Eduard Fontserè i Riba

Eduard Fontserè i Riba is a viewpoint and hiking landmark in the municipality of Fogars de Montclús, set within the Montseny massif right next to its highest summit, Turó de l'Home. The spot honours the Catalan meteorologist, astronomer and seismologist who built one of Catalonia's most important weather observatories here in the early twentieth century.

Who was Eduard Fontserè i Riba?

Eduard Fontserè i Riba (1870–1970) held a doctorate in physical-mathematical sciences and taught geodesy, rational mechanics and astronomy at the University of Barcelona. From 1921 to 1939 he directed the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, an institution he helped establish. He organised Catalonia's rainfall monitoring network, presided over the Official Time Service that set Barcelona's official clock, and took part in producing the first X-ray image in Spain. His scientific legacy is the reason this mountain location now bears his name.

What will you see on site?

The point associated with Fontserè sits beside the Turó de l'Home meteorological observatory, standing at 1,706 metres above sea level on Montseny's highest peak. The observatory building has an unusual backstory: it is the wooden cabin from the Norwegian Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, later dismantled, moved here and reassembled, then formally inaugurated in the summer of 1932 as a permanent research station. The location offers some of the widest panoramas in the Vallès Oriental region — on clear days both the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean coastline are visible. The area also sits along popular hiking routes connecting Turó de l'Home with the neighbouring peak of Les Agudes.

How to get there?

Hikes typically start from the Plana Amagada car park or from the village of Fogars de Montclús itself, with trails leading into the Montseny Natural Park. The route to the summit is a genuine mountain hike, and visitors should expect several hours of walking round trip depending on the chosen path. Fogars de Montclús is reached via local roads from the Sant Celoni side; because the massif is a protected natural area, vehicle access further into the park can be restricted, particularly during the summer season.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the best hiking conditions, as temperatures above 1,700 metres are milder than in summer and visibility tends to be clearer. In winter the summit can be covered in snow, requiring proper preparation and equipment. In summer, an early start is recommended to avoid the heat and take advantage of the clearest air for the panoramic views.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the observatory? The Turó de l'Home weather station is still an active research facility, so interior access can be limited — check current visiting arrangements with the Montseny Natural Park authority before setting out.

How long does the hike to the summit take? It depends on the starting trailhead, but the round trip from the Plana Amagada car park usually takes several hours, given the elevation typical of Montseny's highest sections.

Is the trail suitable for families with children? The route is a mountain trail requiring reasonable fitness and proper footwear; shorter alternatives in the lower parts of the park are recommended for less experienced hikers.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Nearby attractions include the Les Agudes summit and numerous viewpoints within the Montseny Natural Park, popular among hikers and nature observers alike.