Nature at its purest Authentic magic. Where large forests breathe, pearly lakes repose, and impressive rock walls jut out. The perfect environment for all outdoor sports. An environment warmed Mountains… by its people and by its villages nestling in enchanting atmospheres. And animated by thousands of colourful festivals. riuli Venezia Giulia: a different way outdoor activities will enjoy unforgettable the way nature F of experiencing the mountains. experiences, without any limits in terms A more natural and direct approach of age or athletic aptitude: rock climbing; that’s rewarding in every way: from nature mountaineering; hang gliding, gliding and to sports, to close contact with the local paragliding; golfing and fishing; canoeing people, who are deeply tied to their and windsurfing on streams and crystal- traditions and extraordinarily hospitable. clear lakes. The area offers a concentration created them Our discovery starts with the land itself, of activities against a backdrop that varied and surprising because of the mountain bikers, trekkers and horseback historical events that have marked it, and riders consider heaven on earth. the point of encounter for Latin, Germanic Up in the mountains, picturesque barns and Slavic populations. Everything is close and enchanting shepherds’ huts are Highlights together and, above all, easy to reach. connected by hiking trails that vary in The motorway and railway take you into the difficulty. Surrounded by the lush flora Via Alpina very heart of the Alps. And our journey into of the Alps, they forge a link with Have a go at hiking a short way along the wonderland begins. You’ll discover forests - neighbouring Carinthia. Via delle Alpi… a fantastic trail which, from some of the largest in Europe - as well You’ll feel completely at home among Trieste, meanders its way right across the Alps, as numerous parks and nature reserves the genuine and unique people who live immersed in a unique setting of myriad populated by chamois, rock goats and birds in towns that have been built around landscapes of chalets and pastures, refuges and of prey. churches marked by simple charm and charming hamlets. You will be enthralled by the The last griffon vultures still live here are surrounded by verdant meadows. kilometres of nature unfolding before your eyes undisturbed, majestically soaring the skies. The only thing interrupting this peaceful across the striking Trieste Carso, and the majestic Mountain pastures, protected areas, small tableau is the extravaganza of the area’s Julian and Carnic Alps, up to the glowing mountain lakes, rock walls and wild forests array of traditional festivals and folklore rose-coloured peaks of the Friulian dolomites. are just a few of the wonders of the Friulian events that will fascinate you with their mountains. Those who love sports and boisterous cheer. 3 he enchanted world of the Friulian simply superb at refuges, often located high T Alps is full of magic. Wherever you up in the mountains. They are the perfect look, there are unexpected panoramas, milieu for reading or listening to a concert trails to follow, and discoveries - great and in the “Note in Rifugio” series. small - that will surprise you. After you have enjoyed the pleasures of All the From the 2251-metre vantage point of Mount culture and food, banter and rest, other Cavallo you can see the Dolomites, but off in adventures await you: on well-preserved the distance you can also glimpse the cobalt hiking trails or the high roads of the sea. The forests, filled with fossils and trees herdsmen, to taste delicious cheeses that are that are thousands of years old, are veritable still produced using the very same methods historical monuments. The finest wood used that have been handed down for centuries. enchantment of by the Venetian Republic to build its fleets came from the woods of Carnia. And Venzone, in the Alpine foothills, is not only a charming town but also a town boasting an ideal microclimate for balsamic Highlights a magical world lavender. The Parks The myriad of hamlets dotting the gentle hills The Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti or perched on green slopes is the pride of the Friulane, with broad valleys surrounded mountains of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Wood and stone, in the houses of the authentic villages. Hands following the gestures by the ridges and towers of the Dolomites, On Mount Lussari, the village that is home to is ideal for nature excursions and trekking. of traditional cheese-making in the malghe. Eyes buried in a book or absorbed in a the sanctuary - which can be reached via the The Parco delle Prealpi Giulie, to the Pilgrim’s Trail - is an oasis of peacefulness surreal sunset in refuges. Footsteps in timeless footprints, along ancient trails, perfect west, will thrill you with its roes, deer, with a spectacular view of the Julian Alps. woodchucks and foxes. The Visitors’ for trekking today. Sauris with its typical dwellings in wood and Centres of Forni di Sopra, Cimolais