Section Tourdera Arbúcies – Montsoriu Castle

Descripció del tram

Arbúcies – Montsoriu section is a demanding section, which comprises 8km if you do it on the exclusive variants for hikers, or 13km if you do it on the paths suitable for bicycles. To this distance, we must add the fact that the positive accumulated elevation gains are more than 500m. However, at the end of the section a very good reward awaits you: the Montsoriu Castle, the largest Gothic castle in Catalonia. Keep in mind that there are exclusive variants for hikers where access by bicycle is prohibited.

At the beginning of the section, in the center of Arbúcies, you will have different parking spaces and a good range of services such as restaurants, shops, etc. The route begins in the small square at the intersection between Carrer del Vern and Carrer de Sant Jaume, where you will find the information panel for the route and the first directions for following it. Remember that you can take the route and enjoy a nice walk through a natural and protected environment (Montseny Natural Park), but always without deviating from the signposted path and respecting the flora and fauna of the area at all times.

Bicycle Variant

The section for cyclists is longer than that for hikers, specifically 13 km of route, of which there is a cumulative ascent of 336 m and a cumulative descent of 329 m, so it should be considered a demanding section. As with the hiking variant, the route begins in Arbúcies, between the streets of Vern and Sant Jaume, in a small square. In Arbúcies you can take the opportunity to stock up, as there are a large number of services available. To start the route, follow the first signs you find, but especially those indicating bicycles.

Keep in mind that the first kilometers of the route run through the town of Arbúcies, along the Palacagüina promenade. But above all, pay attention to the 360-meter section that takes place along the GI-552 road, where the volume of traffic is greater and you must take all the necessary precautions. Once you have passed this point, you will enter the forest area, where the entire route will take place until you reach the foot of Turó de Montsoriu.

ATTENTION: before reaching Turó de Montsoriu, however, specifically at the height of Turó de la Geneta, you will come across a fence to prevent the passage of motorized vehicles. This fence has an opening through which you can pass your bicycle and continue on the path without any problems. You can see an image of the fence in the image gallery.

When you reach the foot of Turó de Montsoriu, to go up to the castle, you will have to take the forest track that has a chain that prevents the passage of vehicles. Following this track you will reach the Castle, from where you will enjoy the impressive views and you can visit the castle. If you are interested in the castle and its visit, consult its website.

Hiking variant

The route of the section of the Tourdera from Arbúcies to the Castell de Montsoriu for hikers is demanding, 8 km long, with a cumulative ascent of 497m and a descent of 188m. The start of the route is at the sign that you will find in Arbúcies, between the streets of Vern and Sant Jaume, in a small square. Following the signs for hikers, you will head towards Castell street, where you will find one of the town’s characteristic pump fountains, the Font de Bomba de Can Salau, where you can pump water yourself. Follow the same street and you will finish crossing Arbúcies through an area of vegetable gardens before entering the forest.

Most of this section runs through wooded landscapes, in many cases cork oak forests, but around El Morer, you will cross some meadows where you will find interpretive panels. These habitats, as you can see, are very interesting in terms of biodiversity as they are home to a large number of species, some of which are rare. It is important, as in the entire route, that you do not deviate from the path and pay attention to the recommendations for respect for nature.

At the end of the section, you will reach the foot of the Turó de Montsoriu, which you will have to climb with a final effort. It is a climb along a path in the middle of the forest, which despite having a fairly significant slope, will be worth it to reach the castle and enjoy the impressive views. Remember that the castle can be visited and that they offer interpreted tours; for more information, consult the website.