The best traffic-free bike rides around Alpens
5.0
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30
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9
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Gravel biking around Alpens is characterized by its varied terrain, featuring rolling hills, forested paths, and rural landscapes. The region offers a network of trails that navigate through valleys and past local landmarks. These routes provide opportunities for riders to experience the natural environment away from main roads.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Alpens
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Alpens Iron Route – Riera de Sorreigs Reservoir loop from Sant Quirze de Besora, a 47.1 miles (75.8 km) trail that takes 5 hours 35 minutes to complete. This challenging route features significant elevation gain through the local landscape.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is The Lady's Oak – Santa Eulàlia de Puigoriol loop from Perafita, a difficult 30.5 miles (49.0 km) path. This route traverses varied terrain, including forested sections and open areas.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Sant Martí d'Albars Church – Campos de Olost loop from Perafita, a 16.4 miles (26.4 km) trail leading through rural countryside, often completed in about 2 hours 7 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Alpens is defined by rolling hills, forested valleys, and open rural tracks. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate to difficult.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 20 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Alpens's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
6
riders
49.3km
04:09
990m
990m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
75.8km
05:36
1,310m
1,310m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
26.5km
02:07
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
34.4km
02:38
570m
570m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Sanctuary of the Munts, viewpoint of Osona and Lluçanés, spectacular views.
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Restaurant Can Pairot. Very good for breakfasts with a fork and grilled meat.
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Good dishes and very good treatment! It's worth deviating a bit from the route to have a good time.
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The church of Santa Creu de Jutglar is located in the nucleus of the same number, part of the municipality of Olost, in the Catalan region of Lluçanès. It is a building with a single nave and a rectangular plan with an adjacent bell tower of a square plan. It is documented for the first time in the year 984, as a dependency of the church of Santa Maria d'Olost. The annual meeting of the Lluçanès Council of Jurors was held in this church, a council made up of representatives from all the parishes that were part of the Lluçanès Subvegería.
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The center of Santa Eulàlia de Puig-Oriol belongs to the municipality of Lluçà and is located on the ridge that separates the valley of the Gavarresa river from the valley of the Lluçanès river. The town grew from the first constructions in the 18th century, due to the importance of the transhumance route that connected Sant Feliu Sasserra with Alpens. In many of its houses built between the 18th and 19th centuries you can still read the inscriptions and dates engraved in the stone. At the northern end of the town there is a small parish church in the popular baroque style.
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The Graell farmhouse was built between the 17th and 18th centuries, and consists of three parts: the tallest part, similar to a watchtower, to the east, the oldest and central part, and the western part, more characteristic, with its four semicircular arches on the first floor and eight smaller ones in the attic. Also belonging to the complex is the chapel of Sant Joan, with a rectangular floor plan and a two-slope roof, built with irregular stone masonry. Also included is a spectacular barn, built at the beginning of the 20th century, one of the largest and best preserved in Catalonia, with nine arches and nine circular windows, of increasing diameter.
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Sant Cristòfol de Borrassers is located on an elevated point close to the ridge where the livestock road passes, to the north-east of the urban center of Santa Eulàlia de Puig-oriol. The current chapel consists of a single nave, finished in a presbytery located on a higher level, and with a small sacristy attached to the right of the nave. On the main facade, facing west, there is a beautiful semi-circular arched portal followed by a stone dust guard. In the central dome is the anagram of Jesus Christ IHS with a cross and the date 1636. An oculus opens over the portal and a bell tower with a single eye crowns the facade. In front of the church is the old cemetery closed with a stone wall and an iron gate. The current building is the result of the deep renovation that took place in the 18th century. Every year, for Sant Cristòfol, July 10, a mass is celebrated there and the joys are sung in honor of Sant Cristòfol. The first news about the church is from 1062, when we find it mentioned as a parish. Sant Cristòfol was linked to the canonry of Santa Maria de Lluçà as a suffragan of the parish. In 1686 during the pastoral visit made by Bishop Antoni Pasqual, Sant Cristòfol was one of the suffragania of Santa Maria and had 7 farms. In 1741, construction work began on a new temple, located outside, and was not finished until 1789. In 1878, Sant Cristòfol was added as a public chapel to the new parish of Santa Eulalia https://turisme.llucanes.cat/visiteu/esglesia-de-sant-cristofol-de-borrassers/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free gravel bike trails are available in Alpens?
There are 6 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike trails around Alpens featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of challenges, with one moderate and five difficult options, ensuring a rewarding experience away from busy roads.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Alpens?
The Alpens region, while not the high Alps, offers diverse terrain for gravel biking. You can expect a mix of forest paths, rural tracks, and some challenging climbs. The routes are designed to keep you away from traffic, providing a serene and immersive experience in the natural landscape. Be prepared for varied surfaces, which can include loose gravel and uneven sections, typical for a rewarding gravel biking adventure.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in Alpens?
Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in Alpens are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the challenging The Lady's Oak – Santa Eulàlia de Puigoriol loop from Perafita offers a substantial ride of nearly 50 km, while the Sant Martí d'Albars Church – Campos de Olost loop from Perafita provides a moderate 26 km option.
What is the best season for gravel biking in Alpens?
The best season for gravel biking in Alpens is generally from spring through autumn. During these months, the weather is more stable, and trails are typically free of snow and ice, offering optimal riding conditions. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any natural attractions or points of interest along the gravel bike routes?
Absolutely! The Alpens region is rich in natural beauty. While riding, you might encounter stunning gorges and waterfalls. Consider exploring highlights like the beautiful Colomer Pool or the impressive Cabana Gorge. The Torrent de la Cabana Waterfalls are also a popular spot for their scenic beauty.
What is the typical difficulty level for traffic-free gravel trails in Alpens?
Most of the traffic-free gravel trails in Alpens are rated as 'difficult', catering to experienced gravel bikers who enjoy technically demanding routes and significant climbs. There is also a 'moderate' option, such as the Sant Martí d'Albars Church – Campos de Olost loop from Perafita, for those looking for a slightly less strenuous ride. Regardless of the rating, expect varied surfaces and elevation changes.
Are there any long-distance traffic-free gravel routes in Alpens?
Yes, for those seeking longer adventures, Alpens offers routes that extend over significant distances. The Alpens Iron Route – Riera de Sorreigs Reservoir loop from Sant Quirze de Besora is a challenging option spanning over 75 km, providing an extensive ride through the region's landscapes with minimal traffic.
What kind of bike and tires are recommended for gravel biking in Alpens?
Given the varied and often challenging terrain, a dedicated gravel bike is highly recommended. For optimal performance and comfort on loose, rocky, or uneven alpine-like surfaces, tires of at least 38 mm are advisable. This will provide better grip and stability, especially on the more technically demanding sections and climbs.
Can I find routes that explore historical or cultural sites in Alpens?
While the focus is on natural landscapes, some routes may pass near charming villages or historical points of interest. For instance, the Sant Martí d'Albars Church – Campos de Olost loop from Perafita starts near a significant local church, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural identity amidst your ride.
Are there any routes suitable for a full day's adventure?
Many of the longer and more challenging routes in Alpens are perfect for a full day's adventure. The Alpens Iron Route – Riera de Sorreigs Reservoir loop from Sant Quirze de Besora, for example, is over 75 km long with significant elevation gain, requiring several hours to complete and offering a truly immersive experience.
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