What to do · Besalú
La Fageda d'en Jordà, the Beech Wood on Lava
Information
- From
- €12 per adult, the guided visit
- Duration
- 1 h 30
- Distance
- 3 km
- Season
- All year; the beech wood changes colour from late October to mid November
- Who it's for
- All ages; the full route 1, walkers
- With a dog
- On a lead; it is a nature reserve within the park
What It Is
La Fageda d'en Jordà is a beech wood growing at about 550 metres, very low for a beech forest, on the lava flow thrown out by the Croscat volcano. That is why the ground is not flat: the wood rises and falls over mounds, the tossols, which exceed 20 metres. It lies in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, between Olot and Santa Pau, about 25 minutes by car from Besalú. In autumn the leaves turn yellow and copper, and it is the busiest walk in the district.
Which Walks There Are
- Joan Maragall path. It starts at the Can Serra information centre and reaches the heart of the beech wood in about 35 minutes. It is the short walk, good for children.
- Natural Park route 1. The big loop: about 11 km through the Fageda, the crater of the Santa Margarida volcano, with its Romanesque chapel inside, the Croscat and the church of Sant Miquel de Sacot. It is about 200 m of climbing and half a day's walking. On foot only: no bikes or horses are allowed.
- La Fageda en ruta. The La Fageda cooperative, which has its farm and yoghurt factory inside the beech wood, runs a guided visit of an hour and a half: a walk through the part of the wood nearest to it with a guide who explains the geology and wildlife, the farm, how the products are made and a tasting. It starts at 15:00 at weekends and on public holidays, and is booked on its website.
Getting There and Parking
By the GI-524, the road from Olot to Santa Pau. The Can Serra information centre is at kilometre 4.7, with parking alongside, toilets and drinks machines. The car park is paid and on autumn Sundays it fills early; the park puts staff out to manage the traffic. The Santa Margarida one, on the same road, serves for starting route 1.
When to Go
The colour arrives between late October and mid November, depending on the year. That is why autumn Sundays are crowded: Garrotxa Tourism itself also recommends spring and winter. If you go in autumn, arrive before ten or in the middle of the afternoon.
Tips
- Combine the Walk with the La Fageda Visit The guided visit starts at 15:00: walk the wood in the morning, have lunch in Besalú or Olot and come back for the farm.
- Keep to the Paths on the Croscat The open flank of the volcano is fragile. Groups need an accredited guide or a permit from the park.
- Wear Shoes with Grip Wet beech leaves are slippery and the volcanic terrain is uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Walk the Fageda?
The Joan Maragall path, from Can Serra, reaches the middle of the beech wood in about 35 minutes. The full loop of route 1, with the volcanoes, takes half a day.
When Is It in Autumn Colour?
Normally from late October to mid November.
Do You Have to Pay?
The walk is free. The Can Serra car park is paid. The guided visit to La Fageda costs €12 per adult and €8 for ages 6 to 11.
Can You Go with a Pushchair?
On the main paths, with large wheels. La Fageda en ruta is not adapted for pushchairs or wheelchairs; its Visita Fageda, without the walk through the wood, is.
With young childrenAs a familyWith a dog
Who runs it
- La FagedaLa Fageda en ruta: guided walk through the beech wood, farm and tasting Visit their website
