Lagunas de Urbión

The Urbión Lagoons are a group of high mountain wetlands of glacial origin, located in the Urbión mountain range, at the headwaters of the Urbión river, a tributary of the Najerilla on its right bank. The Riojan area is located in the municipality of Viniegra de Abajo, very close to the border with Soria, and reaches an altitude of around 1,930-2,005 meters. The surface area of the protected wetland is around 86 hectares, and the main body of water, the Laguna de Urbión, occupies some 2.3 hectares and is the only one of a permanent nature with lacustrine features. The landscape is made up of small lagoons, ponds and wet meadows shaped by glacial action, with cold, clean, greenish-blue waters. The most interesting thing for the visitor is the contrast between the hardness of the high mountain and the delicacy of the aquatic system, as well as the sensation of isolation and the clear reading of the ice footprint in the relief. Around these sheets of water there is a flora and fauna adapted to alpine conditions, with a high biogeographical interest in a Mediterranean environment. Its environmental relevance is remarkable because it is a well-preserved glacial relic and an enclave of great ecological value in La Rioja. The site was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 2006, a recognition that underlines its importance for biodiversity and wetland conservation. The official records also highlight the presence of several species of amphibians and the uniqueness of its mountain habitats. Although the name may be confused with other enclaves in Urbión, this resource corresponds to the Riojan slope linked to Viniegra de Arriba and the Viniegra de Abajo area, so it should not be mixed up with the Laguna Negra de Soria or with other areas of the Urbión system with the same name.