11 amazing things to do in and around Solsona, Spain

Medieval streets, green valleys and rugged mountain landscapes. Solsona in Spain immediately took me by surprise. This charming town in Catalonia is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding El Solsonès region as well. Here, you can easily combine culture with beautiful nature and delicious Catalan cuisine. In this travel guide, I’ll take you along the best things to do in and around Solsona.

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Why Solsona and its surroundings should be on your bucket list

Solsona is a small historic town in northern Spain, in Catalonia. Located at the foothills of the Catalan Pyrenees, it has a history stretching back centuries. Solsona’s origins date back to Roman times, but the town really began to flourish during the Middle Ages. You can still see traces of this past throughout its atmospheric historic centre, where you can wander past ancient city gates, narrow streets and stately buildings.

Solsona is also the capital of El Solsonès, a region that forms a beautiful gateway to the Catalan Pyrenees. Here, you’ll find rugged mountain landscapes, green valleys and deep-blue reservoirs, dotted with tiny villages, Romanesque churches and secluded monasteries.

I only spent two days exploring Solsona and its surroundings, but the region really surprised me. What I loved most was the contrast between culture and nature. One moment, you’re wandering through historic streets; the next, you’re driving past dramatic rock formations and mountain scenery.

The peaceful atmosphere is another reason why El Solsonès is such a wonderful destination. Here, you’ll discover a completely different side of Catalonia. Better still, many of the region’s most beautiful places are just a short drive from Solsona, making it easy to combine history, nature and authentic Catalan charm in one trip.

So, does Solsona in Spain deserve a spot on your bucket list? I definitely think so!

How to travel to Solsona in Spain?

Solsona is located inland in Catalonia, about 115 kilometres from Barcelona, at the foothills of the Catalan Pyrenees. From Belgium, the easiest way to reach this region is via Barcelona.

There are direct flights to Barcelona from both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The flight takes around two hours. Once you arrive, you can rent a car or continue your journey by public transport.

I recommend opting for a rental car. The drive to Solsona takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore El Solsonès at your own pace. You can easily reach small villages, beautiful natural areas and spectacular viewpoints along the way.

Prefer to travel by public transport? Solsona doesn’t have a train station, but you can take a bus from Barcelona. However, if you want to explore the surrounding area, having a car will give you much more flexibility.

You can also drive all the way from Belgium in your own car. Depending on where you start, the journey is around 1,300 kilometres. This is a great option if you’re planning a longer road trip through Catalonia.

For example, combine Solsona with Cerdanya and the beautiful Vall de Boí. This way, you can experience historic towns, charming mountain villages and impressive landscapes all in one trip.

Planning a road trip? Make sure to check out my 10 Catalonia travel tips you need to know before you go so you can set off well prepared.

What is the best time to visit Solsona?

The best time to visit Solsona in Spain? That mainly depends on what you want to experience. Thanks to its location near the Catalan Pyrenees, every season has something special to offer.

For hiking, road trips and nature, May, June, September and October are wonderful months to visit. In spring, the surrounding landscapes turn lush and green, while autumn brings beautiful warm colours. July and August are warmer and tend to be a little busier.

There’s no reason to skip Solsona in winter either. From the town, you can easily drive to the Port del Comte ski resort, where you can go skiing, snowboarding and enjoy the beautiful winter mountain scenery.

Want to experience Solsona at its liveliest? Plan your visit around one of its local festivals. I visited in February during the Carnival of Solsona, when the entire town comes alive with parades, music and its famous “crazy giants”. The atmosphere is lively, fun and incredibly festive. Definitely an experience I would recommend!

In June, Solsona celebrates Corpus Christi, a tradition dating back to 1331. Processions and traditional dances fill the historic centre during the festivities.

From 7 to 11 September, the Festa Major takes place. This town festival has been celebrated since 1653 in honour of the Virgin Mary. Giants, dwarfs, horses, eagles and dragons parade through the historic streets.

So, for nature and outdoor activities, spring and autumn are your best bet. But if you’re looking for winter sports or centuries-old Catalan traditions, the other seasons are definitely worth considering too.

How many days do you need to visit Solsona?

How many days you need in Solsona depends on what you want to see and do. One day is enough to explore the town itself. But if you also want to discover the beautiful surroundings of El Solsonès, I recommend staying for at least three days.

I spent two days in Solsona and the surrounding area. Although we managed to see quite a lot, looking back, it felt a little too short. The region really surprised me, and I would have loved to explore even more.

