We will meet at Plaça Espanya from where we will take together the train to Monistrol de Montserrat. The train will need about 1 hour to take us there. From the train will already see the mystical and holy mountains of Montserrat.

As soon as we have left the train station , we will have the mighty mountain massif in front of us and start our ascent to the abbey, by entering the mountain after crossing the El Llobregat river.

#1. Train station Monistrol to Santa Cova

The Abbey Hike tour takes us first from the train station up on about 5 km hike to the Santa Cova cave. With every step into the mountain, we will dive into the history and pure nature on our way up to our first waypoint - the Santa Cova cave and chapel.

On our last meters to the cave and chapel, we will even pass some sculptures, designed by the famous architects Antoni Gaudi and Josep Puig Cadafalch. And with some imagination, we will even spot in the surrounding mountains an animal head and a scary "Mummy". Who will spot it first?

After we finally arrived, we will have a stop to enter the small chapel, which is for the locals still a very popular pilgrim site. Inside we will see another Moreneta, the black Virgin Mary sculpture, at the place where once the the children and shepards saw the Virgin Mary appearing in the 9th century.

#2. Santa Cova to Hermitage Santa Magdalena

From here we will proceed our way up to the remains of Santa Magdalena hermitage, build in the 15th century and destroyed by French Troops in the early 19th century. We will pass the It will be the top of our tour at about 1050m over sea level. Amazing views from here, including on the Montserrat Monastery. Time for a break before we start our descent to the Monestary!

#3. Hermitage Santa Magdalena to Sant Jeroni (peak)

From Santa Magdalena, and after a short descent, we follow the path to the hermitage of Sant Jeroni, which is located just below of the peak. It is a good walkable path, with some steeper steps on the last meters to the platform on top of the Sant Jeroni peak. From here we will enjoy a 360 degrees view over Catalonia and the mountain massiv. Time for a rest on one of the surrounding plateaus.

#4. Sant Jeroni to Montserrat Monastery

For sure, a highlight of our hike is finally the arrival at the monastery with the Basilica of Montserrat, first constructed in the 16th century. We will show you around, including some historical information before you will some time to investigate for example the "throne" of the "La Moreneta" statue and having a break before we will start our descent to the train station.

#5. Montserrat Monastery to Train station Monistrol

We are heading back to the train and catch the next train to Barcelona. From many point we will have views on the city and station - coming closer with every single step. Time for some silent moments for a first recap of the impressions of this wonderful hike.

# General

We will find lush vegetation on our way up and some mid rough terrain. This hike will have some technical parts - but it can be mastered by everybody. The guide will be always at your side. And the stunning and unforgettable views will reward us for our efforts.

Please check the weather forecast in advance. In summer time we ca have hot temperatures in sun, in spring and fall rain can surprise us. Bring enough water with you and sun protection in summer is a must.

The tour duration is an estimated time for traveling to the Montserrat natural park and the hike and back by train. Depending on the distance, custom route changes and the fitness level of the hiker(s), it can take more or less time. Bring enough time with you for a relaxed hiking experience and day at one of mystical places in Catalonia.