Exploring the Pyrenees: the Victoria Mines

October 30, 2026

Visiting the Aran Valley means discovering incredible mountains, top-class ski slopes, traditional villages with outstanding cuisine, and also small hidden spots—less well known, yet an important part of local life. One of these places is the Victoria Mines in the Aran Valley, in the Arres area, although today only the remains of what was once a highly significant industrial activity are still preserved.

Visiting old mines is not something visitors to the Pyrenees usually do, but it is a very appealing option for learning more about the region’s history and about mining. It is also something that tends to delight younger visitors, and a plan that combines learning and hiking, allowing you to connect with nature.

In this article, discover everything you want to know about the Victoria Mines in the Pyrenees.

History and origins of the Victoria Mines

In the Aran Valley, zinc mining was a very important industrial activity in the early 20th century. In the Arres and Bossòst area, this importance was even more evident, and the Victoria Mines were a key site for local residents. Nearly 150 people worked here—an impressive figure for a sparsely populated area. The beginning of the end of mining at the Victoria Mines dates back to the Spanish Civil War in 1936, which forced work to stop. Operations resumed in 1949, but in 1953 the mine closed permanently due to the fall in zinc prices and the limited workforce available.

In 2024, the Victoria Mines in the Aran Valley have been restored and opened as an informative and educational site. The organised visit begins with a short hiking route around the entire mining complex, allowing you to appreciate the surrounding nature, and visitors receive highly engaging explanations of how the site operated.

How to get to the Victoria Mines from Bossòst

To reach the Victoria Mines, your best option is to head to Bossòst, a village with plenty to see and do in the Aran Valley. From there, you have two options: drive to Bassa d’Arres and, from there, start the short circular loop that will take you to the mines; or begin your route in Arres de Sus, whose itinerary passes through Bassa d’Arres and is therefore considerably longer and more demanding, but allows you to enjoy much more of the Aran Valley’s natural surroundings. There is an even more extensive alternative, which takes significantly longer and requires a bit more preparation: a route that starts in Bossòst and links several key mining districts in the region.

What to see along the Victoria Mines route

There are several highlights we can point out when visiting the Victoria Mines, as the experience goes far beyond a simple visit to an abandoned gallery.

Full circuit

If you choose the circular loop from Bassa d’Arres, you simply need to follow the signposting to the Victoria Mines. This option allows you to see remains of buildings and facilities linked to the mines and the processing of the extracted ore. Best of all, it offers a broader perspective on both the mines’ importance to the region and the surrounding nature.

The engine room

One of the central points of the mining complex is the engine room, now converted into a visitor centre, which connects to the Sacòsta gallery—an area of around 200 m. Mine staff will take you on a guided tour, explaining how zinc was extracted, how the miners worked, and how the ore was processed after extraction. The visit also allows you to see old scales used to weigh the ore, as well as other buildings where miners worked and lived.

The landscape

In the Aran Valley, nature takes centre stage and, around the Victoria Mines, you will be able to see this for yourself. The routes to get here offer views of mountains and forests, providing an excellent panorama of the region. For this reason, we recommend an itinerary that includes at least one section on foot.

Practical tips for the excursion

Now we will share a few tips and suggestions to make your visit to the Victoria Mines in the Aran Valley as enjoyable as possible, although we are sure your guide will be delighted to help with anything you may need.

Wear hiking boots and bring an extra layer. The terrain can be uneven in places, and temperatures inside the mine, such as in the Sacòsta gallery, can drop to 9°C.
Bring some food and water. The route is short, but it is an area where services may not be open.
Follow the signposting and staff instructions. The mines can be hazardous if the rules are not observed.

If you are travelling with children, also check the age requirements and access conditions for the interior visit. Not all sections of an old mine are suitable for every visitor.

The Victoria Mines await you in the Aran Valley

In this article we have shared an alternative plan to enjoy in the Aran Valley, but it is just one of the many experiences this region has to offer. If you will be spending a few days in the Pyrenees, visiting the Victoria Mines can be an excellent option, but do not forget the Baqueira-Beret ski resort and the region’s capital, Vielha.

Book your accommodation online now at the best price with Toti Aran, experts in holiday rentals in the Aran Valley. You will find luxury apartments, houses and chalets in the best locations, close to the finest ski slopes and within easy reach of the Pyrenees’ main points of interest.

Author: Totiarán

At Totiaran, we know the Aran Valley like the back of our hand. We have been managing vacation rentals for years with a professional, close, and fully adapted approach to this unique destination. We select each accommodation, take care of every detail, and support both owners and travelers to guarantee quality, authentic, and worry-free stays. Our local experience is the foundation that allows us to offer trust, results, and a way to experience the Aran Valley as it deserves.