Portugal, the sun-kissed country on the Iberian Peninsula, has an eventful history that can be felt everywhere. The people are open-minded, which makes for many good conversations. Many of the sights date back to a time when Portugal was one of the world's greatest maritime powers and when numerous explorers were Portuguese. Portugal stands for diversity in its cities, landscapes and coastline.
But did you know that Portugal has wonderful lakes that are worth discovering? How about walking around the ten largest lakes without any time pressure? Only what you have traveled on foot, you have really seen, they say.
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Take part in the Iron Lake Challenge Portugal, enjoy the time at the ten largest lakes in Portugal and get the collector's medal of the Iron Lake Challenge in the “Portugal” edition.
RULES
The rules for Iron Lake Challenge Portugal are very simple. Nevertheless, we would like to clarify them once again at this point:
- Sign up for the Iron Lake Challenge Portugal!
- To conquer the Iron Lake Challenge Portugal and earn the beautiful collector's medal, you have to walk around the ten largest lakes in Portugal after registering. Lakes that are partly on the territory of other countries are not included in this challenge.
- Bicycles, skates, etc. are not allowed, but you are welcome to hike or run.
- Each lake must be circumnavigated "in one piece" unless special rules apply (see below in the descriptions of the lakes). This means that you are welcome to take breaks, but you should complete the lake within one day. Of course you can divide the 10 lakes into different days. Do only one lake per day, because you want to enjoy this time!
- The Iron Lake Challenge Portugal has no time limit. This means that you can cycle around the ten lakes over several years.
- We trust you that you have really circumnavigated the lakes. However, if you want to be included in the time ranking, we need a copy of your tracking. We don't care what you use (watch, smartphone or app).
General PLEASE NOTE!
- Please note that traffic rules apply in public traffic areas and along roads and cycle paths. So move with consideration.
- You circumnavigate the lakes at your own risk and at your own risk. The operator of this website assumes no liability.
- Please heed medical advice if necessary or have a medical examination before the start of the Challenge. You are responsible for your own health, equipment and condition. Breaking off a tour is not a disgrace, health always comes first!
A few important rules for dealing with nature during your lake tour:
- Please take into account the local instructions for the protection of nature.
- Please do not go off the trails.
- Please do not make noise.
- Please do not collect rocks or minerals.
- Please do not collect mushrooms.
- Please do not leave any garbage lying around. Quite the opposite. Many of us even collect garbage.
- Please do not feed animals.
- Please do not make an open fire.
- Please do not pick plants.
This should be obvious to all of us, but it doesn't hurt to remember it from time to time.
REGISTRATION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
Registration for the Iron Lake Challenge Portugal costs you 24,- EUR.
In this entry fee is our Iron Lake Challenge “Portugal Edition” Sammlermedaille and the Iron Lake Challenge Coin (30mm) from the Timeless Challenge .
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However, you first have to circumnavigate the ten largest lakes in Portugal! Only then we will send you the well-deserved medal and the coin! After all, you want to earn it, not receive it as a gift.
How to register:
- Please click on the logo and you will be redirected to the registration page of our partner Digistore24
- You will now receive a registration confirmation
- Now you have to walk around the ten largest lakes in Portugal (see below). As soon as you have completed the ten lakes, please send us an extract of your tracking as proof. We will also believe you without tracking, but then you will not be included in the honor roll.
- After we have checked this, you will receive your well-deserved medal and coin. Easy, isn't it?
YOUR MEDAL AND YOUR COIN
Wenn Du die zehn größten Seen Portugals zu Fuß umrundet hast, dann hast Du Dir die wunderschöne Iron Lake Challenge “Portugal Edition"Medal earned. This can be the first in your upcoming collection from the Iron Lake Challenge.
You will also receive (from our Timeless Challenge series) the coin in the "Iron Lake Challenge" edition (3 cm in diameter)
LIFE SCORE Points
The Iron Lake Challenge is part of our Timeless Challenge. That's why you also earn Life Score points (in addition to the collector's medal) and the coin.
This will be ca. 25 Life Score Punkte . These will be automatically credited to you in our honor roll. This service is free of charge for you.
