On September 22nd, we will officially welcome the astronomical autumn, which will accompany us until December 21st, when the winter solstice arrives. This season marks the beginning of a period of changes in the landscape: yellow, red, and earthy tones take over the deciduous forests and transform nature into a unique visual spectacle.
One of the most characteristic features of this time is the falling of leaves from deciduous trees. In Montseny, where the Tordera River is born, the vast extensions of beech and chestnut forests are tinged with vivid colors before becoming leafless. These formations, which grow mainly in shady and cool areas, such as north-facing slopes or riparian forests, create settings full of magic, especially in the high sections of the Tourdera, within the municipalities of Montseny and Arbúcies.
Going for a hike or a bike ride is relaxing in itself, but in autumn, the experience is multiplied: the ground is covered with leaves, and the forest becomes a mosaic of spectacular textures and colors. The most emblematic point to experience this spectacle is the Font Bona of Sant Marçal, the source of the Tordera River, although there are many other places to enjoy the magical moment of the falling leaf.
Beyond the landscape, autumn also brings its most characteristic seasonal products: chestnuts, mushrooms, ‘panellets’, pumpkins… which invite us to enjoy the home and good company. It must be remembered, however, that they cannot always be collected freely, as it is prohibited in some places, and both regulations and the natural cycle of the forest must be respected. The best option is to travel through some section of the route, enjoy it quietly, and let nature take its course.
Autumn is also a time of deep-rooted traditions. From All Saints’ Day, in which we honor our ancestors, to the ‘Castanyada’ (Chestnut Festival), a festival of ancestral origin that combined meals with legumes, nuts, and breads made with these ingredients. Over time, another of the most beloved sweets of this era emerged from this custom: ‘panellets’.
We invite you to discover autumn on the Tordera Route, to live it with all your senses, and to taste its most typical fruits at local establishments: ‘panellets’, chestnuts, sweet potatoes… A getaway that becomes a complete and unforgettable experience. Are you in?
