The Tren dels Llacs, literally Lakes’s Train, is a scenic train route in Catalonia in Spain. It’s operated by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGT).

From April to November you can book a seat on a vintage Renfe 6000 series coach pulled by two diesel locomotive. In July and August a modern EMU (which looks like a Stadler FLIRT) is used.

Book your seat well in advance as available seats are limited. You have to book by phone.

The journey

The Tren departs from Lleida, approximatively one hour by AVE from Barcelona Sants. In some two hours, it winds through 41 tunnels, 31 bridges and 21 level crossings to La Pobla del Segur, at the foot of the Pyrenees.

There’s absolutely nothing to do in La Pobla. Well there is, and there isn’t. Most train passengers book an excursion into the mountains. So maybe it’s a god idea to do that.

But Oriol and I did enjoy this scenic journey.

Is it worth the detour?

Is it worth the detour? That’s up to you.

Don’t be put off by having to book by phone. Yes, you will probably be the only foreigner(s) on the train, but announcements are done in Castillian, Catalonian, English and French. The anglophone and francophone announcements are done with a delicious latin accent.

It’s a great way to explore this off the beaten path region of Catalonia.