Discover Ribes de Freser: Rack Railway, Culture and Nature

The Granòfir de Ribes rises above Ribes de Freser as an orange rock formation; it is the exposed remains of a volcanic vent more than 460 million years old. Outside Ribes de Freser, the La Massana area contains open, agriculturally shaped landscapes where high biodiversity has been preserved. Among other species, orchids, grasshoppers, green-and-yellow snakes, kestrels and buzzards can be found there.

Railways, Technology and History

The Cremallera de Núria rack railway is the rail connection to Vall de Núria and runs daily all year round. Its route includes, among others, the Ribes-Enllaç and Ribes-Vila stations. The Museo del Cremallera at Ribes Vila station in Ribes de Freser presents the history of the Vall de Núria rack railway. Its exhibition includes older locomotives, the E-3 electric locomotive in its original condition and a salon car.

The Route de les centrals hidroelèctriques del Freser passes the currently operating hydroelectric facilities in the upper catchment area of the Freser River and extends to Ribes de Freser. At the Espai Expositiu de les Centrals Hidroelèctriques in the municipal library, visitors can learn how the generation of hydroelectric power began in 1903 using water from the Freser and Núria rivers. Itinerary route 15, “Vall de Ribes”, includes the Ribes–Fustanyà section of the route to the hydroelectric power stations.

Culture and Buildings

The Festa Major of Ribes de Freser includes the traditional Ballet de Déu dance, which had been lost around 1930 and was performed again in 1998. The ruins of Castell de Sant Pere are a medieval architectural monument in Ribes de Freser; the construction of the castle is generally dated to the 11th century.

At Espai Triadú, the exhibition «Llegir com viure» focuses on Joan Triadú; it is based on selected texts from his memoirs «Memòries d’un segle d’or». The Set Fortins consists of seven bunkers as well as gun and machine-gun emplacements on a promontory near Collada de Manter. From this promontory, the approaches to Ribes de Freser were controlled, especially from the Rigat valley.

Activities

The Via ferrata de la Roca de la Creu is located in Ribes de Freser in Ripollès and has a low to moderate level of difficulty. The route includes overhangs, traverses and a bridge; it ends at the summit of Roc de la Creu. The approach takes around 10 to 15 minutes, the activity around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the return journey around 30 minutes.

Other Places

A directly associated place is Bruguera.

Other places at the same level: Santa Cristina De Aro, Ger, Darnius, Palau Saverdera, La Bisbal D'empordà, Lloret De Mar, Ultramort

To the higher-level travel overview: Girona.