Ordino Solar Viewpoint: prices, opening hours, and how to get there 2026

The Ordino Solar Viewpoint is a metallic sphere suspended at an altitude of 2,701 meters, on the Peyreguils Peak, on the border between Andorra and France. From here, the views encompass the Tristaina Lakes, the Ordino Valley, the French valleys of Auzat, and, on clear days, the Pica d'Estats. To get there, two ski lifts and a short walk are required. Tickets are purchased online, and it is highly recommended to book before going.Ordino is a metallic sphere suspended at an altitude of 2,701 meters, on the Peyreguils Peak, on the border between Andorra and France. From here, the views encompass the Tristaina Lakes, the Ordino Valley, the French valleys of Auzat, and, on clear days, the Pica d'Estats. To get there, two ski lifts and a short walk are required. Tickets are purchased online, and it is highly recommended to book before going.

On this page, you will find everything you need to organize your visit without surprises: opening dates, ski lift schedules for 2026, updated prices, how to get there by car, where to park, and what you should know before leaving home.

What is the Ordino Solar Viewpoint?

The Ordino Solar Viewpoint (also known as Tristaina Solar Viewpoint) is a circular platform 25 meters in diameter and 1.25 meters wide, built of steel and suspended over the rock of Peyreguils Peak. It was inaugurated on July 9, 2021. The project was promoted by Joan Viladomat and designed by architect Toni Riberaygua, civil engineer Sergi Riba, and structural engineer Lluís Moya.

The structure functions as a sundial: the central mast measures 27 meters and is inclined exactly 42.55 degrees, which corresponds to the latitude of the exact point where the viewpoint is located. At noon, the mast's shadow projects the time onto the circumference with a maximum error margin of 15 minutes.

The name is no coincidence. Arcalís means "solar mountain" in the local dialect, and explorer Bonaventura Adellach documented that primitive shepherds used these peaks as a solar calendar. The viewpoint pays homage to that discovery.

The August 7th phenomenon — the Solar Mountain

Once a year, on August 7th at 7:37 AM, the sun is visible for exactly three minutes through a large natural hole between the rocks of Arcalís Peak. This astronomical phenomenon, discovered by Bonaventura Adellach during his nocturnal expeditions, is the origin of the name "solar mountain" and the reason why the sundial was decided to be placed here. If your trip to Andorra coincides with this date, it's worth getting up early.

When is the Ordino Solar Viewpoint open in 2026?

The summer season with operational ski lifts runs from June 6 to November 1, 2026. Access to the viewpoint is free all year round, but outside this season there are no ski lifts: access is on foot and, depending on snowmelt, snowshoes or crampons may be necessary.

During the summer season, the Creussans Chairlift operates daily. The Tristaina Gondola, however, only operates on specific days depending on the period:

Special dates with open gondola in autumn: September 24, 25 and October 12, 2026.

What are the opening hours of the Ordino Solar Viewpoint in 2026?

The last ascent to the Creussans Chairlift is at 3:30 PM. If you want to reach the viewpoint with enough time to enjoy it without rushing, it's reasonable to be at the base before 2:00 PM, especially in July and August, when there are more visitors.

Schedules are subject to variations due to weather conditions. In strong winds, the ski lifts close. Check the status of the ski lifts on the official Ordino Arcalís website on the day of your visit before leaving.

How much does it cost to visit the Ordino Solar Viewpoint in 2026?

The price of the ski pass includes access to the necessary ski lifts to enjoy the Tristaina experience. From Ordino Arcalís, you can take the Tristaina Panoramic Gondola and continue on the Creussans Chairlift to the upper area, from where you can start the self-guided circular route around the three Tristaina lakes.

*Price may vary depending on the season and the opening conditions of the lifts.

Tristaina Lakes Pass

Enjoy a panoramic mountain ride with the Tristaina Gondola and the Creussans Chairlift, two lifts that provide access to high mountain areas and allow you to discover some of the most emblematic landscapes of Ordino Arcalís, such as the Tristaina Lakes and the Creussans pond.

The pass allows easy access to these areas and enjoyment of hiking trails and high mountain panoramic views in summer.

Discounts and conditions

• Children up to 5 years old: free pass, available at ticket offices.
• Family discount: 15% from the first child for families of 3 or more people with at least one minor.
• Seniors over 65: 15% discount.
• Groups of 20 people or more: 10% discount.
• These discounts are applied directly at the ticket office.
• On the Tristaina Gondola, bicycles are not allowed.
• On the Creussans Chairlift, children from 3 years old can ride, always accompanied by an adult.

Conditions for children

• 0–2 years old: cannot ride the Creussans Chairlift. The last section (from the top of the chairlift to the viewpoint) can be done on foot, so it is possible to visit the viewpoint carrying the baby in a baby carrier.
• 3–5 years old: free access to the chairlift with the Baby Pass. Always accompanied by an adult. Official document proving age is required.
• Children under 12 years old: suitable for visiting the viewpoint freely. For guided hiking activities, the minimum age is usually 12 years old.

How to get to the Ordino Solar Viewpoint?

