Sometimes, escaping the hustle and bustle of Barcelona is easier than it seems. There are places just a few minutes away by public transport that take you straight to nature and history. Today, I invite you on a visual tour of one of them: the Baixador de Vallvidrera station of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC).
Arrival by FGC: The Green Station
Our journey begins by taking the FGC S1 or S2 lines from the centre of Barcelona. In just a few minutes, the urban landscape gives way to the green prelude of the Collserola hills.
We arrive at the unique Baixador de Vallvidrera station, nestled at the northern mouth of the Collserola tunnel. Stepping off the train, you can already breathe in the air of the surrounding park.
Àrea de Vallvidrera: Nature and Precautions
As soon as you leave the station, you step into the Àrea de Vallvidrera, the gateway to Parc de Collserola. Here you’ll find the Information Centre, information boards with routes and signs to points of interest like Vil·la Joana, and rest areas.
This is the ideal spot to take a deep breath, consult the map, and decide on the day’s plan, perhaps taking the opportunity for a picnic. But be warned! The signs remind us that we are in a natural environment with wild animals. It’s crucial not to feed the wild boar. Doing so alters their behaviour, makes them lose their fear of humans, and can lead to safety and health issues. Let’s enjoy their presence from a distance.
Heading to the Reservoir: Paths, History, and Details
We start our walk towards one of the star destinations from this station: the Pantà de Vallvidrera (Vallvidrera Reservoir). The paths wind through the typical Mediterranean vegetation of Collserola, offering a pleasant walk amidst the greenery, sometimes navigating slopes with rustic steps or crossing small streams via metal footbridges. Even the ground offers curious details.
The historic reservoir, built in 1864, greets us with its tranquillity and is a haven for biodiversity, ideal for observing aquatic flora and fauna, where you might spot turtles and hear frogs.
In its surroundings, we also discover points of historical interest. The signposts guide us towards the area where the old Guard’s House (Casa del Guarda) and the fascinating Mina Grott once stood.
This tunnel, excavated to bring water to Sarrià, had the honour of housing Spain’s first electric passenger railway in the early 20th century.
Other Routes and Culture: Vil·la Joana
From Baixador, you can also easily access other signposted routes such as the Passejada de les Fonts or begin the ascent to Tibidabo. And of course, a cultural visit to Vil·la Joana (MUHBA), the Verdaguer House of Literature, is almost a must.
(Remember to check the MUHBA website for up-to-date opening hours for Vil·la Joana.)
How to Get There and Get Around
- FGC (Train): Lines S1 and S2.
- Bus: Line 118 (Neighbourhood Bus), useful for connecting to other areas of Vallvidrera or Les Planes.
A Complete Getaway Without Leaving Barcelona
Baixador de Vallvidrera is, without a doubt, much more than just a station. It’s the perfect starting point to combine nature, hiking, industrial history, and literary culture in a single day trip, enjoying Barcelona’s great green lung, Parc de Collserola.