The “Chinese wall” of Catalonia, the “wall of Finestres” or, simply, its real name: les Roques de la Vila. Whatever name you use, there is a geographical feature that you can not miss if you want to make a getaway in Catalonia.
Just two hours from Barcelona, in the Berguedà region (very close to the Congost de Mont Rebei) this natural formation in the municipality of Vallcebre, is a set of rocky walls that wind through the landscape, until they plunge into the swamp, giving the impression of being a wall that overlaps any accident.7
We tell you everything you need to know about this destination to prepare your next getaway.
The wall of Valcebre
Les Roques de la Vila is a geological formation composed of long strips of limestone rock that rise above the terrain and, seen from a distance, resemble the structure of a serpentine wall that has earned it its nickname.
The landscape, apart from being impressive, has an important ecological richness and is the habitat of a varied native fauna, from birds of prey to small mammals, and typical flora of the Pre-Pyrenees.
The Finestres wall is in the municipality of Vallcebre, in the Canelles reservoir, a few meters from the Catalan-Aragonese border, on the Aragonese side.
Hiking, biking and kayaking for all levels
One of the great attractions of Les Roques de la Vila is the network of trails that surround this formation. There are routes for all levels, from easy walks suitable for families to more demanding trails for experienced hikers. The Camí de la Costa, one of the most popular routes, will take you along the rocks and offers spectacular views of the Berguedà.
Hiking can be combined with other sports, such as rock climbing or mountain biking. The other option is to arrive by kayak, although it is a long route from Àger or the companies that rent kayaks in the Congost de Mont Rebei, a little further up.
How to get to Les Roques de la Vila
Getting to this natural spot from Barcelona by car takes about two hours, taking the C-16 towards Berga and following the signs to Vallcebre. Once in the municipality, you will find signs that will guide you to the main accesses to Les Roques de la Vila.
For those who prefer public transport options , it is possible to reach Berga by bus and, from there, arrange a transfer by car or cab to Vallcebre.