Despite the lack of roads this small mountain resort gets a great number of visitors throughout the year. The majority of the visitors arrive during the summer months by the rack railway, but I prefer to follow the old path, Camí Vell de Núria from Queralbs.

And if you want to leave the day trippers behind, take any of the routes that wind their way up to the peaks of the rugged mountains that line the French Spanish border and your efforts will be rewarded with some of the best views of the mountain range.

There is a hotel and camping ground if you want to stay and spend a few days exploring some of the amazing trails in the mountains.

Need to know

If you want take the rack railway from Queralbs or from Ribes de Freser check the time table and book tickets on www.valldenuria.cat

You can reach Ribes de Freser from Barcelona by train. The lively Ribes de Freser offers everything a hiker might need and can be a good base if you want to explore the area. There are some accommodation options in the quiet Queralbs and a hotel and camping ground cater for those who want to spend a couple days exploring the trails or ski slopes in Vall de Núria.

Always take warm clothes and a waterproof jacket even in the summer.