Especially if you enjoy an active trip, you can easily stay longer. Several beautiful hiking trails around Solsona take you through the mountains and valleys. If you’re planning some longer hikes, make sure to allow some extra time.

During our road trip, we combined Solsona with Cerdanya, where we also spent two days. It’s a great combination if you want to experience different sides of inland Catalonia. Both regions lie at the foothills of the Catalan Pyrenees, yet each has its own distinct character.

If you have enough time, I recommend spending at least three to four days in Solsona and El Solsonès. That way, you won’t have to rush from one place to the next and you’ll have plenty of time for a beautiful hike or a spontaneous stop along the way.

Where to stay in Solsona?

Planning to stay overnight in Solsona? I recommend choosing accommodation in or close to the historic centre. That way, you can easily walk to the main sights, restaurants and charming squares.

We stayed at La Freixera, a beautiful small boutique hotel right in the heart of the historic centre. Thehotel is housed in a historic stone building and has just ten rooms. Original features such as stone walls, wooden beams and arches have been beautifully combined with modern comforts, making the hotel a perfect match for Solsona’s historic atmosphere.

Breakfast is another lovely touch, with a focus on artisanal and local products from El Solsonès. We especially loved having such a cosy place to unwind after a full day of exploring. And best of all, as soon as you step outside thehotel, you’re right in the charming old streets of Solsona.

Prefer a different type of accommodation or want to compare prices? On the Booking.com map below, you’ll find more hotels and places to stay in and around Solsona.

11 amazing things to do in and around Solsona, Spain

1 – Wander through the historic heart of Solsona

The best way to get to know beautiful Solsona in Spain? Simply wander through its historic centre. The old town is small, atmospheric and perfect for exploring on foot. You’ll find winding streets, charming squares and beautiful historic façades. Solsona’s medieval layout has also been remarkably well preserved.

Start your walk at Portal del Pont, one of the old city gates, and then make your way towards the Cathedral of Santa Maria, where Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements come together.

Continue to Plaça Major, the lively heart of Solsona. This is also where many of the festivities during Carnival, Corpus Christi and the Festa Major take place. I visited Solsona during Carnival, which made the square feel even more vibrant and festive.

My tip? From here, forget about following a fixed route. Simply wander through the streets and see where they take you. Along the way, you’ll naturally pass Torre de les Hores and Carrer de Llobera. Plaça de Sant Joan is another lovely stop, with a 15th-century fountain standing in the middle of this charming square.

It’s exactly this combination of history and charming streets that makes Solsona so special. So put on your walking shoes and simply let the town surprise you.

2 – Admire the views over Serra de Busa

From Solsona, we headed into the beautiful nature of El Solsonès together with a local guide. Our first stop was the impressive Serra de Busa. The drive there alone is absolutely worth it.

Serra de Busa is a high plateau surrounded by imposing cliffs, giving the landscape an almost otherworldly feel in some places. Along the way, you’re treated to ever-changing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Make sure to stop at Mirador de la Creu to take in the panorama. From here, you can look out over the rugged mountain landscape of Serra de Busa. On a clear day, the views must be truly spectacular.

Unfortunately, we weren’t quite as lucky with the weather. The mist hung low between the mountains, hiding much of the valley from view. Still, it gave the landscape a wonderfully mysterious atmosphere.

Mirador de la Creu, Serra de Busa, El Solsonès, Catalonia, Spain

Several hiking trails start in and around Serra de Busa. One of the most popular takes you to Presó del Capolatell, a spectacular natural viewpoint. The official trail to reach it is around four kilometres each way.

Because of the dense mist, we decided to skip the hikes. Looking back, I was quite disappointed that we couldn’t explore more. So this is definitely a place I’d love to return to one day.

3 – Take a road trip through Vall d’Ora

After exploring Serra de Busa, we made our way back down towards Vall d’Ora. This lush green valley follows the winding Aigua d’Ora River, and the scenic drive along the water alone is absolutely worth it.

The road winds through forests and past green fields, with the Aigua d’Ora regularly appearing alongside you before disappearing between the trees again. Meanwhile, the mountains provide a beautiful backdrop in the distance.

After the rugged cliffs of Serra de Busa, the landscape changes completely here. Everything feels greener, more peaceful and almost a little hidden away. For me, that contrast made this route even more beautiful.

Take your time along the way and stop whenever you spot a beautiful place. At several points, you can get closer to the river, where you’ll find crystal-clear water, small waterfalls and peaceful spots surrounded by nature.

What makes this road trip so enjoyable is that the route itself is the attraction. There’s no need to rush from A to B. Roll down your window, take it slow and simply enjoy the scenery.

