Barcelona (province), Spain
Photo: Nikaya, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Montseny Natural Park is in Catalonia of Spain. This park has a mosaic of landscapes: ancient forests, bucolic meadows and charming hamlets. You can hike along well-marked trails that wind through centuries-old woodlands, revealing hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. Climbing to Turo de l'Home is a favourite trail among locals. It is in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves list, and also in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A mountain valley in a beech forest, fir woods and marshes. several itineraries start in the valley.
A mountain pass and a viewpoint. Many trail depart from here like Pla de la Calma and Tagamanent. Also GR5-2 passes here on its way to Matagalls peak.
A stream that flows from Santa Fé reservoir until Tordera River, passing by Gualba. A popular hike is from Gualba Train station until Santa Fe; follow PR-C211.
is a mountain part of the Montseny Massif. With its elevation of 1,712 m (5,617 ft) above sea level, it is the highest peak of the Montseny Massif. A paved road leads almost up to peak until Plana Amagada, where there is plenty of parking. The last 1,500 m of the road are closed for motorised traffic but open for cyclists and hikers. The final ascent to the triangulation station, some 50 m above the endpoint of the road, is a step trail.
Matagalls is a 1,698-m mountain in the Montseny massif. At the summit you can find a cross of considerable dimensions, dedicated to Father Cinto Verdaguer. On this cross, among other plaques, there is one in memory of Father Jaume Oliveras i Brossa, also a hiker, in memory of whom the Matagalls-Montserrat Crossing was created. From the summit of Matagalls we can contemplate many mountains of the Pyrenees, including Cadí, Puigmal, Puigllançada or Canigó. You can also see a large part of the Litoral mountain range and the Prelitoral mountain range (Collserola, Montnegre i el Corredor, Sant Llorenç del Munt, Garraf...) You can see the Vic plain and many mountains of the pre-Pyrenees, such as Montsec, Guilleries, Pedraforca and even on a clear and cloudless day you can see the Balearic Islands.
It is a 1706-m-high mountain that forms part of the Montseny massif. Access is from the south, via the forest track that climbs to Turó de l'Home, crossing the Coll Sesbasses mountain pass (1644 m) and following the path that leads directly to the summit of Les Agudes.
Sant Martí del Congost
Its consecration, promoted by the abbess Emma, daughter of Count Guifré the Hairy, took place on August 5, 898.
Hermitage from the 11th century. It's also the source of Tordera River. Usually climbs to Matagalls and Le Agudes start from here. A few metres from the chapel is the popular Taula dels Tres Bisbes (three bishops Table), where the dioceses of Terrassa , Vic and Girona converge. According to tradition, in this round table the bishops of the three demarcations could deliberate without leaving the territory of their respective dioceses.
A historic church dating back to the 10th century. It features Romanesque architectural elements and is an important cultural and architectural landmark in the region. Visitors can explore its well-preserved structure and learn about its historical significance.
The first documentary news of the place of “Riellos” is found in a precept dated September 9, 878. With the foundation of the monastery of Breda in 1038, it came under its direct jurisdiction. In 1169 there is already written evidence that the church of Riells is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. In 1957 the parish passed from the Bishopric of Barcelona to the Bishopric of Girona. Saint Martin of Riells is the parish church of Riells and Viabrea. The temple has undergone many remodelings over the centuries. The first major restoration was carried out in the 15th century, as it had been damaged by the social uprisings of the time. Later, in the 17th century, it was expanded to cover the needs of the parish. The Civil War of 1936 also had significant repercussions on the building and meant the destruction of the entire parish archive. After the war it was rebuilt and in 1956 the definitive restoration began.
Santa Maria de Lliors is an old parish church suffragan of that of Sant Quirze d'Arbúcies. In 923 the church of Santa Maria is mentioned. In 1074 this parish appears in a donation in favour of the church of Vic. The Pabordia del Gener of the See of Vic was the administrator of the possessions of this alou. The church was ceded in 1162 to the monastery of Breda, with subsequent confirmations by papal bulls of 1185 and 1246. In 1383 it did not have daily worship, only on Sundays, and in 1420 it was celebrated every fortnight. Lliors stopped having its own rector in 1606. It was completely rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries as indicated by one of the voussoirs of the main entrance (1709). It is located next to the large Crous farm. Its feast day is celebrated on September 8, the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
Cal l'Agustí
An old traditional Catalan farm (Masia) with a museum that shows the old way of life of farmers in this region. some days there is a guided tour.
