Future Secured for Iconic Miniature Railway
One of Barcelona’s most beloved recreational attractions, the 'trenet' de la Oreneta in Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta, has secured its operation until at least 2035. The Municipal Institute of Parks and Gardens formalised the concession award in August to the Centre d’Estudis Modelisme Vapor Barcelona (CEMVB), the only bidder in the public tender and the group responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the miniature railway in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district.
10-Year Concession Without Fees
The contract lasts 10 years and is retroactive, with the activity’s start date set for 16 June 2025. Notably, CEMVB will not pay any fee to Barcelona City Council for use of the space, as the activity is classified as social with no direct economic benefit to the entity.
The trenet has been a cherished part of family life in Sarrià for decades. Its continuation ensures that future generations can enjoy this unique piece of local heritage.
Closure History and Safety Upgrades
The service was temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, and it emerged that CEMVB had accumulated unpaid fees. Months later, full closure followed as the previous concession ended, and it was revealed that no formal licence compliant with European safety regulations had been in place during its 40 years of operation. After six months of engineering reforms, the train resumed service in May 2021 under a three-year agreement while the official tender specifications were developed, approved in January 2025.
Operating Schedule and Community Plans
Following negotiations, the final technical specifications require operation on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, excluding declared public holidays, removing an initial city council proposal that would have required Saturday openings. This change respects the volunteer availability of CEMVB members and the maintenance demands of the historic locomotives. A single ride costs €3.50. CEMVB also commits to revitalising the park through educational programmes for schools, hosting national and international model railway events, and strengthening community ties with open days during Sarrià’s main festival and a special Santa Claus visit via the trenet each year. The association must submit quarterly reports detailing passenger numbers by age, day, and time. The city council retains the right to suspend operations for up to 15 days annually for major cultural or sporting events in the park.
A Legacy Since 1981
The project began after Barcelona City Council acquired forest land from two former private estates in Sarrià in 1978, including the Castell de l'Oreneta. The railway opened in 1981, constructed according to standards set by the Catalan Federation of Railway Friends. Today, the nearly 700-metre track is regarded as one of Europe’s finest ridable model railway circuits, drawing thousands of visitors seeking a simulated mountain journey experience.
Reported by elperiodico.com, Judit Bertran, Exa, Plan en Familia, El Periódico Barcelona.
