Camping in Torla

Well-maintained hiking trails wind their way through shady deciduous and coniferous forests and rocky valleys of wild rivers up to the peaks of the Pyrenees. Breathtaking panoramas with rushing waterfalls and tranquil mountain lakes open up again and again. Active holidaymakers can also conquer the natural landscapes around the medieval mountain town of Torla in the Spanish community of Aragón on horseback, mountain bike, kayak or on climbing tours.

Special features of camping in Torla

Torla is located in the central Pyrenees not far from the French border and is the gateway to the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, the oldest nature reserve in the Pyrenees. The campsites in Torla are all located on the banks of the River Ara and are the ideal starting point for hiking tours through the surrounding mountain landscape. Pyrenean chamois, marmots and wild boar can be found here. Bearded vultures and golden eagles circle majestically in the air.

The seclusion, the fresh mountain air and the calming babble of the nearby river are inviting for anyone seeking peace and relaxation. The River Ara is one of the last unspoilt rivers in Spain and offers small pools of water in countless places for an invigorating dip.

Travelling to Torla

The journey to Torla from the north of Germany and the Ruhr area is via Belgium and France, from the centre and south-west via France and from the south-east via Switzerland. From Hamburg, for example, it is 1,800 km to the campsite in Torla, from Frankfurt 1,480 km and from Munich 1,520 km.

When travelling via Switzerland, the area around Lake Geneva is recommended as a relaxing stopover. The route also runs along the Mediterranean coast between Montpellier and Narbonne. Here you can plan a day at the beach. Campers travelling from the north of Germany arrive via Paris and have the option of spending one or more days exploring the French capital.

If you are travelling from the south and centre of Germany in the summer months and want to avoid the busy A7 motorway from Lyon towards the Mediterranean, you can take the A89 motorway towards Clermont-Ferrand. Three nature parks are located along the way and can be considered as relaxing stopovers.

Top 5 sights

• Parish church: The late Gothic church building from the 16th century with the Mondarruego mountain range in the background is one of the most popular photo motifs in Torla.
• Casa Viu: The old house is typical of the local architecture with walls made of grey natural stone and a small inner courtyard.
• El Bosque de Turieto: The path through this fairytale forest with moss-covered stones and roots runs alongside the River Ara to the entrance of the Ordesa Valley.
• Path to Cola de Caballo: This easy hiking trail through the Ordesa gorge impresses with rugged rock faces, thundering waterfalls and green plains.
• Monte Perdido: At 3,348 metres, the "lost mountain" is the highest limestone massif in Europe.

Top 2 insider tips

• Torla in autumn: At this time of year, the mixed deciduous forest in the valleys of the national park is transformed into a colourful sea of warm shades of yellow, orange and red. They form an enchanting contrast to the grey mountain massifs that rise up in the midst of this colourful spectacle, some of whose peaks are covered by the first thin layer of snow.
• Faja de las Flores: A challenging hiking trail rewards adventurers with sweeping views over the Ordesa Valley. Two sections lead vertically along the rock via anchored steel pins and a steel cable for safety. It is advisable to bring a climbing harness and a safety rope for these sections.

Activities and excursions

Around Torla, everything revolves around the beautiful nature of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The unique landscapes can also be explored on alternative routes, for example by off-road vehicle, on horseback or by mountain bike.

The most beautiful viewpoints with a four-wheel drive vehicle

During a five-hour tour, even inexperienced hikers can experience the majestic mountain massifs of the Pyrenees. The off-road vehicle takes on the challenging ascent, then you continue on foot along an easy hiking trail with no major differences in altitude. From an altitude of up to 2000 metres, there are impressive views of the Brecha de Rolando rock formation, the Cotatuero waterfall and Monte Perdido, which is over 3000 metres high.

Through the forests of the Pyrenees on horseback

An unforgettable experience for the whole family are the one- to five-hour riding tours along the Río Ara, through the forest of Sarvisé or to one of the surrounding viewpoints. The rides take place in groups with a reliable guide and can also be adapted for inexperienced riders.

Events

The events in and around Torla combine traditional holidays with folklore and local products from the Pyrenees.

February

• Feria de la Trufa Negra del Pireneo: On the first weekend in February, exhibitions, sales and tastings of black truffles take place in the nearby town of Aínsa.

March - April

• Semana Santa: Holy Week is celebrated in Torla and the surrounding towns of Jaca, Aínsa and Huesca, including a theatre performance of the Passion of Christ in Huesca.
• Saint George's Day: 23 April is the day of the patron saint of the autonomous community of Aragón. Music events, lectures and leisure activities are organised everywhere.

July - August

• Festival Folklórico de los Pirineos: Popular festival of the Pyrenees in Jaca with dance and music performances, parades, exhibitions and spectacles.

September

• Expoferia de Sobrabre: An agricultural exhibition is held in neighbouring Aínsa, including the sale of fresh produce from the countryside, cooking competitions and folk dances.

October

• Festival in honour of the patron saint of Spain, Virgen del Pilar: During the procession, the Palotiau is danced in Torla, symbolising the fight for the mountain pastures and the borders.

Gastronomy

Due to the barren landscape and the short summers in the Pyrenees, livestock farming has a long tradition. The basis of most dishes is therefore meat, especially lamb. Espalda de ternasco rellena, stuffed shoulder of lamb, is a regional speciality. The heavy Aragonese red wine is not only drunk with food, but is also often used to braise the lamb or beef. Borage and olive oil from Lower Aragon are other frequently used ingredients in the preparation.

The Pyrenean cheese with its characteristic black waxy layer has become famous far beyond the region. The flavour ranges from mild to tangy, depending on whether it is made from cow's, sheep's or goat's milk.

Best time to visit

The warmest months in Torla are July and August with maximum temperatures of up to 29 degrees Celsius. The higher altitudes are also free of snow at this time. At night, however, the thermometer sometimes drops below 15 degrees Celsius. April and May are the wettest months of the year and snow can still fall. In September and October, it is relatively dry and mostly frost and snow-free at lower altitudes. Winter lasts from November to March with temperatures around freezing point and snowfall.

July and August are the best months for hiking up to the peaks of the Pyrenees. If you are mainly travelling in the valleys, you can also use the months of June, September and October for extended hikes.