Impressive medieval castle located in Arbúcies, Catalonia. With a history dating back to the 11th century, it is considered Catalonia's largest Gothic castle. Its ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval architecture and serve as a remarkable example of the region's historical heritage.
Of the Castle of Tagamanent only some foundations remain. The oldest references are given by the historical fund of the Vic Chapter Archives: two documents from the years 945 and 947. Since the creation of the county of Osona in favour of the Cabrera family in 1536, the term was joined to the sotsvegueria of Vallès. Centuries later it is documented in taking sides in favor of Felipe V during the War of Succession and, subsequently, during the War of the French Succession, when it was the scene, in 1812, of the victory of the guerrilla Josep Manso over the troops commanded by the guerrilla Joseph Lamarque Since then the castle lost all prominence until it reached its total physical disappearance.
The construction of the castle dates from the 11th or 12th centuries, although it was built on an earlier structure. Around the 14th century, the castle was transformed into a palace. In 1508 the chapel dedicated to Santa Margarida was restored. In 1739 the vicar general granted permission to transport the castle chapel, almost in ruins, to the field called de la Parellada. In 1995, an archaeological intervention was carried out in order to recover and condition the architectural structure.
There are few remains of this castle, very important at the time. In 1265, Viscount Ramon de Cardona sold the barony of Brull to the bishop of Vic, and until the jurisdictional lordships disappeared it remained part of the barony of this bishopric.
starting at Parc Mediambiental de Gualba, you can ascend via the blue route and enjoy the course of the stream, its pools, and springs, eventually reaching the viewpoint where you can see the Salt de Gualba, a 135-meter tiered waterfall.
Accesible as a detour of PRC-211
Accesible as a detour of PRC-211
Camí de la Costa a Santa Fe
Part of the route SL-C 86
Access by PR-C 208 route : Santa Fe-Turò de l'Home-Les Agudes
Climb to turo de l'home, either hiking, in mountain biking, or with a road bicycle. You get to 1700 m of altitude!
Climb on your mountain bike from Arbucies until Santa Fe. It's a long climb between 7% and 10%. Just follow the trail.
Play golf on this 18-hole course.
GR – 5.2 Els Cims del Montseny. Del pla de la Calma (el Cafè) a Collformic
Distance 4.09 km, Positive elevation gain 84 m, Technical difficulty=Easy. Starting point: Collformic car park (see #parking).
GR. 5.2 Els Cims del Montseny. De Fontmartina al turó de l’Home
Distance 4.29 km, Positive slope 9 m, Technical difficulty = Moderate. Starting point: Plana del Coll picnic area (see Montseny Natural Park#picnic).
Riera de Gualba
Starts in Gualba train station and climbs 3284m until Santa Fe del Montseny. Total 33km
3,46km , Positive elevation gain 99 m. Circular route that leaves from the Fogars de Montclús information center and allows you to reach the village of Campins (connection with a Bus Parc stop) passing through the Ciment kilns. During the route you pass through a mountain holm oak forest characteristic of this area of Montseny. You also have, in some sections, spectacular panoramic views of Turó de l'Home
Distance 9.56 km, Positive elevation gain 848 m, Technical difficulty=Difficult. Starting point: Molí de les Pipes.( Review See section ) Itinerary that allows you to reach Sant Marçal from the town of Arbúcies
Itinerari forestal de Fontmartina
Distance 4.69 km, Positive gradient 252 m, Technical difficulty = Moderate. Starting point: Les Feixes del Vilar recreation area ( Review Picnic section).
Distance 2.93 km, Positive elevation gain 77 m, Technical difficulty = Easy. Starting point: recreation area on the Coll plain. Easy and pleasant excursion along gently sloping paths and trails, marked with prominent orange landmarks. ( Review Picnic section )
4,6 km, 263 m climb, difficulty=easy
Distance 6.15 km, Positive elevation gain 239 m, Technical difficulty = Easy. Starting point: Can Casades Information Center ( Review Tourist office section )
11.5km, Positive elevation gain 827 m . This circular trail follows a long-established walking route through the Santa Fe valley, climbing Turó de l’Home and Les Agudes by way of the Fageda Gran. Popular with Catalan hikers for generations, it crosses the park’s best-known beech woodland, which is particularly atmospheric in autumn as the leaves change colour. The two peaks provide wide views over the surrounding landscape. Near Rocs Cremats, a brief side path reaches the Comte ice well, once the largest of its kind in Montseny and has been restored. The descent can be muddy or slippery, so sturdy footwear and caution are advisable.The walk can be enjoyed throughout the year, though spring and autumn generally offer the most rewarding conditions.
