
Tibidabo via forest path and Observatory
EASY 3.44Km forestal path route from Barcelona FGC Av. Tibidabo to Tibidabo Church, viewpoint and parc de atraciones via Observatori Fabra.
Views: 1.2k
Updated: Sep 17, 2021
Updated: Jan 13, 2023
Tibidabo is the highest peak in the Sierra de Collserola mountain range behind Barcelona. It is famous mostly for the Tibidabo parc de atraciones amusement park inaugurated in 1901 but also boasts a Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor with tourist roof access to the viewpoint, the historic Fabra Observatory and the world famous Collserola telecoms tower with a viewing floor.
Tibidabo came into existence as a place for the wealthy citizens of Barcelona to escape the city. The Parc de atrracciones was built in 1899 by the entrepreneur Salvador Andreu as an extension of Avenida Tibidabo and comprises rides that are some of the oldest in the world that are still functioning. It is Spain's longest running amusement park and Europe's third oldest.
At about the same time in 1902 construction began on the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. Construction was completed in 1961 and is today a minor basilica of the catholic church. Construction was delayed due to competition for the summit from the observatory.
Tibidabo once hosted a casino complex with its own rides. This is now a ruin.
There are multiple ways to get to Tibidabo depending on your budget.
Cheapest public transport option is to take the FGC from Plaza Catalunya to Peu de Funicular and change onto the Vallvidrera funicular which terminates in the mountain village of Vallvidrera. From here there is a 10 minute bus ride or 20 minute walk to Tibidabo. All these transport networks are part of the Barcelona integrated fare system so count as one trip on a travel card such as T-casual.
Expensive transport option is to use the FGC to go to Av.Tibidabo then transfer onto a TMB or TC2 bus to go to Plaza Doctor Andreu. (This bus section used to be covered by Tram Blau but it is currently closed for refurbishment) From plaza Doctor Andreu there is a Funicular that goes to Tibidabo amusement park. This is not part of the Barcelona integrated fare system but run privately by the amusement park and a return fare is 12 euros for adults with the TC2 bus included. They also sell integrated tickets for the funicular and entry into the amusement park.
Walking through Collserola Natural park. I have a couple of routes, one starting from FGC Av.Tibidabo which is a uphill route via forest paths and passing the Fabra Observatory. The other route from FGC Valvidrera Baixador passes via Vila Joana.
For a detailed drill down of each attraction and transport method, click on the images below.
Happy Exploring!
EASY 3.44Km forestal path route from Barcelona FGC Av. Tibidabo to Tibidabo Church, viewpoint and parc de atraciones via Observatori Fabra.
Views: 1.2k
Updated: Sep 17, 2021
1906 mountain railway from lower station at Peu del Funicular to Vallvidrera village near Tibidabo which is reachable via short 10 min bus ride or 30 min walk.
Views: 1.1k
Updated: Sep 17, 2021
1901 Tram from Plaza Tibidabo to lower station of the Funicular de Tibidabo that goes to Tibidabo church and parc de atraciones. Tram closed for modernisation.
Views: 851
Updated: Sep 17, 2021
Children's theme and amusement park with a range of modern and vintage fairground rides built within a tree filled enclosure at the peak of the collserola hills.
Views: 834
Updated: Sep 16, 2021
Modern Minor Basilica with Romanesque fortress crypt from 1911 and neo-Gothic Main church from 1951. viewpoint at the base of the Crowning Jesus statue.
Views: 813
Updated: Sep 16, 2021
Historic 1904 fully functional observatory by architect Josep Domenech i Estapa. Observatory offers guided visits and summer evening dinner & stargazing.
Views: 794
Updated: Sep 17, 2021
Norman Foster designed Teleco Tower built as a transmission hub for the 1992 Olympic venues. One floor as a spectacular viewpoint open to the public.
Views: 723
Updated: Sep 16, 2021