Gombrèn offers several ways to shape your stay: a hiking stage climbing to Montgrony, a medicinal plant garden and places associated with Comte Arnau. There are also churches, a chapel and reminders of the area’s former wool processing. If you are looking for a hotel in Gombrèn, you can start by deciding whether hiking, local legends or history will be the focus of your trip.

Hiking in the Montgrony area

The Serra de Montgrony extends across municipalities in Berguedà and Ripollès, including Gombrèn in Ripollès. The mountain area therefore spans both comarques. One specifically named hiking option is Stage 2 of La Volta a Peu al Ripollès: it starts in Gombrèn and follows the old path up to the Santuari de Montgrony and the Romanesque church of Sant Pere de Montgrony.

The stage combines the ascent with two religious destinations. If you would like to combine hiking with a cultural and religious theme, this route offers a clear point of reference.

Water, plants and Comte Arnau

Gorg dels Banyuls is a stretch of flowing water on the Riera de Garfull and is associated with the legend of Comte Arnau. Castell de Mataplana is also closely linked to the traditions that shaped and passed down the myth of Comte Arnau. The shared connection opens up the subject from two perspectives: a place beside flowing water and the traditions associated with the castle.

The Jardí botànic offers a different focus on nature. It is a medicinal plant garden with around 250 plants, most of which come from Gombrèn. While Stage 2 is a hiking route that climbs to two destinations, the garden focuses on medicinal plants and their predominantly local origins. This gives you both a hiking stage and a botanical theme to consider when planning your trip.

Churches, a chapel and history

Stage 2 leads to the Santuari de Montgrony and the church of Sant Pere de Montgrony, but the two places have different religious associations. Sant Pere was consecrated in 1138 and served as a parish church until the 17th century. The Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Montgrony is an important centre of Marian devotion at the foot of Coma Ermada. Visitors interested in religious history can distinguish between a church with a dated consecration and a former parish role, and a Marian centre.

The Mataplana heritage complex also includes Sant Joan de Mataplana, a 14th-century chapel. Archaeological excavations uncovered Castell de Mataplana and an adjoining settlement where the lords’ servants lived. Alongside the traditions surrounding the castle, visitors can therefore explore the settlement and its historical function.

The Carrers dels Porxos recall Gombrèn’s former wool processing and blanket-making. This craft perspective complements the religious sites and Comte Arnau connections with the history of local production.

Discover more destinations: Canet D'adri, Besalú, Arbúcies, Bolvir, Sant Julià del Llor, Sant Joan Les Fonts, Lloret De Mar, Figueres

For the regional travel overview: Girona.