and stone, Sutrio with its picturesque courtyards Resia offer fascinating excursions in and woodworking shops, Raveo with the complete safety, accompanied by expert grassy plain of Valdie and the stavoli guides in order to discover this untamed (shepherds’ huts) of the Pani basin: in these world. The Parco Intercomunale delle enchanting secluded hamlets, you can stay Colline Carniche, characterised by sunny in charming traditional homes that are rolling hills and open vistas, is ideal for examples of spontaneous local architecture. horseback trekking. You’ll enjoy a warm welcome wherever you go, but the area’s proverbial hospitality is 4 5 An oasis dedicated to the mind and body in the Arta spas, with treatments based on water rich in sulphur and pampering in the beauty centres. And genuine dishes to pamper the palate are the main attractions at the ancient festivals, alongside farming rituals and crafts. he mountains of Friuli Venezia Giulia Augusta, following in the footsteps left by T also mean health and wellness. the Romans, barbarians and adventurers Surrounded by a relaxing Alpine of all eras. This itinerary merges millenary landscape, guests at Arta Terme enjoy the traditions with pristine mountain landscapes therapeutic effects of the mineral water of that are just waiting to be discovered. Fonte Pudia, springs that have been known In the Friulian Alps, agritourisms and inns and used since ancient times. The spa at offer delights and surprises that will appeal Arta boasts large and relaxing areas for to even the most demanding palates. the most modern treatments. The array Different traditions and populations have treatments with water rich in sulphur and helped created a cuisine that alternates in calcium and magnesium sulphates, as hearty rural flavours with exquisite dishes well as services offered by the kinesitherapy worthy of the greatest gourmets. department, go hand in hand with facial/body The local delicacies alone map out a and wellness packages. At the AquaDea fascinating itinerary: prosciutto from Sauris, beauty and wellness centre, Ayurvedic Carnia pork shank and cjarsons: these mouth- techniques and Oriental philosophies are watering ravioli, filled with wild herbs, dried Well-being and combined with innovative spa products, fruit and chocolate, were the delicious lunch allowing guests to achieve complete harmony of the Cramars, the peddlers who would cross of mind and body during their pampered and the Alps on foot to sell their spices. relaxing stay. Folklore is yet another chapter introducing At Arta Terme, with its splendid mountain a unique facet of Friuli Venezia Giulia: vistas, you’ll feel as if you’re poised between festivals. The traditional celebrations that unique flavours past and present along the ancient Via Julia mark the passing of the seasons are celebrated everywhere: in the meadows during the hay season and when it’s time to migrate to mountain pastures, in quaint Highlights hamlets with historical and medieval commemorations, and in the courtyards Personality in the kitchen of mountain villages during the numerous After a day spent outdoors along trails events dedicated to typical local products. and mule tracks, why not give in to In turn, these celebrations are tied to fine temptation with a steaming plate of wines and spirits. For those who love a good polenta, accompanied by classic frico, glass of wine - or tajut, as they say in the the traditional dish served at local Friulian language - Friuli Venezia Giulia festivals? It is a potato-cheese torte offers Ramandolo, Merlot and Cabernet. with a crisp golden crust and luscious And for those who love more potent flavours, soft centre. there are excellent distillates, made by family-run companies that jealously guard their recipes and processes. 6 7 he best way to discover the most The Tarzaning adventure park at Sella Nevea The Tarvisio T distinctive and unspoilt areas around has plenty of exciting activities in store for Tarvisio is to follow in the footsteps of youngsters, in complete safety along routes Julius Kugy, the mountaineer, poet, spelunker suspended from trees. A land that brings and botanist who discovered the beauty together three languages and three peoples - of the Julian Alps, Valsaisera and Valbruna Italian, Austrian and Slovenian - naturally in the early 1900s and sang the praises reflects a complex culture. Stay at some of area: boundless of these peaceful mountains and valleys. the area’s small family-run hotels. Their unique This natural paradise offers countless and simple approach - turning guests into opportunities for excursions on foot or friends - will draw you into the lifestyle, horseback, as well as “vie ferrate” and free customs and language of small communities climbing. Friulian climbers honed their skills untouched by modernity. in these extraordinary practice grounds. The numerous museums devoted to arts and emotions For example, Nives Meroi, one of the world’s crafts have collected and preserved the area’s top female climbers, trains here.