The ten largest lakes in Portugal
Most of Portugal's large lakes are reservoirs. These were created many years ago to secure Portugal's water supply and have since been reclaimed by nature, creating beautiful oases of life. Even if some of them are a real challenge, you have enough time to enjoy every kilometer. You will see that the most beautiful adventures can be experienced on the lakes.
Alqueva Reservoir (Barragem do Alqueva)
Lake Alqueva is one of the most outstanding in Portugal and one of the largest in the country. Created from the Alqueva reservoir, it provides the ideal backdrop in the Alentejo region. It stretches along the Guadiana River and is one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe, covering an area of 250 km². It covers five municipalities in the Alentejo region and offers a wide range of attractions.
The challenge of the circumnavigation may seem intimidating, but it is an invitation to develop our inner strength and endurance. Such an undertaking undoubtedly requires a good physical condition, but the paths are easy to master throughout. No extraordinary skills are required, just a determined attitude and the will to discover the limits of our own potential. To walk around it, you have to reckon with about 150km. But you have five days to do it.
Tour suggestions for circumnavigating Lake Alqueva
Albufeira de Campilhas
The Albufeira de Campilhas dam is an important water storage project in Portugal. With its picturesque banks and surrounding nature reserve, this majestic dam invites you to go on exciting hikes. It challenges you as an athlete to prove yourself amidst breathtaking landscapes and overcome your limits while unleashing your inner warrior.
The challenging trails will awaken your thirst for adventure. A circumnavigation of the dam, which can be around 50 km depending on the route chosen, requires a good level of fitness. In return, you will be rewarded with wonderful views and unforgettable moments. Despite the challenges along the route, the easily accessible paths also offer less experienced hikers the opportunity to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature to the full.
Route recommendations for circumnavigating the Albufeira de Campilhas
- Komoot - Hiking the Albufeira de Campilhas route
- Komoot - Hiking the Albufeira de Campilhas route II
Barragem do Azibo
The picturesque Azibo reservoir is located in the north-east of Portugal, nestled in an idyllic landscape. The lake is a popular destination for water sports such as swimming, sailing and canoeing and is also home to diverse wildlife and serves as a habitat for various bird species.
On the easily accessible paths, which do not require any special skills, even less experienced hikers can manage a challenging tour, provided they are in excellent physical condition. The walk stretches over approx. 31.8 km, with an ascent of 400 m and a descent of 380 m. Once you have reached your destination, you will remember many beautiful moments that will make this trip unforgettable.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of the Barragem do Azibo
Barragem de Castelo do Bode
The Castelo do Bode reservoir in Portugal is an imposing dam that rises impressively above the River Zêzere. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, it not only offers protection from flooding, but also an idyllic backdrop for water sports, relaxation and hiking.
A hike along the Castelo do Bode reservoir covers a remarkable distance of 110 km and is also classified as a difficult hike that requires a very good level of fitness. Despite the challenging length, however, the paths along the reservoir offer easy-to-walk trails that are also accessible to less experienced hikers. To complete this route, you will be guided through appealing landscapes and sparkling waters. You have four days to complete the circumnavigation.
Route recommendations for circumnavigating the Barragem de Castelo do Bode
- Komoot – Wanderung um den Barragem de Castelo do Bode
- Komoot – Wanderung um den Barragem de Castelo do Bode Route 2
Barragem do Alto Rabagao
The Alto Rabagão valley reservoir impresses with its imposing architecture and its clear, deep blue water, which blends harmoniously into the surrounding nature. It is located in the northern region of Portugal, in the district of Vila Real, and covers an area of around 2212 hectares with a normal reservoir level of 880 meters.
Discover the picturesque beauty of nature on the circular route. Excellent stamina is essential for this challenging hike, but the easy paths do not require any special skills. The approx. 35.2 km long route offers an uphill and downhill gradient.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Alto Rabagao dam
Albufeira da Barragem do Maranhão
The Albufeira da Barragem do Maranhão covers an area of around 11 square kilometers and offers a maximum depth of approximately 25 meters. Idyllic villages spread out along the enchanting shoreline, while a variety of flora and fauna enliven the surroundings.
