Llobregat Springs

The sources of the Llobregat river near Castellar de n'Hug in Catalonia / Photo: Till F. Teenck (Wikimedia commons)
The sources of the Llobregat river near Castellar de n'Hug in Catalonia / Photo: Till F. Teenck (Wikimedia commons)

Witnessing the source of one of the largest and most important rivers in Catalonia is a spectacular experience. Visitors to the Llobregat springs will be able to observe the very site from where the water springs from within the mountain itself, forming a waterfall.

From Castellar de n'Hug, there is a short, easy route, well signposted and in good condition, which leads to the source of the Llobregat. In about twenty minutes you can cover the kilometre of the route, which goes downhill on a paved path that leads to the waterfall that marks the beginning of the route of the mighty river.

It is a walk suitable for all ages, and it is also a classic of the Alt Berguedà. Near the Llobregat springs there is a picnic area and an old flour mill that was converted into a hydroelectric power station.

Llobregat

The Llobregat river crosses the whole of Catalonia in a north-south direction. It flows through the counties of Berguedà, Bages and Baix Llobregat, until it flows into the Mediterranean, where it forms the Llobregat delta.

Its waters, which spring from the limestone, are the result of the rainwater and snow that have accumulated on top of the mountain during the winter.

More rain, more beauty

The best time to visit the Llobregat springs is during the rainy season. The torrent of water rises during these periods, which adds a special spectacularity to the waterfalls.

As it is a low-difficulty and very touristy walk, it is possible that if you visit it on weekends or public holidays, it will be quite crowded.

Another way

One way to get to the Llobregat Springs is to start from the Hostal Les Fonts, just before Castellar de n'Hug. This is where the Farga Vella road starts, which leads to the Molí de les Fonts. From the Molí des Fonts car park, you will reach the Llobregat Springs after just 150 metres.

By car you can take the BV-402 road in Guardiola de Berguedá, in the direction of Pobla de Lillet. In Lillet, take the BV-4031 road on the left towards Castellar de n'Hug, which you will reach after about 11 kilometres. At the beginning of the village there is a good parking area.

What to visit in Castellar de n'Hug

In the surrounding area there are several places of interest for travellers. One of them is the Museum of the Shepherd. This trade, which is on the verge of extinction, is documented in the museum, which is located in the upper part of the village.

The competition has been held since 1962 to show which is the best shepherd dog. It is held every year on the last Sunday in August and there is a monument at the entrance to the village that pays homage to the Catalan shepherd dog.

For those who like to learn about the past, the church of Sant Vicent de Rus is a beautiful Romanesque space, which was once the nucleus of the village of Sant Vicenc del Rus.