Ontdek Friuli met je eigen gids / Discover Friuli with your own guide / Scopri il Friuli con la tua guida privata /
Entdecken Sie Friaul mit Ihrer eigenen Fremdenführerin
"ONCE A YEAR, GO SOMEWHERE
YOU'VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE."
Dalai Lama
FUN THINGS TO DO IN FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA
ARE YOU TIRED OF VISITING CITIES? HERE IS THE TOP 10 OF FUN ACTIVITIES IN FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA.
1
VISIT FRIULI UNDER THE GROUND! EXPLORE THE "GROTTA GIGANTE" - "THE GIANT CAVE" LOCATED IN 'SGONICO' - NEAR TRIESTE. IT'S SO BIG THAT ITS EVEN ON THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS LIST.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is not only nice and interesting above the ground but also underneath! There are many caves, from small to large, especially in the area of Trieste. Here the landscape is made of karst rocks (rich in limestone), also known as 'il Carso'. This type of rock allows water to pass through it easily, which allows caves to form.
The most famous cave is the giant cave "La Grotte Gigante" in Sgonico, near Trieste. The great room is so huge that there is a joke that the Saint Peter's Dome in Rome can fit into it. It’s even in the Guinness Book of World Records. Click on the link for more information about the cave.
Would you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city during your holiday in Trieste? Well, you can. Within a few kilometers drive you will find the valley "Val Rosandra" on the border with Slovenia. It is a beautiful nature reserve where you can hike and cycle (the old rails were converted to bike paths). With a little luck, you may be able to stand face to face with a herd of ibex.
The Rosandra River that runs through the valley, is the only river in the Trieste area that runs above ground. All others pass through the porous limestone and continue underground. There is even a waterfall! The Romans knew how to use this river very well and from here they built the aqueduct that ran to the Roman city of Tergeste (currently called Trieste).
This hike can be done by young and old. You can stop to get some food in the typical small "agritourism" called Osmize here, where you will only find local dishes made with the products of the farmer.
GO HIKING IN THE NATURAL RESERVE 'VAL ROSANDRA' ONLY A STONE'S THROW FROM TRIESTE
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3
RENT A YELLOW SCOOTER 'VESPA' AND GO WINE TASTING AT VINEYARDS IN THE WINE REGION OF 'COLLIO'.
Would you enjoy driving a genuine Italian yellow vespa through the beautiful hilly Collio wine area in search of even nicer places and views while tasting some typical wines that are produced here? Do not hesitate to rent such a vespa ore E-bike.
In the Collio wine region, with the cultural town of Cormòns in its center, there are about twenty vineyards who provide vespas. If you prefer to rent it directly in Cormòns, please contact the official rental shop Zorgniotti. For more information click on the link.
4
WALK ALONG THE 'SENTIERO RILKE' TRAIL NOT FAR FROM TRIESTE. ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL VIEW OVER THE ADRIATIC SEA HIGH ON TOP OF THE CLIFFS AND THEN VISIT THE CASTLE IN DUINO
Let's be honest. Where else would you find such a beautiful trail following the coastline right on top of the cliffs looking out over the Adriatic Sea?
The 'sentiero Rilke' trail lies between the towns of Sistiana and Duino, in the province of Trieste. The 2-kilometer walk is easy to do and is especially beautiful in the fall when the flora has all different shades of colors. You can start your walk in either town.
You can also combine the walk with a visit to the Duino Castle. The path owes its name to the Prague writer Rainer Maria Rilke. Rainer was a guest at the castle in the early 20th century and was inspired by the stunning views to write his masterpiece "The Duino Elegies”.
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Tip: don't forget to put on your hiking shoes and bring a bottle of water!
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5
GO AND REFRESH YOURSELF IN THE 'TAGLIAMENTO ' RIVER. THE LONGEST AND WIDEST GLACIER RIVER OF FRIULI. MAKE A WALK AROUND 'LAKE 'CORNINO' AND WATCH THE RAPTORS IN THE NATURE RESERVE RIGHT NEXT TO IT
The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is divided in two by the 180 km. long glacier Tagliamento river. The verb 'tagliare' says it all; it stands for "to cut".
When making a trip one even says "we go to the right or left of the Tagliamento."
Its riverflow is completely natural and not affected by people. It's called the King of the Alpine Rivers and every season it looks different depending on the amount of rainfall or snow.
Friulians are especially happy with this river during the long hot humid summers. They enjoy refreshing themselves and splashing in this cold river that originates in the Alps and flows into the Adriatic Sea. Sometimes people bring their barbecues along and sit, or rather, lay all day on their beach chairs. They chat, eat some snacks and occasionally freshen up. Dogs are allowed and the kids enjoy building dikes with the large pebbles.
Where you can sunbathe on the banks of this river and go splashing in the fresh water? Almost everywhere.
My favorite places are the Tabine beach in Ragogna or under the second bridge going towards Forgaria. When you go there don't miss to visit the Cornino Lake with its beautiful turquoise color.
You can make a walk around the lake and visit the adjacent Raptor Reserve. For more information click on the button
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Please pay attention. In some places, the water can be deep and has a very strong current. I recommend going to places where other people are also present.
