Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos

The boulder where three kingdoms once met

Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos

A challenging ride through the upper reaches of the Montesinho Natural Park, taking in the Serra da Coroa, the border with Spain and the Fraga dos 3 Reinos, an ancient medieval landmark marking the boundary between three kingdoms. The descent leads to Moimenta, a ‘Village of Portugal’, where the Smuggling Museum preserves the memory of a clandestine economy. Suitable for gravel bikes.

Activity
BTT
Distance
47,1 km
Elevation gain
1332 m
Elevation loss
1398 m
Altitude
760–1255 m
Estimated time
4h
Technical difficulty
Hard (red)
Route type
Loop
Best season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Waymarked
Yes
Code
BTT03

Centre: Vinhais

The Fraga dos 3 Reinos route is one of the project's great crossings: a hard ride for experienced riders, through the high reaches of Montesinho and the memory of centuries of border life. Mountain and border. Entirely within the Natural Park, it climbs the Serra da Coroa, the highest point of the municipality, with views reaching into Spain. Near Carvalhas it touches the frontier, facing the Spanish village of Mazalvos: where there were once rivalries and smuggling, today there is peaceful neighbourliness. Past the old customs house, the path weaves between the boundary stones of the two countries — one moment in Portugal, the next in Spain. The three-kingdoms stone. The heart of the route is the Fraga dos 3 Reinos, a boulder that in medieval times marked the meeting of the kingdoms of Portugal, Castile and León, and Galicia. Moimenta. The descent leads to Moimenta, an "Aldeia de Portugal": neat houses, century-old crosses and the imposing Igreja Matriz de S. Pedro. Its Smuggling Museum recalls a clandestine economy that ended only when both countries joined the European Community.

Download the track: GPX · KML

Quick answers

How long is the Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos route and how much climbing does it have?

47.1 km, with 1332 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

How long does the Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos route take?

About 4h (estimated time).

Is the Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos route difficult?

The technical difficulty is hard (red). Physical effort: 4 out of 5.

When is the best time to ride or walk the Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

Where does the Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos route start?

You can start at: Parque Biológico de Vinhais.

Is the Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

Where can I download the GPX for the Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-da-fraga-dos-3-reinos/export-gpx.

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