Aiguafreda

Under the scope of the Montseny Natural Park and with an important part of the municipal area covered by leafy pine and oak forests, Aiguafreda lives closely linked to the neighboring region of Osona, without suffering the characteristic winter fogs. The streams and fountains bring the visitor closer to the riverside vegetation with extensive poplar trees that change color to dress each season with renewed lights in a landscape dotted with small architectural samples of the past.

nature tourism

Aiguafreda, located between Montseny (Natural Park) and Cingles de Bertí (PEIN), is recognized as an essential starting point for nature and sports lovers in Catalonia. Since the beginnings of the Hiking Center of Catalonia in the 19th century, Aiguafreda has figured as a key starting point for numerous expeditions and discoveries. Today, it offers a wide network of trails that allow you to explore a diverse environment near Barcelona. Aiguafreda is a crossroads for several Long Distance Trails, such as the GR-2 and GR-5, and the beginning of emblematic routes such as the Matagalls-Montserrat and the Travessa del Montseny. In addition, from here you can discover notable places of Catalan hiking, such as the Tagamanent hill, the Trona viewpoint and Puigfred, the highest point of the Cingles de Bertí.

Finally, its strategic location is reflected in its proximity to the regional capitals, half an hour from Barcelona and the beach, and just over an hour from the ski resorts of the Pyrenees.

Ramon Margalef Park

A 1000 m2 space, which was previously unused until 2023, has been converted into a walk and recreation area. This transformation has benefited the community with the installation of benches and trees, providing a place of rest for the residents of the upcoming senior residence. The park, dedicated to the scientist Ramon Margalef, is located near the Riera de Martinet, where he carried out many of his studies on nature. His three sculptures, "Fros, Silanis, Tirsi", given by the artist Albert Cruells, are part of a collection that symbolizes the effervescence of Mediterranean culture and are integrated with the scientific legacy of Margalef, creating a symbiotic relationship between public space and naturalistic research.

Avencó and Martinet Valleys

The Martinet and Avencó valleys, located to the west of Montseny, are cut by streams that give their name to the valleys, serving as traditional entrances into the heart of the massif. Their ecological values, from the riverside forests to the highest peaks, make them places of natural interest. The Avencó valley, a long-inhabited space, and the more reserved Martinet valley, offer a contrast that makes them worth exploring. Aiguafreda, surrounded by these two valleys, becomes an ideal starting point to discover them and explore Montseny in general.

Aiguafreda de Arriba Permanent Orienteering Circuit

Created in 2013 at the initiative of the Aiguafreda City Council, it is a permanent circuit for the practice of sports orientation. Made up of fifteen fixed milestones, which are expanded with other mobile ones during races or competitions, it is ideal both for training and for organizing walks and excursions following the milestones. The goals are located in spaces of natural or cultural interest, allowing you to visit emblematic places of the municipality and enjoy impressive landscapes. The plans to carry out the circuit can be purchased at affordable prices at the Aiguafreda Town Hall (office hours during the week), at the Tourist Information Office (weekends) and at the Youth Information Service "El Punto" (afternoons between week).

cultural tourism

Prehistoric Origins

The Dolmens of the Sierra del Arca, dating from 2500-2000 BC, are prehistoric witnesses of the first communities in Aiguafreda.

Iberian, Roman and early medieval periods

Despite the lack of information during these periods, the presence of the Roman road of the Congost is an important indication. The Aiguafreda de Dalt cave-crypt and related archaeological finds stand out.

The Medieval Origins of Aiguafreda

The consecration of the parish of Sant Martí in the year 898 marks the beginning of the documented history of Aiguafreda. The church of Sant Martí de Aiguafreda de Dalt and the Romanesque chapels of the Avencó valley are witnesses of this era.

Urban and Architectural Evolution

The urban development of Aiguafreda was consolidated in the 19th century, with the transfer of the urban area to Les Ferreries. The construction of new infrastructure, such as the Ribes highway and the railway, marks this evolution, with a significant impact on urban architecture. The farmhouses in the area are accessible via the GR-5 path between Aiguafreda and El Brull.

The urban center of Aguafría

The urban center of Aiguafreda was formed in the 16th century, around the royal road from Barcelona to Vic. With the arrival of the train and the road in the 19th century, the Ferreries neighborhood became the main urban center. From that moment on, significant urban development was experienced, with the construction of modernist towers and other architectural styles. Today, a signposted itinerary allows you to explore the old town of Aiguafreda, with a wide variety of businesses that offer services to visitors, many of them with a long history of serving the community.

The church of Santa María de Aguafría

The parish church of Santa Maria is a modern building inaugurated in 1970 and consecrated by the bishop of Vic, Ramon Masnou. Its construction was promoted by a parish council and received strong popular support through campaigns and donations. Designed by the architecture studio of Juan Antonio Cendoya, the building follows the precepts of the Modernist movement and the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), fusing materials and architectural solutions with theological discourse. Thus, it becomes a functional space loaded with symbolism.

Mountain sports capital of Montseny

The strategic location of Aiguafreda, surrounded by geographical diversity such as the Plana de Vic, the Cingles de Bertí and the Montseny, makes it a perfect destination for lovers of mountain sports.

Interest in these sporting activities dates back to the first scientific hikers at the end of the 19th century, especially with the arrival of the railway.

The Congost Valley Mountain Race (March) stands out among other events such as popular walks, treks and mountain races.

Aiguafreda is an important connection point in the network of Long Distance trails ( GR-2 and GR-5 ).

Every weekend, more people leave Aiguafreda for hiking or mountain biking excursions.

The municipality also offers a permanent circuit for orienteering races, starting at the monumental complex of Aiguafreda de Dalt.