What to do in Viladrau: a getaway to the heart of Montseny

Let’s be honest: Viladrau’s town center isn’t very big, but that’s actually part of its charm. A peaceful walk through its streets gives you a clear sense of what this village is all about: stone, mountains and calm.

The houses maintain that rustic feel we love when escaping the city, and everything is surrounded by nature, as if the forest creeps into every corner. The best thing is to take it slow: walk without a fixed path, notice the details, greet the locals… and end up, like many of us do, in the small main square.

There you’ll find a couple of terraces where you can sit outdoors, take a deep breath and let time pass by. On sunny days, it’s the kind of place where it’s hard to get up and leave.

If there’s one plan we almost always recommend to first-time visitors to Viladrau, it’s the “Ruta de les Fonts”. It’s easy, it’s beautiful, and it truly captures the essence of Viladrau.

The full route passes through about ten springs scattered around the town’s surroundings, many hidden among chestnut and cork oak forests. You don’t need to do the whole route (it’s over 9 km): you can adapt it based on your time and energy. Some sections are very accessible — perfect for kids or a light walk.

Each fountain has its own name, story, and in many cases, legend. Some are quite famous, like the Font de l’Oreneta (in the photo) or the Font de les Paitides, the latter linked to mythological beings from Montseny who are said to inhabit the springs.

This interpretation center, located in Viladrau, offers an immersive experience that connects nature, history and mythology with a modern and very visual approach.

The experience begins with a spectacular staging: lights, projections, and a magical setting featuring les dones d’aigua, the bandit Serrallonga, and of course, the witches of Viladrau, key figures from one of the darkest chapters of 17th-century Catalonia. The upper floor of the center is dedicated to them, with a multimedia setup that recreates storms, spells and night flights. It’s impressive, even for those who don’t believe in tales.

Espai Montseny also serves as a visitor center for the Natural Park, offering routes and suggestions to enhance your stay with hikes, cultural activities, and gastronomic plans in the area.

A perfect plan if the weather is bad, if you’re traveling with kids, or if you simply want to understand the spirit of Montseny. This center isn’t a museum — it’s a unique and surprising way to understand what makes this place special.

If there’s one place that captures the spirit of Viladrau, it’s this one. Because the Arborètum de Bruixes i Bandolers is not just a natural park — it’s a journey through Montseny’s vegetation mixed with legends, historical characters, and even a small witch-hunting game.

This open-air interpretive garden showcases native trees and plants — from humid forest vegetation to medicinal herbs — with informational panels, legends, and traditional uses. There are also sections dedicated to plants traditionally believed to hold magical powers and used by the village’s “bruixes.”

The trail can be done at your own pace and is suitable for both adults and families with kids. There are more than 30 information points throughout the space, also available via a free app with multilingual content. If you’re up for it, follow one of the two themed routes: one dedicated to Catalan banditry (featuring Serrallonga) and the other to Viladrau’s witches and their tragic history.

If you’re looking for a proper hike, Matagalls is waiting for you. It’s not for everyone, but it’s one of the most iconic hikes in Catalonia. And the best part? You can start it very close to Viladrau — just 15 minutes by car from Plaça Major (Coll de Borderiol).

The trail follows a marked path (SL-C82) through some of Montseny’s most beautiful forested areas. Chestnut, beech and fir trees line the way until the forest gradually opens up to high mountain meadows and shrubs. The scenery changes with every section, and when you reach the top, you’ll understand why this summit has inspired so many writers, hikers, and dreamers.

From the summit (1,698 m) you’ll see Montserrat, the Pyrenees, the Vic plain, and on clear days, even the sea. Locals simply call it “la Creu” because a cross marks the highest point. The full hike (round trip) takes about 4.5 hours, so bring proper footwear, warm clothing and some food. It’s not a technical route, but you should be in decent shape.

Viladrau is already beautiful, but if you want a hike with a double reward, this route takes you to another picture-perfect village: Espinelves. It’s an easy, low-difficulty hike connecting two Montseny gems via quiet trails and transitional forest-mountain landscapes.

The path is part of the Guilleries–Montseny trail network and starts next to Viladrau’s cemetery, just 5 minutes from the center. From there, the trail gently enters a wooded area and descends to Espinelves, a small but charming village: narrow streets, a beautiful Romanesque church (Sant Vicenç), small squares and a calmness that invites you to stay.

If you have time, visit the Masjoan Arboretum, famous for its monumental trees, and enjoy a drink before heading back. The full round trip takes about 4 hours, but you can take it slow. A great option for walking without turning it into an extreme adventure.

If you only have a morning or want something simple, this 90-minute circular route is perfect. It starts at the Font del Sot de Can Rosell (15 minutes’ walk from the town center) and gently enters Montseny’s more accessible landscapes.

The trail passes some of Viladrau’s most iconic springs, crosses fields, farmhouses and lush forests, and offers postcard views of Matagalls. The highlight of the walk is the Castanyer de les 9 Branques, a monumental tree surrounded by silence and nature — straight out of a fairy tale.

It’s a simple, easy route — ideal for families, beginners or anyone looking to disconnect without stress. And the best part is that, even though it’s short, it has everything that makes Viladrau special: water, trees, history, and scenery.

If you visit Viladrau in autumn, there’s one product that’s everywhere: the Montseny chestnut. This nut is a symbol of the village and gives its name to one of its best-known festivals: the Fira de la Castanya de Viladrau, held every October and attracting visitors from all over Catalonia.

During the fair, the town center fills with aromas, stalls, tastings, music and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect excuse to try freshly roasted chestnuts, buy artisanal products or join one of the guided tours through the chestnut groves.

But chestnuts aren’t just for one weekend: in many local shops and restaurants, you’ll find them in creams, jams, desserts or traditional recipes. And if you’re curious, the town hall’s website offers more on artisanal production projects like L’Esquellot del Montseny or Mas d’Osor, which keep this tradition alive with care and know-how.