Hiking in Friuli: Trekking in Sappada in the Carnic Alps

First day

We will meet in the early evening to get to know the guide and the rest of the group: we will settle into our 3-star hotel in Sappada and then we will be ready to start our vacation on the right foot: with a dinner featuring typical local dishes! Our guide will explain the weekly program for this trekking holiday in the Carnic Pre-Alps: we will discover the source of the Piave River, symbol of the identity of the communities in these areas, and we will walk among the most beautiful mountains of Western Friuli. Between excursions, we will have the opportunity to rest and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the mountains, thanks to a free day that we can choose to spend walking or visiting some nearby towns.
Welcome to Friuli!

Second day

Sources of the Piave and Ombladêt peak
Let's set off to discover the true spirit of these mountains: today's excursion takes us to the sources of the Piave, a river that symbolizes these areas due to the events of the First World War, which forged the identity of the communities of the Northeast. We will travel from the hotel by shuttle bus to Val Sesis, home to this wonderful place. From here, we will walk together to the Calvi Refuge, where we can take a break before continuing step by step to Forcella Sesis. We have not yet reached the summit, but we can see it in front of us: we will continue until we conquer Cima Ombladêt (2255 m), from where we can enjoy a splendid view. Our circular route continues through Passo dei Cacciatori, passing through meadows, woods, scree slopes, and gullies, with beautiful views of the Volaia mountains, the distant Cogliàns group, and Cimon. We then return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest!

Third day

Laghi D’Olbe: circular route with Rifugio Monte Ferro
Today we are going on a beautiful hike to Laghi d'Olbe, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Carnic Pre-Alps! We set off on foot from our hotel and in five minutes we are at the lifts that will take us to Sappada 2000: from here we can already enjoy a wonderful view of the valley below. From here, it will be easy to reach the Laghi D'Olbe, two glacial lakes that reflect the bright colors of the surrounding nature. Our legs are warm enough to continue our trek in the Carnic Pre-Alps towards Rifugio Monte Ferro. A nice lunch at the refuge would be perfect! We descend from the refuge directly on foot and return to our hotel.

Fourth day

day off Today we can rest our legs a little... if we want to! The day is free for everyone, but there are lots of ideas for enjoying it to the full! How about another excursion to Carnia? The Friulian Dolomites are nearby, and no one can take away a beautiful trek! Alternatively, we can go for a cultural outing and visit the most characteristic villages of Carnia: Pesariis, for example, known as the village of clocks for its ancient production of clock towers, or Sauris, where you can taste excellent prosciutto.
There's something for everyone!

Fifth day

Monte Tuglia, the little Matterhorn, and Casera Tuglia
With our batteries recharged, today we set off again on our treks in and around Sappada. We leave our hotel on foot forthe hike to Monte Tuglia: this mountain with its sharp peak is very reminiscent of the Matterhorn, but on a slightly smaller scale. We take the path along the forest road that gradually climbs through fir and larch woods, with shaded and quiet stretches that make the climb pleasant even on the hottest days. As we climb, the forest thins out and beautiful views of the Sappada basin begin to open up, with its meadows, villages, and surrounding peaks. We reach Casera Tuglia, a small mountain hut where we can stop for a panoramic break to recharge our batteries. For the more determined, there is the last stretch before the summit: you walk on grassy slopes until you reach the top of Monte Tuglia, a peak that is not too high but extremely scenic. From the top, you can enjoy a 360° view of the Carnic Alps, the Pesarine Dolomites and, on clear days, an incredible mosaic of mountains that makes the effort more than worthwhile.

Sixth day

Lake Volaia and Collians peak, between Italy and Austria
Today we have a real treat for you: we're taking you to Austria!The guided excursion to Lake Volaia is unmissable if you're in this area, so here's the perfect opportunity to do it! We drive to Forni Avoltri, where we meet our guide, and then head to the Taolazzi Refuge car park. From the refuge, we take a dirt road, initially crossing alpine pastures and open valleys, where it is not uncommon to spot marmots and chamois. Our gaze is immediately captured by the vastness of the landscape, severe but harmonious, typical of these border mountains. We then climb up to Lake Volaia and the refuge of the same name on the shores of the lake. This stretch of water nestled between the mountains, with its intense and changing colors and surrounded by scree and rocky ridges, invites us to stop, enjoy the silence and observe the constantly changing panorama depending on the light and clouds. For the more adventurous, there is a climb to the Volaia Pass, on the border between Italy and Austria, where the view of the lake is breathtaking. We descend and return to our hotel for our last traditional dinner!

Seventh day

Last awakening in Sappada, among the magical Carnic Pre-Alps. The week-long mountain trekking holiday seems to have flown by, but it has left us with indelible memories: after seeing the Piave Springs and Ombladêt peak, we understood more about the importance of these areas for the local community, as well as the beauty that the scenery of the Olbe Lakes and Mount Tuglia offer the inhabitants of this valley every day. From the top of Collians peak, sitting next to the shores of Lake Volaia, we were able to savor every second of this vacation, understanding the importance of living each moment to the fullest. See you next time!