From Barcelona: Hike Vall de Núria in Pyrenees

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona? Head to the mountains – to Vall de Núria in the Pyrenees. This off-the-beaten-path destination is one of the most scenic places in Spain. Use this guide and add Vall de Núria to your Barcelona itinerary. Here is everything you need to know to plan your day.(Updated November 2022)

Where is Vall de Nuria Spain

Vall de Núria is located in the most iconic valley of the Catalan Pyrenees mountains within the municipal area of Queralbs. This hidden gem is located 3 hours directly north of Barcelona. It sits above one of the highest points of the Ribes Valley and is surrounded by peaks of almost 3,000 metres. What makes this so incredibly special is the only way to get there is by rack railway or by foot, a 3-hour hike up the old pilgrim’s road. Either way, you’ll be afforded some amazing views of deep narrow gorges, rocks, rivers and trees.

How to get to Vall de Núria

We experienced Vall de Nuria through Get Your Guide small-group tour. And, it was one of the best group tours I’ve taken while travelling. There is no easy way to get to Vall de Nuria from Barcelona. Travel is only by car, so joining a small-group tour was our only option. But we are so happy we did.

You can catch the rack railway to Vall de Núria from one of 3 places: Ribes-Enlaac, Ribes-Vila or Queralbs. For us, we took the Nuria rack railway from Queralbs, a picturesque alpine village that’s worthy of a quick look about. You can see just how pretty this village through my 17 Photos to inspire you to visit Queralbs.

Núria Rack Railway

Take the rack railway called Cremallera de Núria through a beautiful route that runs 12.5 km and ascends about 1,000 m from Queralbs. You get to admire the unspoiled panoramic mountain landscape views from the Núria rack railway windows. This in of itself was a highlight of the tour.

The Núria rack railway brings you to the location of the original church sanctuary and hostel to house the Pilgrims from centuries ago. Today what stands is a large building that includes a hotel, restaurant, information center and gift shop. Immediately you are taken aback by such a large complex, in this remote high valley of the Pyrenees. It’s an incredibly scenic area – framed by the mountains with a large grassy area and a small lake in the foreground.

The Ancient History of Vall de Núria

Vall de Núria has a fascinating legendary tale. Here’s how the story goes. Saint Giles or San Gil arrived in this area from Athens around 700 AD. He lived the life of a hermit, living in caves and spending his time with the local shepherds. He was thought to have carved the painted image of the Virgin Mary. For safekeeping, he hid the carving in a cave when he had to flee from prosecution.

The Shrine of Núria

In 1072, some would say by divine inspiration, a pilgrim named Amadeu was called to this area to help build a chapel and search for the Virgin Mary. He and the local shepherds discovered the image and carried it to Queralbs. However, many believed it needed to remain in Núria. So, a procession was organized to bring the carving back to Núria. Thus, this is how the Shrine of Núria came to be.

The religious symbols of Vall de Núria are the cross, which San Gil brought with him to the valley, the cooking pot which he used to cook the meals he shared with the shepherds, and the bell with which he summoned them at meal times.

Hiking in Vall de Núria

The top things to do in Vall de Nuria are hiking and skiing. There are so many hiking trails you can choose from, all starting at Vall de Núria. Clear descriptions of distance, altitude, estimated walking time and experience level are clearly marked. 

The Shrine of Núria, a popular pilgrimage route, is the same path that the Pilgrims took from the town of Queralbs to Núria. Here, you will find stone crosses, churches and artifacts littering the route. This was our starting point, before branching off to another route, Cami de les Coves, which reached a maximum altitude of 2,134 m.

Many of the trails have connecting points with the Santiago el Camino, the famous pilgrimage route. The flag signifies a main intersection and marker for hikers.

This is the high Pyrenees, close to the border with France, and you can see the path that people used during the Spanish civil war to pass from France to Spain.

Why you should visit Vall de Nuria Spain

Where history and outdoor activities collide. It’s pretty special to know that you are hiking one of the most iconic hiking routes in Catalonia. Where for centuries, pilgrims used this very path to the sanctuary. It’s a path full of history and legends.

Get Your Guide From Barcelona to Vall de Nuria Tour

The meeting point is in a central location in Barcelona with a very early start time. This tour is about 10 hours, and makes for a long memorable day.

The small-group tour includes:

• Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan that seats 8 people
• Núria Rack railway ticket
• Guided hike (optional)
• Hiking poles (if required)
• Typical Catalan snacks and bottle water
• Personal insurance
• Lunch is not included, but there is an on-site restaurant

Other helpful tips when visiting Vall de Nuria

What to bring with you

• Dress for the elements (e.g., hat, sunglasses)
• Warm clothing as you reach the top the temperature drops at least by 10 degrees
• Wear hiking shoes, the trails are steep and rocky
• Sunscreen
• Snacks (or packed lunch)
• And, your camera!

If you opt out of hiking the steep elevation (which range from beginner to advanced) you still can enjoy the grounds and easy footpaths, or take the cable car up (and down) for the panoramic views a the top.

As a holidaymaker…

Enjoy the break from Barcelona and go to Vall de Núria for the day. Discover the beauty of the Pyrenees mountains on a hike through the Nuria valley. It is such a peaceful place. Whether you are a spiritual person or not, it will leave you feeling inspired, grateful and longing to return.