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Ruta del Ferro: A Journey Through Andorra's Iron Age

Explore Andorra's iron mining history on this scenic route, blending culture, nature, and art in the Ordino Valley.

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The Ruta del Ferro (Iron Route) in Ordino, Andorra, is a scenic trail that unveils the region's iron mining history from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This route combines nature, culture, and history, featuring old mines, ironworking settlements, and sculptures.

A brief summary to Ruta del Ferro

  • Camí les Mines, Ordino, AD300, AD
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the route is a 4.2 km linear path (8.4 km round trip).
  • Visit between June and October for the best weather and access to the Llorts mine.
  • Taste the water at the Font de Ferro, an iron spring along the route.
  • Combine your visit with other iron-related sites like Farga Rossell.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Andorra la Vella, take the L6 bus towards Ordino. The bus ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes and costs around €5. Get off at the Ordino - Auditori Nacional D'Andorra stop. From there, transfer to a communal line bus towards El Serrat and get off at La Cortinada, the first stop after the roundabout. The Ruta del Ferro trailhead is a short walk from the bus stop.

  • Walking

    From the center of Ordino, follow the CG-3 road north towards La Cortinada. The walk is approximately 3 km and should take around 30-40 minutes. Once in La Cortinada, follow the signs for Ruta del Ferro. The trailhead is located near the Brasería La Neu restaurant.

  • Car

    From Andorra la Vella, take the CG-3 road towards Ordino. Continue through Ordino towards El Serrat. After the roundabout in La Cortinada, take the first right over the bridge, then immediately turn left into the parking area. Free parking is available opposite the Vall d'Ordino Golf Club entrance. Note that parking can be limited.

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Discover more about Ruta del Ferro

The Ruta del Ferro, or Iron Route, offers a captivating glimpse into Andorra's industrial past, specifically the iron mining era that thrived from the 17th to the late 19th centuries. This well-marked, mostly level path meanders through the picturesque Ordino Valley, showcasing the resources and techniques used in the iron extraction, transformation, and trade. The route begins in Llorts, once a hub for iron mining. As you follow the trail, you'll encounter various points of interest, including the Llorts mine, which plunges 30 meters deep and is open for summer visits. The muleteers' path features six open-air sculptures crafted by international artists, harmonizing with the natural surroundings. You can also sample the iron-rich water from the Font de Ferro (Iron Spring). Along the way, observe the symbiosis between the environment and the Ordino Valley villages, with cultivated terraces, fields, and shepherd's huts dotting the landscape. The trail also highlights the importance of water and wood in traditional activities, alongside explanations of the local flora, geomorphology, and minerals. The route culminates at the Romanesque church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, where you can admire the Andorran metalwork in its side chapels. The Ruta del Ferro is part of the Iron Route of the Pyrenees, recognized by the Council of Europe.

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