Font de la Rabassada

## Overview Font de la Rabassada is a public drinking spring located within the **Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola**, the expansive natural park that forms a green lung between Barcelona and its surrounding municipalities. The Serra de Collserola is one of the most important natural areas in the Barcelona metropolitan region, covering over 8,000 hectares of Mediterranean forest, and its network of historic springs — known locally as *fonts* — has provided fresh water to locals and travelers for centuries. The name "Rabassada" is closely associated with the Carretera de la Rabassada, the winding mountain road that connects Barcelona to the town of Sant Cugat del Vallès through the Collserola range. This area has long been a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers seeking respite from the city. The spring sits at approximately 41.4306°N, 2.1108°E, nestled within the forested slopes of the park. Like many of the traditional *fonts* scattered throughout Collserola, Font de la Rabassada has historically been used as a drinking water source by hikers and residents. However, as with all natural springs, water quality can vary over time, and visitors should be aware that conditions may change seasonally. ## Directions 1. From Barcelona, head northwest toward the Serra de Collserola via the **Carretera de la Rabassada** (BV-1415), the historic mountain road that climbs from the Vallvidrera area toward Sant Cugat del Vallès. 2. The spring is located along or near this route within the boundaries of the Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola. 3. Use the GPS coordinates **41.4306, 2.1108** to navigate to the precise location, as signage for individual springs within the park can be limited. 4. Parking may be available at nearby trailheads or pull-offs along the Carretera de la Rabassada. From there, a short walk along park trails may be required to reach the font. *Note: These directions are based on the spring's GPS coordinates and its known association with the Rabassada area of Collserola. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola trail maps for the most up-to-date path information.* ## What to Expect Font de la Rabassada is set within the shaded, Mediterranean woodland typical of the Serra de Collserola — expect pine and holm oak forests, birdsong, and a welcome coolness under the canopy, especially during warmer months. The park is crisscrossed with well-maintained trails popular with walkers and mountain bikers, so the spring can easily be incorporated into a longer hike through the range. As a traditional Catalan *font*, the spring likely features a simple stone or metal spout — a familiar sight throughout Collserola's trail network. Water flow may vary depending on the season, with drier summer months potentially reducing output. The water has historically been used for drinking by park visitors, though it is always wise to check with local park authorities regarding current water quality advisories. The Collserola park is accessible year-round and free to enter. The area around the Rabassada road offers scenic views of Barcelona and the Vallès region, making the visit worthwhile even beyond the spring itself.