Sierra Norte
The northernmost part of our region is the Sierra Norte, a mostly mountainous area full of oak and pine forests, and vineyards in its southern foothills.
Imprescindibles de Sierra Norte
¿Buscas un refugio lejos del bullicio? La Sierra Norte de Madrid te espera con sus paisajes naturales, sus pueblos con encanto y una tranquilidad que te envolverá. Respira aire puro, desconecta de la rutina y sumérgete en la belleza de esta comarca.
La Sierra Norte alberga algunos de los espacios naturales más destacados del centro de la península Ibérica: el Patrimonio Mundial Hayedo de Montejo, la Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rincón o el Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, donde se alza el pico Peñalara, la mayor elevación de la Comunidad de Madrid.
La Sierra Norte también es rica en historia y cultura. Buitrago del Lozoya, Patones, Rascafría y Torrelaguna son localidades que forman parte de las Villas de Madrid por encontrarse en enclaves naturales de gran belleza y haber conservado su arquitectura, su gastronomía y sus tradiciones populares.
Además, en el valle del Lozoya se encuentra el yacimiento de Valle de los Neandertales, un lugar de gran importancia arqueológica que nos permite conocer más sobre nuestros antepasados.
Hayedo de Montejo
The Hayedo de Montejo, one of the most unique forests in the region, was declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. It's a singular space that was already declared Natural Site of National Interest in 1974, which forms part of a joint candidacy of 'European Beeches'.
At the foot of the Sierra de Ayllón is the Hayedo de Montejo, an old meadow of beeches, oak trees and Pyrenean oak that as we advanced, was declared by UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. It's the first natural area in the region that receives this distinction, a well-deserved recognition of the work developed during these years by the Region of Madrid.
The landscape and ecological diversity of this space have been turned into a true 'natural laboratory' capable of anticipating the effects of climate change. It has an exhaustive research program that includes two forest inventories, which were carried out in 1994 and 2005. Through the monitoring of more than 1,400 trees as well as the weather through meteorological stations, it has been possible to know first-hand the evolution of this space in recent years.
After being declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1974, increased visits to the forest, forcing generate an environmental education program, which includes guided tours and enhancement of the natural wealth of the environment, the uniqueness and fragility of the Hayedo and of the whole of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve.
From here we encourage you to discover the beauty of this environment, of course, all those interested shall register on the website in advance. There is another possibility, which is obtaining authorization in person on the same day that you want to make the visit. It will only be necessary to request the permission in the Resource and Information Centre of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve located in Real St. 64 in the town of Montejo de la Sierra in Madrid. The authorizations will be delivered in strict order of arrival, from the opening of the office at 9.30 am until they are exhausted.
The visits to the Hayedo de Montejo are always guided, by Environmental Educators, and free of charge. Although the best time to visit it is autumn, during the summer months is the perfect plan to enjoy in touch with nature, a place of singular beauty where the human footprint is less evidence. Discover it!
Biosphere Reserves
Rascafría
Buitrago del Lozoya
The water had already done its job when the pioneers arrived.
Patones
Patones is an incredible mountain municipality that belongs to the Madrural territory of the Community of Madrid, and is located more specifically in the Jarama Valley of the Sierra Norte. It is made up of Patones de Arriba and Patones de Abajo.
You can start your visit in Patones de Abajo, visit the Museum of the geological classroom, located in a place of extraordinary geological value. Outside the museum, we can see a collection of rocks representative of the Sierra Norte. After the visit to the museum, Patones de Arriba awaits you after climbing the ecological path of El Barranco, a path of just 750 meters in which as we gain altitude we can enjoy a breathtaking landscape.
Patones de Arriba is one of the eleven Villas de Madrid, a group of unique destinations for the recognized value of its Cultural Heritage, which have managed to preserve their rural authenticity.
This small village, whose black slate architecture has earned it the status of Cultural Heritage, is located in a privileged enclave, surrounded by mountains and forests. Its steep and narrow streets, stone houses and slate roofs create a unique and special atmosphere.
Patones de Arriba is a perfect place to enjoy nature and tranquility and a rich mountain gastronomy in any of its delicious restaurants. It also offers a wide variety of tourist activities, such as hiking, cycling, climbing or fishing.
Torrelaguna
Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
The Sierra de Guadarrama, declared a National Park, invites you to explore a world of wild beauty just a few kilometers from Madrid. Its mountainous landscapes, centuries-old forests, and green valleys will captivate you with their tranquility and rich biodiversity.
What to see in Sierra Norte
This natural area is a top tourist attraction, with a unique World Heritage Site such as the Hayedo de Montejo and municipalities such as Buitrago del Lozoya, Patones or Rascafría, which are included in the Villas de Madrid product, a set of unique destinations for the recognized value of their cultural heritage, which have managed to preserve their rural authenticity.
Buitrago del Lozoya stands out for its medieval wall, as Muslim as Castilian and Christian, which surrounds its historic center and is in turn surrounded by the Lozoya River. Its Castle or Alcázar next to the Church of Santa María del Castillo, the Clock Tower and the wall give this municipality a medieval air.
Patones de Arriba is one of the most picturesque towns in the region. A place where time has stopped and represents like no other the "Black Architecture" in its rural slate houses. We recommend walking up the Barranco ecological path from Patones de abajo.
Rascafría. It is a charming place, with unique bridges such as the Perdón bridge or the Paular avenue footbridge. But without a doubt, the beautiful Royal Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Santa María de El Paular is a must-see.
Torrelaguna. Birthplace of Cardinal Cisneros, it houses the most diverse historical complex, combining the most superb Gothic with Baroque, Plateresque or Neoclassical -even having a medieval structure-. The Church of Santa María Magdalena stands out, without a doubt, one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the Community of Madrid. This town hides cinematographic secrets and has been the scene of numerous films such as "Pride and Passion", starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren.
The resources of the area generate an always active cultural, gastronomic and leisure offer, which designs adventure, outdoor sports or hiking plans according to the season of the year.
The best way to get to know the corners of the Sierra Norte is to discover its routes. For this, we have designed several geolocated routes that promise to discover the secrets of the region.
In this section we also tell you the secrets of each area of this rich and diverse Sierra Norte de Madrid, don't you know it yet?
Sierra de la Cabrera
Sierra del Rincón
Valle Alto del Lozoya
Valle Bajo del Lozoya
Valle del Jarama
Valle Medio del Lozoya
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