Parc de Catalunya

Parc de Catalunya is the largest urban park in Sabadell, a Catalan city located just a short distance from Barcelona. It stretches across the former Eix Macià district all the way to the Can Rull area, covering roughly 43 hectares of green space, paths and recreational grounds. Opened in 1992, the park has since become the main leisure destination for residents across the whole Vallès Occidental region.

How do you get to Parc de Catalunya?

The park sits in the northern part of Sabadell, within easy reach of the city centre on foot, by bike or by public transport. Sabadell is well connected to Barcelona through regular Rodalies train services and bus lines, with the journey from the Barcelona metropolitan area typically taking 30–45 minutes. On-site parking is available, and a network of pedestrian and cycling paths runs through the park itself, making it simple to move between the different attractions once you arrive.

What can you see and do inside the park?

The park's centrepiece is an artificial lake where visitors can rent rowing boats or pedal boats — one of the most recognisable sights in the park. Families will find a miniature train, several playgrounds designed for different age groups, plus a skatepark and a biketrial circuit aimed at older or more experienced riders. In winter, part of the park is converted into a seasonal ice rink.

The historic heart of the site is Can Rull, a former masia — a traditional Catalan farmhouse — with architectural elements dating back to the 15th century, standing as a reminder of the area's centuries-long history before it became part of the city park. The park is also home to an Astronomical Observatory, run by the local Astronomical Association of Sabadell (Agrupació Astronòmica de Sabadell), which offers guided visits, stargazing sessions and workshops for all levels — an unusual feature for an urban park.

On top of that, the grounds include picnic areas, a designated space for dogs, and outdoor gym and exercise areas aimed at older visitors, making the park a destination for people of all ages. Throughout the year it also hosts cultural, musical and family-oriented events.

When is the best time to visit?

Parc de Catalunya is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so it can be visited at any time — for an early morning walk or an evening stroll by the lake. It is busiest on weekends and during warm-weather afternoons, when families make the most of the boats, playgrounds and cycling paths. In winter, it's worth checking the operating hours of the seasonal ice rink if skating is on your list, and on clear, calm evenings it's a good idea to check the observatory's schedule for stargazing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, the park itself is open to the public free of charge, at any hour. Certain activities, such as boat rentals or observatory sessions, may have a separate fee.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes — it has playgrounds for different age groups, a miniature train, and boats on the lake, making it a popular choice for a family day out.

What is Can Rull? It's a historic masia, a traditional Catalan farmhouse, with architectural elements dating from the 15th century, located within the park and reflecting the area's earlier, pre-urban history.

Can you go stargazing in the park? Yes, the park hosts an Astronomical Observatory run by a local astronomy association, offering guided visits, observation sessions and workshops for various experience levels.