Aiguamolls de Molins de Rei

Aiguamolls de Molins de Rei is an artificial wetland on the left bank of the Llobregat river, right next to its riverbed, in the town of Molins de Rei within the Baix Llobregat region near Barcelona. Covering around 6 hectares, it is the largest body of fresh water in the entire Baix Llobregat.

How did this wetland come to exist?

The site now occupied by the lagoon was once a natural meander of the Llobregat river. That meander disappeared in 1969, when the A-2 motorway was built through the area, cutting off the river's former course and destroying the riverside vegetation that had grown there. It wasn't until 1995 that local authorities decided to restore the site as a wetland, aiming both to recover a lost natural habitat and to give the area a role as a buffer that helps soften the impact of Llobregat floods.

What does the lagoon look like, and what grows there?

At the heart of the site is a freshwater lagoon with a depth ranging from 30 to 150 centimetres. Around it, a rich variety of riverside and wetland vegetation has developed, including trees such as alder, willow and tamarisk. The greatest ecological value, however, comes from helophyte plant communities — mainly reed and bulrush (boga) — which form dense reed beds. These reed beds provide shelter and nesting sites for numerous species of water and marsh birds, making Aiguamolls one of the more significant micro-habitats for birdlife in this stretch of the Llobregat valley.

Why does this place matter for the region?

In just over a quarter century since it was created, this artificial wetland has become woven into the landscape enough to meaningfully boost biodiversity across the whole of Baix Llobregat. The site combines a conservation role with an educational one — it's a popular spot for field activities, nature workshops and birdwatching sessions aimed at schools and residents of Molins de Rei and the surrounding area. Its proximity to built-up urban land also makes it a convenient green escape that doesn't require travelling far.

What can visitors do at Aiguamolls de Molins de Rei?

The site forms part of the broader network of riverside spaces along the Llobregat managed as Parc del Riu by the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona. Visitors can walk along paths that run beside the lagoon, observe waterfowl from a respectful distance, and occasionally take part in organised birdwatching and nature-education events. It remains a relatively quiet, low-key site, visited mainly by local residents, nature enthusiasts and school groups rather than by mass tourism.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aiguamolls de Molins de Rei a natural or an artificial site? It is an artificial wetland created in 1995, on the site of a natural Llobregat meander that was destroyed when the A-2 motorway was built in 1969.

What birds can be seen here? The dense reed beds around the lagoon provide nesting habitat for numerous species of water and marsh birds, making the site a popular spot for birdwatching.

Is entry free? The area is part of the publicly accessible Parc del Riu network of riverside spaces and can be explored independently on foot along marked paths.

Who is this site suited for? Mainly for people interested in observing nature, families looking for a quiet walk, and educational groups visiting as part of school activities.