Discover
the surroundings
We are in Castello di Aviano, a historic stone village at the foot of the Friulian Dolomites Park: a perfect starting point for exploring an area that offers crystal-clear lakes, emerald rivers for swimming and colourful forests in every season!
In nature
Lake Barcis
At the end of Val Cellina, Lake Barcis gathers the clear, intensely blue waters of the Cellina and the other streams of the valley. On the left bank, Ponte Antoi is a typical trattoria and along the road that connects it to Piancavallo - open only in summer - you can find little beaches where you can swim in the stream, a barbecue area and several agriturismi. On the right bank lies the village of Barcis and the continuation towards Valcellina, where you can discover other silent and wild valleys such as Val Settimana and Val Cimoliana.
At the end of Val Cellina, Lake Barcis gathers the clear, intensely blue waters of the Cellina and the other streams of the valley. On the left bank, Ponte Antoi is a typical trattoria and along the road that connects it to Piancavallo - open only in summer - you can find little beaches where you can swim in the stream, a barbecue area and several agriturismi. On the right bank lies the village of Barcis and the continuation towards Valcellina, where you can discover other silent and wild valleys such as Val Settimana and Val Cimoliana.
Piancavallo
Only a 20-minute drive from Ai Foresti, Piancavallo is a plateau at about 1,300 metres above sea level, enjoyable in every season: in winter for skiing or snow hiking, in summer for easy walks suitable for everyone, or for having fun in an adventure park set up in the woods.
Only a 20-minute drive from Ai Foresti, Piancavallo is a plateau at about 1,300 metres above sea level, enjoyable in every season: in winter for skiing or snow hiking, in summer for easy walks suitable for everyone, or for having fun in an adventure park set up in the woods.
Polcenigo and the springs of the Livenza
One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Polcenigo boasts a lovely historic centre, but it enchants above all with the evocative springs of the Livenza, where waters of an indescribable colour emerge through the greenery, creating a natural setting of rare beauty, perfect for relaxing walks and quiet moments. A stop at the Bus is a must - you can discover for yourselves what it is!
One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Polcenigo boasts a lovely historic centre, but it enchants above all with the evocative springs of the Livenza, where waters of an indescribable colour emerge through the greenery, creating a natural setting of rare beauty, perfect for relaxing walks and quiet moments. A stop at the Bus is a must - you can discover for yourselves what it is!
Val Tramontina
About an hour’s drive from Ai Foresti you reach Tramonti, a mountain village that is the starting point for several walks. From here you can reach the abandoned villages of Palcoda and Tamar, or go to the Smeraldine pools: a gorge where the Meduna creates emerald-coloured pools in the middle of the woods. Swimmable in summer, and you cannot head back without stopping at Mulino 1846 - an old mill turned into a food stop where you can taste the best pitina in Friuli. Here too, you can discover for yourselves what it is!
About an hour’s drive from Ai Foresti you reach Tramonti, a mountain village that is the starting point for several walks. From here you can reach the abandoned villages of Palcoda and Tamar, or go to the Smeraldine pools: a gorge where the Meduna creates emerald-coloured pools in the middle of the woods. Swimmable in summer, and you cannot head back without stopping at Mulino 1846 - an old mill turned into a food stop where you can taste the best pitina in Friuli. Here too, you can discover for yourselves what it is!
Val Cellina
From Ponte Antoi on Lake Barcis, you can access the old Valcellina road, built along the mountainside high above the emerald-green stream. Open from spring to autumn, the Old Cellina Road is a historic monument of industrial engineering that also lets you admire the gorge over the Molassa and understand the force of this torrent, only apparently harmless.
From Ponte Antoi on Lake Barcis, you can access the old Valcellina road, built along the mountainside high above the emerald-green stream. Open from spring to autumn, the Old Cellina Road is a historic monument of industrial engineering that also lets you admire the gorge over the Molassa and understand the force of this torrent, only apparently harmless.
Worth a visit
Malnisio hydroelectric power plant
This former hydroelectric power plant, built in the early 1900s and in operation until the 1980s, was created to harness the immense water resources of Valcellina and supply the city of... Venice! When the line was built, it was the longest cable power line ever constructed. Today it still preserves all the original machinery, can be visited with a guided tour - highly recommended at weekends - and is home to festivals and science outreach events.
This former hydroelectric power plant, built in the early 1900s and in operation until the 1980s, was created to harness the immense water resources of Valcellina and supply the city of... Venice! When the line was built, it was the longest cable power line ever constructed. Today it still preserves all the original machinery, can be visited with a guided tour - highly recommended at weekends - and is home to festivals and science outreach events.
Local specialties
We are in the Friulian foothills, where cheeses and cured meats take centre stage.
Nearby there are dairies producing locally, bars and venues where you can enjoy a good glass of wine with the proverbial crostini, and craft breweries.
And of course, tasting a frico is a must!
Nearby there are dairies producing locally, bars and venues where you can enjoy a good glass of wine with the proverbial crostini, and craft breweries.
And of course, tasting a frico is a must!