Vall d’Ora is one of those places where you’ll want to linger just a little longer. That’s exactly why I found this route through El Solsonès so surprisingly beautiful.

4 – Visit Sant Pere de Graudescales

Hidden away in Vall d’Ora lies one of the most special places along our route. Sant Pere de Graudescales stands completely secluded among the mountains and forests. Its remote location alone makes it worth a visit.

The history of this place goes back centuries. A church was already consecrated here in 913, and in 960, a Benedictine monastery was established. The monastic community eventually disappeared, after which the complex slowly fell into decline. The present Romanesque church dates from the 11th and 12th centuries and was restored during the 20th century.

Today, the church is the only building that remains fully intact, although you can still see traces of the former monastery around it.

What stayed with me most was the peacefulness of this place. You’ll barely hear anything except the sounds of nature around you. Bring something to eat if you can, as it’s a lovely spot for a quiet picnic.

Afterwards, continue your drive along the Aigua d’Ora. Along the way, you’ll also pass an old Romanesque bridge. Make sure to stop here for a moment and admire the river up close.

5 – Discover Sant Esteve d’Olius and its unique cemetery

Just a 15-minute drive from Solsona, you’ll find a place that really surprised me: Sant Esteve d’Olius. At first glance, it may look like just another beautiful Romanesque church, but make sure to step inside. Beneath the church, you’ll find a fascinating crypt with stone columns that immediately creates a completely different atmosphere.

Sant Esteve d’Olius, El Solsonès, Catalonia, Spain

And then there’s the cemetery. Next to the church lies Cementiri d’Olius, designed by Bernardí Martorell. Instead of a traditional cemetery, the graves are nestled among rocks, trees and the natural slopes of the landscape. It almost feels as if nature and architecture have become one.

For me, this was one of the most unique stops around Solsona. Definitely one to include on your road trip through El Solsonès, and a beautiful place to photograph too.

6 – Drive along La Llosa del Cavall

After our drive through Vall d’Ora, the landscape changed completely once again. We continued towards La Llosa del Cavall, one of the most beautiful places along our route.

This large reservoir is tucked away between the mountains of El Solsonès. Its blue waters create a beautiful contrast with the rugged cliffs surrounding it. As you follow the winding road along the reservoir, you’re treated to a different view around every corner.

La Llosa del Cavall, El Solsonès, Catalonia, Spain

And that’s exactly what makes this place so special. There isn’t really one specific sight you need to tick off your list. The drive itself is the experience. Almost every bend in the road reveals a new panorama of the water and surrounding mountains.

Make sure to stop at one of the viewpoints along the way. From higher up, you really get a sense of just how impressive the reservoir is. So take your time and keep your camera close at hand.

Want to experience the water up close? There are plenty of activities to enjoy on and around La Llosa del Cavall, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking and mountain biking.

We followed the reservoir towards Sant Llorenç de Morunys, and it was without a doubt one of the most beautiful stretches of our road trip through El Solsonès. I’d happily get back in the car just to drive this route again.

7 – Stop in Sant Llorenç de Morunys

After all those impressive landscapes, it was time for a well-deserved lunch. We stopped in Sant Llorenç de Morunys, right in the heart of the beautiful Vall de Lord.

This small mountain village lies among the mountains of El Solsonès. With around 1,000 inhabitants, it is the largest village in Vall de Lord. It has a charming medieval centre and a beautiful Romanesque church.

Sant Llorenç de Morunys, El Solsonès, Catalonia, Spain

Have a little more time? Make sure to wander through the historic centre, where you’ll find narrow streets, old stone houses and charming little squares. The village is small, so you can easily explore it on foot.

We mainly came to Sant Llorenç de Morunys for lunch. And what a lunch it was! We enjoyed delicious food with a beautiful view of the mountains. After a morning of road-tripping, this break came at exactly the right time.

Sant Llorenç de Morunys is also a great base for exploring Vall de Lord. Several hiking trails and excursions start from the village, and the La Llosa del Cavall reservoir is just a short drive away.

So don’t rush off after lunch. Take some time to enjoy the village before continuing to one of the most beautiful places along this route: the impressive Santuari de Lord.

8 – Climb up to Santuari de Lord

If I had to choose just one place around Solsona that you absolutely shouldn’t miss, it would be Santuari de Lord. For me, this was without a doubt one of the highlights of our road trip through El Solsonès.

The sanctuary sits in a spectacular location on top of Mola de Lord, at an altitude of more than 1,100 metres. You can’t simply drive all the way up. From the car park, a steep climb awaits before you reach the top.

