Nike Werstroh is an outdoor writer and co-author of several walking guidebooks including Walking in Catalunya-Barcelona and Walking in Catalunya- Girona Pyrenees published by Cicerone Press. She is passionate about hiking and wants to share her love for the outdoors through her articles and books.
- Distance: 53 km
- Duration: Three to four days
- start/end: Queralbs
- Difficulty: Moderate
This hut to hut hike can easily fit into a long weekend, and as the name suggests the route connects three mountain huts. However there are more huts en-route, and it is possible to spend up to five nights in the mountains if you want to take a slower pace. This is a great introduction to hut to hut hiking and hut life in the Pyrenees without committing to a long trek.
The route takes you through some popular hiking areas, but be prepared to cross streams on rocks and traverse rugged mountain terrain.
You can walk this trail in either direction and while this isn’t widely offered as an organised walking holiday, it is easy to book your own accommodation in the huts.
Like most trails in the area, this is best walked between June and early October. Opt for June if you can, to avoid the crowds that usually arrive during the summer holidays. The summer months are also perfect if you want to spot playful marmots or see some Pyrenean chamois.
The route
If you walk the trail anticlockwise you will follow the well trodden path from Queralbs to Coma de Vaca, passing the impressive Salt de Grill waterfall. This is a popular section and I prefer to leave from Queralbs in the early morning.
The section I enjoyed most was between Coma de Vaca and Vall de Núria. This section follows a rocky path exposed in places where sure footedness is required and there is also a short section with iron chains to hold on to.
You can follow the red and white GR11 signs between Coma de Vaca and Ulldeter huts, between Coma de Vaca and Vall de Núria and then also from Vall de Núria back to Queralbs. The other sections are marked with different markers, sometimes only with cairns therefore it is recommended to plan the route and carry a map.
Need to know
From Barcelona you can take a train to Ribes de Freser and then continue with the rack railway or a bus to Queralbs.
Carry a sleeping bag and towel as these are not provided in the refuges/huts. It might be a good idea to take some cash to purchase snacks and food at the huts, as it is not always possible to pay by card. The huts’ capacity is limited, pre-book your nights by contacting them directly. Nights can get chilly, make sure you have warm clothes as well as a waterproof jacket.
June is the best time for wild flowers and, if you go in September, you will meet fewer people.
As the route is not signed with consistent waymarkers it is best to take a map: www.editorialalpina.com/en/alpina-map/travessa-3-refugis-2/
At a glance
Destinations
Spanish Pyrenees
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow TravelPhysical Level
ModerateSeason
June - OctoberDuration
3 daysRelated Guides
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La Travessa dels 3 refugis
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