The approximately 44 km long hike leads through varied terrain, from the lowest point, which is located at 130 m, to the highest peaks, which reach a height of 210 m. This demanding route requires determination and offers hikers both motivation and a challenge to complete it.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of the Barragem do Maranhao
- Wanderung Albufeira da Barragem do Maranhao
- Wanderung Albufeira da Barragem do Maranhao (lange Tour)
Barragem do Cabril
The Barragem do Cabril reservoir is located in central Portugal and covers an area of around 3 square kilometers. Nestled between wooded hills and mountains, the lake offers a tranquil and idyllic setting. It is particularly popular for its opportunities for fishing, boating and, above all, long hikes.
The circumnavigation covers around 97 km, with an ascent of 2,760 m and a descent of 2,800 m. This route is very suitable for advanced hikers, as it is both challenging and challenging. You have three days for this tour.
Tour suggestions for circumnavigating the Barragem do Cabril
Barragem de Santa Clara
The Santa Clara reservoir is harmoniously situated in the Alentejo region in the sunny south of Portugal. Covering an area of around one square kilometer, the reservoir is surrounded by an enchanting landscape of wooded hills. The lake is popular for its wide range of water sports activities such as fishing, boating and swimming.
This challenging 78 km hike requires an excellent level of fitness as it leads through varied terrain. Despite the difficulty, the easily manageable paths also offer less experienced hikers the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery without requiring any special skills. You have two days for this tour.
Route recommendations for circumnavigating the Barragem de Santa Clara
Pego do Altar-Stausee
The Pego do Altar reservoir in Portugal covers an extensive area and offers an impressive landscape experience with a maximum depth of around 20 meters. Its shoreline stretches for around 30 kilometers and it is a popular destination for water sports and nature watching.
The circuit of the Pego do Altar reservoir is a challenging 143 km hike that requires excellent physical condition. With a total difference in altitude of 1400 m uphill and downhill, this route is a demanding one that can be tackled by experienced hikers in good physical condition. You have five days to complete this tour.
Tour recommendation to circumnavigate the Pego do Altar reservoir:
Barragem de Odivelas
The reservoir of Odivelas rises in the cozy Alentejo region and extends over a generous area. Surrounded by magnificent forests and fertile agricultural land, the lake offers an oasis of peace and naturalness that inspires every visitor.
As we set off on the 82 km hike around the Odivelas dam, we immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty of nature. Experienced hikers in very good physical condition will appreciate the challenge of this rather demanding route. Overall, this route offers a rewarding challenge, the completion of which will reward you with pride and a sense of accomplishment. You have three days to complete the circuit so that you can enjoy yourself.
Route recommendations for circumnavigating the Barragem de Odivelas:
IRON LAKE CHALLENGE EHRENTAFEL PORTUGAL
Here you can quickly and easily enter your results and upload the evidence (e.g. screen copy of your tracking). We check them and approve them. Then your result is saved and appears in the honor roll.
Instructions for the Challenge Tool
This is how our honor board works
- Register on our site
- Select the lake you are circling under "Lake"
- Enter the distance you have covered (in meters) under "Length in m"
- Enter the required time (in minutes) under "Time needed (in min).
- Enter the date of your circumnavigation under "date"
- Now you can upload the evidence (e.g. a screenshot of your tracking) under "Upload proof (optional)"
- Now all you have to do is SAVE!
- We check your round and release it. Then you will see your result in the ranking.
THE IRON LAKE CHALLENGE IN SOCIAL MEDIA
HASHTAGS OF THE IRON LAKE CHALLENGE
We would be happy if you share pictures, videos and your experiences around the Iron Lake Challenge with others. For this purpose we provide you with the following hashtags:
- #ironlakechallenge
- #ironlakechallengeportugal
- #timelesschallenge
The IRON LAKE CHALLENGE ON FACEBOOK
Of course we also invite you to join our Facebook group "Iron Lake Challenge Discussion Board".
DID YOU ENJOY THIS IRON LAKE CHALLENGE? THEN WE RECOMMEND YOU...
The Iron Lake Challenge is more than just a one-off adventure. For many people, it has become a part of their lives and an opportunity to get to know their own country and the world and experience unforgettable moments. That's why we recommend the other Iron Lake Challenges:
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