In the heart of the Leonese central mountains, nestled among silent valleys, rugged mountains, and historic villages, lies one of the best-preserved natural treasures in northern Spain: the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve.
An ideal destination for those seeking to breathe clean air, walk among ancient forests, listen to the silence, or simply disconnect from the noise. Nature unfiltered. Life at a different pace.
What is the Alto Bernesga Reserve?
The Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve was declared by UNESCO in 2005 and encompasses two main valleys: the Casares River valley and the Gordón River valley. Its extension includes several mountain villages, including La Pola de Gordón, Ciñera, Geras, Beberino, and more.
It is a high mountain area with great ecological, geological, and ethnographic value. Protected species such as the brown bear and the Cantabrian capercaillie coexist here, along with a rich mining and livestock tradition that has shaped the landscape for centuries.
What Can You Do in the Reserve?
1. Hiking
The reserve has multiple marked routes for all levels. Some of the most recommended:
- Faedo de Ciñera: beech forest awarded for its conservation
- Ascent to Cueto San Mateo: spectacular panoramic views of the entire mountain range
- Route to Alto de la Candanosa: ideal for observing flora and fauna
All routes allow you to enter natural environments of great beauty, with surprising landscape changes between forest, mountain, and pastures.
2. Wildlife watching and photography
The biodiversity of Alto Bernesga is exceptional. In its valleys, you can observe deer, roe deer, foxes, birds of prey and, with luck, traces of the elusive brown bear. It is a paradise for nature photography lovers.
- Best time: spring and autumn
- Recommendation: get up early, bring binoculars, and be quiet
3. Bike and MTB routes
In addition to being an ideal territory for hiking, the Reserve is consolidating as one of the emerging destinations for cycle tourism and MTB. Routes such as Zona Alfa MTB, in Ciñera, offer marked routes for different levels, with unique views and technical areas among forests.
4. Rural and cultural tourism
The cultural richness of the area is also part of the experience. You can visit old coal washeries, small Romanesque churches, ethnographic museums, or simply explore villages such as Geras de Gordón or Beberino, where time seems to have stopped.
How to get there?
The Alto Bernesga Reserve is located about 40 minutes by car from León capital, well connected by the A-66 highway (León – Asturias).
- Recommended entry point: La Pola de Gordón
- Parking: there are designated areas in several accesses to routes
Where to Stay?
If you are looking for comfortable, authentic, and well-located accommodation to explore the entire Reserve, we are waiting for you at Bicis y Vacas, our hotel and restaurant in La Pola de Gordón. Surrounded by nature, designed for cyclists, hikers, and travelers who value the simple and well-made.
From here you can easily access the main routes of the reserve, rest in a quiet environment, and enjoy local cuisine made with local products.
In Summary
The Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve is one of those places that still retain their essence. You don’t need big plans: just arrive, look around, and start walking.
It is perfect for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a few days of active disconnection. And if you want to experience it like a local, you know where to find us.