Challenging stage, both for length and differences in height, with a long stretch on asphalted road.
The arrival at Rifugio Fabiani is beautiful. It was recently rebuilt after a fire and it fully restores the meaning of life in the mountains.
The section indicated here is different from the Sentiero Italia (due to meteorological reasons at the time of the survey): we recommend the original route, that runs north of Monte Cavallo.
The stage is long and to be faced entirely only by well-trained hikers: it can be broken in Cason di Lanza.
The descent from Sella della Pridola has steep and slippery sections.
Signage is often scarce and it is therefore easy to get lost: keep an eye on the GPS.
Risk of ticks.
The only water point available is in Cason di Lanza.
UPDATE 2023: the path that led to the cabin is no longer passable due to a landslide; from Passo Pramollo you need to follow the path along the Italian-Austrian border, passing through Cima di Madrizze and circumnavigating Monte Cavallo di Pontebba from the north, and then rejoining the route here described at the Casera Cason di Lanza .
From Baita Winkel, we climb (approx. 200 m height difference) towards Sella della Pridola. From there, a steep descent leads to the Conca di Pricot. We continue to descend towards the Pontebbana stream, where we find the asphalted road that leads us in a slow ascent to the distant Cason di Lanza (about 800 m height difference).
From Cason di Lanza, we continue on an asphalted road for several kilometers. When the road turns decisively south, we take the comfortable carriage road that leads to the Fabiani Moutain lodge, called Sentiero dei Silenzi (Silence Path). In the last stretch, going back to the Traversata Carnica, we find some marshes: pay attention to where you put your feet!
Rebuilt after a terrible fire, the Fabiani mountain lodge is simple and fully restores the mountain feeling.
During World War II, Carnia suffered the invasion of over 40,000 Cossack soldiers, exiles from the Soviet Union, who allied with Hitler's Germany in the hope of overturning the fate of Russia.
After the German defeat during the Russian campaign, Hitler wanted to reward them by giving them the "Kosakenland in Nord Italien" (Cossackland in northern Italy). It was a terrible experience for the Carnic population. At the end of the war, Cossacks who had not passed through the ranks of the partisans were sent back to Russia, where shootings and gulags awaited them. Many preferred mass suicide in the icy waters of the Drava (a tributary of the Danube, north of the region).
Via Attila is the road that connects Paularo to Pontebba, so-called due to the presence of the cave known as "Buse di Attila" (Attila's hole): it seems that in 452 AD, before invading the plain, the famous Hun leader hid his treasure in this cave. It has not yet been found.
Traces of the Neanderthal Man, dating back to 40,000 years ago, were found in the cavity, which extends for about 400 m (only approx. 30 m. are accessible in an upright position).
The Frico is the regional symbol dish, originally from Carnia. A poor and delicious dish, a caloric bomb, made with cheese leftovers (of various ages), potatoes, and onion.
Rifugio Fabiani (also called Pecol di Chiaula Alta). Tel. +39 331 367 2786
Starting point NOT reachable by car.
The closest location that can be reached by car is the parking lot along the state road, less than a kilometer away.
Departure point NOT reachable by bus.
The closest location reachable by bus is Pontebba, departing from the city of Gemona.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Departure point NOT reachable by train.
The closest location reachable by train is Pontebba, departing from the city of Gemona with a change in Carnia.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
