Campins – Riera, Hiking Trails and Village History
Accommodation in Campins
Campins brings together a stream beside the village centre, hiking trails with different routes, and historic landmarks spanning the Middle Ages to industrial history. You can get to know the village through its river landscape, parish church and local festival dates. If you are looking for a hotel, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: exploring the routes described here, learning about the village’s history, or timing your trip to coincide with a festival?
The Riera and Protected Landscape
The Riera de Campins crosses the municipal area from north to south and runs alongside the village centre. Characteristic vegetation remains along its banks: alders, willows, poplars, black poplars, ash trees and elderberries. These trees and shrubs shape the natural character of the riverside area.
The Parc Natural del Montseny lies in the northern part of the municipal area. In addition, 34 percent of the municipality’s area belongs to the PEIN and Natura 2000 area of the MassĂs del Montseny. Fonts Vives is a natural spring at Sot del Purgatori, with no associated structures. It is most clearly visible in summer; access is difficult. Take this access limitation into account if the spring is part of your plans.
Hiking Trails with Different Routes
The Camà antic de Santa Fe starts in the village centre, runs parallel to the Riera de Campins and then continues into the municipal area of Gualba. Only its first section follows the GR-5. The Campins–Sant Cristòfol hike, by contrast, is part of the GR-5 and leads through the Parc Natural del Montseny. It is 9.8 kilometres long. On this hike, you can experience a cork oak forest and hear the sound of the water at Sot del Purgatori. Check local route conditions before setting out.
The two trails therefore have different connections to the GR-5: for the Camà antic, it applies to the first section; for Campins–Sant Cristòfol, it applies to the hike as a whole. Another option is a signposted circular walk to Campins that passes the cement kilns. For this route too, it is advisable to check local conditions before starting.
The Church and Evidence of the Village’s History
The Church of Sant Joan de Campins has medieval origins and preserves remains of a Romanesque church. It was expanded and altered between the 16th and 19th centuries. It was documented as the village’s parish church as early as 1231. In the front courtyard is a Romanesque immersion baptismal font, used for baptism by immersion. The church thus brings together several building phases and a long parish history.
The Forn de Can Garrell offers a different glimpse into the village’s history. The circular lime kiln is dug into the natural ground and is now in ruins and disused. Its firing chamber is about 3 metres wide and 2.5 metres deep; sediment partially covers it. Its dimensions convey the scale of the structure, while its construction distinguishes it from the historic church buildings.
Festivals Throughout the Year
The Festa Major de Campins takes place every year on the last weekend of August. The Aplec de Sant Guillem is held annually on the second Sunday in May. Sardana dancing is part of this festival; as people set off, coca, sweet wine and honey are handed out. The two dates offer different points of reference for planning a trip. If you want to travel for a festival, check the dates and the programme in advance.
Campins can be understood through specific interests: the Riera and its vegetation define the landscape, the hiking routes differ in their course and connection to the GR-5, and the church and lime kiln tell of different historical contexts.
Discover more destinations: Viver, TeiĂ , Folgueroles, CorrĂł d'Avall, MontmelĂł, Lavit, Santpedor, Tona
For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.
