Montseny Natural Park

Montseny Natural Park is a protected area in Barcelona Province that spans several counties and includes forested peaks and deep valleys with rivers and streams. Vegetation ranges from holm oaks and cork oaks in the lower sections to beeches and firs at higher elevations.

The region was settled in prehistoric times and passed through a phase of intensive agricultural use by monasteries and noble families during the Middle Ages. In the twentieth century, migration of many residents led to the abandonment of numerous farms and later protection of the landscape.

The name Montseny comes from Catalan mountain heritage and refers to a landscape where small hamlets and stone houses sit scattered among forests and meadows. Hikers sometimes meet shepherds moving their animals through the higher slopes.

Several hiking trails run through the area and connect villages at the edges with peaks and mountain huts inside. In summer the climate is mostly dry and warm, while in winter snow may cover the highest points.

The area serves as a biosphere reserve and hosts rare species such as the fire salamander, which lives in moist streams and under rocks. Some of the old trees carry lichens and mosses that thrive only in regions with high humidity.

Location: Vallès Occidental

Location: Osona

Location: Barcelona Province

Location: Catalonia

Inception: 1977

Website: https://parcs.diba.cat/web/montseny

GPS coordinates: 41.78000,2.40000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:31