Discover Isoba: Glacial Lake, Mountain Trails and Fortín Alboleya

Isoba begins with a striking natural landmark: Lago de Isoba is a glacial lake at an altitude of 1,120 metres and is listed as a catalogued wetland in the Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre Regional Park.

When comparing holiday apartments in Isoba, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can distinguish the offers from one another. When choosing a location, water, river landscapes, mountain trails and historical traces can be considered as separate focal points. Depending on the emphasis you want, nature, culture, water and gastronomy can stand alongside one another without being combined into a single expectation.

Nature

The natural area includes the Alto Porma and Río Isoba Natural River Reserve, which encompasses the Río Isoba. Isoba is the place closest to the San Isidro Winter and Mountain Resort. Peña de San Justo can be reached from Isoba. When planning your trip, the lake, river reserve and mountain landmark can be given different levels of importance.

History and Culture

The history is linked to several different traces that vary in dating, architectural form, religious connection and local tradition. According to the inscription, Fortín Alboleya was completed on 20 August 1937; it describes it as the most complex defensive structure in the network that protected access to Asturias via the Puerto de San Isidro. The structure consists of two partially buried firing chambers connected by a zigzag-shaped passage excavated into the rock.

The fort is not signposted and is not set up for tourist visits; visits are undertaken at your own risk. From Alto de Isoba, it can be reached on foot via mountain trails. In the area around Isoba, a small pilgrim hospital existed for centuries under the direction of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, supporting pilgrims on their way to Santiago in this area. Santa María Magdalena is the patron saint of Isoba. A local legend tells that a curse caused the springs around Isoba to swell and flooded the village. When planning your trip, architectural, religious and legendary aspects can be considered separately.

Paths and Discoveries

The path to Lago de Isoba also bears historical traces: it passes former talc mines and the Castro de Castiltejón, a hillfort. A municipal route lists a livestock trail, a restored traditional shepherds’ shelter and Lago de Isoba as sights. Less than one kilometre from Lago de Isoba there is a natural bathing pool. When planning your trip, these waypoints can be organised according to their connection with nature, culture and water. The names of the places and structures give the individual themes a concrete framework.

In Isoba’s restaurants, visitors can enjoy the local gastronomy.

Further Places

Villablino, Valverde De La Virgen, Los Barrios De Luna, Odollo, Vegacervera, Foncebadón, Villanueva del Condado, Almazcara

For the overview of the wider travel area: León.