The Magic Mountain — Barcelona-Montserrat Trail (GR 6)

Sometimes it can be hard to find places where you can disconnect and breathe fresh air. The mountains are often synonymous with peace. Nature calms the mind, inspires and connects us with the present.

If you live in the province of Barcelona, you're in luck. Just a few miles away you'll find a natural jewel with many nooks and crannies to explore: the Montserrat massif. This captivating landscape was declared a natural park in 1987. It stands out for its whimsical rock formations, which rise up to 1,236 metres (4,055 feet) above sea level.

I invite you to embark on a journey that takes you from the vibrant city of Barcelona to the majestic Montserrat. The route, which follows the GR 6 at all times, is 56 kilometres (35 miles) long and is divided into three stages of varying distances. The places it passes through have train stations and bus connections, so you have the opportunity to shorten the days, split them up to complete them at another time, or even return home to sleep. In any case, these towns have plenty of services and accommodation.

The route begins in Barcelona, in the Horta Labyrinth park, a historical city park with an 18th-century neoclassical garden and a 19th-century romantic garden. This bustling city breathes history and culture and borders a world of natural wonders. As you go, you'll witness an amazing transformation: tall buildings give way to rolling hills, dense forests and spectacular rock formations. Montserrat is a magical, mystical and mysterious mountain. With its sharp peaks, it is a place that has given rise to numerous legends.

you'll also pass through areas such as the Collserola mountain range, and you'll be able to see others, such as the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac nature reserve and the Puigventós nature reserve. These greet you with lush vegetation and increasingly beautiful views.

This Collection requires a good level of fitness to complete. Although the first stage is fairly gentle, the remaining two stages are long, with a considerable amount of ascent.

The best times to do the walk are spring and autumn. In summer the temperatures are very high and there are more tourists. In winter there may be snowfall, which would make the narrower passes more difficult. In any case, I recommend you check the weather forecast before you start.

There are several opportunities to refuel at each stage, so you don't need to carry too many provisions. However, always carry at least a litre of water and a snack: dried fruit, a banana, etc. Wear comfortable, well-soled shoes, trekking poles and sun protection – don't forget your waterproofs!

You can reach the starting point in your own vehicle or by metro – the nearest stop is Mundet. There are also buses, but the service to take depends on the place of origin. To return from Montserrat monastery, you can take the famous Montserrat Rack Railway to Monistrol de Montserrat. There’s a train station here: the R5 line follows a lengthy route, so get off wherever it suits you best and take a metro or bus if necessary. If you return to the starting point to pick up your car, get off at Plaça d'Espanya (Plaza de España) and from there take metro line L3 to Mundet.

On this adventure, you have the opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature. Let yourself be guided by the magic of this unique place.

Happy walking!