The Chestnut Grove of Villar de los Barrios
Majestic centuries-old chestnut forest, award-winning and magical, ideal for hiking, nature immersion, and wellbeing. A must-visit in El Bierzo.
INFORMATION
- Address: 24414 San Cristóbal de Valdueza, León
- Accessible: No. Conventional wheelchairs or strollers face difficulties on the forest terrain, but with all-terrain wheelchairs or a Joëlette and proper assistance, parts of the grove can be explored.
- The Therapeutic Forest project seeks greater accessibility in the long term, but currently (November 2025), the trails do not have universal accessibility infrastructure.
- Contact: 987 42 42 36 – PONFERRADA MUNICIPAL TOURIST OFFICE
- Social Media: Bierzo Vivo Association: This local association has been essential in the restoration of the grove and frequently organizes events, theatrical hikes, and local activities. Their Facebook page is very active in this regard.
- Facebook: BIERZO VIVO (@bierzovivo)
ℹ️ Additional Information
- Forest of the Year in Spain 2024: Awarded by the NGO Bosques Sin Fronteras, highlighting its ecological importance and uniqueness.
- Centuries-old Chestnuts: The grove is known for its impressive chestnut trees, many centuries old, creating a “magical” natural environment.
- Therapeutic Forest: A project exists to turn it into a therapeutic forest or “forest bathing” site, focusing on the health and wellbeing benefits of forest environments.
- Cultural Heritage: Villar de los Barrios is a Cultural Interest Asset, and the grove forms an integral part of the architectural and natural heritage of the area, including nearby villages such as Salas and Lombillo.
- Restoration: The forest has experienced a “rebirth” thanks to the efforts of local associations like Bierzo Vivo and volunteers, who worked for years on its recovery and valorization after decades of timber production.
Routes from Villar de los Barrios
- Short circular trail through the grove: The most popular walk, ideal for families and a relaxed hike.
- Route: Semi-circular, approximately 3 kilometers.
- Points of interest: Passes by the most emblematic chestnuts, visits old fountains, and offers an immersive forest experience.
- Starting point: The village “era” (plaza) of Villar de los Barrios.
- Trail of the old fountains and the grove: A more complete route including other elements of local heritage.
- Route: Loops around Villar de los Barrios.
- Points of interest: Allows discovery of the grove, several old village fountains, and remains of a mine.
- Longer routes
- Route from Campo to Villar de los Barrios: For more experienced hikers, this option connects several villages in the area.
- Route: Circular, starting from Campo.
- Points of interest: Includes the chestnut grove and several old fountains.
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