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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PLACES TO VISIT AROUND "Les Mines d'Osor"
A little about the Mines of Osor
Nestled in the Osor valley, surrounded by the Guilleries mountain range in the comarca of La Selva (Girona), Les Mines d’Osor is a place with a story. The site was born as a mining colony, with workers’ houses, a chapel dedicated to Santa Bàrbara (patron saint of miners), warehouses and even a chimney, all built around the mines. Metal extraction in the area dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. At its peak, the mines employed up to 200 workers, and the main shaft reached around 300 metres deep. The minerals extracted here — including fluorite, lead and zinc — were used during World War II; almost all production was shipped to Germany, and by the 1950s it was making its way all the way to the USA. The mines finally closed in October 1979, and since then the site has been used for rural tourism, summer camps and weddings! Enjoy the magnificent mountains and streams where Alba’s grandfather used to come trout fishing :)!
The surroundings
Les Mines d’Osor sit in a natural landscape in the Guilleries mountain range, the setting of the novel “I Sing and the Mountain Dances” by Irene Solà. It’s a corner of the world little known outside of Girona, but it hides a wild beauty and endless possibilities for hiking, visiting villages, castles and much more. Here are our essentials, ordered by distance from Les Mines d’Osor.
Villages:
Osor (4 km): The closest village to the wedding venue. Its cobbled old town streets and stone bridge are absolutely charming. The village has a bakery and a restaurant.
Sant Hilari Sacalm (20 km): The village of a hundred springs — over 100 natural fountains have been counted here! Thanks to the abundance and quality of its water, the village supplies the Font Vella brand and has a spa resort of the same name.
Girona (27 km): The closest city to Alba’s hometown and where Alba spent her final year studying Biology. A city of around 100,000 people with a fantastic range of activities and gastronomy. We especially recommend visiting the cathedral and its immense nave; the labyrinthine streets of the ancient Jewish quarter, the Call; the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants; the Gothic basilica of Sant Feliu; the colourful houses and bridge over the Onyar river; or its impressive city walls and Arab baths. Centuries of history and culture all packed into one place.
Hostalric (51 km): A historically important town on the route between Girona and Barcelona. It preserves 600 m of city walls and a castle you can visit.
Rupit (52 km): A medieval village with an intact old town and a hanging bridge. A 30-minute walk from the famous waterfall: the Salt de Sallent.
Nature, hiking and places to take a dip:
Les Guilleries (0 km): The mountains where Osor and its mines are located. A wonderful area with plenty of peaceful hiking and cycling routes. A highlight is the route from Osor to the Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Coll: starting from Osor, you can hike up to Sant Benet with fantastic views, passing by the beautiful sanctuary. This area is also very popular for swimming in river gorges — a great example is the Gorga de la Plana.
Garrotxa Natural Park & La Fageda d’en Jordà (47 km): A natural park set in a volcanic landscape with hiking trails for all levels. The Jordà beech forest is one of the most unique natural spots in Catalonia — it grows on a lava flow from the Croscat volcano and has a landscape that feels remarkably out of place in a Mediterranean climate. Also worth visiting is La Fageda dairy, a reference in the inclusion of neurodivergent people in the workplace across the Iberian Peninsula.
Montseny Natural Park (71 km): A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a much-loved destination for hiking enthusiasts. The options for hiking and activities are endless — from kayaking, climbing and caving to summiting the highest peak, the Turó de l’Home at 1,700 m. Recommended villages within the park include Viladrau, Sant Feliu de Buixalleu (where you can also visit a Gothic castle), Breda with its cathedral, and Arbúcies. There are also several great swimming spots in the park, such as the Gorg Negre near Riells del Montseny.
Gorges trail in Sadernes (61 km): A stunning route following the Sant Aniol river in the Garrotxa region, with several swimming spots along the way. The beautiful Gorg Blau at the end of the trail makes the climb back up absolutely worth it.
If you want specific recommendations for Costa Brava do not hesitate to write Alba!