Llorts Mine and the Iron Route
An iron mine above Llorts and the marked route linking Andorra's ironworking sites.
Updated 3 September 2026
Iron ore was mined above Llorts in the Ordino valley from the eighteenth century and carried down to the forges, and the workings, the miners' shelters and the tracks survive on the mountainside above the village. The Ruta del Ferro links them with the Rossell forge and the other sites of the industry into a walking route across the country, marked and interpreted along the way. The route runs for around forty kilometres in total across several parishes, and most walkers take one section rather than attempting the whole of it.
What you'll find
- The mine workings - the adits and spoil on the mountainside above Llorts.
- The miners' shelters - the buildings the workers used on the mountain.
- The Iron Route - the marked trail linking the mines with the forges below.
- The Ordino valley - the country the route runs through.
When to go
June to September is the walking season. Snow closes the upper trail in winter. The route is best done in sections.
Good to know
The mine adits are not open and are dangerous; the visit is to the surface remains. The climb from Llorts is steep. Interpretation boards are mostly in Catalan.
Nearby
Llorts is below, and Ordino is south.
What to pack for Llorts Mine and the Iron Route
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Warm base layers - Merino or synthetic against the skin - never cotton, which chills when damp. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
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