There are many ways to contemplate the landscape of the Pyrenees, but few as dizzying as doing it from a bird’s eye view while adrenaline, speed and nerves take over the body. In Huesca is the longest zip line in Europe, a 2,036-metre route that flies over the valley of the Ara River and offers views of the surroundings of Ordesa and Monte Perdido.
The descent covers 400 metres of elevation gain and allows you to reach regular speeds of up to 160 km/h, making the Pyrenean landscape the setting for an experience as intense as it is difficult to forget.
THE LONGEST ZIPLINE IN EUROPE IS IN THE ARAGONESE PYRENEES
The Tirolina Ordesa Pirineos is located in Fiscal, in the Huesca region of Sobrarbe. Its length is one of its great attractions: from the starting platform to the finish, the cable runs just over two kilometres over the valley of the Ara River.
The route reaches 2,036 metres, covers an approximate slope of 400 metres and has an average gradient of close to 20%. These figures allow participants to gain speed progressively during the flight.
Under usual conditions, the descent is made at speeds between 130 and 160 km/h, although the result depends on factors such as the participant’s weight, body posture and the conditions of the moment.
The facility is also known for a 189 km/h mark achieved during a special test. That speed does not correspond to the conventional flight of visitors, but to a record attempt made by a professional with specific equipment, including an aerodynamic suit and a braking parachute.
THIS IS THE FLIGHT ON THE LONGEST ZIPLINE IN EUROPE
The experience begins before you reach the cable. Participants go up in a 4×4 vehicle to the starting platform, located at the top of the mountain. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and allows you to contemplate the Ara valley and the peaks near the Ordesa area.
Once at the top, the staff delivers the necessary material and prepares each user for the descent. The organization provides harness, helmet, goggles and the trolley that slides down the cable.
From the platform begins a flight of more than two kilometers that lasts about a minute and a half. During this time, the participant advances suspended over the Pyrenean landscape while the speed increases progressively. The entire experience usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. That time includes the 4×4 climb, the preparation on the platform and the descent itself.
The activity can be done individually or in pairs, as long as the weight conditions established by the organization are respected. To make the individual flight, the participant must weigh between 40 and 125 kilos. In the case of tandem descent, it is necessary to book two seats in the same time slot and inform the staff that you want to fly as a couple. The combined weight of the two participants cannot exceed 150 kilos and the difference between the two must be less than 40 kilos.
AN EXPERIENCE THAT COMPANIONS CAN ALSO FOLLOW
The route ends next to an area for family members and companions. From the terrace they can wait and watch the final part of the descent, when the participants approach the arrival platform.
The facility also has free parking and different spaces for those who do not carry out the activity.
During braking, an automatic camera takes a picture of the flight. At the end, the participant receives a QR code with which they can preview the image and buy it later online.
LONGEST ZIPLINE-IN PRICES IN EUROPE
The general price of the flight is 46.90 euros per person. The rate includes the necessary material, the transfer by 4×4 vehicle to the platform and the descent by cable. There is also a family pass for four members of the same family unit, with a price of 42 euros per participant.
Each time slot admits a maximum of eight people. For this reason, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability on the desired date and time. Rates and promotions may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the final amount during the booking process.
Participants must arrive in sufficient time to complete registration and receive instructions from staff. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes or shoes attached to the foot.
HOW TO GET TO THE ORDESA PYRENEES ZIP LINE
The Ordesa Pirineos Zip Line is located in Fiscal, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Its exact address is Carretera de Bergua, kilometre point 0.7, 22371 Fiscal, Huesca.
The facility is located in the valley of the Ara River, at the gates of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. Its location allows you to combine the activity with a visit to Fiscal, Sobrarbe and other points in the Huesca Pyrenees.
The most practical way to get there is by private vehicle, as there is no public transport service that leaves directly at the entrance of the enclosure.
From Huesca, the journey by car takes about an hour, while from Zaragoza the journey takes around two hours. These times may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
