Montseny Natural Park
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 favorite trail among locals.
Understand[edit]
- 1 Park main tourist office (Oficina del Parque Natural de El Montseny. Masia Mariona), Ctra. BV-5119, km 2,5, Mosqueroles, 08470 Fogars de Montclús, ☏ +34 938 475 102, p.montseny@diba.cat.
History[edit]
There are a large number of megalithic structures in the massif, such as menhirs, indicating that the area was inhabited since very ancient times The Montseny is a protected area, UNESCO designated the massif a biosphere reserve in 1978. The Generalitat of Catalonia regional government designated it a natural park in 1987, the Montseny Natural Park (Parc Natural del Montseny
Landscape[edit]
It has the highest mountains in the area south of the Pyrenees and dominates the plains south of Girona. To the south lies the plateau of La Calma. In between is the Valley of the Tordera River. The highest peaks are Turó de l'Home (1,712 m), Les Agudes (1,703 m), El Matagalls (1,697 m) and Puig Drau (1,344 m). There is a Meteorological Observatory at the top of the Turó de l'Home
Flora and fauna[edit]
The vegetation in Montseny varies with humidity and temperature, transitioning from Mediterranean vegetation like holm oaks, cork oaks, and pine forests at lower elevations to central European environments with beech and fir forests above 1,000 meters. This diverse landscape, marked by rugged terrain, torrents, and cliffs, creates a wide range of habitats attracting numerous species from southern and northern regions. Relict species like sundews, St. John's wort, and yellow gentian contribute to the area's ecological value.
The fauna of Montseny is influenced by its vegetation distribution, with typical central European species in the higher areas and Mediterranean species in the lower regions. Over 270 vertebrate species have been documented, including wild boar, foxes, and various bird species in the oak forests, while isolated species of central European influence, such as the Montseny newt, add uniqueness to the fauna.
Climate[edit]
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Winters are cool, with average temperatures ranging from 4.2°C in January to 4.9°C in December. Snow dusts the mountaintops, creating a serene winter wonderland. Spring brings a burst of life, with temperatures climbing from 7.7°C in March to 14°C in May. Summers are warm but not scorching, making it ideal for hiking, with July being the warmest month at 25.9°C. Autumn paints the landscape in rich colors, with temperatures gradually descending from 17.9°C in October to 8.1°C in November. Throughout the year, Montseny experiences a healthy amount of rainfall.
Get in[edit]
By train[edit]
- R2 Nord line (Airport - Maçanet-Massanes). Stops in Palautordera, Sant Celoni, Gualba, Riells and Viabrea-Breda.
- R3 line (L’Hospitalet de Llobregat - Puigcerdà via Vic). Stops in La Garriga, Figaró, Sant Martí de Centelles, Centelles, Balenyà-els Hostalets and Balenyà-Tona-Seva.
By car[edit]
The Montseny massif is located within a triangle formed by the AP-7, C-17 and C-25 roads
Fees and permits[edit]
Free to enter. There may have point-in-time restrictions due to wheather or exces of people forecast.
Get around[edit]
- The BV-5301 crosses the park noth-sud from Tona to Montseny to Sant Esteve de Palautordera.
- The BV-5114 crosses the park noth-sud from Viladrau to Santa FE to Sant Celoni
- The GIV-5521 enters the southeast of the park from Breda to Riells.
- The BV-5115 enters the suth from C-35 to Gualba,
Parking areas[edit]
- 2 Turó de l'Home acces parking (38 places). free.
- 3 Collformic Parking, Carretera BV-5301, km 26,4, 08553 El Brull (20+40 places). free.
- 4 Santa Fe parking, Ctra. BV-5114, km 21,08479 Fogars de Montclús. 3 parking lots nearby. free.
- Sant Marçal parking, GIV-5201, Arbúcies, la Selva, Gerona lat= 41.80435. free.
- 5 Fuente de Passavets parking, Ctra. BV-5114, km 22,2 , 08460 Vall de Santa Fe. free.
See[edit]
- 1 Santa Fe Valley. a mountain valley in a beech forest,fir woods and marshes. several itineraries start in the valley.
- 2 Collformic. A mountain pass and a viewpoint. Many trail depart from here like Pla de la Calma and Tagamanent. Also GR5-2 passes here on his way to Matagalls peak
- 3 Gualba Stream. stream that flows from Santa Fé reservoir until Tordera River, passing by Gualba. A popular hike is from Gual Train station until Santa fe. follow PR-C211.
- 4 Sant Martí d'Aiguafreda de Dalt (Sant Martí del Congost).
- 5 Parc Etnològic de Tagamanent (Cal l'Agustí) (from Tagamanent follow the indications "Turó de Tagamanent" follow 7 km a paved forestal road.). 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. €5.
- 6 Sant Marçal de Montseny, Ctra. BV–5114 km. 28 ,08469 Montseny. Hermitage from the 11th century. It's also the source of Tordera River. Usualliy climbs to Matagalls and Le Agudes start from here. A few meters 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.
