What to do in Vielha: plans to make the most of your trip

If it’s your first time in Vielha, this stroll is almost a must. The center isn’t very large, but it has that charm that hooks you from the first moment: stone houses, slate roofs, wooden balconies… and a river (the Nere) that runs through the town, giving it a postcard vibe. It’s the kind of place where photos always look good, even without a filter.

In the middle of the old town you’ll find the Church of Sant Miquèu, with its Gothic tower and the famous Cristo de Mijarán inside. You’ll recognize it right away, because we all end up taking a photo from the river bridge with the church in the background. It’s one of those spots that ends up in everyone’s Instagram feed, even if no one admits it.

If you then fancy something relaxed, the Passeig dera Llibertat has perfect terraces to stop for a while. And if you’re into shopping, Avenida Castiero is filled with mountain shops. We’ve walked it dozens of times and always recommend it: it’s the best first encounter with Vielha, ideal for strolling at leisure and starting to discover everything the valley has to offer.

If you really love the mountains, this hike will delight you. The route through the Circ de Colomèrs is one of the valley’s all-time classics and it’s no coincidence: glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and that silence you only find in the high mountains. That said, it’s not a walk in the park: there are ascents, descents, and long stretches, but the views make up for everything.

The route begins at the Plan des Bahns, where you can park your car. From there, a trail leads you to the Estanh Major, with its mountain refuge, and from there the circular route starts. The short version (the most common) takes about 3 to 4 hours, and if you’re fit, you can do the long version: between 7 and 8 hours of hiking through one of the most spectacular areas of the Pyrenees.

Bring water, some food, and check the weather before you set off (this is real mountain, not the riverside promenade). And get your camera ready, because each lake looks more beautiful than the last. If you’re the type to share your route on social media, this place will get you more likes than a beach sunset.

You know it: if you come to Vielha in winter, the standout plan is Baqueira. Obvious as it may sound, we couldn’t leave it out, because it remains one of the valley’s top attractions. At Dynamic Hotels we experience it season after season, and we assure you that few resorts combine quality, variety, and atmosphere as well.

Baqueira Beret is just a few kilometers from Vielha and is one of the most powerful resorts in the Pyrenees. It has over 160 km of ski runs, 113 slopes for all levels, snow cannons in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, and areas perfect for both beginners and the more hardcore. Additionally, thanks to its orientation and altitude, the snow usually lasts longer and stays in better condition than at other resorts in Catalonia.

And in summer? The resort keeps moving: some chairlifts, like the Clòt der Os, open for hikers and cyclists, and there are more and more activities designed for those who want to enjoy the mountain without snow. It’s worth checking the summer offerings before you come, because Baqueira doesn’t close its doors when the white season ends.

We continue with winter plans that our guests usually love. If you want to do something different beyond the slopes, the Palai de Gèu de Vielha is an ideal option to spend a fun afternoon with family or friends. It’s in the town itself, so you can easily walk there from our hotels.

The star attraction is its 1,456 m² ice rink, where you can skate even if you’ve never done it before (all equipment is rented on-site). Additionally, competitions and events are held throughout the year, from curling to figure skating, which sometimes surprise visitors who are in town on those days. There’s more going on than it seems.

And if you want to stay active, the complex also features a very well-equipped gym, a climbing wall area (70 m² bouldering), and an outdoor paddle court. It’s not just an ice palace, it’s a fully-equipped sports center that adds variety to your getaway.

If you feel like doing something different and very authentic during your getaway, a visit to the Mines Victòria is a plan that usually surprises (and delights) visitors. It’s an old mining operation in the Arres area, converted into an interpretive hiking route where landscape and history go hand in hand.

The excursion begins at the Bassa d’Arres and covers about 3 km among remains of old installations, mining structures, and spectacular views of the surroundings. The best part is that the guided tour includes entry to the Sacosta gallery, a real 200-meter mine where you’ll see tunnels, loaders, and extraction systems as they were used in the early 20th century. A plan that combines hiking, culture, and a dose of adventure.

There are picnic areas, explanatory panels, and a small visitor center in the old machine room. Many of our guests looking for quiet plans without giving up discovering something new thank us for this. Just be aware of the schedule depending on the season because it can only be visited with a guide.

No trip to the Val d’Aran is complete without sitting down and ordering an olla aranesa. It’s the region’s most typical stew, a mountain recipe that comforts from the first spoonful. It includes pork, chicken, “pelota” (meatball), vegetables, legumes and noodles, all slow-cooked until tender and flavorful.

It’s prepared in many restaurants in Vielha and its surroundings, especially during the cold months, and each place adds its own touch. Some serve it in two parts (soup and meat), others all together, but always with that homemade flavor that warms you up after a day in the snow or a long hike.

It’s the perfect plan for a leisurely midday meal: find a table with a view, order an olla aranesa and enjoy it like it was done in the past, without watching the clock.

In summer, renting an e-bike and touring the valley on two wheels is one of the top plans. It’s ideal for those who enjoy outdoor sports but also want to take the day at a relaxed pace. With an electric bike, everything is easier: the hills don’t hurt and the scenery is twice as enjoyable.

One of the most recommended routes is the Camin Reiau, a traditional path that connects several villages in the Val d’Aran along the course of the Garona. There are very gentle sections, perfect even for those who aren’t very experienced or are traveling with family.

In Vielha there are several spots to rent electric bikes by the hour or for the whole day. All you need is a helmet, a willingness to pedal, and time to be surprised by everything the valley has to offer beyond the car.

If you’re looking for thrills on your vacation, rafting on the Garona River is a plan that never fails. It’s a fun, intense, and very refreshing activity, perfect for the warmer months. The descents are done in groups with a guide, so you don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to get wet and have fun.

The most popular stretch starts from Les, just minutes from Vielha, and crosses spectacular landscapes between rapids, waterfalls, and calmer areas. It’s a different way to see the valley, from inside the river with an extra dose of adrenaline.

There are several companies that organize daily outings in season, with all equipment included. It’s an experience we always recommend to those who want to break the routine and come back from the getaway with a great story to tell.

If you’re traveling with children, the Baricauba Forest (or Baricauba) is one of the best plans to spend a morning in nature. It’s very close to Vielha and is perfect for enjoying a flat walk surrounded by fir trees and rabbits that sometimes show themselves among the trees.

The path is wide, shaded, and very comfortable, ideal for families, even with a stroller or bicycle. Additionally, there are picnic areas to stop for a bite and benches to rest while the little ones run at their own pace.

It’s one of those peaceful spots that delight young and old alike, and a simple way to disconnect without having to travel far. If you like to go at your own pace and enjoy the forest without complications, this plan will delight you.