And trust me, you’ll feel it! The trail follows an old Way of the Cross, zigzagging its way up the mountainside and passing several small chapels along the way. Take your time, as some sections of the path are pretty steep.

Once you reach the top, you’ll quickly forget about the effort it took to get there. Make sure to continue to the large cross at the edge of the plateau. From here, you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal views over Vall de Lord, with mountains, deep valleys and the blue waters of La Llosa del Cavall stretching out before you.

Santuari de Lord, El Solsonès, Catalonia, Spain

This was one of those places where I found it hard to put my camera down. But don’t forget to take a moment to simply enjoy the view yourself.

Is the climb challenging? Definitely. Is the view worth it? Absolutely! For me, this was even my favourite place in El Solsonès.

9 – Admire the unique landscape of Vilamala

After Santuari de Lord, we continued towards Vilamala, where yet another completely different landscape awaited us. Here, green valleys give way to rugged cliffs and deep gorges.

Make sure to stop at one of the viewpoints along the road. From above, you really get a sense of just how extraordinary these rock formations are. Centuries of erosion have carved deep channels into the rock, creating a rugged landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

But what made Vilamala even more fascinating to me was the legend behind this place. Our guide told us an old story about how this remarkable landscape came to be.

According to the legend, Vilamala was once covered in fertile meadows. One evening, a stranger knocked on the door of a farmhouse and asked the residents for help, but they turned him away.

The next morning, everything had changed. The green meadows had disappeared and were replaced by barren, rugged rocks. According to the story, this was God’s punishment for their lack of hospitality.

This is also said to be where the name Vilamala comes from, which can loosely be translated as “bad village.”

Whether you believe the legend or not, it certainly adds an extra sense of mystery to this place. So take some time to stop here and enjoy the extraordinary views.

10 – Celebrate Carnival in Solsona

Visiting Solsona in February? Try to plan your trip during Carnival. The festivities take place every year in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, so the exact dates change annually.

I visited Solsona during Carnival myself and absolutely loved the atmosphere. Music fills the streets and colourful groups parade through the historic centre. But the real stars of the show are the Gegants Bojos, or “Crazy Giants”.

These giants are the funny counterparts of the more stately giants that appear during the Festa Major. The most famous is the Gegant Boig, created in 1978. With his big belly, bald head and movable arms, he’s hard to miss. As he dances, his arms swing wildly in every direction. Get too close and you might even get a playful whack!

Giants, Carnival Solsona, Catalonia, Spain

The famous donkey is another essential part of Solsona’s Carnival. According to legend, grass once started growing on top of the bell tower. The locals decided to hoist a donkey up so it could eat the grass. Unfortunately, they tied the rope around its neck, earning the locals their nickname matarrucs, meaning “donkey killers”.

Today, of course, a fake donkey is hoisted up the Torre de les Hores instead. Once it reaches the top, it “pees” water over the crowd below. And yes, people actually love trying to stand right underneath the stream!

Humour, satire and quirky traditions are at the heart of the celebrations. And that’s exactly why I had so much fun experiencing Carnival in Solsona.

11 – Taste the flavours of Solsona and El Solsonès

All that hiking and road-tripping is bound to make you hungry. Luckily, Solsona and El Solsonès have plenty to offer when it comes to food as well. The local cuisine is hearty, simple and deeply connected to the mountains.

On local menus, you’ll find plenty of typical products from inland Catalonia. Think grilled meats, game, mushrooms, local cheeses and hearty stews. Embotits, traditional cured sausages and meats, are also typical of the region.

Make sure to try trumfos, the traditional local name for potatoes. Another typical product is pèsol negre, a dark-coloured pea mainly grown in mountainous areas. These ingredients are often used in simple dishes prepared according to old family recipes.

Mushrooms also play an important role in the local cuisine. Especially in autumn, many Catalans head into the forests to forage for their own mushrooms.

During your road trip, look for a traditional masia or a small local restaurant. Take your time over lunch and order something typical of the region. That way, you’ll discover El Solsonès not only through its landscapes, but on your plate too.

Beautiful Solsona in Spain really surprised me. From historic streets to rugged mountains and stunning viewpoints, this region allows you to discover a completely different side of Catalonia. I hope this travel guide helps you plan your own visit to Solsona. Make sure to explore El Solsonès as well, as some of the most beautiful places are waiting just outside the town. Enjoy your time in Solsona and, most of all, have fun discovering this surprisingly beautiful region!