- 7 Montsoriu Castle, Carretera de Fogueres, s/n, Arbúcies – Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, Girona. (reservation required in the web available only in Spanish), ☏ +34 972 86 09 08, info@montsoriu.cat. 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. €8.50.
- 8 Sant Elies Hermitage (Follow cami de Sant Elias starting in San Pere de Vilamajor). A historic church located in the municipality of Vilamajor. 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.
- 9 Castell de Tagamanent. 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 favor 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.
- 10 Castell de Montclús. 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.
- 11 Castell del Brull (it can be reached on the BV-5301 road from the town of Seva, in the direction of the town of Montseny, after 4 km). 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.
Viewpoints[edit]
- 12 Mirador del Salt de Gualba.
- 13 Roca Plana.
- 14 Gorg Negre.
- 15 Mirador de les Goitadores.
- 16 Roc Perer.
- 17 Rocs Cremats.
- 18 Mirador de Coll Pregon.
- 19 Mirador Castell de Tagamanent sud.
- 20 Mirador Castell de Tagamanent nord.
- 21 les Tres Creus.
- 22 Collet de l'Estornell.
- 23 Mirador de Coll de Bordoriol.
Do[edit]
The main activity is hiking, with many trails available for all levels of fitness. Also rock climbing. Trails for kids available.
Roadcycling for those who want to test their endurance, due to the long climbs.
Mountainbiking with many trails available.
- 1 Turo de l'home. Climb to turo de l'home, either Hiking, in MTB on with a Road bicycle. You get to 1700m of altitude!
- 2 MTB arbucies- Santa Fé. Climb on your MTB from Arbucies until Santa Fe. Its a long climb between 7% and 10%. Just follow the trail.
- 3 Golf Montanyá, C/ Afores s/n, 08553 El Brull, ☏ +34 93 884 01 70. Play golf on this 18 hole course €100.
Long Range Hiking[edit]
The GR-5 enter in Aiguafreda , goes until Montseny and exits to Sant Celoni
Buy[edit]
- Mongeta del Ganxet (beans) a kind of dry been with DOP (protected denomination of origin). Used in the "Butifarra amb mongetes" (Grilled Sausage and beans) a tipical catalan dish.
- Mushrooms. On the Fall/autum season many kind of wild mushrooms can be found.
- Ratafia, a herbs liquor tipical on this area.
- 1 Montseny cheese shop (Formatgeria del Montseny (Can Gorgs)), ☏ +34 938473238. Jun-Aug: Sa Su 11:00-20:00; Dec-Feb: Sa Su 11:00-18:00.
Eat[edit]
- 1 El Bellver La Calma (ca l'Agusti), ☏ +34 627 412 646, lacalma2004@gmail.com. Sa Su 09:00-17:00. gastronomic menu €50.
- 2 Restaurant Hostal Santa Fe Montseny, Carretera de Sant Celoni a Santa Fe BV-5114, Km 21, 08470, ☏ +34 938 47 50 11. Grilled meats and Catalan food. €25.
- 3 Hotel&Restaurant Sant Marçal del Montseny, Ctra. BV – 5114 (Sant Celoni – Santa Fe) km. 28 08469 Montseny, ☏ +34 931982515.
- 4 Hostal Restaurant Bell-Lloc.
- 5 Molí de les Pipes, Arbúcies.
- 6 Avet Blau, ☏ +34 93 847 51 00.
- 7 La Borda de l'Avi.
- 8 Fonda Montseny, Plaça de la Vila 2, ☏ +34 938473040. W-M 09:00-18:00.
- 9 Can Nena, BV-5301, ☏ +34 938473022.
- 10 Casa del Bosc.
- 11 Canel·la Braseria.
- 12 Coll Formic. M Tu closed; W-F 09:00-17:00; Sa Su holidays 09:00-18:00.
- 13 La Posada de Sant Segimon, ☏ +34 937430913. M F-Su 09:00-17:00.
Drink[edit]
- 1 Degustacións La Cort. Sa-Th 09:00-19:00.
- 2 Bar Avalon, Passeig del Montseny 18, Gualba. F-W 07:00-23:00.
- 3 Can Bordas, Plaça Joan Rague 7, Gualba. W-Su 08:30-23:30.
- 4 La Fonda, Sant Esteve Palautordera.
Sleep[edit]
Lodging[edit]
- 1 Hotel & Restaurant Sant Marçal del Montseny, Ctra. BV – 5114 (Sant Celoni – Santa Fe) km. 28 08469 Montseny, ☏ +34 931982515, nfo@santmarcalmontseny.com. from €90.
- 2 Montanyà Hotel & Lodge, Avinguda Montseny, s/n, 08553 Seva, ☏ +34 937 027 600, reservas@senatorhr.com. Built in a traditional mountain style, using wood and natural stone it has a 4-star rating. €150.
Camping[edit]
- 3 Camping Masia Can Cervera, Carretera de Sta. Maria de Palautordera a Seva, BV5301, Km no. 15, 08460 Montseny (do not follow car GPS; follow road BV5301 until KM15 and then turn right, follow the track 2 km.), ☏ +34 93 847 30 66.