Montseny Hike: Viladrau to Sant Segimon via Forest Waterfalls
16km circular hike from Viladrau to Sant Segimon Sanctuary, passing waterfalls, chestnut forests and historic hermitages. Best enjoyed in autumn during the Viladrau Chestnut Fair
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About Montseny Valldrau to Sant Seigimon via waterfalls
La Castanyada is a deeply rooted Catalan tradition celebrated around All Saints’ Day (1 November). Originating from ancient harvest rituals and seasonal transitions, it marks the arrival of colder weather and honours ancestors. While Barcelona fills with street stalls roasting chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets, the most authentic way to experience La Castanyada is in the rural villages surrounded by chestnut forests.
The town of Viladrau, on the northern edge of the Montseny Natural Park, is famous for producing the finest chestnuts in Catalonia. For generations, Barcelona’s street vendors insisted on roasting only Viladrau chestnuts. Today, the village celebrates this heritage with the annual Fira de la Castanya, a lively autumn festival of open fire pits, roasted nuts and local culture.
This 16km circular hiking route begins and ends in Viladrau and is at its best in autumn, when the chestnut, beech and oak forests explode with colour. The trail passes waterfalls, historic hermitages and the dramatic Sant Segimon Sanctuary, making it one of the most atmospheric autumn hikes in Montseny.
The Fair of the Viladrau Chestnut, La Castanyada de Viladrau
Until the mid‑20th century, chestnuts harvested around Viladrau were considered the finest in Catalonia. Vendors in Barcelona’s streets would only toast Viladrau chestnuts, prized for their flavour and quality.
Since 1995, the village has hosted the annual Fira de la Castanya, a weekend festival celebrating chestnut culture, local produce and rural traditions. Combining this hike with the fair creates a perfect autumn weekend: colourful forests by day, firelit festivities by night.
Notable historic Buildings along the Hiking Route
Ermita de la Mare de Deu de l'Erola This mixed‑use building served both as a farmhouse and a chapel until 1956. The entrance floor is paved with river stones, and several dates carved into the structure — 1641, 1664, 1689 — reflect centuries of habitation. The hermitage was originally built as a winter residence for the hermits of Sant Segimon, who stayed here from November to April when conditions at the sanctuary were too harsh. The current chapel dates from 1630–1659 after a fire destroyed the earlier structure.
Sant Segimon Sanctuary dates from the 13th Century (documentation from 1290) when a chapel was built using a cave and took the name of Segimon which is the Catalan for King Sigismund of Burgundy who was supposedly a hermit at the cave between 516AD and 520AD. According to legend, construction of the sanctuary began centuries later when a pastor found wooden crosses buried in the caves. The Sanctuary was burned in 1810 by the French troops under the orders of General Saint-Cyr and was restored by the citizens of the surrounding towns and villages. In 1837 the Sanctuary became the property of the owner of Can Gad (farm). The sanctuary and shelter were subjected to destruction during the Civil War and are currently under restoration.
Sant Miquel dels Barretons chapel Likely built in the 16th century by a hermit named Miquel, this small chapel sits on a rocky viewpoint above Sant Segimon. Its name — “Barretons” — comes from a legend claiming that Roman travellers relieved headaches by leaving their hats inside as offerings. Today it remains one of the best viewpoints over the sanctuary and surrounding forests.
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Visiting Montseny Valldrau to Sant Seigimon via waterfalls
The route leaves Viladrau via forest paths, crossing the Riera Major several times over stone bridges before climbing gently into the mountains. Along the way, the trail passes Mas Molins rural hostel and the Can Bosc farmhouse.
The first major landmark is the Ermita de l’Erola, a stone hermitage set in a peaceful woodland clearing. From here, the path climbs through ancient chestnut trees to the small stone shrine of the Oratori de Sant Camil de Lèl·lis. The ascent continues through a beautiful valley, crossing the Riera de l’Oratori multiple times, with several small waterfalls and mossy cascades.
The trail eventually joins the gravel Camí de Sant Segimon, turning left towards the sanctuary and its rural restaurant. This marks roughly the halfway point of the loop.
For the best views of the sanctuary, follow the short uphill path from the Coll de les Tres Creus to the Sant Miquel dels Barretons chapel. From this rocky perch, the entire Sant Segimon complex appears dramatically perched on the mountainside.
The descent begins back at the three‑cross marker, taking a forest path that follows the Torrent dels Rentadors. This shaded valley is one of the highlights of the route, with multiple river crossings, mossy boulders and the striking Gorg Negre waterfall.
The trail eventually reconnects with the ascent path, leading back to Viladrau.
Hiking Montseny Valldrau to Sant Segimon via waterfalls 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 areas due to pine processionary caterpillars. However, this hike is best done in late autumn, when the risk is minimal and the forest colours are at their peak.
What to take with you for Montseny Valldrau to Sant Seigimon Hike
This is a medium‑difficulty mountain route with forest paths, river crossings and occasional muddy sections. A small rucksack with essentials and a basic first‑aid kit is recommended.
Carry at least 2 litres of water. Natural springs may be present but are not always reliable.
Wear waterproof footwear and pack a spare pair of socks — river crossings can be slippery, and wet feet are common after rain.
An emergency waterproof jacket is useful in Montseny’s changeable weather, especially in autumn.
Montseny Valldrau to Sant Seigimon 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 Montseny's Valldrau town centre
Address: Parc Natural del Montseny, La posada Sant Segimon, Viladrau, 17406
The easiest way to reach Viladrau is by car.
Public transport is also possible: take the R3 Rodalies train from Barcelona to Balenyà–Tona–Seva, then transfer to the Sagalés 436 bus to Viladrau. Note: the 436 bus operates only on weekends.
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Where to stay in Valldrau
The full hike takes 6–8 hours, leaving limited time to enjoy the Castanyada fair if done as a day trip. A more relaxed option is to hike on Saturday, stay overnight in Viladrau, and enjoy the festival on Sunday.
The historic Hotel Bofill was commissioned by Dr. Ramon Bofill, one of Spain’s first dentists, as a rural retreat for the Catalan bourgeoisie. Today it operates as a charming 15‑room hostel with a restaurant, offering an ideal base for a Montseny weekend.
