Montesquiu Castle & Mir Waterfall Hike from Sant Quirze de Besora
18km circular hike from Sant Quirze de Besora via Montesquiu Castle, Besora ruins, Mir waterfall, and forest ridgeline. Accessible by R3 Rodalies train
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About Sant Quirze De Besora Montesquiu Castle & Mir Waterfall hike
This medium-hard circular hiking route covers 18km through the Pre-Pyrenees, combining castle ruins, forest trails, and a dramatic waterfall. The terrain includes gravel roads and well-maintained rural footpaths, making it suitable for experienced hikers.
The first landmark is Montesquiu Castle (Castell de Montesquiu), a fortified residence with gardens and museum access. You can visit the interior—check the official website for opening hours and ticket prices.
From the castle, the route follows GR-151 and GR-3 trail segments through cattle pastures and forest tracks to the ruins of Besora Castle (Castell de Besora), perched on a hilltop with 360° panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Descending from the castle, the path passes stone farmhouses and enters the village of Santa Maria de Besora. Continue through rolling hills to the Mir River, crossing a wooden bridge near a weir. Just beyond, you’ll find the ruined Mir mill complex and the impressive 40m Mir waterfall.
After the waterfall, climb a forested trail to a ridgeline with scenic viewpoints. Follow this elevated path back to Sant Quirze de Besora, completing the loop.
Montesquiu Castle History
Montesquiu Castle (Castell de Montesquiu) dates back to the 9th century, originally built as a watchtower for Count Guifré I. In the 14th century, it was transformed into a fortified residence by Arnau Guillem de Besora, evolving from a rural farmhouse into a noble estate.
During the 17th century, Lluís Descatllar, a Barcelona-based nobleman, expanded the structure—adding a chapel and enlarging the northeast wing. In the early 20th century, Emili Juncadella gave the building its current castle-like appearance and landscaped the surrounding gardens.
Today, Montesquiu Castle is a cultural heritage site and museum. Restoration efforts have preserved architectural elements from each historical period. The castle’s noble floor now serves as a venue for conferences, workshops, and corporate events, blending medieval architecture with modern functionality.
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Montesquiu Castle Opening Hours
- Weekends & Local Holidays: Open from 09:45h to 14:30h
- July & August: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:45h to 14:30h
- Guided Visits: Available at 10:00h, 11:00h, 12:00h, and 13:00h
- Languages: Tours are in Catalan, with the 10:00h slot offered in Spanish
- Group Size: Maximum 25 people per visit
- Group Bookings: Weekday visits can be arranged for groups
- Holiday Closures: Closed during the Christmas school holiday period
Montesquiu Castle Entry Prices
- Adults: €4
- Seniors (65+), Youth (17–25), Groups (15+): €3
- Free Entry: Children under 16, unemployed visitors, and residents of Montesquiu, Sora, Sant Quirze de Besora, Vidrà, and Santa Maria de Besora
Hiking in Sant Quirze de Besora with a Dog
This is a dog-friendly mountain hike through forest trails and open grazing land in the Pre-Pyrenees. The route passes cattle and sheep pastures, so I recommend keeping your dog on a lead near farm animals.
In spring and summer, be alert for Pine Processionary Caterpillars, which can be toxic to dogs. If hiking in autumn, the risk is low, making this one of the safer seasons for dogs.
The Mir River and Mir waterfall are highlights for dogs—great for swimming, sniffing, and exploring. The surrounding forest is rich with scents of wild rabbits, boars, and possibly deer, offering a sensory adventure for your furry companion.
Where to Eat in Sant Quirze De Besora and Montesquiu
- La Llibreria: Carrer Sant Boi 6, 08585 Montesquiu
- Bar Esport: Carrer de Berga 6, 08580 Sant Quirze de Besora
- Snack Bar Sant Quirze: Plaça Bisaura 2, 08580 Sant Quirze de Besora
What to take for Sant Quirze De Besora Montesquiu Castle & Mir Waterfall Hike
This is a medium-long hiking route through forest trails, castle ruins, and riverside terrain. I always carry a small rucksack with trail essentials and a first aid kit. A waterproof jacket is optional but recommended if rain is in the forecast.
Bring 2 to 3 litres of water. While there may be a drinking fountain near the church in Santa Maria de Besora, it’s not always functional. When I passed through, both local cafés were closed. Avoid drinking from the Mir River or waterfall—runoff from nearby farmland may contaminate the water.
Allow 7–9 hours to complete the full loop and return to Sant Quirze de Besora station. The route includes long stretches without services, so plan accordingly.
If you plan to swim at the Mir waterfall, I highly recommend bringing neoprene swimming shoes (escarpines) to protect your feet from sharp stones. These cost around €6 at Decathlon and make a big difference in comfort.
Sant Quirze De Besora Montesquiu Castle & Mir Waterfall Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 12.60
FREE
Child
€ 12.60
FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
Consult Renfe Rodalies website for child fares.
Notes
Walk is free, Return train tickets costs 12.60 Euros.
Getting to Sant Quirze De Besora
Address: Estacio de RENFE, Sant Quirze de Besora, 08580
This is a circular hiking route that starts and ends at Sant Quirze de Besora, a small town in the Osona region of Catalonia. The town is easily accessible by both train and car.
By train: Take the R3 Rodalies line from Barcelona (departing from Sants, Plaça Catalunya, or Arc de Triomf). The journey takes approximately 90 minutes. The trailhead is just a few minutes’ walk from the station.
By car: From Barcelona, take the C-17 north towards Vic and Ripoll. Exit at Sant Quirze de Besora. The drive takes around 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Parking: Free parking is available near the Sant Quirze de Besora train station, making it a convenient option for those arriving by car. From the parking area, it’s a short walk to the start of the hiking loop.
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