We drove up to the Santuari de Queralt on a perfect October day in 2019: clear blue sky, autumn colours in the valley, and eagles riding the wind below the cliffs. It’s the most spectacular viewpoint in the Berguedà, it’s free, and it’s an easy half-day with kids from Berga.
What is the Santuari de Queralt?
An 18th-century sanctuary built into the cliffs at almost 1,200 m, above the town of Berga. It’s open all year, with a bar, a shop and parking. The views stretch across Berga and the whole Berguedà, with lakes in the distance.
How to get to Queralt (and parking)
It’s about 9 km from Berga, a 15-minute drive on a winding mountain road. Parking is free at the top. From the car park, a set of stairs leads up to the church, which is fine for kids but not for a pushchair.
The viewpoints: Tres Creus and the Balcony of Catalonia
Two viewpoints make the trip. The Tres Creus mirador, with its three crosses, and the Garreta balcony, known as the Balcó de Catalunya (the Balcony of Catalonia). Watching the eagles soar and drop on the wind at eye level was the highlight of the day for us.
A short family hike near Berga
We came back to the area in June 2020, after lockdown, for a weekend of fresh air. The hike we did with the boys was short, through the woods between lunch and dinner, ending at a rural house with animals. What made it work, and what we still do:
- Pick a short trail with a reward: a stream, a lake, animals or a viewpoint.
- Make it a game. Spotting, counting, “who sees the next marker first”.
- Carry more water and snacks than you think.
- Proper shoes for the kids, not trainers.
Where to stay near Queralt
Berga Resort, 15 minutes away, has bungalows for families, indoor pools and a spa. We stayed there on an earlier trip.
More mountain days near Barcelona: Montseny with kids.
Santuari de Queralt: FAQ
How do you get to the Santuari de Queralt?
By car from Berga: about 9 km and 15 minutes on a winding mountain road, with free parking at the top and stairs up to the sanctuary.
Is the Santuari de Queralt good for kids?
Yes. It’s a short visit with big views, eagles to watch and a bar at the top. The stairs from the car park rule out pushchairs.
Is the Santuari de Queralt open all year?
Yes. The sanctuary is open all year and has a bar, a shop and parking.
