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Vall de Núria: A Pyrenean Paradise

Discover Vall de Núria, a car-free Pyrenean valley offering a historic shrine, stunning scenery, and year-round outdoor adventures, accessible only by rack railway.

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Nestled high in the Catalan Pyrenees, Vall de Núria is a unique mountain resort accessible only by a scenic rack railway. This car-free sanctuary offers stunning natural beauty, a historic shrine, and a variety of year-round activities, making it a perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Estació de muntanya Vall de Núria

  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase rack railway tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your seat.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and dress appropriately for mountain conditions.
  • Consider a combined train and rack railway ticket from Barcelona for a convenient and cost-effective journey.
  • Take advantage of the audio guide to learn about the history and legends of Vall de Núria.
  • Explore the hiking trails to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Pyrenees.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The most common way to reach Vall de Núria is by train to Ribes de Freser, followed by the rack railway. From Barcelona, take the R3 line to Ribes de Freser. From Ribes de Freser, transfer to the Vall de Núria rack railway. The rack railway journey takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Vall de Núria. Rack railway tickets for the 2025 summer season cost €33 for adults and €21.50 for children (ages 4-13) for a round trip from Ribes. A one-way ticket costs €23 for adults and €15 for children. Consider purchasing a combined train and rack railway ticket for a discounted fare.

  • Driving

    If driving, head to Ribes de Freser or Queralbs, the two villages where you can board the rack railway. Free parking is available at the rack railway stations in Ribes-Enllaç, Ribes-Vila and Queralbs. From either village, purchase a ticket for the rack railway to Vall de Núria. The rack railway journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Rack railway tickets for the 2025 summer season cost €33 for adults and €21.50 for children (ages 4-13) for a round trip from Ribes. A one-way ticket costs €23 for adults and €15 for children.

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Discover more about Estació de muntanya Vall de Núria

Vall de Núria, meaning "Valley between mountains", is a captivating destination in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, this glacial valley is surrounded by peaks reaching almost 3,000 meters. What sets Vall de Núria apart is its inaccessibility by road; the only way to reach this mountain paradise is via a 12.5 km rack railway that climbs over 1,000 meters. The valley's history is intertwined with the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria, a site of pilgrimage for over 800 years. Legend has it that Saint Giles arrived in the valley around 700 AD and hid an image of the Virgin Mary in a cave. In the 11th century, a pilgrim rediscovered the image, leading to the construction of a chapel and the eventual development of the sanctuary. The current church and hotel were built in the early 20th century. In 1931, the valley was the site where the first Catalan Statute of Autonomy was drafted. Today, Vall de Núria offers a diverse range of activities throughout the year. In winter, it transforms into a family-friendly ski resort with slopes for all skill levels. Other winter activities include snowshoeing, sledding, and ice diving. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing on the lake, horseback riding, and exploring the natural park. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including chamois deer and marmots.

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