The wonderful Barcis Lake
It is extraordinary how in Friuli-Venezia Giulia an artificial lake has become the starting point for the discovery of a wonderful natural heterogeneity: that is Barcis Lake (Aprilis). Completed in 1954, the lake, created to meet hydroelectric energy production needs, is now recognized as a rich tourist destination for lovers of outdoor activities. Its emerald green waters reflect the park of the Friulian Dolomites, the place from where our adventure began, facilitated by the versatility of Dolomite footwear and clothing.
The first stop was Vecchia Strada della Valcellina, a 4 kilometers route overlooking the Cellina gorge, the largest canyon in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and one of the most spectacular in Italy. After being provided with a helmet at the entrance, we also took the opportunity to wear the harness to "tackle" one of the most famous attractions of the route: the Tibetan Bridge. A breathtaking experience that allowed us to cross the gorge in suspension at a height of 55 meters.
The Vecchia Strada della Valcellina joins the Dint Path (CAI 997). We loved it. It is a loop route of about 3.6 km that made us fall in love with this territory. Excellent for approaching the mountains, the Dint Path offers the opportunity to savor the magical atmosphere of the Friulian Dolomites, winding through karst sinkholes and panoramic points on the Cellina gorge. An unforgettable fairytale landscape.
As in an endless carousel, the Dint Path connects with the more peaceful and romantic path on the lakeside of Barcis. Enveloped by the feeling of being far from everyday worries, we lived this walk as a real one opportunity to relax and an opportunity to clear your mind. On the lake, they are facing also the renovated historic houses of the Albergo Diffuso. A project originated in Friuli Venezia Giulia in the immediate post-earthquake of 1976 that blends the concept of hospitality with the philosophy of this territory, imagining a "Hotel" that is one with the urban and naturalistic context, to make the tourist an integral part of Barcis life.
Never satiated with adventure, we went inside, for one last excursion, among the spectacular beech trees of the Prescudin Regional Forest. This area is a protected wild area and hosts, in addition to a wide variety of flowers, also a large fauna population including roe deer, chamois, fox, badger, ermine, alpine hare, squirrel and dormouse. From here we returned, stopping in the picturesque Val Pentina as well.
Barcis Lake offers many other possibilities, from kayaking to climbing, from cycling to caving. It is an environment that has left us full of enthusiasm and we are aware that the memory of this place will rekindle us with joy at every story.
Alice e Giacomo: