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Ring of Predil Lake

Hiking trailrecommended routeHiking trail  · Tarvisio holiday region
LogoFriuli Venezia Giulia
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  • Photo: Prime Alps, Friuli Venezia Giulia

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    Loop among nature, stories, and mountains: the lake nestled between the Julian Alps.

    moderate
    Distance 5.4 km
    1:40 h
    137 m
    144 m
    1,097 m
    959 m

    A few kilometers from the border with Slovenia, in the heart of the Julian Alps, the Predil Lake (or Raibl Lake) is a small natural wonder waiting to be discovered. Second largest among natural lakes of Friuli Venezia Giulia, it occupies an ancient glacial basin nestled among majestic peaks and silent woods.

    The mountain streams feed the lake with waters so pure that they color it an intense green-blue. In summer, it invites swimming, with perfect spots to relax, sunbathe, and admire the alpine landscape.

    In winter, the lake transforms into a frozen mirror: a suspended place, ideal for those who love quiet, muffled atmospheres, and the charm of winter in the mountains.

    But Predil Lake is not just nature: along the trails, history also emerges, like at the Lago Fortress (Raibl Fortress), a testament to the military past of the area and a guardian of the memory of a border territory.

    Author’s recommendation

    Recommended route in autumn thanks to the intense coloring of the foliage of the woods surrounding the lake, but also very scenic in winter in its easiest part, although the use of crampons is recommended. It is advised to visit the nearby Predil Caves mines with the related mining museum, a place of undeniable charm rich in history and meaning.
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    Author
    Prime Alps
    LogoFriuli Venezia Giulia
    Responsible for this content
    Friuli Venezia Giulia  Verified partner 
    Difficulty
    T2moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    1,097 m
    Lowest point
    959 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Dirt road 14.08%Forested/wild trail 4.83%Path 70.29%Road 10.79%
    Dirt road
    753 m
    Forested/wild trail
    258 m
    Path
    3.8 km
    Road
    577 m
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Route not recommended in case of uncertain weather (the eastern part in the woods is uneven and rather steep with some sections equipped with cable).

    Along the loop, water sources are almost absent; in particularly hot days, consider carrying an adequate amount of water.

    Roadbook

    From the parking lot at the bar/restaurant Chalet al Lago, take the trail initially running alongside SP76 towards Sella Nevea. The path develops slightly elevated above the shore, offering panoramic views and some benches. In some parts it is possible to access the lake via wooden stairs.

    After about 2 km, the trail joins a dirt road, marked by a large wooden sign with the inscription “Lake Loop.” From here, descend towards the bed of the Rio del Lago (be careful in case of heavy rain). At the first fork, turn left, continuing on a flat dirt road following the eastern edge of the lake.

    Upon reaching the bed of the Rio Verde, the most challenging section begins: the trail, always well marked, ascends with numerous switchbacks through the beech forest on the northern slopes of Cima dei Mughi (sections equipped with metal cables). After a flat section and the Predil Channel, you exit the forest reaching SP76 at the third hairpin, ascending towards Passo del Predil. Staying on the left side of the road, it is possible to continue descending to the first hairpin and proceed carefully along the highway for a few hundred meters (no shoulder), until a new trail sign indicates access to an old former military dirt road. After about 200 meters, turn left onto a well-marked path that descends with some bends until reaching the asphalt again near the bridge over the lake’s outflow.

    The loop concludes by following the last section along a short path on the left that leads directly to the shore, in front of the characteristic islet. In a few minutes, you return to the starting point at Chalet al Lago.

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    Photo
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    The summer orchid is extremely rare in our region and blooms frequently here near the tributary to the Raibelsee.
    Predil lake
    Batterie Predil | Lost Place
    Lago del Predil
    Predil Lake
    Refugio Raibel

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    The starting point is also reachable by public transport. From Tarvisio, you can reach the lake by taking the TPL 204 line Tarvisio – Predil Caves. Tarvisio, in turn, is easily accessible by both bus and train.

    Get Timetable to destination

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    Predil Lake Loop

    Directions

    From Tarvisio, take the SS54 following signs for Sella Nevea, passing through the towns of Riofreddo and Predil Caves. A short distance from the lake, take SP76 (signs for Sella Nevea) and, after about 180 m, turn left to park near the "Chalet Al Lago."

    Parking

    Parking near the "Chalet Al Lago".

    Coordinates

    DD
    46.426230, 13.565468
    DMS
    46°25'34.4"N 13°33'55.7"E
    UTM
    33T 389777 5142406
    w3w 
    ///dumbly.scaled.amended
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    Normal hiking equipment, depending on the season.


    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated using Italian as the source language

    Similar routes nearby

    • Monte Re da Cave del Predil
    • Mangart via the normal route
    • Cima del Cacciatore
    • Jof di Somdogna
    • jof-di-somdogna
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    T2moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    5.4 km
    Duration
    1:40 h
    Ascent
    137 m
    Descent
    144 m
    Highest point
    1,097 m
    Lowest point
    959 m
    Public-transport-friendly Linear route Round trip Scenic Refreshment stops available Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna Insider tip Dog-friendly 'Healthy climate'

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