Calders between river scenery and history
Accommodation in Calders
In Calders, river scenery, hiking trails and historic buildings come together as different themes for a stay. Castell de Calders represents the area's long history; the valley of the Riera de Calders and Les TĂ pies shape its natural landscape. There are also hiking routes of varying lengths, with different starting points and activities. Anyone looking for a hotel in Calders can tailor their travel plans to these interests.
River scenery, forests and fossils
The Vall de la riera de Calders i les TĂ pies is a natural area dominated by forests of white pine, black pine and oak. Ten meanders and small waterfalls are among the valley's distinctive features. Its geological history is also tangible here: the area contains marine fossils from the second half of the Eocene. They are found alongside a diverse range of wildlife, including cyprinids, dippers, grey herons and mallards.
A constructed viewpoint is located at a meander in the Calders River. From there, the view falls on a hill surrounded by fields, with the remains of Castell de Calders at its summit. At this viewpoint, landscape and the history of the castle site meet: the hill, the fields and the castle remains together form the focal point.
Hiking routes with different highlights
The PR-C 197 Sender del Riu Calders is a 25-kilometre hiking trail with three variants and connections to other trails. It is marked with the white-and-yellow PR trail markings. The route can be completed on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. It crosses the Calders River several times; after heavy rain, you may need to get your feet wet. Take this weather advisory into account when planning.
Two shorter, specifically named walks differ in their distance and starting point. The RUTA JOC ANIMALONS CAP AL GORG DE CALDERS is a 5.10-kilometre family trail that starts at Colònia Jorba. The RUTA JOC DEL CASTELL DE CALDERS is a 6.55-kilometre hike that starts in the town centre. On this Castell route, the Natura-Local mobile app guides you to hidden QR codes; one of these features an audio excerpt from a story. The details on distance, starting point and app features make each walk distinctive.
Castle site and industrial heritage
Castell de Calders served to defend the Calders area and is documented from 956. The present structure may date from the 11th century. As an excavated and consolidated archaeological site, the Castell is also a testament to the area's history. The castle remains on the hill are connected to the viewpoint at the river meander, while the historical record reaches back to the earliest written sources.
Another historic structure is Pou de gel. La Poua is a circular underground structure on a heavily shaded slope, with a hemispherical vault. Colònia Jorba is an industrial colony at a meander in the Calders River and is privately owned. The complex includes three factory buildings, a dam, a canal, a turbine and workers' housing. Resclosa de Manganell supplied water to the Manganell textile factory, also known as Colònia Jorba.
Construction of the Colònia Jorba factory began in 1892 in the municipality of Viladecavalls, on the initiative of entrepreneur Pere Jorba i Gassó. A power station was built near the Colònia in 1906. The present-day church of Colònia Jorba is also part of the area's history: it was built in 1944, after the Spanish Civil War left Sant Pere de Viladecavalls in ruins. These milestones show different aspects of the local past, from the castle and industrial buildings to the later church.
Calders therefore offers several specific points of interest to help you plan your trip: river scenery with forests and fossils, hiking routes with clearly stated distances and starting points, and historic buildings from different periods.
Discover more destinations: Montcada, Sabadell, Santa EulĂ lia De Ronçana, Santa Maria De Merlès, OrpĂ, Palau-solitĂ i Plegamans, Barbera Del Valles, Badalona.
See the broader travel overview: Barcelona.
