Attractions and leisure

For grown-ups, the Parc de l’Oreneta is an area of urban woodland between Collserola and the city, a place where they can lose themselves and observe the wide variety of Mediterranean vegetation. For the little ones, it represents a world of excitement where they can travel on a miniature steam train or ride a pony.

The Parc de l’Oreneta opened in 1978, in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, where the Collserola ridge meets the city, on a site once occupied by two rural estates, Can Bonavia and Oreneta Castle, from which the park takes its name. The castle was built in the higher part of the estate, and today only a few walls remain. This green area, in the high part of Barcelona, features characteristic Mediterranean woodland species that had encroached on the abandoned farmland and includes pines, evergreen oaks and northern red oaks, fruit trees, as well as undergrowth rich in shrubs, and a wide variety of aromatic herbs. A network of paths makes it possible to explore this compact wooded area and lie in the shade of some of the trees that have been classified as listed species, such as the enormous eucalyptus and the Santa Llúcia cherry.

The higher areas of the park, where there is an imposing carob tree, offer exceptional panoramic views of Barcelona and its surrounding towns. The Parc de l’Oreneta is the perfect place to go for a day out with the kids. There are pony rides, and, since 1981, there has been a miniature railway, which covers a route of 635m. The railway has its own main station and crew, and its rolling stock includes 11 locomotive engines and three carriages. It is without a doubt the Parc de l’Oreneta’s star attraction.