Come discover the origins of Planet Earth
Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark
Welcome to
Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark
At the Orígens Geopark we study, analyse and interpret the history of our planet and the history of all the creatures who have lived on the planet over millions of years.
Our goal: for our guests to be able to experience this history for themselves
- The origins of the universe, the life of the dinosaurs, the formation of the mountain ranges, the cultures of our ancestors…
- The answers to some of humanity’s great questions lie here: in every rock, every summit, every bit of earth.
- All in the unique setting of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Georutes: Trace the footsteps of history
Set against a unique natural backdrop, the Geopark routes invite you to relive the history of our planet.
This journey will take you back in time as you investigate dinosaur fossils, century-old mines, underground caves and rocks that have been folded and fractured by the dance of the tectonic plates.
The last dinosaurs in Europe
Where you currently see mountains was once the maritime coast, home to Europe’s last dinosaurs. See for yourself the fossils of footprints, eggs, and bones belonging to some of the most fascinating creatures to have inhabited our planet.
Collegats, live and breathe
The Pyrenees as we know them today are the result of millions of years of geological evolution, which you can discover here. Did you know that, according to legend, one of the stops along this route was Gaudi’s source of inspiration for the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona?
Lakes Route
This route connects the Sant Antoni Reservoir – which was one of the largest in Europe – with the Terradets Reservoir. Here you’ll find mediaeval defence towers, modernist palaces and a set of period stores designed to recreate the commercial activity in 1900.
La Vall Fosca, energy valley
The force of water converted into energy: this area is home to Catalonia’s first hydroelectric power plant, as well as former mines, rocks dating back more than 500 million years and granite formed from magma.
Mont-Rebei Gorge
One of the most spectacular natural features of the Geopark and, indeed, the whole country. Here you’ll navigate trails, caves and suspension bridges, along 500-metre high rock walls that originally started to form under the sea more than 80 million years ago.
El Carrilet
The former route of the train that was used to transport materials and workers to the Capdella Hydroelectric Complex offers spectacular views of the valleys and glacial cirques formed by glacial erosion of the rocks. This route offers digital interpretation accessible via the Geopark interactive map.
La Coma de Meià
Route that takes you through mediaeval fortifications where you’ll relive the history of our ancestors. This area is characterised by rocks more than 220 million years old, with natural formations including caves, chasms and natural gorges.
El cinquè llac
The Fifth Lake. 5-step hiking loop where you’ll discover our region’s history from different perspectives villages, hermitages, Romanesque ruins, dry stone architecture, legends… To top it all off, you’ll enjoy the best local cuisine.
Aquatic Georoute
This rafting/kayak route takes you down areas carved out by the Noguera Pallaresa River. Learn about the traditional profession of timber rafting, explore the historic mediaeval heritage of Gerri de la Sal and understand how the Pyrenees were formed.
The Valley of Vultures
Circular route where you’ll become acquainted with the geology of the Terreta and understand the how the imposing Serra de Sant Gervàs was formed. Discover one of the most magical corners of the Geopark and enjoy this opportunity to see the region’s largest vulture colony.
Reserve your experience
Through PallarsClick you can reserve activities, accommodation, museum tickets and all kinds of experiences for an unforgettable visit to the Geopark.
Planning a visit?
Here you’ll find maps of the region, field guides, notebooks, our list of partners and everything you need to get the most out of your visit.
Museums and centres
Connect with your roots
What was life like in an ancient civilisation? How were the surrounding landscapes formed?
What forms of life have lived here, and what did that look like?
The museums and interpretation centres of the Geopark offer the chance to relive our planet’s history over a span of more than 500 million years.
Dinosaurs of the Pyrenees
Discover how the dinosaurs lived with the help of audiovisual guides, skeletal reconstructions made with real bones and fossils extracted directly from our paleontological excavation sites.
Night sky
Let yourself be blown away by this paradise of stars that holds the secrets to the creation of the universe. Our observatories and planetariums carry Starlight Tourist and Starlight Reserve status.
Human legacy
In our interpretation centres you can follow in the footsteps of prehistoric human settlements, immerse yourself in the Roman Empire, relive the Middle Ages or return to 20th-century modernism.
Making the most of natural resources
Relive the history of local manufacturing by visiting the first hydroelectric power plants in Catalonia, the salt flats at Gerri de la Sal, and former mines.
Celebrations and traditions
The Geopark is home to many traditional festivities and strives to preserve the memory of ancient professions that were key in the region’s development, such as timber rafting, which was used to transport logs from the Pyrenees to the cities.
Expositions
Discover spaces dedicated to revealing the secrets of the landscape, history and biodiversity of the Pyrenees.
Experience the immensity of the Pyrenees
The region of the Catalan Pyrenees is full of life.
Forests, trails, rivers, lakes, summits… Experience them to the fullest through our curated experiences, which will help you feel closer than ever to nature.
Nature activities
Hike through the Pyrenees, discover the local flora and fauna with one of our guided visits or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Geopark from a hot air balloon.
Active tourism
Horseback riding routes, mountain biking, canyoning, kayaking, via ferratas, caving… The Geopark is home to a multitude of adventure sports and hosts competitions all year round.
Gastronomic tourism
The local cuisine is a unique blend of the Mediterranean diet and regional products from the Pyrenees. Sample meat, sausages, cheese, fruit, vegetables and wines from local producers.
Studying the past, building the future
As a UNESCO Global Geopark, our mission is to preserve and share our natural and cultural heritage.
Two of the pillars that make this possible are education and scientific research.
Scientific research
The Orígens Geopark presents opportunities for geological and paleontological research that are
unique in the world
. Institutions from across the country and scientists from around the world carry out their research here. We
share this knowledge
through conferences, publications, museums and interpretation centres.
Educational resources
We create and promote educational activities for all ages, such as courses, advisory services and work experience camps. We also offer downloadable education resources for schools and high schools, and we collaborate with universities to share our knowledge of the region’s geological, paleontological, ecological and cultural heritage.
Events
