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My son was obsessed with trains, and it was high time we took him to the Parc de l’Oreneta, a leafy park near Collserola in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. While the park has lots to offer like hiking areas, playgrounds, ping pong tables, rich vegetation, and more, the steam train is the most popular attraction.
The Parc de L’Oreneta train circuit was built in 1980 by an association of train enthusiasts. and these experts haven’t missed any details. The trains are a small scale of a real railway circuit, equipped with a train depot, bridges, tunnels, railroad crossing signs, and viaducts. It’s surrounded by pine and oak trees.
How cute is this water tower?
There’s even a canopied train ticket station.
It also has a bell you can ring 32 times until you annoy everyone.
The train ride is about five minutes long, covering 636 meters of train tracks. There are 11 trains total, two of which are usually running. Waiting for the train doesn’t take very long. At the purchase gate, the kids even get a little brown ticket to give to the conductor when they board.
The seats are quite narrow, so only two people can fit in a car: an adult and a small child. If you’re a safety-conscious American mom like me who worries about seat belts, welcome to Spain! There are none. You basically have to be on your toes if you have a squirmy kid.
We got a peek at the dashboard.
And every train needs a cute caboose.
Here comes a tunnel! I had to make sure my son’s head wasn’t sticking out when going through either of the two tunnels. They’re so narrow — I’m pretty sure that they break safety regulations in the US 😉
The train engineers running the trains take it pretty seriously. Probably because you get to wear the cool train hats.
Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga choo-choo! Real steam even comes out!
After a train ride, you can hit up a non-shaded playground if you wish.
The Parc de L’Oreneta is a fun place to spend an afternoon with the kids on a Sunday. You can even bring a picnic lunch and sit in one of the shaded areas. We’ve done this a few times with other families, and it is a fantastic break to take away from the busy part of Barcelona.
To get there, you have to climb uphill to the top of the park. If you have a stroller, just know that the route is a little rocky.
Information for Parc de L’Oreneta
Entrance Fee: Free
Open 10am – Sunset
Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta
Passatge Blada
08017 Barcelona
To get there take the V3 or 106 bus. The train stop is Reina Elisenda of the FGC L6.
More information: Parc de L’Oreneta Website
Train (Tren de L’Oreneta)
Ride Fee: 2 euros, purchased on-site
Open on Sundays and holidays only, 10:30am – 1:30pm
More information: Tren de L’Oreneta Website