breakfast after sunrise. The proposal makes it possible to combine observing the phenomenon with discovering the station’s natural surroundings.
The offer is rounded out with other activities in the summer programme, such as the circular route to the Tristaina Lakes, guided outings to watch the sunrise from the Solar Lookout, or the night excursion to the lakes.
The Tristaina gondola lift, with its distinctive transparent-floor cabins, and the Creussans chairlift make access easier both to the Solar Lookout and to the main mountain routes. The experience is complemented by the gastronomic offering at Restaurant La Coma, Fast Food La Coma, the Kokoi Terrace at l’Hortell and the Sorteny Refuge.
Prelude to the solar eclipse on August 12
Coinciding with the partial solar eclipse on August 12, Ordino Arcalís has scheduled a guided experience at the Tristaina Solar Lookout so visitors can follow this astronomical phenomenon from a privileged high-mountain setting, partially visible from Andorra. The activity includes access via the Creussans chairlift, the accompaniment of a mountain guide, and certified glasses to observe the eclipse with full safety guarantees.
The proposal, with limited places, will be rounded off with the exceptional opening of La Borda de la Coma, which will offer a special dinner for participants who wish to extend the evening under the sky of Ordino Arcalís.
With two consecutive astronomical events, Ordino Arcalís strengthens, at the start of August, its connection with the natural and landscape heritage of the high mountains, offering experiences that connect nature, science and territory.