Pyrenees mountain hiking Puigmal Summit From Núria Resort
10Km from Núria resort to Puigmal summit via cattle grazing hills, pine forests and a mountain river to the summit. Spectacular panoramic views. Snow in Winter
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About Puigmal Summit From Vall De Núria
Puigmal summit, also known as Puigmal d'Er, is the second highest peak in the Eastern Pyrenees after Carlit. At 2913 metres above sea level and sitting directly on the French border, Puigmal offers spectacular 360‑degree panoramic views of both the Spanish and French Pyrenees. It is also part of the prestigious FEEC 100 Cims peak‑bagging list, making it a popular objective for summit hikers in Catalonia.
I have completed both of the following routes in winter snow conditions, and they are excellent options for snow hiking in Vall de Núria or winter ascents in the Eastern Pyrenees.
- A short 9 km circular route starting and finishing in Vall de Núria Winter Ski and Summer Resort. This route climbs the Torrent de la Coma de l'Embut valley through cattle‑grazing meadows and pine forests, finishing with a steep ascent to the summit. A MEDIUM level of fitness is required due to the 941 m elevation gain. Allow 5–7 hours.
- A longer 19 km linear route starting at Vall de Núria and ascending via the Torrent de la Coma de l'Embut, then returning along the Serra del Burrut ridgeline and Collada de Fontalba to Queralbs. This MEDIUM‑HARD route requires strong endurance, with 950 m ascent and 1734 m descent. Allow 6–8 hours. It is one of the most scenic high‑mountain ridge hikes in the Pyrenees.
Núria is a high mountain valley with the Hotel Vall de Núria inside the Estació de Muntanya Vall de Núria ski resort complex at 1965 metres. It is linked to Ribes de Freser (899 m) via the Cremallera Vall de Núria rack railway, making it one of the most accessible high‑altitude hiking areas in Catalonia.
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Visiting Puigmal Summit From Vall De Núria
When you leave the train station at Núria Resort, take the wooden footbridge into the complex and exit through the front doors facing the meadow and lake. Continue around the building, past the donkeys and geese, and cross the river to pick up the descending Camí de Puigmal footpath into a forested area. This is the start of one of the most popular summit hikes from Vall de Núria.
The trail exits the forest onto an inclining plain leading to the viewpoint Roc de l'Ortingar, which offers excellent views over the Núria valley and lake. From here, the route follows the Torrent de la Coma de l'Embut river, where you will often see free‑roaming cattle. Look for the small waterfall where the river disappears into the mountain at Font de la Bordonera.
Continue up the well‑trodden valley path to a natural river ford with stepping stones. After crossing, the trail climbs a large grassy mountain plain before transitioning into a steep gravel ascent toward the summit. This final section is typical of high‑altitude Pyrenees summit routes.
After the final push, the broad rounded summit appears, marked by a wrought iron cross and a plaque with verses by Monsignor Cinto Verdaguer. This is one of the best 360‑degree viewpoints in the Eastern Pyrenees.
If you are doing the short route, return via the same path. For the long route, you should reach the summit before 13:00 to ensure enough time to reach Queralbs for the last Cremallera train.
Puigmal in Winter Snow Conditions
I have completed this route in winter snow conditions, and it is an excellent option for winter hiking in Vall de Núria, snowshoeing in the Eastern Pyrenees, or a crampon‑assisted winter ascent. The open ridgelines and wide plains make navigation straightforward, but deep snow can significantly increase effort.
Winter ascents require good fitness, proper winter gear, and awareness of train schedules. Snow can slow progress dramatically, so allow extra time and consider staying overnight in Querallbs if attempting the longer route in winter.
