Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (FFE)

The Spanish Greenways Programme (El Programa de Vías Verdes de España) is promoted and coordinated by the Spanish Railways Foundation (FFE), a public-sector foundation under the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. Established in 1985, its founding members were the National Network of Spanish Railways (RENFE) and the Spanish Federation of Narrow-Gauge Railways (FEVE). Today, all regional and metropolitan railway operators in Spain, the Railway Infrastructure Administrator (ADIF), and associations representing rolling-stock manufacturers and civil engineering companies are also members of the FFE Board of Trustees.

The FFE promotes awareness and use of the railway through activities serving the public, including cultural initiatives, research and training, technological development, and the preservation, restoration and alternative use of railway cultural heritage. It also publishes periodicals and specialised books, and manages and preserves the Railway Museums of Madrid and Catalonia, as well as its documentary heritage through the Railway Library and the Historical Railway Archive.

Its main activities include:

  • Raising public awareness of rail transport and encouraging its use, as well as promoting research into this mode of transport.
  • Preserving railway heritage, including material assets and historically valuable documents.
  • Disseminating information about the cultural importance of railways and their socioeconomic, environmental and urban integration benefits.

The Spanish Greenways Programme is a national initiative launched in 1993 to transform disused railway lines into non-motorised routes for walking, cycling and other non-motorised activities. The idea emerged after the authorities identified more than 7,600 km of disused or unfinished railway infrastructure across Spain. Rather than allowing these corridors to fall into disuse, the programme sought to convert them into public greenways.

Today, Spain has more than 3,600 km of Greenways across 144 routes, making it one of the largest greenway networks in Europe. The term “Vía Verde” (Greenway) is a registered trademark with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office and is reserved for routes developed on former railway infrastructure. These greenways promote sustainable mobility, preserve railway heritage, and support tourism and rural development throughout the country.

In relation to the Spanish Greenways Programme, the FFE is responsible for:

  • Coordinating and promoting the Spanish Greenways Programme at national level, in cooperation with other public administrations (the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Transport; and Tourism; regional governments and local authorities), as well as Adif and Renfe.
  • Protecting the “Vía Verde” trademark and disused railway heritage.
  • Conducting studies and developing projects aimed at the development and improvement of greenways.
  • Promoting and disseminating information about Spanish greenways to the public through joint communication and outreach initiatives.

The FFE is also a founding member of the Spanish Greenways Association (AEVV). It held the presidency of the Association from its establishment in 1998 until 2004. Since 2009, the FFE has served as the General Secretariat of the AEVV, with the Association’s executive office based at its headquarters.

Contact data

Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles, Dirección del Programa Vías Verdes, C/ Santa Isabel 44
E- 28012 Madrid, Spain

Contact person: Arantxa Hernández Colorado, Greenways Manager