Oseja De Sajambre: Hiking Routes and Cultural Heritage

With historic trails, traditional architecture and mountain views, Oseja De Sajambre offers several ways to plan a stay. Along with Posada de Valdeón, the municipality is one of the two municipalities in Castile and León that are part of Picos de Europa National Park. When choosing themes for your trip, you can explore the history of the Sajambre Valley, circular routes and the mountain landscape separately or combine them.

Mountain Views and Peaks

Pico Jairo offers panoramic views across the entire Sajambre Valley, the Cordal del Colláu Zorru, Peña Beza, Canto Cabronero and the southern slopes of the western and central massifs of Picos de Europa. Pico Pozúa, also known as Jian, is a 1,923-metre-high peak in the Cantabrian Mountains. On the ascent, you reach a meadow with sweeping views north towards Los Beyos and east towards the western and central massifs of Picos de Europa. The ascent from the La Petanera bend involves a climb of around 700 metres. Peña Beza lies north of Soto de Sajambre, rises above the valley and offers a good view of Picos de Europa.

Historic Trails Through Sajambre

The Senda del Arcediano crosses the entire Sajambre Valley. Its section between Oseja and Soto de Sajambre is 4,895 metres long; this distance refers to the stretch between the two towns, not the full route through the valley. The route was already documented in 973 as the “vía de Sajambre”. Shortly after leaving Oseja on the Senda towards Pontón, there is a rest area with tables and children’s play equipment.

The PR-PNPE 10 circular route, “Ruta pueblos de Sajambre”, is 10.2 kilometres long. It begins above Oseja at the Ermita de San Roque, follows the Senda del Arcediano towards Soto and continues to Ribota de Arriba and Ribota de Abajo. From there, a path runs along the River Sella before the route returns to Oseja. The route showcases Sajambre’s traditional stone and timber architecture. Points of interest include the churches and wash houses in Oseja and Ribota, the schools of Soto de Sajambre and the River Sella.

Local History and Seasonal Guided Tours

Offered seasonally, the “Sajambre tradicional” route passes through Oseja and its surroundings, bringing the traditional architecture and way of life of the local population to life. It includes a visit to the ethnographic collection “La Memoria de Sajambre” in a traditional house. Interpretive guided tours of Oseja are also offered seasonally. The circular walks are 2 kilometres long and stop at hórreos, wash houses and traditional homes. If you plan to take part in either activity, check the seasonal dates and availability before travelling.

The history of the area’s buildings can also be explored at specific sites. The Ermita de San Roque was built around the beginning of the 16th century and rebuilt in 1703 at the expense of Oseja’s residents. Santa María de Oseja was originally a privately endowed church owned by the Counts of Flainez. The Casa del Conde is a manor house in the Las Cortes neighbourhood that now lies in ruins.

Discover more destinations: Vega De Espinareda, Prioro, Soto de Valdeón, Siero De La Reina, Villaturiel, Villarente, Carrizo De La Ribera, Astorga

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