Section Tourdera Gaserans – Castell de Montsoriu

Descripció del tram

The Gaserans – Castell de Montsoriu section is a demanding route, covering 8 km if followed via the variants exclusively for hikers, or 10 km if taken along the paths suitable for bicycles. In addition to this distance, you should bear in mind that the cumulative ascent is approximately 600 m. However, a great reward awaits you at the end of the route: Castell de Montsoriu, the largest Gothic castle in Catalonia. Please note that some variants are exclusively for hikers and access by bicycle is prohibited.

Please note that the section begins at the Church of Sant Llorenç de Gaserans, where there is a parking area available, but you will not find services such as accommodation, restaurants, or similar facilities. The route starts directly in front of the church, where you will find the route information panel and the first wayfinding signs. Remember that you can enjoy this route and a wonderful walk through a natural and protected environment (Parc Natural del Montseny), but always without leaving the marked path and while respecting the flora and fauna of the area at all times.

Bicycle variant

The section for cyclists is longer than the one for hikers, specifically 10 km in length, with a cumulative ascent of 610 m and a cumulative descent of 133 m, so it should also be considered a demanding stage. As with the hiking variant, the route begins at the Church of Sant Llorenç de Gaserans, so if you arrive by vehicle, you will need to park in the parking area available there. Please note that there are no services in the surrounding area, so you should come well prepared for the route. From the church, you will find Tourdera signs leading you to Montsoriu, first along a paved forest track and then along an unpaved forest track that will take you to the Castle. The route passes through wooded landscapes, mainly cork oak forests, and follows forest tracks. As throughout the entire route, it is important not to leave the marked path and to follow safety and nature conservation recommendations, especially since you will be travelling through an area with a high risk of forest fires during the summer.

At the end of the section, you will arrive at Castell de Montsoriu, where you will find the route information panel. The section ends here, but please note that this is not an urban area with services, so you should carefully plan your return journey or the continuation of your route. To reach the Castle, you must follow the forest track according to the signs; you will come across a chain that prevents cars from accessing the area. Once at the top, you can take the opportunity to visit the Castle (for more information, consult the castle’s website) or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. If you do not wish to go up to the Castle and instead continue towards Arbúcies, you do not need to take the track leading up to the Castle and should simply follow the signs towards Arbúcies, which bypass the ascent to the Castle.

Hiking variant

The Tourdera section from Gaserans to Castell de Montsoriu is demanding: although it is only 8 km long, it has a cumulative ascent of 580 m and a cumulative descent of 103 m. The route starts at the information panel located at the Church of Sant Llorenç de Gaserans, where parking is available if you arrive by car. Please note that there are no services in the surrounding area, so you should come well prepared for the route. From the church, you will find Tourdera signs leading you to Montsoriu, first along a paved forest track, then along an unpaved track and, on the final section, along a forest path that will take you directly to the Castle.

Most of this section passes through wooded landscapes, mainly cork oak forests. It is important not to leave the marked path at any point along the route and to follow all safety and nature conservation recommendations, especially as you will be travelling through an area with a high risk of forest fires during the summer, and part of the route passes through the Parc Natural del Montseny.

When you reach the Castle, you can take the opportunity to visit it (for more information, consult the castle’s website) and, above all, enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. Please note that there are no tourist services at the Castle beyond the Castle’s own service facilities. You will not find nearby accommodation or restaurants, so this should be taken into account when planning your route.