Medium-length stage, characterized by a long but constant ascent to Sella Bistrizza.
The highlight of the day is the short crossing into Austria, passing by Feistritzer Alm, a charming holiday resort.
The last part of the descent towards the Nordio presents frequent landslides and all around there are numerous uprooted trees.
Signage is sometimes insufficient: it is good to keep an eye on the GPS.
After Camporosso, the only water point is in Feistritzer Alm.
Risk of ticks.
We walk on asphalt, along the motorway skirting the Tarvisio-Innsbruck cycle path, up to the first houses in Camporosso (a hamlet of Tarvisio).
From there we begin the long climb on an easy path (approx. 900 m height difference), leading up to the northern shoulder of Cima Muli. Crosswise we reach the Achomitzer Alm casera (typical local mountain hut), located on a panoramic viewpoint, right on the Italian-Austrian border. On a comfortable up and down carriage road along the border, we reach the small village of Feistritzer Alm, a suggestive Austrian holiday resort near Sella Bistrizza.
From the built-up area we take the descent in the woods, along the Uqua stream, that leads us to Rifugio Nordio Deffar guarded by Gigio, a giant wolfdog. We go through the last kilometers downhill to Val Uqua, first on a carriage road and then on a wide path up to the Gortani mountain hut, at the crossroads with Val Rauna.
The Rifugio Nordio is located only a few steps away from the Italian-Austrian border and is surrounded by a protected forest of 23 thousand hectares. In this area, where hunting is prohibited, there are many wild animals including three male bears that roam the woods. The oldest has been living here for several years.
The hamlet of Ugovizza boasts one of the oldest churches in the valley, the church of Saints Philip and James: from the 8th century, it is located close to the river and together with the classic Austrian architecture makes the village charming.
Ugovizzella is a traditional type of cheese from the Tarvisio area, similar to caciotta. It is seasoned with herbs or chilli.
Rifugio Nordio Deffar , 4 km before Rifugio Gortani. Tel. +39 320 815 1052
Rifugio Gortani, in Pod Rauna. Tel. +39 331 790 7427
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!
