Collserola Walk #2

BAIXADOR DE VALLVIDRERA TO TIBIDABO

Time: 2 hours

Level: Easy

This is a great route for a first foray into the Collserola Natural Park. It’s very well sign-posted, easy, and has everything you’d hope to find, from lush foliage to quiet mountain paths and stunning views.

Take the ferrocarril to Baixador de Vallvidrera. From there, walk along the pretty wooded path that goes up the hill for about ten minutes until you reach the Casa Museu Verdaguer. Here, Catalan writer Jacint Verdaguer died on June 10th, 1902. 

Follow the white and red signposts that will take you past the Collserola information center. If you have time, make a stop here to see the exhibitions about the park. Continue along the path until you turn left and head uphill towards Turó del Puig. From there, follow the signs until you come to a steep path which leads to the Canet fountain, a welcome chance to refresh and take a rest. It is said that the water from this fountain is especially good for the liver and stomach.

From here, take the path to the left called the Meridià Verd. After a short uphill climb you’ll reach a crossroads. Head in the direction of Coll de Vinyassa, a gentle flat stroll and an opportunity to breathe deeply and enjoy the rich vegetation. After 15 minutes or so you’ll reach another fountain with two benches. From here, it’s just a short walk through thick woodland and you will come out at the Tibidabo amusement park.

Take a right turn towards the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, a small basilica built between 1915 and 1951 that sits atop the Tibidabo mountain, keeping an eye on the city below. It's time to stop for a well-earned rest. When you’re ready to head back down again, go towards Sir Norman Foster’s Torre de Collserola. 50 meters before the tower there is a path which will take you down towards the Font d’en Canet. From there, just follow the path that you took before and you’ll get back to the Baixador de Vallvidrera ferrocarril stop.