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If there is a typical landscape in the province of Girona in autumn, this is undoubtedly the Fageda d'en Jordà. The changing and almost magical colours of the leaves during this period make it the best time for a visit. In summer it is also a good alternative to seek shelter from the sun under the shade of the beech trees.
La Fageda d'en Jordà, as its name suggests, is a beech forest located between the municipalities of Santa Pau, Olot and Les Preses, and is one of the 27 nature reserves that make up the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Its peculiarity is that the beech forest grows on the volcanic soil of an old lava flow from the Croscat volcano at about 550 m above sea level (an altitude far below the rest of the beech forests on the Iberian Peninsula).
It is forbidden to enter the beech forest by car, so you will have to leave your car parked in the car park next to the information office located on the same road between Olot and Santa Pau. There is also a picnic area next to the office.
You can visit the beech forest on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the little ones.
At the information office, you can buy tickets for the horse-drawn carriage tour, which lasts approximately one hour, although we recommend that you call in advance to confirm the departure times of the carriages. This excursion is a way to visit the beech forest comfortably and without getting tired, accompanied by a guide who will tell you about its history and legends. Halfway through the tour, you can get out of the carriage for about 15 minutes for a short walk and a few photos.
You can also visit the beech forest on foot. Ask for more information and maps of the hiking routes at the park's information office. There are routes of different levels of difficulty. It is highly recommended to do the circular route through the beech forest, which starts and ends in the car park and will take you inside the beech forest to experience and breathe its magic. This route has no difficulty and lasts about 30 minutes so you can do it with the whole family.
Another route through the beech forest that you cannot miss is the one that will take you to the Cooperative "La Fageda" where the famous yoghurts and ice creams are produced. Visit their website to book a guided tour of the factory's facilities and to see their cows on the farm.
If, like us, you are also in love with La Garrotxa, don't miss our post with the 6 essential places to visit in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone.