Susqueda can be explored through two main themes: the history of the reservoir and the heritage of a mountainous landscape. The Susqueda Reservoir, Castell de Fornils, shrines and named trails bring water engineering, local history and hiking to the fore. To help with planning, start by deciding: would you mainly like to learn about the structures and the changes brought about by the reservoir, or devote your time to trails and high points?
The reservoir: landscape and construction history
The Susqueda Reservoir lies in wooded, mountainous terrain. Construction began in 1963 and was completed in 1967. It flooded the village of Susqueda, as well as land and farmhouses in the Susqueda and Querós valleys. The reservoir is therefore also part of the history of the settlements and agricultural land affected by its construction.
The Susqueda Dam is a double-curvature concrete arch dam. Inside are galleries, including the Sala de les Columnes. These technical features give the structure a distinctive profile in the history of the reservoir: understanding it involves both its construction and the changes that building it brought to the valleys.
Castell de Fornils and the heights of Far
Castell de Fornils is a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN). It stands at an altitude of 582 metres, beside the Riera d’Om and at the foot of the Far escarpment. A signposted trail leads from Sant Martí Sacalm to the foot of Castell de Fornils. Both the starting point and the destination of this trail are clearly identified.
The Far escarpment is at an altitude of 1,123 metres and marks the boundary between Les Guilleries, Collsacabra and Vall d’Hostoles. The Mare de Déu del Far shrine can be reached on foot from Sant Martí Sacalm and from the Susqueda Reservoir. If you are planning a hike, you can choose between these two stated starting points.
Shrines at the mountain passes
The Mare de Déu del Coll shrine lies at the pass connecting the Sant Benet and Sant Gregori massifs. The pass also forms the boundary between the municipal areas of Susqueda and Osor; the entire complex belongs to the municipality of Susqueda. This location makes the shrine a specific point of reference for the two landscape areas that meet at the pass.
Together with Mare de Déu del Far, Mare de Déu del Coll broadens the picture of Susqueda’s heritage beyond individual structures: mountain passes and municipal boundaries also play a part. If you would like to focus on cultural heritage, you can visit the shrines separately and take their respective locations into account when planning.
Hiking and mountain biking
A range of activities are available when choosing a route. Camí de Lleixa or de la Trona and Ruta de les Roques encantades are trails for hiking and mountain biking in the mountainous surroundings of Susqueda. The same applies to the ascent from Goleró. Camí de Sant Jaume and Ruta dels Pantans are also routes that can be hiked in Susqueda.
Another option is the PR222: this signposted trail follows the historic route from Sant Benet to El Far. You can choose based on whether hiking and mountain biking are both part of your plans, you are looking for a route to walk, or you are interested in the historic course of the PR222. Another option is the PR222: this signposted trail follows the historic route from Sant Benet to El Far. You can choose based on whether hiking and mountain biking are both part of your plans, you are looking for a route to walk, or you are interested in the historic course of the PR222.
Getting there and practical planning
The Susqueda Reservoir can be reached via a signposted turnoff from the C-63 near Pasteral, followed by a paved track. The route from Sant Martí Sacalm to the reservoir, however, is a forest track; four-wheel-drive vehicles or pickups are recommended. As conditions may change, check the current situation on your planned access route before setting off.
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the reservoir. If you are planning activities on the water, check locally whether the conditions for water use have changed. You can then take into account the access routes that are relevant to your plans.
Discover more destinations: Torroella De Montgri, Les Planes D'hostoles, Cassà De La Selva, Sils, Santa Llogaia D'àlguema, Camós, Agullana, Riells i Viabrea.
For the main travel overview: Girona.
