CANGAS DE ONIS – On this day in 2001, the Bulnes cable car in the Picos de Europa National Park opened. The technological miracle ended the isolation of the town of Bulnes in the heart of the beautiful mountain region in northern Spain.
The detail did not go unnoticed. The world’s most used search engine has depicted Bulnes train station in the second ‘G’ of the Google Doodle artwork from Sunday 17 September. The first ‘G’ shows the Cantabrian chamois, the unwritten mascot of the mountain region. Statues of this mountain goat decorate trail signs and accommodations throughout the area. The enlarged ‘O’ depicts the typical peaks of the Picos.
Millions of visitors
With its vast meadows, crystal clear lakes, and impressive mountain ranges with gorges and waterfalls, the Picos de Europa National Park attracts millions of visitors every year. The park is not only a feast for the eyes but also a breeding ground for biodiversity. Spread over 67,127 hectares, protected animal species such as bearded vultures, brown bears and Iberian wolves find a haven.
But that is not everything. For flora lovers, Picos de Europa is a true paradise. There are more than 40 orchid species and rare plants such as the pulsatilla rubra, known for its vibrant red petals with golden yellow stamens.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In 2003, UNESCO granted the park Biosphere Reserve status, making it a centre for scientific research. Nearly a decade later, Spain expanded the park’s boundaries to its current size. This marks the recognition of the importance of preserving and protecting this natural treasure.
A lasting reminder of nature conservation
Of all the natural wonders of Spain, Picos de Europa reminds us of the importance to protect it. The successful installation of the Bulnes Cable Car, now a tourist attraction, demonstrates the balance between human innovation and natural beauty, Google said in explaining why the company chose this Doodle today.
Also read: The world’s most expensive cheese, a culinary masterpiece from the Picos de Europa
