Hiking to Pozze Smeraldine: A Hidden Gem in Friuli

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Overview

  • Location: Tramonti di Sopra, Friuli, Italy
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Duration: ~45 minutes one way
  • Best time to visit: Summer (for a refreshing swim)
  • Highlights: Crystal-clear emerald pools, scenic alpine valley, panoramic bridge view
  • Optional extension: Continue to the Ciul Lake and dam (~2-hour hike)

A Hike with a Reward

If you're looking for a hike that rewards you with stunning natural beauty and refreshing waters, Pozze Smeraldine (literally "Emerald Pools") in Friuli is the perfect destination. Nestled in a remote part of northeastern Italy, these river pools offer a serene escape, especially on hot summer days.

Reaching the starting point requires a bit of a drive—it takes at least half an hour from the nearest highway—but trust me, it's worth every minute.

Getting There

The hike begins in Tramonti di Sopra, a picturesque village tucked away in an alpine valley. The parking area is spacious and well-marked, making it easy to find.

From the parking lot, you start on an asphalt road, walking for about 20 minutes until you reach Località Pradiel. At this point, the road transitions into a wide gravel path, gently descending towards the Pozze Smeraldine.

Reaching the Emerald Pools

After another 20-25 minutes of walking, you'll arrive at the pools. The official trail continues, but if you cut right towards the river, a short 5-minute walk will take you to a small beach area—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view.

For the adventurous, a swim in the pools is a must. Be warned: the water is ice-cold! But after the initial shock, it’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a sweltering August afternoon.

If you're up for exploring further, you can either swim through the pools or follow the path along the river. The farther you go, the fewer people you'll encounter. The pools continue for at least another 20 minutes of walking along the trail, each one offering its own unique beauty.



If you venture in the side rivers you'll also find nice waterfalls just a few minutes from the main area.



A Panoramic View

On your way back, before retracing your steps to the parking lot, take a small detour: instead of heading straight back, walk for 5 more minutes along the valley (in the opposite direction from where you came). You'll reach a bridge offering a spectacular panoramic view of the pools from above—a perfect photo opportunity.

Optional Extension: Ciul Lake and Dam

For those who want a longer adventure, you can continue on the trail beyond the bridge for approximately 2 more hours to reach Ciul Lake and its dam. This section of the hike is more demanding but offers even more stunning alpine scenery.

Wrapping Up

Since we were short on time, we headed back the same way we came. After about 45 minutes, we were back at the car, refreshed and happy after a fantastic hike.

If you're looking for a beautiful and rewarding nature escape, Pozze Smeraldine is a hidden gem worth visiting!

Location: 33090 Tramonti di Sopra, Province of Pordenone, Italy

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