How to get to the base by car

From Andorra la Vella, follow the CG3 road towards Ordino. Continue to the Ordino Arcalís station (l'Hortell sector). The journey from Andorra la Vella takes approximately 30 minutes.

At the base, you will find several large, free parking lots next to the ticket offices. On days when the gondola is operating, the road is closed from this point: it is not possible to go up by car.

You can also arrive by move / taxi, and you can order it through the app of CityXerpa or from the mobility section of andorra.com.

The route from the base to the viewpoint in three sections

1. Tristaina Cable Car — Departure from L'Hortell to La Coma Restaurant. Duration: 6 minutes. A panoramic ride over the valley that is already worth the stop. If the cable car is closed that day and the road is open, you can drive up to La Coma.
2. Creussans Chairlift — Departure from La Coma to the highest point accessible by ski lift. Duration: 15 minutes. The chairlift passes over the Tristaina Lakes: the views during the ascent are one of the best parts of the tour.
3. Mountain path on foot — From the top of the chairlift to the viewpoint. Duration: 15–20 minutes. The path is signposted and goes to the right. It is narrow, with stones and some unevenness, but it is well marked and you arrive quickly. Mountain footwear essential.

Total time from the base to the viewpoint: between 45 and 55 minutes not including waiting times at the lifts.

Walking option from La Coma

If you prefer not to take the Creussans Chairlift (due to fear of heights, for example), you can walk up from La Coma following the marked trail. The walk from La Coma takes approximately one hour with a significant elevation gain. The descent is faster.

Bicycles and pets

• You can access the La Coma area by road with a bicycle. They are not allowed on the Creussans Chairlift.
• Dogs can ride the Tristaina Cable Car during the summer season. Pets are not allowed on the Chairlift.

What can be seen from the Ordino Solar Viewpoint?

The views are 360 degrees. From the sphere, you can orient yourselves in four directions:

• To the south: the Ordino Valley and the Biosphere Reserve.
• To the north and east: the French valleys of Auzat and the Tristaina glacial cirque.
• To the west: the peaks surrounding the cirque: Pico de Costa Rodona, Pico de Tristaina, Pico de Creussans, and Pico de Cabanyó.
• On particularly clear days: Pica d'Estats and a landscape of three countries —Andorra, France, and Spain— from a single point.

Directly below the sphere are the Tristaina Lakes, Andorra's most photographed glacial cirque.

What to combine with the viewpoint visit

Excursion to the Tristaina Lakes

Behind La Coma Restaurant, a path goes to the right leading to the first Tristaina lake in about 30 minutes. It's a natural complement to the viewpoint visit: you can get off the chairlift, go to the viewpoint, and on the way back, detour to the lakes before taking the cable car back.

Creussans Lake

Visible from the chairlift during the ascent, Creussans Lake is also accessible on foot from La Coma: about 30 minutes by taking the path to the left when leaving the restaurant.

La Coma Restaurant

At the midpoint of the route, La Coma Restaurant has a terrace and offers food options to refuel before or after the climb to the viewpoint. It is a common stop between the two lift sections.

Practical tips for a successful visit

• Mountain footwear: essential for the final section. The path is narrow and stony; sports shoes are not sufficient.
• Warm clothing: at 2,701 meters, the temperature is significantly lower than at the valley floor, even on the hottest summer days. Always bring a second layer.
• Last chairlift ascent: 3:30 PM. To enjoy without rush, be at the base before 2:00 PM.
• Check the weather before leaving: with strong winds, the lifts close. Call the station in the morning or check the Ordino Arcalís website to confirm everything is operating.
• Fewer people on weekdays: if you can choose, avoid Saturdays and Sundays in July and August.
• Official photos: there is an automatic photography system along the route. Photos are available for download for three days after the visit from the official website.
• Reduced accessibility: the final section on foot (15–20 minutes along a narrow mountain path) is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Common mistakes when visiting the Ordino Solar Viewpoint

Arriving without a reservation. Online booking is recommended. During high season, tickets can sell out days in advance.

Do not check if the cable car is open that day. The cable car only operates on certain days depending on the period. If you visit in early June, September, or October, the cable car may not be operating: you will have to drive up to La Coma (if the road is open) or walk the first section.

Leaving late. The last ascent to the chairlift is at 3:30 PM. More than one visitor has arrived at the base at 3:00 PM and was unable to go up.

Wearing inappropriate footwear. The path between the top of the chairlift and the viewpoint is narrow and rocky. Mountain boots or trekking shoes with grip soles, at a minimum.

Not bringing warm clothing. The temperature difference between the village and the summit can exceed 10 degrees.

Book your ticket to the Ordino Solar Viewpoint now

The Ordino Solar Viewpoint is one of the most unique experiences Andorra offers: an architectural structure of astronomical precision suspended on the border between two countries, with views of three. The journey to get there (two lifts and a walk above the lakes) is worth the trip alone.

The 2026 season opens on June 6th and closes on November 1st. Booking is recommended, and tickets sell out during high season.

You can also choose from packages for other viewpoints, such as the Tibetan Bridge of Canillo or the Roc del Quer Viewpoint, to complete your trip.

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Article written and updated by the local team of Andorra.com