Montseny Hike: Santa Fe to Breda via Sant Martí de Riells
18km downhill hike from Santa Fe de Montseny to Riells and Breda, passing ancient forests, rivers and viewpoints. Ideal in autumn or summer, with easy bus access to Santa Fe
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About Montseny Santa Fe to Breda via Sant Marti de Riells Hike
This linear route begins at the Avet Blau Hostal Restaurant in Santa Fe de Montseny, right beside the Sagalés 573 bus stop. From here, a short forest path leads past the Can Casades Visitor Centre and through a picnic area to the historic Santa Fe Hostel.
When you step off the bus at Santa Fe, walk towards the Centre d'Informació Can Casades and take a moment to look up — the towering trees beside the visitor centre are Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum), also known as Sierra redwoods. Planted around 1900, three of these magnificent specimens remain, with the tallest reaching approximately 40–41 metres. They’re some of the most impressive non‑native trees in Montseny, and absolutely worth a hug.
Before starting the hike, I recommend grabbing breakfast at Avet Blau Hostal Restaurant. In the mornings they serve tea, coffee, baguettes, hot breakfast dishes and tapas — a perfect fuel‑up before a long day on the trail.
The route begins by following the forested edge of the Pantà de Santa Fe reservoir, offering beautiful views across the still water. After crossing the granite dam, a right‑hand path leads into dense woodland along the Camí de Can Folguerrola, beginning a long, gradual descent through some of Montseny’s most atmospheric forests. When I walked this route, a layer of mountain mist drifted through the trees, turning the forest into a serene, quiet and almost mystical landscape.
The trail winds through ancient beech, oak and chestnut trees, eventually reaching a viewpoint where the forest thins and the valley opens below. From here, the path descends towards the historic Portel del Bisbe, once used by monks travelling between Santa Fe and the lower valleys.
The route then follows the mountain river Sot de Gal Cat, crossing it several times as it snakes down the hillside. Waterfalls, moss‑covered boulders and sculpted rock formations appear throughout this section, making it one of the most scenic stretches of the hike.
Eventually the trail joins a rural road leading into the tiny village of Riells, home to a small church and scattered farmhouses — a peaceful halfway point and a good place for a short rest.
From Riells, the route picks up the GR‑83 long‑distance trail, descending through cork oak forests and gravel tracks until it parallels the Riera de Sant Llop on the approach to Riells i Viabrea. A short walk through residential streets leads to the Riells i Viabrea–Breda station on the R2 Rodalies line.
If trains are infrequent, a taxi to Sant Celoni station is a convenient option and costs around 25 euros. The station bar is a great place to relax with drinks and tapas on the covered outdoor terrace.
A litle History
The Pantà de Santa Fe reservoir and the adjoining hotel (now a hostel) were developed in the early 20th century by Barcelona publisher Ramon de Montaner i Vila. After purchasing the Santa Fe valley from the Alfaras family, he began constructing a luxury mountain hotel in 1912. A small dam was built to supply water, but it soon became clear that a larger structure was required.
The project was passed to architect Pere Domènech i Roura, son of the renowned Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner (designer of the Palau de la Música and Hospital de Sant Pau). The current granite dam was completed in 1935, creating a reservoir of nearly 900,000 cubic metres and supplying hydroelectric power to Gualba.
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Visiting Montseny Santa Fe to Breda via Sant Marti de Riells
This route works perfectly as day two of a Montseny weekend, following the Campins → Santa Fe hike on day one, with an overnight stay at Avet Blau or the Santa Fe Hostel.
It can also be completed as a single‑day outing by taking the Sagalés 573 bus directly to Santa Fe.
The route is mostly downhill, but long and continuous, so plan for 6–9 hours depending on fitness and pace.
Hiking Montseny Santa Fe to Breda via Sant Marti de Riells with a Dog
This is an excellent dog‑friendly route, with long stretches of forest, streams and soft leaf‑covered paths. The terrain is varied but never technical, and most dogs will enjoy the scents of wild boar, deer and rabbits that inhabit the area.
In spring and summer, be cautious in pine zones due to the risk of pine processionary caterpillars. However, this hike is best in late autumn, when the forest colours are at their peak and the risk of caterpillars is minimal.
If travelling by public transport, note that dogs are allowed on the Sagalés 573 bus, but a muzzle is obligatory for all dogs regardless of size. Drivers may not permit boarding without one, so make sure you bring it with you.
What to take with you for Montseny Santa Fe to Breda Hike
This is a medium‑hard linear route with long downhill stretches, forest paths, river crossings and occasional muddy sections, so packing smartly makes the day far more comfortable. A small rucksack with essentials and a basic first‑aid kit is always a good idea in Montseny.
Carry at least 2 litres of water. Although you’ll pass through Riells halfway along the route, there are no guaranteed refill points on the trail itself. Snacks or a packed lunch are useful, especially if you’re starting early from Santa Fe.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. The forest floor can be damp, and the river crossings — especially along the Sot de Gal Cat — can easily soak your shoes. Packing a spare pair of socks is a small luxury that makes a big difference if your feet get wet.
An emergency waterproof or windproof jacket is recommended. Weather in Montseny can shift quickly, and mist or drizzle is common around Santa Fe, particularly in autumn and winter.
In autumn, temperatures drop noticeably as you descend into the shaded valleys, so consider an extra layer. In spring and summer, be mindful of pine areas due to the possibility of processionary caterpillars.
With the right gear, this becomes a comfortable and rewarding full‑day hike through some of Montseny’s most beautiful forests.
Montseny Santa Fe to Breda via Sant Marti de Riells Hike Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 10.80
FREE
Child
€ 10.80
FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
No.
Notes
Walk is free, Return train + bus ticket costs 10.80 Euros.
Getting to Santa Fe de Montseny
Address: Pantà de Santa Fe de Montseny, Santa Fe de Montseny, 08479
Start: Santa Fe de Montseny — accessible by taking the R2 Rodalies train from Barcelona to Sant Celoni, then connecting with the Sagalés 573 bus to Santa Fe. Timetables are available in the Documents section.
Note: The Sagalés 573 bus operates only on weekends.
For convenience, Renfe offers a combined Train + Bus ticket called De Casa a Montseny – Parc Natural del Montseny, available from station ticket machines. It covers the full return journey and makes planning the trip much easier.
End: Riells i Viabrea–Breda station on the R2 Rodalies line.
Documents for Montseny Santa Fe to Breda via Sant Marti de Riells Hike
Wikiloc Trail for Montseny Santa Fe to Breda via Sant Marti de Riells Hike
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Mountain Forecast weather for Montseny
Where to stay near Santa Fe de Montseny
- Avet Blau Hostal Restaurant Located beside the Pantà de Santa Fe in one of the most beautiful forest areas of Montseny, this hostel offers a peaceful mountain setting with a garden, shared lounge, terrace and on‑site restaurant. Guests have access to free Wi‑Fi and private parking, making it an ideal base for an overnight stay after the hike.
- Masia Can Felip Santa Fe Perfect for groups, this rural house sleeps up to 16 people and includes Wi‑Fi, a barbecue area and a spacious garden. It’s only a short walk from Avet Blau Hostal Restaurant, so you can enjoy dinner out without needing to cook.
- La Barraketa del Montseny A cosy rural house that sleeps up to 8 people, also located in the Santa Fe area. It features Wi‑Fi, a barbecue, a garden and easy access to Avet Blau Hostal Restaurant — ideal if you prefer a quiet stay but still want dining options nearby.
