Somiedo: Nature, Culture and Bear Knowledge
Accommodation in Somiedo
In Somiedo, the Senda accesible de Pola de Somiedo begins in the town of Pola De Somiedo. The route runs for 2 kilometres out and 2 kilometres back. Its gradients are very gentle; none exceeds 8 percent, and the Senda is considered very easy.
File:Somiedo, Asturias, Spain - panoramio.jpg
Photo: Javier Pérez López via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
The information about the trail conditions and the available information services opens up different possibilities for planning the day: a short, very easy route can be given a different emphasis from a visit offering in-depth interpretation of nature, geology or ethnography. Travellers can also choose between crafts, market activity, regional products and bear knowledge according to their preferred focus. This keeps the planning open in terms of theme while remaining specifically focused on Somiedo.
Nature and Trails
The Parque Natural de Somiedo includes the Puerto y Pola de Somiedo valley among its five valleys. From the Mirador de La Pola Somiedo, bears, chamois and vultures can occasionally be observed with binoculars on the nearby slopes. The circular structure of the Mirador is reminiscent of traditional Cortinos, enclosures designed to protect beehives from bear attacks. The panels installed along the spiral ramp explain the fauna, flora, geology and ethnography of Somiedo.
Understanding the Nature Park
The Centro de Interpretación del Parque Natural de Somiedo is located in Pola de Somiedo, under the postcode 33840, in Somiedo (Asturias). It has a permanent exhibition on the natural and cultural values of the park. Visitors can also obtain information there about the surrounding area, routes and walking trails, as well as the regulations associated with them.
The Centro de Recepción e Interpretación del Parque Natural de Somiedo provides information about the park’s relief, geology, vegetation, fauna and ethnographic heritage through an audiovisual exhibition and numerous interactive elements. The public information centre of the Fundación Oso Pardo about the brown bear in the Parque Natural de Somiedo features a small exhibition about the bear and allows visitors to book guided routes in the protected area.
Culture and Crafts
The Ecomuseo de Somiedo has a location in Pola de Somiedo that can be visited year-round, where visitors can learn about traditional crafts. The traditional Mercao de Nueite takes place in Pola de Somiedo in mid-August and offers handicrafts, commercial goods and agricultural products. The Mercao de Nueite includes workshops and activities for children; at the Chigre, you can drink cider while listening to traditional Asturian music.
AgroSomiedo in Pola de Somiedo offers tours and tastings at its craft brewery.
Getting There
The main access to the Parque Natural de Somiedo from the direction of Asturias is via the AS-227. This road is reached via Belmonte from the junction with the AS-15, the Corredor del Narcea.
Addresses
Las Casas del Oso is located at Calle Alvarez Florez Estrada, s/n, 33840 Pola de Somiedo, Asturias.
To the higher-level travel overview: Camín Real De La Mesa.
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