Julian Alps - Northern Italy
There are several routes of Via Ferrata ("iron way" routes for which you need climbing equipment,) that start along this plateau.The Alps dominate Northern Italy and are well known to both hikers and climbers. However, in June this year, we discovered the lesser known Julian Alps which border onto Slovenia and Austria. The scenery is spectacular whilst being very accessible. We saw 2 people all day despite walking over the weekend but it was raining!
We used the Lonely Planet "Walking in Italy" book as a starting point but the maps and signage in the area are detailed and accurate. Here is the route:
Start at Lago Superiore near Tarvisio. Head up track 512 which leaves the car park next to the cafe. Follow the footpath signs for 512 up to Rifugio Zacchi.
This is a constant climb through a beautiful forest - you end up at 1380m at the Rifugio which has great views. The rifugio (mountain hut) network is extensive in the north of Italy. These huts provide accommodation and food in remote mountainous areas. Unfortunately, Rifugio Zacchi was being refurbished when we visited but it is a stunning alpine building - definitely more than your average mountain hut!
From the Rifugio you then follow the track around until you reach the junction with 513.
Take 513 and then 517. The routes are well marked as can be seen in here. The route continues to climb upwards until you are on a plateau from which higher cliffs climb.
The route continues to be easy to follow because of the signage on boulders and trees.
There are several routes of Via Ferrata ("iron way" routes for which you need climbing equipment,) that start along this plateau.
The paths can be difficult to distinguish at times because of the numbers of boulders to be climbed over. The cloud came down at this point on our trek, but it was still easy to follow the way even if a little more difficult under foot. At this point we encountered scree - and SNOW!
This was in June - so you can imagine that the snow is there pretty much most of the time. The going under foot gets quite a bit more difficult here and is not for the faint hearted - hence the "moderate" classification. Good sturdy boots with ankle support are a must on scree. The snow was quite compacted and actually easier to walk on. It wasn’t bad enough to warrant crampons on this occasion but you would definitely need them during spring, winter and autumn.
We then took track 517a which starts leading the way down a steep spur. The route is very steep and quite slippery at times until you reach a beautiful alpine meadow where you pick up track 513. This soon rejoins a dirt road which eventually leads you back to the car park at Lake Fusine.
