Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia): 2 best kept secrets - Lake Barcis and the Cellina River Canyon
Italy's northern regions of Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto are home to some of the country's most charming lakes, such as Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
Check out also my blog post: Lake Maggiore (Italy): 12 fun activities not to miss in spring
However, there is a less known region in northeastern Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia, nudging Slovenia, which is home to off-the-beaten path and unbelievably gorgeous Lake Barcis and the Cellina River Canyon. So do as the local Friulani do when they want to spend an active day outdoors or just take some rest and relax in the wild.
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Why visit Lake Barcis and the Cellina Canyon
Lake Barcis is named after Barcis, a tiny village of 200 people in the province of Pordenone in the northeatern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The artificial lake located at 400 metres above sea level has clear waters and lush forests, a heaven for water sports and hiking enthusiasts.
Being set off the tourist routes of the Dolomites, the lake is peaceful, spiritual and splashed with an amazing green palette: just the green shades makes it a special day trip, for families and couples, especially in summer to beat the heat.
The Cellina River Canyon is just 5 minutes by car from Lake Barcis, or from Barcis you can walk along the lake and reach it in roughly 1 hours. The Cellina Canyon is the best kept secret in the whole Friuli region: its unsung wild beauty makes it a must-go stop for nature lovers and outdoorsy people.
📌Find Lake Barcis on Google Maps
📌Find the Cellina River Gorge on Google Maps
The Cellina River Canyon
The Cellina river is set in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Natural Reserve which is part of the vast Regional Park of the Friuli Dolomites: 304 hectares of beauty! The Cellina Gorge is the largest canyon in Friuli Veneza Giulia and one of the most impressive in Italy.
Like all canyons, the gorge was not built in a day: it took millions of years for the Cellina river which flows deep down to dig through the limestone rock.
How to access the Cellina River Gorge and the old Valcellina road
It is an amazing scenic reserve: overhanging rocks and formations have been carved out and shaped by water: caves, tunnes, and smooth rocks.
This spectacular view that can be gaped over along the old Valcellina road which used to connect the village of Montereale on the plain and the high-up village of Barcis since 1906: the local people used to walk all the way for 10 kilometres to reach Barcis!
However when the hydroelectrics works started to build the dam and the artificial Lake Barcis the old Valcellina road was unfit for cars and was abandoned as a more modern road was being built.
Now the old Valcellina road has been pedestrianised for a small section for travellers to enjoy the gorge; another fantastic way for kids and families to visit the gorge is by a shining red train which runs in the summer from Pont Antoi in Barcis.
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The suspended bridge over the Cellina River Gorge
The breathtaking route crosses the entire reserve and allows you to experience the spectacular rocks shaped by the erosion of the river between Monte Fara and Pala d'Altei.
If you are bit more daring at a charge and with a proper harness, you can try the short Dint sky walk, a walkway suspended over the void and catch a glimpse of the canyon. Looking at the void from above is just mind boggling!
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You walk up high up on the Cellina Gorge is very easy and suitable for everyone: it is a tarmac road that runs along the rocky walls through tunnels.
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For safety purposes you have to wear a helmet all the time to avoid falling stones injuries, but that actually adds up to the fun!
The beautiful summer colors light up a forest of limestone ferns that covers the karst rocks.
All around the August light is so strong that a halo wraps everything up in a misty haze: pure nature.
The limestone rocks have been slowly dissolved by rainwater rich in carbon dioxide, forming deep mysterious sinkholes. The erosion work started by the rain still continues underground, creating a maze of caves.
Before setting off, we still had time to nourish our souls and legs with the great Barcis lake promenade and mountain views covered in the deep shades of green. Just the perfect time to relax in a truly spectacular place.
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| Strolling on Lake Barcis promenade |
How to reach
Just an hour and half by train north of Venice lies Pordenone, the closest train station to reach Lake Barcis and the Cellina Gorge. From Pordenone, you need another half an hour by car. Just before reaching Barcis, turn left at Ponte Antoi to access the old Valcellina road and the tourist train stop.
Where to eat
Have a picnic and enjoy the fantastic Lake Barcis views.
If picnics aren't your thing, near the old Valcellina road entrance, there's unpretentious Osteria Ponte Antoi.
What to see and do
Check all updates on the opening dates and times of the Cellina River Gorge and the water and hiking activities and trails around Lake Barcis:
You may also like to read: How to spend an off-season fairy tale weekend on Lake Garda: spa, traditional food and dragons
Hope you have enoyed Lake Barcis and the Cellina River Canyon!
MarcoPoloSpirit