Our first hike was not the easiest to ask for. Thin rain started to bother us from the beginning of the hike, on a 600 m elevation gain within only a 4 km distance. A thick fog was also covering the landscape, so we missed the iconic beautiful peaks that surround the glacial lake at the top of the hike. We anyways enjoyed the 12 km hike, the nature around us, and we also learned to recognise animal sounds on the valleys, such as the squeaks of the cute marmots.

Some days we also explored around the towns in the area we were staying, Jaca. The hikes were so tiring that it was nice to have some relaxing tourism-day in between. Especially when you can visit the best bakeries in the north of Spain for some after-hike treats. Even the mountain views form the area did not disappoint us.

The weather couldn’t have been better for our next hike. During the whole 13 km round hike the sun was shining, and the stars were flickering. We started during midday, and ended during the night. It was impossible not to stop every 15 meters to take in the amazing views and to capture the moment. It was a tough 650 m elevation gain, but once at the top, totally worth it.

As time passed at the top we realised that the sun was starting to set, which made us want to stay even longer to see how the light made the mountain ranges gain more contrast, and the glacial lakes act as mirrors.

The colours kept getting better and better, so we were stuck in the moment, enjoying until the very last bit of it. We ended up hiking back to the start point during the dark – spooky, yes – but I am glad we did so.