Join our full-day hiking tour in the Catalan Pyrenees. We will pick you up at 8:30 am centrally in Barcelona and then head north to the picturesque village of Queralbs.
After our arrival in the picturesque village of Queralbs, we will set off to start our journey along the Camí Vell de Nuria. It is the original path that the very first Catalan ski and snow enthusiasts used to take to reach the beautiful Vall de Nuria (1964 m). The trail offers an exciting change of vegetation as we progress in the higher sections of the valley and countless breathtaking views at almost every step.
This hike is challenging and designed for participants with previous experience of hiking in the high mountains. A good physical level is required as we will climb 800 m of positive elevation gain over a 10 km distance. The total time needed to reach the Nuria Valley, including the breaks along the trail to admire the landscape and watch wildlife, will be around 4h.
The iconic hotel and the shrine that hosts the Virgin of Nuria will suddenly appear as we finally enter the green valley. The very first draft of the Catalan Statute of Autonomy was composed here in 1931. The hotel itself has adopted a very sustainable approach and tries to promote environmental protection to the visitors. This place is full of legends, history, and traditions.
The valley is made of several magnificent peaks. The hiking trails go to Puigmal (2910 m), Pic de Finestrelles (2828 m), or Pic de Noufonts (2861 m) to mention some. A summer visit to an Alpine environment 2000 m above sea level is a pleasant change to your stay in the hot and humid city of Barcelona.
We will re-fill our flasks from Sant Gil’s mountain spring at the bank of the lake. If we look closely at the crystal clear pools beneath our feet, we will spot the local endemic brown trouts hovering in the stream.
You will also have some additional free time to explore the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Nuria, go to the restaurant, or to the audio-visual exposition in the hotel.
We will then catch our Cremallera train back down to Queralbs and return to our meeting point in Barcelona (approx. 7 pm).
Banco de España, Plaça de Catalunya, 17, 08002 Barcelona
8:30 am
