Garrotxa Volcanic Zone – Les Planes d’Hostoles Waterfalls & Hiking Route
13 km circular hike through the waterfalls of Les Planes d’Hostoles, the Hostoles castle ruins, Cogolls hamlet, and the Molí dels Murris and Can Poetí gorges in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
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About Les Planes d'Hostoles waterfalls hike in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
Les Planes d’Hostoles is a village in the Hostoles valley, within the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa). This 12–13 km medium circular route explores the waterfalls of Els Gorgs de les Planes d’Hostoles, the 10th‑century Castell d’Hostoles ruins, the hamlet of Cogolls, and the well‑known Gorg del Molí dels Murris and Gorg de Can Poetí.
South of the village rise the steep forested slopes of the Puig del Moro range, while the northern side—where most of this route unfolds—features gentler valleys such as the Cogolls valley, with distant views towards the Serra de Finestres.
From 1900, Les Planes d’Hostoles was connected to Girona by the narrow‑gauge Olot–Girona railway. After the line closed in 1969, it was converted into the Via Verda del Carrilet Olot–Girona, now a popular cycling and walking route.
Historically, the main industry was the Colònia Dussol textile mill, founded in 1886 by the Dussol family of Olot. They expanded their stocking production here to take advantage of the hydraulic power of the river Brugent. The colony included workers’ housing, the owner’s tower, the chapel of the Virgin of Carmel, and the factory itself. The mill closed in 2012 following the financial crisis, leaving agriculture and livestock as the main local industries.
As of 2018, Les Planes d’Hostoles has a population of around 1,660 inhabitants.
Note: Since 2020, the Brugent river and its waterfalls have been designated a protected natural reserve. From Easter to the end of September, advance reservation is required (5 € per person), with a daily limit of 300 visitors. Groups of 20 or more must be accompanied by a local guide.
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Visiting Les Planes d’Hostoles – Waterfalls, Castle Ruins & Cogolls Valley
From the village centre, follow the main road north for about half a kilometre to the Cementiri de les Planes d’Hostoles. Cross the road with care. At the top corner of the semicircular access road you’ll find a small path beside a fence leading downhill. At the bottom, turn left onto a farm track and follow it as it curves into the forest. A signboard here explains the waterfall network.
The first pool you reach is Gorg de la Plana. Continue along the riverside path to the next waterfall, Gorg del Duran. A left‑hand path leads to the artificial weir of Gorg de la Llaura. Cross the river just before the larger weir known as Reclosa Gran de Can Paulí and climb the path on the right, passing the small cascade of Gorg de la Mola.
Note: The Brugent river and its gorges are a protected natural area. Do not litter, remove stones, or pick flowers. Swimming and drinking the water are not recommended.
The trail emerges onto a gravel road. Turn left and follow it to the old brick bridge of Pont de la Torre over the river Brugent. Do not cross the bridge. Instead, retrace a few metres and take the path that joins the Via Verda del Carrilet Olot–Girona, the former railway line now converted into a cycle route. Turn left, and almost immediately take the right‑hand path that climbs up to the main road.
Cross the road carefully — visibility is limited due to the curve — and pick up the rocky path on the opposite side. This trail climbs steadily through scrub and pine forest to the ruins of Castell d’Hostoles (601 m). From the castle you have excellent views across the Hostoles valley and the opposite slopes of Puig del Moro.
Behind the castle, the route continues along a ridge to another viewpoint, El Castellet (571 m). Follow the ridge until it meets a gravel track at Collet de Fontplana. Turn left along the track for about 250 metres, then take the descending path on the right.
The trail drops through a hairpin bend at Serrat de la Pineda (500 m) and continues to the La Vila farmhouse (487 m). Turn left onto the gravel track and follow it downhill, passing the Can Massot farmhouse and contouring around the hillside until you reach a descending gravel road. This leads to a paved lane heading towards the hamlet of Cogolls.
Continue along the quiet country road past Cogolls and the small Romanesque church of Església de Sant Cristòfol de Cogolls. A little further on you’ll reach the whitewashed Ermita de Sant Pelegrí. After about 500 metres, turn left onto a gravel track. Follow this path and bear left just before the forest opens into a crop field. The trail runs parallel to the Riera de Cogolls and after roughly 300 metres arrives at the well‑known Gorg del Molí dels Murris.
