Alpine pastures are typical mountain huts used during summer time for cattle shelter and the production of cheese and dairy products.
Friuli Venezia Giulia’s malghe are special!
The traditional malghe of Friuli are a fascinating and highly characteristic feature of the uplands of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. These buildings bear witness to bygone eras, and to the toil and sacrifices of countless generations.
Download the "Alpine hut paths" (pdf 0,87 Mb)
Summer visitors may opt for an overnight stay at some of these malghe, and greet the day amid the enchanting peaks of Friuli Venezia Giulia. At the best malghe you will suddenly find yourself in contact with a distant past. You may wish to watch the herdsmen as they move from pasture to pasture or produce their cheeses, for example, and you will certainly appreciate the simple pleasures of life in these upland districts. Enjoy the authentic spirit and welcoming warmth of the malghe!
Local delicacies to suit everybody’s tastes!
The Carnia, Canal del Ferro, Val Canale and Gemonese districts boast tens of malghe with premises given over to dairy processing (20 of these are also catering establishments offering traditional dishes and, in many cases, half or full board accommodation). These malghe produce a wide variety of cheese (mixed milks), ricotta (fresh and smoked), butter and yoghurt dairy products, including cow’s and goat’s milk soft cheeses and caciotta (a central Italian variety of soft cheese). Some malghe also serve their own cold pork meat and salami specialities.
Tips on where to go
The "Via delle malghe carniche"-"Karnischer Almweg", or ‘path of the malghe’, which the Agenzia TurismoFVG proposes, takes us to the heart of the natural heritage of the Carnic Alps and of the valleys of Carinzia, with opportunities also to sample the local dishes. The theme for these walking itineraries is the local dairy produce, although these excursions are surely of interest in their own right. Whether you are interested in the pleasures of the table or even the history of religion, you’re bound to discover something new! Some routes can be covered by mountain bike or on horseback. Lovers of extreme sports will find opportunities for hang-gliding or kayaking.
For full information on malghe, check out:
ERSA – Agenzia Regionale per lo Sviluppo Rurale
Download the Malghe Guide brochure
for information on accommodation and local delicacies
(1.2 Mb)
