Viladrau: Forests, Trails and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Viladrau
Viladrau lies in the contact zone between Montseny and Guilleries. Dense forests and abundant water shape the landscape. The circular trails also reflect the different sides of the area: municipal tourism information lists nature-focused, literary and historical routes. This lets you make nature and local history the focus of your trip.
Forest Trails and Climbs on Matagalls
The marked Sender del Castanyer de les 9 Branques (SL-C81) is a circular trail. It starts at Font del Sot de Can Rosell, 15 minutes from Plaça Major. Along the way, the route passes well-known springs, through cool forests and across fields. It offers views of the north side of Matagalls and also passes old farmhouses. Its destination is the Castanyer de les 9 Branques, one of the Montseny’s most emblematic trees.
The CamĂ de Matagalls (SL-C82) has a different focus: this classic ascent follows the north side through wooded areas of Matagalls to the summit, with sweeping views across Montseny. The marked route starts at Coll de Borderiol. A round trip from the starting point takes 4.5 hours as a planning estimate. The SL-C81 is a circular route to the Castanyer de les 9 Branques, while the SL-C82 is a summit climb; allow 4.5 hours as a planning estimate for the round trip. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Local History, Architecture and Legends
The Església de Sant Martà has been documented as a parish church since 898 and was consecrated in 1082. It brings together different architectural periods: two Romanesque round-arched arcades from the 12th century survive, while the façade is Baroque and dates from the 18th century. The Chapel of La Pietat is integrated into the town center and has been documented since 1603.
La Sala also brings together architectural and local history. Joan Sala i Ferrer, known as Serrallonga, was born there in 1594. La Sala was converted into a Domus in the 14th century and classified as a BCIN in 1949. At Espai Montseny, the world of legends surrounding Serrallonga is brought to life in an immersive experience featuring a magical forest and water nymphs. The park administration information point at Espai Montseny provides visitors with information about the park and Viladrau; if you need it for planning, check current service information before your visit.
Other notable buildings add their own distinctive touches: Espinzella is a fortified manor house converted into a Domus in the 12th century. The manor house Can Torra was designed by the Modernisme architect Puig i Cadafalch. Font de l'Oreneta was created in 1936 in honor of the poet Guerau de Liost, the pen name of Jaume Bofill i Mates. Font d'en Miquel is a natural spring near the town center. It is situated in a shady, circular square with long stone benches along the wall.
Places of Interest Nearby
Near Viladrau, the sanctuary of Sant Segimon has been documented since 1290; a long hike leads there from Viladrau. The Erola hermitage has also been documented since 1571. It lies halfway to the sanctuary in a grove of century-old chestnut trees. Its setting in the forest connects the sacred site with a striking landscape.
The medieval Pont de la Noguerola has a low wheel guard for carriages. Until the new road was built around 1910, the bridge was part of the old royal road from Viladrau to Vic and Barcelona. Around Pont de FĂ bregues, along the Riera Major, there are rocky, sunny pools and small waterfalls where you can cool off in summer.
Chestnut Fair and Local Traditions
The Fira de la Castanya de Viladrau has been held since 1995. It brings together culture and nature with the revival of the chestnut from Viladrau and Montseny. Depending on the year, the program includes tastings, guided chestnut walks, roasted chestnuts, workshops, exhibitions, music and cultural activities. Dates vary from year to year; check the dates for the relevant edition if the fair is important to your trip.
Several Aplecs also feature in the festive calendar. The Aplec de Sant Segimon was revived on May 1, 1960; it is associated with a communal breakfast, a mass, cultural events and a shared meal in Viladrau’s main square. The Aplec de l’Erola takes place on the last Sunday in May and includes a mass, a shared meal and Sardana dancing. The Aplec de Matagalls takes place on the second Sunday in July. Its usual main events include a mass at the summit, the singing of “Cant dels adéus,” the inauguration of a spring and Sardana dancing in Viladrau’s main square.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
The Bus Parc includes route 436 between Vic and Viladrau. As schedules may vary, check the latest information before travelling. When planning your trip, you can connect your travel arrangements with the things that make Viladrau distinctive: hiking trails on Matagalls, architectural and local history, landscapes with springs, or the dates of a festival.
Discover more destinations: Bigues I Riells, Bellavista, Montseny, Vallirana, Cantallops, Castellet i la Gornal, Aiguafreda, La RĂ pita.
For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.