6
GO TREE CLIMBING IN ONE OF THE ADVENTURE PARKS THAT FRIULI HAS TO OFFER. FOR EXAMPLE "PARCO AVVENTURA SELLA NEVEA" CLOSE THE DAY WITH A WALK THROUGH THE MONTASIO MOUNTAINS OF MONTASIO
Are you on a holiday with your children and do you want to have some fun and action with them in a beautiful surrounding? Then go to the 'Parco Avventura Sella Nevea' at the foot of Mount Montasio (famous for the delicious cheese made here) in the village of Sella Nevea near the Chiusaforte town in the Alps Giulie. About 1.5 hours drive north of Udine.
Here, young and old (children up from 3 years old) can climb in between the trees with the use of special equipment. On the basis of the age and experience, there are different tracks, each with its own level and height. The children are helped by specialized instructors. Click on the 'more info' button for opening hours and tariffs.
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Other Adventure Parks can be found in the Dolomites in Forni di Sopra and nearby the city of Trieste.
Do you have any energy left after your climb? Take the car and follow the Montasio signs. After a fifteen-minute drive you will arrive at a parking lot from where several hikes start through the Montasio mountains. You do not have to walk too long before you arrive at the typical 'Malga'. These are small farms where the Montasio cheese is made with milk from the stray grazing cows. You can try typical dishes such as frico, frittata, gnocchi and of course the Montasio cheese itself For more information on these dishes go to the culinary section.
7
GO HIKING IN THE MONTASIO MOUNTAINS (FAMOUS FOR THE CHEESE THAT IS MADE HERE)
After a fifteen-minute drive from Sella Nevea, following the signs Jof Montasio, you can find a parking place where you can choose between several hikes through the Montasio Mountains. The hikes are not too difficult and you can choose between different distances.
You do not have to walk too far before arriving at the first of a series of typical Malga's. These are small farms where the Montasio cheese is made with milk from the stray grazing cows. You can try typical dishes such as frico, frittata, gnocchi, and of course the Montasio cheese.
8
GO EXPLORE AND VISIT THE FORTRESS OF OSOPPO
The Fortress of Osoppo is located in the town of Osoppo on top of the hill from which you can overlook the Alps, the flat land, the Tagliamento River and the main roads. It has always been a very important strategic place to defend the region from invaders.
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Over the centuries the fortress has been the center of fierce battles. From an ancient Celtic settlement it grew into a Roman stronghold after which, in the fifteenth century, it became one of the fundamental defensive sites of the Republic of Venice.
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It was also fought during the War against Napoleon, World War I and World War II, during which the fortress was modified with trenches, tunnels and walkways. In 1923, it was declared a National Monument.
Today the Osoppo Fort is a true open-air museum where you can touch the ancient remains and relive the glory years.
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From the panoramic terrace you have a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape and the Tagliamento River. You can also see very clearly the town of Gemona, made famous after the 1976 earthquake whose epicenter was not far away from here.
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9
FLY THROUGH THE SKY WITH THE ZIPLINES OF SAURIS AND TARVISIO
There are several reasons to visit Sauris di Sopra and Tarvisio: the breathtaking views, the numerous hiking trails in the valley or in the mountains, and the various culinary specialties offered in these two beautiful towns.
And if that's not enough reason, you can also zipline! The zipline of of 2.5 km. in Sauris is the longest in Europe! Its "little brother" in Tarvisio is 560 meters long.
The zipline in Sauris:
You have to get to the starting point by foot or with the organization's minibus. Before the flight begins, you will be given a short safety course.
The 2.5-kilometer course consists of three parts. The first two parts go over the forest, while the last and also longest part goes completely over the lake. Pure adrenaline, but in complete safety!
Once you reach the terminus of the cable car, you will be comfortably brought back to Sauris di Sopra.
The zipline in Tarvisio:
The dream of flying over the thousand-year-old forest of Tarvisio has come true. With a gradient of 27%, a height difference of 143 meters and a length of 560 meters, you are guaranteed exciting moments. The Angelo chairlift will take you back to the starting point to fly again!
The cable car is located at the foot of Monte Lussari. Direct access is in Via Alpi Giulie, on the state road connecting Camporosso to Tarvisio.
Booking in advance is mandatory!
10
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HELLISH BLUE WATERS OF THE NATISONE RIVER NEAR CIVIDALE WITH THIS RIVER TREKKING EXCURSION
River trekking Natisone is an exciting journey of discovery through the hellish blue waters of the canyon of the Natisone River.
The secrets of this magnificent canyon cannot be discovered in any other way.
Indeed, at San Pietro al Natisone, the river canyon is too deep and hidden to view from above. Only those who immerse themselves in the water and traverse the gorge while "river trekking" will unlock its secrets!
Immerse yourself in the waters of the San Pietro al Natisone River to enjoy incredible natural beauty.
While swimming and moving yourself between rocks over a length of about 2.5 km you will be able to contemplate this wonderful place from the water.
All this under the guidance of special trained guides from Wild Valley, who will take you safely on an exploration of the river.
Upon arrival you will be taken back to the starting point by van.