The best MTB trails around Ospitale Di Cadore

From mid-June, Rifugio Maniago is back to life thanks to Valeria and Federico, whom I warmly recommend you visit. Try their cuisine, with a special mention for inclusivity and the desserts (out of this world). Keep dogs on a leash: Mango and Tondo are regular guests. Updates on the IG page.

La Casera Mela is a historic alpine structure located at an altitude of 1,170 meters in the picturesque Val Vajont, within the Natural Park of the Friulian Dolomites. Reachable via a convenient dirt road starting from the Erto area, the casera is situated in a verdant clearing offering a spectacular view of the north face of Monte Toc and the surrounding peaks. This place, now transformed into a welcoming refreshment point and agriturismo, is famous for its genuine hospitality and its cuisine linked to the flavors of local tradition. It represents a fundamental stop for those who wish to explore the trails leading towards the Duranno group, combining the wild beauty of the Friulian mountains with the historical memory of a valley deeply marked by the events of 1963.

Rifugio Maniago is located at an altitude of 1,730 meters, nestled in the scenic head of Val Zemola, in the heart of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park. This historic stone structure, dominated by the imposing walls of Mount Duranno, represents a fundamental resting point for mountaineers and hikers traversing the Friulian Dolomites Ring. The refuge is famous for its authentic atmosphere and its strategic position, which allows for close admiration of limestone spires of extraordinary beauty. The ascent to reach it, usually starting from the vicinity of Casera Mela, winds through a wild and evocative environment, where it is not uncommon to spot chamois and ibex. It is the ideal place for those seeking silence and pristine nature, far from the most crowded tourist flows.

Rifugio Maniago stands at 1,730 meters above sea level, nestled in the scenic head of Val Zemola, in the heart of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park. This historic stone structure, dominated by the imposing walls of Mount Duranno, is a fundamental base for mountaineers and hikers traversing the Friulian Dolomites Ring. The refuge is famous for its authentic atmosphere and its strategic position, which allows for close-up admiration of limestone spires of extraordinary beauty. The ascent to reach it, usually starting from the vicinity of Casera Mela, winds through a wild and evocative environment, where it is not uncommon to spot chamois and ibex. It is the ideal place for those seeking silence and pristine nature, far from the most crowded tourist flows.

Fantastic terrace overlooking the Dolomites

Magical views of the Dolomite peaks

Fabulous!

The structure that houses the Rifugio Dolomites – Monte Rite was built at the beginning of the last century, when the Kingdom of Italy militarily fortified the Cadore area to protect itself from a possible Austrian advance. To this end, it built the so-called "Cadore-Maè Fortress," which included the Monte Rite complex. In 1917, after the defeat at Caporetto, the army abandoned this position. In the summer of 1944, the remains of the fortification served as a refuge for the Cadore partisans. In 1997, Reinhold Messner identified the Rite as the ideal location for his "Museum in the Clouds"; renovations began, which led to the inauguration of the museum and the adjoining refuge in 2002. Nestled just 20 meters below the summit, it enjoys a magnificent view of most of the Dolomite mountain ranges. From its terrace, the view of the Sassolungo di Cibiana is magnificent. It offers hikers cozy rooms (some with private bathrooms) and home-cooked meals featuring traditional dishes. Easily accessible from Forcella Cibiana year-round, it is a stop on the Alta Via delle Dolomiti no. 3 and the Anello Zoldano. The refuge, owned by the Municipality of Cibiana di Cadore, is open from May to October and on winter weekends when the weather is nice.