The best hiking trails in Vidrà (For all skill levels)
If you’re wondering what to do in Osona this weekend to get away from the hustle and bustle, the answer lies hidden among centuries-old beech forests, crystal-clear waterfalls, and stone farmhouses. Welcome to our little corner of the world, and discover the 5 best hiking trails in Vidrà
The hiking trails in Vidrà offer some of the most breathtaking and least crowded natural scenery in Catalonia, making them ideal for lovers of active tourism in the Ripollès and Osona regions.
Unlike other, more crowded valleys, hiking here means immersing yourself in the living history of the Pre-Pyrenees. Whether you’re looking for a family outing on a Sunday or a challenging high-mountain hike, we’ve carefully selected the best trails.
Get your hiking boots ready, because after exploring these landscapes, you’ll want to stay the night in some cozy rural accommodations in Vidrà to make the magic last a little longer.
The Charm of active tourism in Ripollès and Osona
The Espai Vidrà area is a magical crossroads. As a natural border between regions, active tourism in the Ripollès and northern Osona is characterized by its biodiversity. There are no boring trails here; the area’s microclimate causes the landscape to change dramatically with each season.
In spring, the melting snow fills the streams with water; in fall, the palette of ochre and reddish hues in the deciduous forests attracts photographers from all over Europe. If you’re planning what to do in Osona, lacing up your boots and heading out into these landscapes is the first essential step.
Top 5 hiking trails in Vidrà you can’t miss
Below, we’ve listed the best hiking trails in Vidrà, categorized by difficulty level, along with first-hand local information to ensure your experience is safe and memorable.
1. El Salt del Molí (Easy level – Ideal for families)
- Distance: 4.5 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 150 meters
- Estimated time: 1.5 hours
- Starting point: Vidrà Stone Bridge.
This is undoubtedly the highlight of Vidrà’s hiking trails for those traveling with children or looking for a relaxing stroll. The path winds through the shade of oak and ash trees, following the murmur of the Ges River.
After the spring rains, the trail may have patches of muddy clay. We recommend wearing waterproof shoes. When you reach the waterfall, look for the ruins of the old flour mill; it’s the perfect spot to break out your snacks and enjoy a photo-worthy picnic.
2. Hike to the Bellmunt Sanctuary (Moderate difficulty – Panoramic views)
- Distance: 12 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 650 meters
- Estimated time: 4 hours
- Starting point: Coll de Hi-era-de-massa.
If you love active tourism in the Ripollès region and are looking to climb to new heights, the Bellmunt Sanctuary (“the balcony of Catalonia”) will take your breath away. The trail winds through dense forests before opening up onto the rocky ridge.
From the summit, at 1,246 meters, on a clear day after the Tramuntana wind has blown, you can see all the way from the Bay of Roses to Mount Montserrat, passing by Pedraforca. The breeze up here is chilly even in August; always pack a windbreaker in your backpack.
3. The Giant of the Area: Puigsacalm from Vidrà (Difficult)
- Distance: 16 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 900 meters
- Estimated time: 6 hours
- Starting point: Collado de Bracons (accessible by car, 15 minutes from Vidrà).
Puigsacalm (1,512 m) is the iconic peak that crowns our horizon. This is one of the hiking trails in Vidrà reserved for experienced hikers. You’ll cross the famous Pas dels Burros and alpine meadows where herds of cows and wild horses often graze.
Avoid this route if dense fog is forecast, as it can be difficult to find your way around the high meadows of Les Olletes. Once you’ve made your way down, your efforts will be well rewarded with some delicious local cuisine.
4. Route of the Romanesque Chapels and Sant Bartomeu de Covildases (Intermediate level – cultural)
- Distance: 9 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 300 meters
- Estimated time: 3 hours
- Starting point: Downtown Vidrà.
For those looking for things to do in Osona that combine nature and history, this route is a journey back in time to the 12th century. The path will lead you to the Romanesque church of Sant Bartomeu, tucked away in a side valley surrounded by green meadows. The silence here is absolute, broken only by the songs of the jays.
5. The Grevolosa Beech Forest (Easy Level – Autumn Charm)
- Distance: 3 km (as the crow flies)
- Elevation gain: 100 meters
- Estimated time: 1 hour (plus time for reflection)
- Starting point: Collada de Bracons parking lot.
Technically right on the border, but a must-see on any list of hiking trails in Vidrà. It’s a magical forest with monumental beech trees that stand over 30 meters tall and are more than 300 years old. In the fall, walking on the thick carpet of reddish dry leaves is an unparalleled sensory experience.
What to do in Osona after your hike? Food and relaxation
Once you’ve conquered the mountains and your endorphin levels are sky-high, the day isn’t over yet. If you’re still planning what to do in Osona, the local cuisine should be your next stop. The region is famous for its artisanal cured meats (such as the renowned llonganissa from Vic), grilled meats, and farm-fresh cheeses.
After refueling at a local restaurant, you’ll be longing for a cozy spot where you can stretch your legs in front of a fireplace or under the stars. This is where your choice of lodging makes the difference between a simple day trip and a full-fledged rural experience.
Where to stay: Rural guest rooms in Vidrà, right on the trail
Let’s face it: Driving two hours back home after a 15-kilometer hike completely ruins the magic of the day. To round out your active tourism experience in Ripollès and Osona, the best strategic decision is to stay in the heart of the valley.
Discover relaxation at Espai Vidrà
At our farm, we’ve created the perfect retreat for hikers, couples, and families. When you book our rural guest rooms in Vidrà, you’re not just getting a place to sleep; you’ll wake up to the sound of birds singing, open the window, and see the peaks you conquered the day before.
- Post-ride comfort: Our high-pressure hot showers are the ultimate remedy for tired muscles.
- If you’re traveling in a group: We offer rural apartments and entire vacation homes for rent, which are perfect if you’re exploring the area with several families or friends.
- Expert advice: As locals, we can show you on a map every morning what the trail conditions are like, which route has the least mud, or where to find the best mushrooms in season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in the Area (FAQ)
When is the best time to go hiking in Vidrà?
Spring (May–June) is ideal because the waterfalls are at their most spectacular, and fall (October–November) is spectacular thanks to the colors of the beech forests. Summer is also pleasant thanks to the altitude, which keeps temperatures mild.
Are the routes well marked?
Most of the main hiking trails in Vidrà are marked with GR (red and white) or PR (yellow and white) trail markers. However, we always recommend downloading a trail map to your phone (Wikiloc) in case fog rolls in quickly.
Can I bring my dog on these trails?
Yes, active tourism in the Ripollès region is very pet-friendly. However, in areas where livestock graze freely (such as the hike up to Puigsacalm), dogs must be kept on a leash so as not to startle the local livestock.
Where can I stay near the trailhead?
The most convenient and central option is to book a rural guesthouse in Vidrà through Espai Vidrà. You’ll be less than a 10-minute drive (and sometimes a short walk) from the main starting points of the routes mentioned.
