10 Most Beautiful Spots on Catalonia's Tren Dels Llacs

Tren dels Llacs, Catalonia
Tren dels Llacs, Catalonia | ©Daniel Luis Gómez Adenis / Flickr
Esme Fox

Catalonia’s Tren dels Llacs literally means ‘Train of Lakes’. The line first opened in 1924, connecting the city of Lleida with Balaguer, and was extended in 1951 to reach all the way to La Pobla de Segur. The whole journey covers approximately 89 kilometres and takes one hour and 50 minutes to complete. The route takes passengers through some of the most stunning parts of western Catalonia, crossing 31 bridges over lakes, weaving through mountain ranges and down into verdant valleys. Here’s our pick of 10 of the most beautiful spots on the Tren dels Llacs.

Lleida Pyrenees

Begin your journey in the city of Lleida Pyrenees, the capital of southern Catalonia. One of the first views you’ll see is the Old Cathedral of Lleida, also known as the Castle of Lleida, towering above the city. From here, the tracks begin to follow the river northwards.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Lérida Cathedral

The medieval walled city of Balaguer

The train tracks follow the river all the way to the magnificent medieval walled city of Balaguer. The newer part of the city is not as interesting, but look out towards the cathedral and you’ll just be able to make out the old city walls. If you want to start your journey on the Tren dels Llacs from here, you can also do so.

Balaguer, Catalonia

Sant Llorenç de Montgai

Passing the city, the train crosses a bridge over the river and veers away into the mountainous surroundings before reaching the Sant Llorenç de Montgai Resevoir, and the village of the same name on its shores. This picture-postcard village comprises an array of ice-cream coloured houses in vanilla, lemon and orange and offers spectacular lakeside views.

Sant Llorenç de Montgai, Catalonia, Spain

Pantano de Camarasa

The tracks move away from the river after Sant Llorenç de Montgai until they meet the vast Pantano de Camarasa reservoir, which carves its way between huge rock formations. Look up to see the vast rock plateau and down to the sparkling water below.

Pantano de Camarasa, Catalonia

Baronia de Sant Oïsme

The train follows the twists and turns of the river for many miles until it reaches Baronia de Sant Oïsme, a rock peninsula, which juts out into the river on the opposite side of the tracks. The turret of the old castle sits atop the rocks.

Baronia de Sant Oïsme, Catalunya

Àger

Soon you’ll reach the charming medieval town of Àger. Inhabited since the Neolithic era, there is evidence of its Visigothic, Roman and Moorish past. You can also see the vestiges of the old castle here, high above the turquoise waters.

Ager, Catalonia, Spain

Montsec Mountain Range

Here the river narrows, and the tracks pass through the dramatic Serra del Montsec mountain range. From your carriage windows you’ll be able to see the towering rocky pinnacles above you and the lush valley hugging the sides of the river below.

Montsec Mountain Range, Catalonia

Terradets Lake

The train follows the edge of the small river, winding through lush rolling countryside, until you arrive at the next beauty spot – Terradets Lake, stretching from the Conca de Tremp plain all the way to the Terradets canyon. Dotted with picturesque villages, the lake is popular for water sports and fishing.

Terradets Lake, Catalonia, Spain

Tremp

The train passes the small town of Tremp, sitting at 468 metres above the river basin, and framed by rolling peaks. Not far from here lies the Valley of the Vultures, home to many pairs of wild vultures, so keep your eyes on the sky for this part of the journey.

Tremp & the Valley of the Vultures, Catalonia

La Pobla de Segur

From Temp, the train line follows the shores of the vast Reservoir of Sant Antoni, before coming to an end in the town of La Pobla de Segur, surrounded by the soaring mountains, valleys and the lakes of the La Vall Alta de Serradell-Terreta-Serra de Sant Gervàs. You can also buy your ticket to board the Tren dels Lllacs here if you want to take the journey in the opposite direction.

La Pobla de Segur, Catalonia
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article