Roque de los Muchachos

Peak of Roque de los Muchachos

The Roque de los Muchachos ( German youths about the rock ) is at an altitude of 2,423 meters, the highest elevation of belonging to Spain Canary Island of La Palma.

The highest point is formed by old volcanic vents, which have withstood the erosion of wind and water ( see figure). Between 2,350 and 2,400 meters above sea level is the site of the Institute Roque- de-los Muchachos Observatory. Here comes another great addition to the devices so far (July 2009) the world 's largest reflecting telescope with a mirror diameter of 10.4 m are used. Near the observatory is a road that connects the western and the eastern side of the island. Due to the high mountain climate this route is highly vulnerable to rockfall, which is mainly caused by melting ice in the spring.

The mountain is part of the Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente and forms the northwestern edge of the caldera. From the Roque de los Muchachos, you can see the neighboring islands of Tenerife, El Hierro and La Gomera.