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Engolasters Dam Infrastructure

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Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)

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The Engolasters Dam infrastructure is an engineering masterpiece from the 1930s and forms the heart of Andorra's hydroelectric power utilization. The reservoir is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,616 meters and was created by the FHASA company (now FEDA) to secure the country's electricity supply. Water is collected from the Valira d'Orient and Madriu rivers through a complex system of channels and directed via a penstock to the power station in Encamp. The construction of the dam marked the beginning of Andorra's modern industrial development and enabled the electrification of remote valleys. The dam itself is a gravity dam that blends harmoniously into the alpine landscape. In addition to its economic significance for energy production, the lake today serves as an important recreational area and water reservoir. The technical facilities are constantly modernized to increase efficiency and meet ecological standards. Engolasters remains a symbol of the successful combination of technical progress and environmental protection.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-21591416161282-1
Rain mm604857717752464750647049

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Engolasters dam in Andorra is a critical infrastructure for water storage and the highest part of the Andorran energy system. It serves electricity generation and water supply for the upper valley.
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Visiting
The dam and reservoir are accessible via hiking trails that take visitors around the water. The facilities themselves are typically not open for safety reasons.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the hiking trail that circles the reservoir, with several benches and lookout points. From the south side one has a direct view of the dam wall and the valley beyond.
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Local products
Electricity from hydropower is generated in the area and fed into the Andorran grid. Local products are not directly linked to the dam, but in Escaldes-Engordany thermal water products and soaps are available.
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Active season
The dam is active year-round, with the highest water release in spring during snowmelt. In summer the reservoir is popular for walks, in winter it can be snowy.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with the Caldea thermal spa in Escaldes-Engordany, located just below the dam. The old town of Andorra la Vella with its shopping streets is also a short drive away.

Geography

Coordinates
42.51850, 1.55820

Facts

  • The reservoir is located at an elevation of 1,616 meters.
  • Construction was completed in 1934 by the FHASA company.
  • The water drives the turbines of the power plant in Encamp.
  • It is the primary water reservoir for national power generation.
  • The dam is constructed as a solid gravity dam structure.
  • The system draws water from the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Alpine Chough High CliffsAlpine Chough High Cliffs<1 km · NEExplore →
EngordanyEngordany1 km · SWExplore →
La TremadaLa Tremada2 km · NEExplore →
Madriu Valley EntranceMadriu Valley Entrance2 km · SEExplore →
Grass Snake WetlandsGrass Snake Wetlands3 km · EExplore →
AnyósAnyós3 km · NWExplore →
Creu GrossaCreu Grossa3 km · SWExplore →
La ComellaLa Comella3 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (10)

MW Museu de l'Electricitat🏛 museum

Museum in Engolasters showcasing the history of electricity.

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Esglesia de Sant Miquel d'Engolasters

Church building in Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra.

Mirador del circuit de les fonts

Viewpoint along the springs circuit in Engolasters.

Mirador Coll de Jou

Viewpoint overlooking the area around Escaldes-Engordany.

Tamarro (Caldes)

Rock formation or monument in the Caldes area, Andorra.

Font de les Ordigues

Spring in Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra.

Els Jocs d'aigua

Water play area or fountains in Escaldes-Engordany.

Pic de Padern

Mountain in Andorra, part of the Pyrenees.

Agulles d'Engolasters

Rock needles or pointed formations near Engolasters.

Centre d'Interpretació de l'Agua i del Madriu (CIAM)

Exhibition space about water and the Madriu valley in Escaldes-Engordany.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the infrastructure in Engolasters used for?
The dam and reservoir serve for hydroelectric power generation for all of Andorra.
Can you walk on the dam?
Yes, there are paths around the lake that pass over parts of the infrastructure.
Is swimming allowed in the lake?
No, as it is a storage reservoir for power generation, swimming is forbidden.
How deep is Lake Engolasters?
The lake has a maximum depth of about 17 meters.
Are there cafes there?
Yes, near the dam there are restaurants with a beautiful view of the lake.
Engolasters Dam Infrastructure: where is it located?
Engolasters Dam Infrastructure is located in Andorra.
Engolasters Dam Infrastructure: what is there to see?
Highlights include MW Museu de l'Electricitat, Esglesia de Sant Miquel d'Engolasters, Mirador del circuit de les fonts.
Engolasters Dam Infrastructure: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Engolasters Dam Infrastructure: why is it worth visiting?
The Engolasters Dam infrastructure is an engineering masterpiece from the 1930s and forms the heart of Andorra's hydroelectric power utilization.
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History & landmarks

Caldea Spa Building — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Caldea Spa Building
The striking Caldea building, with its 80-meter glass spire, is a landmark of modern architecture.
Pyrénées Department Store — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Pyrénées Department Store
Grans Magatzems Pyrénées is the country's most traditional department store.
Financial Center at Prat de la Creu — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Financial Center at Prat de la Creu
Prat de la Creu is the administrative and financial center of Andorra.
Andorra National Congress Center — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Andorra National Congress Center
The congress center is the driver for business tourism in Andorra.
General Council of Andorra — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
General Council of Andorra
The modern seat of the Andorran parliament, located right next to the historic Casa de la Vall.

Nature

Pic d&#39;Aixeus — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Pic d'Aixeus
Pic d'Aixeus is a 2,227-meter-high mountain in southern Andorra.
Pic de Casamanya — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Pic de Casamanya
This mountain is located in the geographical center of the country, separating the valleys of Ordino and Canillo.
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Pic de Serra Secca
Pic de Serra Secca is a 2,730-meter-high mountain near the border with Spain.

More places

Sant Miquel d&#39;Engolasters — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Sant Miquel d'Engolasters
This 12th-century church is distinguished by its tall bell tower and strategic location overlooking the valley.
Escaldes Urban Heating Plant — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Escaldes Urban Heating Plant
The plant uses waste heat to supply the urban district heating network.
Fox-Omnipresent — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Fox-Omnipresent
The adaptable red fox is widespread throughout Andorra, from forests to near urban areas.
FEDA Hydroelectric Plant — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
FEDA Hydroelectric Plant
The FEDA power plant is the central hub for electricity production in Andorra.
Carmen Thyssen Museum Andorra — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Carmen Thyssen Museum Andorra
A modern art museum in Escaldes-Engordany displaying temporary exhibitions from the Thyssen collection.
Escaldes Wool Textile Mill — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Escaldes Wool Textile Mill
The historical wool mill utilized the power of the Madriu river.
Escaldes-Engordany Art Center — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Escaldes-Engordany Art Center
A cultural center showcasing permanent collections of Andorran sculptors and models of Romanesque art.
Bridge of Els Escalls — Engolasters Dam Infrastructure (Andorra)
Bridge of Els Escalls
A historic stone bridge over the Valira d'Orient river, known for being the site of important political treaty signings.