A proud and still little known mountain, Carnia is a perfect destination for all those eco-travelers who like us love the majestic peaks, the villages with stone and wooden houses, the most genuine traditions, the impervious passes. This region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in fact, holds suggestive hidden treasures, breathtaking landscapes and authentic traditions. But what can’t you miss during a holiday in this incredible area? Let’s find out now!
What to see to discover the beauty of Carnia
Every season is the right one and, from historic villages to lakes and mountains, you have endless thing to do and see. Here is our very personal top 10 of Carnia’s attractions.
Carnia’s village of watches
Pesariis is known as the village of watches. In fact, since 1725, they have built clocks for civic towers and bells. Walking through the characteristic streets of the village you will be able to admire 15 original and fascinating clocks, such as the carillon one or the water one with tilting vases and many others.
Our advice: in the small hamlet of Prato Carnico there is also the Clock Museum which collects the centuries-old testimony of this artisan tradition.
The village of Sauris
After 15 hairpin bends, we are in Sauris, a truly unique and suggestive village. Its well-kept alleys dotted with churches and votive frescoes of the houses will win you over immediately. As well as traditions, such as that of the carnival, and the language. In fact, here they speak a very particular language, which derives from German. Do not miss the Sauris IGP ham, naturally smoked with beech wood.
Our advice: you can stay in the typical houses, made with stone on the lower floor and wood on the upper floor, booking your holiday at the Albergo diffuso in the village. An authentic and green experience!
The Alpine Pearl of Carnia
In the beautiful Carnia there is also a destination that is part of Alpine Pearls Association. It is Forni di Sopra, a village 900 meters high, surrounded by mountains that are 2600 meters high.
Our advice: live this suggestive village in a sustainable way by choosing an environmentally friendly accommodation.
The Bell Tower of Val Montanaia
Very famous and very popular, the Bell Tower of Val Montanaia is certainly one of the symbols of Carnia. It is a spire about 300 meters high that only the most experienced and courageous climbers can climb. At its base, you confined an immense valley from which to observe it and from which to admire the whole panorama around.
Our advice: the base of the tower can be reached from the Pordenone Refuge without any particular technical difficulties but the CAI path 353 involves a strenuous climb of 3 km on the outward journey with 970m of altitude difference.
Bordaglia lake
In Carnia you can also see many lakes set in pristine nature. Our favorite is Lake Bordaglia, surrounded by large larch trees and a coniferous forest.
Our advice: you can reach the lake from Pierabech di Forni Avoltri, taking the CAI path 141.
The Bandit Wood of Timau
From the village of Timau you can reach a truly fascinating forest in a few minutes. Declared a natural monument of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Bosco Bandito is made up of some of the most impressive and ancient specimens of beech trees in the entire region.
Our advice: In Timau you can also visit the Ossuary Temple, also known as the Church of the Most Holy Crucifix.
The village of Raveo
Among the many villages of Carnia, Raveo certainly deserves a special mention. With its 469 inhabitants it is one of the smallest, but it is also one of the richest in history. Excavations have documented the existence of a Celtic village where Raveo now stands.
Our advice: the best time to visit the village is the second Sunday in December, when the Sapori di Carnia festival is held.
Arzino waterfalls
A one-hour walk to find yourself in front of splendid jumps of water. The Arzino waterfalls, the small stretches of water that they create and the surrounding nature form a truly suggestive picture.
Our advice: not far from Preone, the starting point of the path that leads to the waterfalls, you can find the Albergo Diffuso Lauro.
The Panoramic Route of the Peaks
Carnia is crossed by a truly unique and spectacular itinerary. It is a 35-kilometer route and is one of the most scenic roads in the entire Alpine arc of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Our advice: the route can also be done on foot or on horseback, but we suggest you to do it by bike!
A lunch in a malga
You cannot leave Carnia without first having tasted its simple, genuine, unforgettable flavors. The best way to discover the gastronomic tradition of this region is certainly to go to a mountain hut.
Our advice: among the many typical dishes of Carnia we love cjarsons, a particular stuffed pasta.