Backtrack to the country lane and continue for another kilometre until the road crosses the Via Verda del Carrilet Olot–Girona. Take the descending path onto the via verda and follow it for 1.3 km. Just before the bridge, steps on the right lead down to Gorg de Can Poetí. At the bottom you’ll find the rocky riverbank and the remains of old mill buildings on the opposite side.
Return up the steps, cross the bridge, and follow the road past the disused station buildings until you reach the main street of Les Planes d’Hostoles. Here you’ll find several places to eat:
- Bar Restaurant La Caseta: Traditional Catalan dishes (06:00–18:30)
- Casa de Curry: Indian cuisine (13:00–16:00 & 18:30–21:00)
- Bar Restaurant Can Llens: Traditional Catalan food (06:00–21:00)
Hiking Els Gorgs de les Planes d’Hostoles with a Dog
The first part of this route follows forest paths along the Brugent river and passes several waterfalls. Because this area is now a protected natural reserve, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while near the gorges.
After crossing the main road, the trail climbs through scrubland and patches of pine forest. In spring and summer, this is an area where you may encounter pine processionary caterpillars, which are dangerous to dogs due to their toxic hairs. Keep your dog close and avoid letting them sniff or brush against pine nests on the ground.
The return section follows quiet rural lanes beside fields with cattle and sheep. For this stretch, it’s sensible to keep your dog on a leash to avoid disturbing livestock. The two waterfalls in this final section are also classified as protected areas, so the leash requirement applies here as well.
Overall, the route is suitable for dogs, but be mindful of seasonal hazards and the protected status of the river and gorges.
Best Time to Visit
Spring is the ideal season to visit Les Planes d’Hostoles. The trees along the Brugent river burst into blossom, the forest canopy turns bright green, and the waterfalls are at their fullest thanks to winter snowmelt from the pyrenees mountains. The gorges feel alive at this time of year, with strong water flow, clear pools, and lush vegetation.
Early summer is also pleasant, but spring offers the best combination of water volume, mild temperatures, and vibrant colours. Autumn brings quieter trails and warm tones in the forest, though the waterfalls are usually less powerful than in spring.
Winter can be atmospheric on clear days, but the gorge paths may be muddy or slippery after rain, and daylight hours are short.
What to take with you for Les Planes d'Hostoles hike in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
This is a medium‑difficulty walking route in the foothills of the Pyrenees, so a small rucksack with the essentials is all you need. I always carry a basic first‑aid kit and an emergency waterproof or windproof jacket — the weather can shift quickly in the valleys and on the exposed ridges.
Bring 2–3 litres of water. Although the route passes several rivers and waterfalls, the water is not suitable for drinking, and the protected status of the Brugent river means you should avoid entering the pools.
Wear sturdy footwear. The terrain includes forest paths, rocky sections, old railway ballast, and steep descents, so running shoes are not ideal. In spring, the gorge paths can be muddy from snowmelt; in summer, the exposed sections can be hot; and in autumn, fallen leaves can make the ground slippery.
If hiking with a dog, carry extra water for them and keep a leash handy — the route passes protected areas, livestock fields, and pine forests where processionary caterpillars may be present in spring and early summer.
Les Planes d'Hostoles waterfalls hike Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 25.00
FREE
Child
€ 25.00
FREE
Notes
Hike is free. Price based on 4 people sharing a car
Getting to Les Planes d’Hostoles
Address: El Brugent, Les Planes d'Hostoles, Girona, 17172
- By car: From Barcelona, take the C‑17 towards Vic and continue as it becomes the C‑37 in the direction of Olot. At Sant Feliu de Pallerols, join the C‑53 and follow it directly to Les Planes d’Hostoles. The journey takes around 90 minutes.
Alternatively, take the AP‑7 towards Girona and exit at the Girona Airport junction. From here, follow the C‑25 towards Vic and leave the road at km 225 to join the C‑53, which leads straight to Les Planes d’Hostoles.
Parking is available at Aparcament Gorgs les Planes (open 10:00–18:30), but I recommend using this alternative parking area, which has no barrier and is more convenient for early starts. - By bus: Les Planes d’Hostoles is served by the Teisa route 16 bus, but the timetable makes this hike realistically viable only on Sundays if travelling from Barcelona.
Carrer Rocacorba bus stop (arrival from Barcelona)
Rambla de Dolors Moreno bus stop (return to Barcelona)
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