Santa Magdalena del Mont

Olot is the capital of the Garrotxa district in the Catalan province of Girona. Founded in the 9th century, Olot still has a charming historic old town with several beautiful churches and monasteries. The main attraction, however, are the four volcanoes that surround the city like a ring. If you're good on foot: you have a fantastic view of Olot from the Montsacopa volcano.

The off-road tour that begins a little southwest of Olot is also fantastic. Getting started: From Olot, drive south on the C-152, turn right towards el Mallol and just before Sant Privat d'en Bas, turn right again onto a small asphalt road, following the sign to Vidrà. This asphalted start is already quite a challenge: for 16 kilometers, the narrow road whirls along the foothills of the Serra Santa Magdalena, rising steadily from 500 to 1,300 meters in altitude and unleashing a veritable barrage of curves and bends on us. Man and machine are already wonderfully warmed up when the turnoff to the left to the points Pla Traver and Puigsacalm appears.

First, it goes over the Coll de Ciuret (1,291 m), then downhill to the Sallent farm. There, turn sharply right and cross the ford of the river of the same name. When the water is low in the summer months, the passage is no problem, but in spring, after the snow has melted, a high ground clearance is required. This also comes in handy on the following stage up to the destination, which serves up some deep gravel passages, rough stones and flat rock edges. A handful of final bends and we are standing at an altitude of 1,273 metres in front of the church of Santa Magdalena del Mont. The peace and quiet is incredible, the view is fantastic - a place for the night.