The county of Osona is an ideal destination for people seeking authentic experiences. With its rich natural and cultural diversity, it has something for all tastes and all ages, whether it’s walking through impressive natural areas, enjoying the best local cuisine or immersing yourself in history and art. Visitors will find as many new and exciting experiences and activities as they will secluded areas of peace and quiet where they can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Osona has too many attractions to name them all, but the must-sees include the county capital, Vic, which has an astonishing cathedral that is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and neoclassical styles; the Episcopal Museum, which houses an extensive collection of mediaeval Catalan art; and the iconic Plaça Major, the main square that hosts the town’s weekly market and its major events, such as the Mercat de Música Viva music fair/festival, a touchstone event in Catalonia held every September.
The county’s natural landscapes are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, and you can even enjoy nautical sports in the famous Sau reservoir. Osona also has a via ferrata, an orienteering route and a plethora of adventure activities. While the Plana de Vic area is known for its gently rolling landscape dotted with farms, the Montseny Natural Park, with its beautiful forests and landscapes, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and you’ll be able to catch spectacular views from the steep Cingles de Tavertet cliffs. And don’t miss Les Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area, the winding Ter River and the forests in the Vall del Ges, Orís and Bisaura in the Pyrenean foothills of the northernmost part of the county.
Osona is particularly famous for its fresh foods, especially sausages and farmhouse cheeses. Plus, you can enjoy history and culture in places such as Montesquiu Castle, a mediaeval castle surrounded by a green park with the Ter River running through it, along with the picturesque town of Rupit i Pruit, considered among the most beautiful in Catalonia.
Responsible, enriching tourism
Osona is a destination that stands out for its steadfast commitment to sustainability. The county is constantly working to preserve its natural, cultural and historical heritage, while fostering responsible tourism that respects the environment and the local community.
It does this via Osona Turisme, the county’s tourism management bureau, which has spearheaded a series of initiatives that aim to turn Osona into an example of sustainable tourism, sharing its natural and cultural heritage with visitors while protecting it from any deterioration.
These initiatives include promoting awareness of the natural routes with local guides, a network of camper van areas to foster nature conservation and offer visitors a deeper connection with the land, and the innovative ArtiMur project, which suggests a route around the county based on the murals in different towns, which not only beautify the urban landscape but also create a unique cultural connection between visitors and local residents.
Likewise, thanks to the viewpoints installed around the county to improve the tourist experience, visitors can enjoy extraordinary views with a minimal environmental impact. They can also fully immerse themselves in the local culture and creativity through traditional artisan practices which Osona Turisme strives to conserve.
With these initiatives, Osona is not only preserving its natural and cultural assets but also offering a high-quality, eco-friendly tourism experience.
The impact of the Biosphere seal
If we had to highlight just one of Osona Turisme’s projects in its bid to become a sustainable tourist destination, it’s the fact that it has secured Biosphere certification. This certification has enabled it to make considerable headway towards this goal and to foster private businesses in the county, such as accommodations, guides, museums, information offices and interpretation centres.
It has also resulted in improvements in tourism services, energy saving, recycling and responsible management, and it has helped create a network of sustainability-conscious professionals, facilitate training for the sector and boost awareness of the destination and its sustainable practices. This means that Osona is not only continuing to work towards becoming a more sustainable and environmentally friendly destination, it is also reinforcing its commitment to quality and excellence in tourism services.
