PARC NATUREL DES DOLOMITES FRIOULANES

The Natural Park of the Friulian Dolomites, covers 36,950 hectares, of which 21,461 hectares are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A wild and unspoilt nature, straddling the provinces of Belluno, Pordenone and Udine, with numerous marked hiking trails. In fact, the heart of the park is located between the mountain villages of Forni di Sopra, forni di Sotto in the north, Claut Cimolas, Erto and Casso in the south. The Cima dei Preti mountain naturally separates the park from the Val di Cadore (Venetian Dolomites). A contemplative walk, climbing, nature observation or simply relaxing can be part of a stay in this beautiful park. The golden eagle, true king of the valleys, herds of goats that you will meet along the steep paths, but also deer, chamois and roe deer may cross your path. The observation of young marmots will undoubtedly remain one of your most beautiful memories if you are lucky. The flora is not to be outdone, and you will see, for example, many orchids and gentians in bloom.

The main summits. This is one of the wildest parts of the Dolomites, dominated by six peaks: Cima dei Preti (2,706 metres), Diranno (2,652 metres), Cridola (2,581 metres), Cima Monfalcon (2,548 metres), Spalti di Toro (2,386 metres), Campanile di Val Montanaia (2,173 metres).

Practical information. The main office of the park office is in Cimolais, but a lot of information is available on the website. Maps and hiking trails are also available in the "Centro visite" in the towns of Cimolais, Andreis, Forni di Sopra, Erto e Casso and Claut, each of which has a small museum with its own theme (fauna, flora, ethnology, geology).

Hiking. Ask at the tourist office of one of the villages in the park for the map in English Trekking in Piancavallo and in the Friulan Dolomites, which is particularly interesting with its 22 explained itineraries and a map showing the various boundaries of the Natural Park and the smaller UNESCO protected area. Another very interesting map : Protected area - Parks and nature reserves in Friuli Venezia Giulia, which covers a larger territory than the one we are interested in here. Refuges (with restaurants) and rustic bivouacs punctuate the paths, it's up to you to make your way and book your nights in dormitories. We will detail here a loop trek that can be adapted from 1 to 5 days.

Trek L'anello delle Dolomiti Friulane. This recommended clockwise loop includes nights from hut to hut, all detailed in this guide. Many variations are possible. Day 1: you climb from Forni di Sopra to the Flaiban-Pacherini hut (2h30 walk). Day 2: to reach the Pordenone hut (Cimolais village) there are two possibilities: the classic path of 5-6 hours (800 m of difference in altitude) or the Mus pass (4h, 500 m of difference in altitude) and the via ferrata of Cassiopeia from the Comici tower (allow 2 hours more). Day 3: direction the Padovia hut, a tiring day (5h, 1,100 m difference in altitude). Day 4: to the Giaf hut (4h or 6h, 700 or 1,100 m difference in altitude, depending on the route). Day 5: you can go back down to Forni di Sopra or continue to the Flaiban-Pacherini hut if you started the loop elsewhere.