What to take with you for Puigmal Summit From Vall De Núria
What to Bring in Summer
- Lightweight waterproof jacket for wind and rain in the high Pyrenees mountains
- 2–3 litres of water (no refill points along the route)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and high‑factor sunscreen
- Breathable hiking clothing suitable for warm temperatures
- Sturdy hiking boots with good grip for rocky and uneven terrain
- Snacks or a packed lunch for the full‑day hike
What to Bring in Winter (snow conditions)
- Insulated waterproof jacket and warm layers for cold alpine conditions
- 2–3 litres of water (no refill points along the route)
- Crampons or microspikes for traction on snow and ice
- Thermal gloves, hat and neck warmer
- Waterproof hiking boots suitable for snow
- Headlamp in case of early winter darkness
- Snacks or a packed lunch for this demanding winter route
- Optional: hiking poles for stability on icy or uneven terrain
Puigmal Summit From Vall De Núria Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 33.50
FREE
Child
€ 33.50
FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
See vall de Nuria website for child fares.
Notes
Walk is free, Return train tickets costs 33.50 Euros.
Getting to Puigmal Summit From Vall De Núria
Address: Estacio de Muntanya, Vall de Nuria, 17534
Take the Renfe R3 Rodalies train to Ribes de Freser and transfer onto the Vall de Núria Cremallera to reach Núria Resort, where both Puigmal routes begin. This is the most convenient option for hikers travelling by public transport and the only rail connection into the Núria valley.
Train fares and timetables for the Cremallera racked railway are available on the Vall de Núria website. A combined Renfe + Cremallera ticket, called TreNatura, offers a significantly cheaper fare than buying the two tickets separately and is ideal for hikers planning a full‑day route.
The combined TreNatura return ticket can be purchased from any Renfe Rodalies ticket machine or online. It prints as two separate tickets: one for the Renfe R3 segment and one for the Cremallera. When you arrive at Ribes de Freser, you must exchange the Cremallera ticket at the Vall de Núria ticket office for a barcode ticket that works with the Cremallera turnstiles.
If you're like me and prefer to visualise the train route, check out the documents section where I have a downloadable train map that shows the full Renfe R3 line and the Cremallera connection to Vall de Núria.
Documents for Puigmal Summit From Vall De Núria
Wikiloc Trail for Puigmal Summit From Vall De Núria
a0212b - Nuria Resort to Puigmal to Queralbs
A hard linear route starting in Nuria to the top of the world (Puigmal summit) via forest paths, montain grazing hills and rocky peek returning via queralbs.
Transport: Rodalies & Cremallera Fare: €33.50 Distance: 18.7 Difficulty: ModeratePlease sign in with Google to view the Wikiloc Route map.
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Mountain Forecast weather for Puigmal Summit
Where to stay overnight at Núria Resort or Queralbs
- Hotel Vall de Nuria (Vall de Nuria Resort) is a Hotlel complex offering amenities such as a restaurant, bar, spa (massages, treatments), and free Wi-Fi. The family-friendly property provides ski-in/ski-out access, a kids' club, playground, and various sports like archery, minigolf, and hiking. Rooms feature mountain views, heating, and TVs, with access to the rack railway.
- Alberg Núria Xanascat (Vall de Nuria Resort) a Hostal at 2,120 meters offering year-round, high-altitude accommodation with 169-person capacity, featuring direct ski-to-door access, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and free Wi-Fi. Key amenities include ski storage, a games/recreation room, and disabled access, housed in a renovated mountain building with stone walls and a large outdoor patio. The hostel can be accessed via a mountain path or via a cable car from Vall de Nuria Cremallera station.
- Hostal Les Roquetes (Queralbs) is a rustic, family-friendly guesthouse located 200 meters from the Núria mountain railway Queralbs station. Key facilities include a traditional restaurant and bar serving local cuisine, a terrace, free Wi-Fi, and heated rooms with private balconies, flat-screen TVs, and mountain views.
- Hotel Rural L'Ortiga Blanca (Queralbs) offers rustic, pet-friendly accommodation 700 meters from the Vall de Núria queralbs cremallera station. Key amenities include a restaurant serving Catalan cuisine, a bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, heating, a terrace, and family rooms. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, desks, private bathrooms, and some include kitchens or sitting areas.
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