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.

History
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
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
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
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.

By train
Rodalies-Renfe trains
 * 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
The Montseny massif is located within a triangle formed by the AP-7, C-17 and C-25 roads

Fees and permits
Free to enter. There may have point-in-time restrictions due to wheather or exces of people forecast.

Get around

 * 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,

See




Do
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.

Long Range Hiking
The GR-5 enter in Aiguafreda, goes until Montseny and exits to Sant Celoni

Buy

 * 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.

Go next
Visit Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor