Ribes de Freser

Ribes de Freser is the administrative and economic centre of the valley, Traditionally, it was a land of farm labourers and miners, like many mountain towns, and had industrial textile colonies and paper factories that arrived with the Industrial Revolution at the end of the 19th century. It has approximately 2,000 inhabitants and includes the villages of Batet, Bruguera, Ribes Altes and Ventolà. 

At the end of the 20th century, the valley as a whole became committed to a tourist reconversion that was respectful to the environment, without giving up the roots of traditional farming activities. Its fresh, pleasant climate in summer, the beauty of its surrounding areas, which are perfect for hiking and other sports, its fountains and natural springs of mineral water, as well as its proximity to the major ski resorts such as Vall de Núria Ski Resort, La Molina o La Masella, mean that it is a delightful place to enjoy summer and mountain tourism. The population is also known for its International contest sheepdogs skill  ("Concurs Internacional d'Habilitat amb Gos d'Atura") that takes places each year the first weekend of September.

Hotel Els Caçadors is in the centre of Ribes de Freser, just 50 metres from the Rack Railway train station that goes to the Vall de Núria. From Barcelona, it can be reached in 1 hr 45 min by taking the C17 to Puigcerdà, and from Girona in 1 hr 30 min along the C26 from Olot to Ripoll, through the Capsacosta tunnels or along the C-25 Eix Transversal from Girona to Vic. It is about 2 hr from Lleida and some 2 hr 20 min from Tarragona.