Climbing area with 6 rock climbing routes from 4+ to 6b.
Guided routes.
ca l'Agusti
Gastronomic menu. The farmhouse serves as both a restaurant and an information point for Montseny Natural Park, while preserving the original structure built in the 18th century.
Grilled meats and Catalan food. It offers an interesting culinary selection based on traditional Catalan cuisine—specifically that of the Montseny area—and features a spacious yet cozy rustic-style dining room with wooden furniture and décor.
since 1990 L’Avet Blau has offered quality Catalan cuisine and a welcoming guesthouse in the heart of the Montseny region. Situated right by the trails leading to Turó de l’Home and Les Agudes, it is the perfect starting point for immersing yourself in nature before returning to the table to enjoy the flavors of our land. They serve hearty meals, a traditional esmorzar de forquilla (fork breakfast) or a peaceful stay in the rooms overlooking the forest and mountains.
Originally the village inn, it was already operating as a place to stay for the teamsters and itinerant traders who worked in our mountains back in the 19th century. Converted into a restaurant in 1992, it is a landmark within Montseny Natural Park due to its long history.
We serve traditional Catalan cuisine, using only top-quality products.
Àrea d'esplai de la Guardiola - Can Casades
It has stone tables and seats, toilets, drinking water and garbage collection service.
Àrea d'esplai de la plana del Coll
Àrea d'esplai de les Feixes del Vilar
see info on lodging section
Set within a monastery boasting over nine centuries of history, this is a place where time stands still .Nestled between the peaks of Matagalls and Les Agudes and surrounded by forest, the silence and nature create the perfect setting .
Built in a traditional mountain style, using wood and natural stone it has a 4-star rating. Built in the second half of the 20th century, this hotel offers a setting where sport takes center stage, featuring options such as tennis, swimming pools, soccer, horseback riding, and golf, as well as restaurants.
is a mountain campsite in the Montseny Natural Park, about 65 km from Barcelona, offering tent pitches on grassy fields and forest areas. The site features streams and woodland paths, with sheep, horses, and farm animals, alongside the rural guesthouses
It is a quiet, family-friendly mountain resort located on the outskirts of Taradell (Osona) in a beautiful valley that has preserved its natural setting, featuring a pond where migratory birds stop. A place to enjoy nature.
You will find various areas with picnic tables and barbecue facilities, as well as picnic areas located further away from the barbecues.
a kind of dry been with DOP (protected denomination of origin). Used in the "Butifarra amb mongetes" (Grilled Sausage and beans) a dish typical of Catalan cuisine.
liqueurs are alcoholic beverages compound liqueurs or cordials made by the maceration of ingredients such as aromatics, fruits, in pre-distilled spirits, followed by filtration and sweetening, the flavouring ingredients being merely infused in it. Ratafia may be flavoured with kernels (almond, green walnuts, peach, apricot, or cherry),[3] lemon peel and spices in various amounts (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, mint, rosemary, anise, etc.), typically combined with sugar.
Formatgeria del Montseny (Can Gorgs)
By plane
By train
You can access the park from the following stations operated by Rodalies-Renfe trains
By bus
By car
The Montseny massif is located within a triangle formed by:
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Girona · International · GRO
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Montseny Natural Park and Spain.
How to book Renfe AVE, Iryo and Ouigo high-speed trains across Spain, avoid luggage traps and plan seamless multi-city rail itineraries.
6 min read
How to secure elusive Alhambra tickets, explore Córdoba's Mezquita and experience Seville's Real Alcázar without crowds or booking errors.
6 min read
How to master the tapeo bar crawl in Spain, decode free tapas in Granada, order Basque pintxos and eat like a local from Madrid to Seville.
7 min read
Ten places with real character and room to breathe, from Ohrid's lakeside churches to Argentina's high-altitude vineyards.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.