Top 17 Lakes around Sant Hilari Sacalm

Sant Hilari Sacalm is renowned as the 'town of a hundred springs,' featuring numerous natural water sources with historical and medicinal significance. While traditional natural lakes are not prominent, the area is home to significant artificial reservoirs like the Sau and Susqueda reservoirs, which offer unique landscapes and activities.

Yes, the most notable historical site is the Church of Sant Romà de Sau (Submerged Bell Tower). This eleventh-century church is submerged in the Sau Reservoir, and its bell tower, and sometimes the entire structure, becomes visible when water levels are low. It is considered the oldest church in the world preserved standing in water.

For stunning panoramic views, visit the View of the Cingles de Tavertet from Sau Reservoir, which offers vistas of the Sau reservoir and the surrounding mountains. You can also get excellent views from the Sau Dam itself, and the roads around Susqueda Reservoir are known for their scenic beauty.

Yes, the Santa Fe Reservoir is a beautiful and accessible spot in Montseny, often recommended for families and walks with children. The area around the springs in Sant Hilari Sacalm also offers easy natural routes suitable for family exploration.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous natural routes that traverse forests, streams, gorges, and waterfalls around Sant Hilari Sacalm's springs. For more structured activities, there are many cycling, running, and gravel biking routes. For example, you can find various cycling routes in the Cycling around Sant Hilari Sacalm guide, running trails in the Running Trails around Sant Hilari Sacalm guide, and gravel biking options in the Gravel biking around Sant Hilari Sacalm guide.

The Sau Reservoir, in particular, offers opportunities for various water sports such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, sailing, and water-skiing, making it a popular destination for aquatic activities.

The area is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural routes and springs. Visiting the Sau Reservoir during periods of low water levels (often during droughts) can be particularly striking, as it allows for a clearer view of the submerged Church of Sant Romà.

While specific dog-friendly trails are not explicitly listed for the lakes, many natural routes and walking paths around the springs and reservoirs are generally suitable for dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners follow local regulations. Always check for specific signage at trailheads.

Sant Hilari Sacalm is known for over 100 springs, many with historical and medicinal significance. Springs like Font Vella, Font del Ferro, and Antiga Font del Cirerer have rich histories, with some waters bottled and distributed, and others historically valued for their therapeutic properties. They are central to the town's 'water heritage' and offer numerous natural routes for exploration.

While the immediate vicinity of the reservoirs might have limited options, the town of Sant Hilari Sacalm itself offers a selection of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. It's advisable to plan your visit to the reservoirs with provisions or to return to the town for dining.

Yes, parking is generally available at key access points for the reservoirs and popular trailheads. For instance, the Santa Fe Reservoir is accessible by car, with parking options available before continuing on foot. Specific parking details may vary, so it's good to check local information for your chosen destination.

Visitors frequently praise the scenic views, especially around the Sau and Susqueda reservoirs, often comparing the experience to a 'James Bond' scene. The unique historical aspect of the submerged church at Sau Reservoir is also a major draw. The natural routes around the springs are appreciated for their tranquility and the chance to explore forests, streams, and gorges.