The most beautiful hikes in FVG
Welcome to the wonderful region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventures! Here, amidst the majestic mountains of the Julian Pre-Alps, the enchanting hills and the charming Adriatic coastline, you will find a treasure trove of natural beauty to discover. This region is a land of contrasts, where wild nature blends harmoniously with the cultural and historical wealth of the region.
In this article we have made only a selection of the many hikes that can be done in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, opting for routes of different levels, from the easy touristy, suitable for everyone, to the difficult, for experienced hikers.
Each route is an invitation to immerse yourself in the magnificent nature of this land, offering unique emotions and views. So, get ready to discover our favourite choices, but remember that there are still so many wonders to explore in this rich and fascinating region. Enjoy your journey of discovery in Friuli-Venezia Giulia!
TIZIANA WEISS NATURE TRAIL - AMPEZZO
The evocative Tiziana Weiss Nature Trail is a unique experience along CAI 233, created for the purpose of divulgating nature. Along the ring trail, in fact, one can only be enchanted by the most fascinating elements of nature, highlighted with illustrative tables at 12 'observation stations'. This path is a heartfelt tribute to Tiziana Weiss, a courageous mountaineer and passionate natural science teacher from Trieste, who lost her life on the majestic Pale di San Martino in 1978, at only 26 years of age. To get there, from Tolmezzo, you have to take the Carnic State Road 52 in a westerly direction towards Villa Santina - Passo della Mauria. Once you reach Ampezzo, continue towards Cima Corso, then turn right onto the road that, with a few hairpin bends, leads to the saddle and the Tita Piaz refuge (1417 m).
MONTE CHIAMPON
The majestic peak of Monte Chiampon (Cjampon in Friulian) towers over the pretty town of Gemona del Friuli from its north-eastern slope. This mighty elevation is the westernmost of the Julian Pre-Alps and offers an extraordinary panorama from the Dolomites to the sea and Slovenia.
But beware: even though the climb may seem short and easy, do not underestimate this very popular path. Unfortunately, too many accidents have been recorded in recent years, some of them fatal (the gravestones along the trail bear witness to this). The steep, often friable and exposed terrain requires the utmost care.
To access the climb, head towards the upper part of the town of Gemona del Friuli and follow the signs for the Cuarnan malga. Follow an asphalt road with countless hairpin bends until you reach a car park just before the aforementioned malga (altitude 1050 m).
Be prepared and careful along this fascinating adventure on Mount Chiampon. Respect the mountain, take all necessary precautions and enjoy the panoramic view that will leave you breathless!
MONTE CUARNAN
One of the most evocative panoramic viewpoints over the plain and the Pre-Alps, the route that leads along the Cuarnan relief forms a mountainous circle together with Mount Chiampon (they face each other), surrounding the characteristic and extraordinarily developed cone of the Vegliato stream, where the picturesque town of Gemona stands. This particular conformation is closely linked to the presence of the important tectonic line called Barcis-Staro Selo, located between the Cuarnan and Chiampon (sella Foredor). This line is credited with the origin of the sadly famous earthquakes of 1976, which caused considerable damage precisely in Gemona and a large number of victims. To access the excursion, you can reach the Gemona Cathedral area by car, either from the Gemona railway station (along Via Sottocastello) or from Artegna (along the SP 20 road). You will find parking near the historic centre, ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this magnificent scenic area. Be ready to enjoy the magnificent panorama that stretches before you, embracing the plain and the majestic Pre-Alps. While hiking, always remember to respect your surroundings and walk carefully, appreciating the unspoilt nature that surrounds you.
TA LIPA POT
Val Resia, where nature, culture and history come together in a fascinating itinerary. The permanent circular route 'Ta Lipa Pot' (which in Resian means 'the beautiful road') has its starting and finishing point in the hamlet of Stolvizza di Resia and offers an authentic and engaging experience in the Val Resia. This nature trail winds along paths around the village, immersing itself in an unspoilt area of unique serenity. The roads will take you through places rich in history, tradition and mountain culture, embraced by panoramas of rare beauty.
During the walk, it will not be uncommon to encounter grazing horses, sheep and cows, bringing you even closer to local rural life.
To reach this picturesque route, take the A23 Venice motorway and exit at Carnia, then continue towards Tarvisio on the S.S. 13 Pontebbana until you reach Val Resia near Resiutta. From here, follow the road along the valley, ignoring all detours, until you reach Stolvizza.
Get ready for a unique experience of nature and tradition in the beautiful Resia Valley, discovering all that this magnificent land has to offer.
ASCENT TO THE BIANCHI BIVOUAC - VAL ALBA NATURE RESERVE
An extraordinary mountain adventure: the ascent to the Giuseppe Bianchi bivouac in the beautiful Val Alba Nature Reserve. This cosy hut is located on a grassy expanse surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Val Alba. In 2018, it was completely renovated in spruce and offers 6 comfortable beds, with two entrances, one higher at the back to deal with snowfall. Outside, you will find a space with benches perfect for lighting a warm bonfire.
To reach this extraordinary destination, head towards the town of Moggio Udinese in the beautiful Val Canale. Continue along the provincial road 112 in the direction of Pontebba until you reach the hamlet of Pradis. From here, turn right and follow the signs for the Alba Valley Nature Reserve. However, please be careful: the directions on Google Maps are wrong! The correct coordinates to reach the car park where the hike starts are: 46.4508710, 13.2167740.
Be prepared for an immersive wilderness experience and breathtaking views along the way. Pack the appropriate equipment and enjoy this extraordinary ascent to the Bianchi bivouac in the Val Alba Nature Reserve. Enjoy the hike!
The FVG region overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with its majestic mountains and striking landscapes, offers a wide range of excursions to discover.
