Mountainous area at the head of the river Llobregat,
framed by the high Pyrenees and the foothills: Cadí-Moixeró
range, now a Natural Park, which includes the striking
Pedraforca massif, Puigllançada, the Ensija
sierra, Rasos de Peguera (with a ski resort) and
the Catllaràs sierra, which make up Alt Berguedà,
with its steep slopes and harsh beauty. Baix Berguedà,
on the other hand, is a gentle plain furrowed by
rivers and streams. The river Llobregat is the backbone,
flowing from north to south and forming the Baells
reservoir.
The mediaeval county of Berga was once linked to the
great county of Cerdanya. After the 18th century,
agriculture and wool weaving were gradually replaced
by the cotton industry, of which Berguedà was
a pioneer ("La Berguedana" was a famous
spinning wheel) which explains the large housing estates
for the textile workers. The industry exploited the
water power from the Llobregat until the present crisis
in the sector began. Tourism and second homes have
taken on increasing importance in recent decades.
