In Friuli Venezia Giulia, nestled between the peaks of the Julian Alps, lies a jewel that deserves the attention of travelers and nature lovers: Lake Predil.
Let’s find out what makes it a treasure to discover.
Foto- commons.wikimedia.org
Not far from the Slovenian border there is a crystal clear water basin set among the rocks: it is the Predil Lake or Raibl. It rises almost a thousand meters high and is located in the territory of Tarvisio, in the province of Udine, more precisely near the hamlet of Cave del Predil, once called Raibl in Friulian, Slovenian and German.
Thanks to its kilometre and a half of length, its five hundred meters of width and its depth, Lake Predil is one of the largest basins in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, second to Lake Cavazzo.
The legend of the lake
Lake Predil is located in an area famous for its rich geological history that has shaped the surrounding landscape over the millennia.
The glacial basin was formed as a result of the accumulation of rocky debris transported downstream by the slow and continuous gravity sliding of a glacier and landslides. However, the birth of Lake Predil is obviously unknown and this has generated a story.
According to legend, where Lake Predil is located there was a village. Its inhabitants had proved insensitive to the request for hospitality made by a woman and a child arrived from afar, all except a family that decided to give them shelter despite their poverty.
The next morning, the lake had taken the place of the village and the only piece of land left was the one in which stood the house of the poor family who had hosted the two foreigners, then mysteriously disappeared.
What to do at Lake Predil in winter and summer
Lake Raibl is distinguished by its water shades ranging from cobalt blue to emerald green. This color is the result of the combination of minerals in the water coming from the streams of the surrounding mountains and the reflection of the sky and the peaks that make him crown.
It is an unmissable destination both in winter and in summer because it offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and to engage in numerous sports activities in both seasons.
During the winter season, thanks to the height and temperatures, the waters of the lake turn into ice and offer an unforgettable experience. The mountain environment that surrounds it, with slender peaks and lush vegetation, creates a perfect postcard landscape for lovers of nature and photography.
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In summer, however, Lake Predil with its equipped beach becomes the destination for all those who love bathing in the clear and refreshing waters and sunbathing in the mountains. Yes, the waters of Lake Predil are bathing waters.
During the summer it offers many outdoor activities: hiking enthusiasts will find well-marked trails that wind through the Julian Alps and allow you to explore the flora and fauna of Lake Predil through a walk while those who love kayaking, canoe, pedal boat and rowboat or sailing finds the perfect habitat among the calm waters of the lake. In addition, it is a place of fishing with abundant trout.
The places rich in history close to Lake Predil
Not only nature. Lake Raibl also has a fascinating story to tell. During the First World War, this area was the scene of clashes between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. Numerous trenches and galleries are still visible today, such as those of Forte Lago Predil and Forte Gola Aibl, evidence of a tumultuous past that contrasts with the current tranquility of the place.
What to eat?
The lake has a picnic area with a view and two bars and a restaurant. Alternatively you can reach Tarvisio and have lunch in one of the premises of the village.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a gastronomic paradise offering an extraordinary variety of traditional dishes: local cheeses such as Montasio DOP; frico; stuffed gnocchi; blecs with deer; pork goulash; venison, beef and trout main courses; spicy biscuits.
Foto- peakpx.com
The province of Udine produces some of the finest white wines in Italy, including Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio and Vitovska. These wines are perfect to accompany local dishes and to taste during a visit to the many wineries in the area.
The lake has a picnic area with a view and two bars and a restaurant. Alternatively you can reach Tarvisio and have lunch in one of the premises of the village.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a gastronomic paradise offering an extraordinary variety of traditional dishes: local cheeses such as Montasio DOP; frico; stuffed gnocchi; blecs with deer; pork goulash; venison, beef and trout main courses; spicy biscuits.
The province of Udine produces some of the finest white wines in Italy, including Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio and Vitovska. These wines are perfect to accompany local dishes and to taste during a visit to the many wineries in the area.
Lake Predil: how to get there
Lake Predil is easily accessible by car from Tarvisio, which is connected with the main Italian and Austrian cities.
Once you reach Tarvisio, however, you must follow the signs for Cave del Predil and Serra Nevea and park in one of the two parking spaces available.
Unfortunately there are no accommodation facilities in the lake area, but in the hamlet of Cave del Predil and in Tarvisio there are many accommodation solutions.
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