Travel - Visit the crystal waters of Barcis

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BARCIS, Italy --  You first catch a glimpse of the sparkling blue-green water when you emerge from the first of several tunnels. It seems impossible that water can be such a vibrant color. The road you're driving along abuts the winding river, leading you toward your destination: Barcis.
Barcis, both the lake and the town, are exquisite. Nestled in a valley in the Friulian Dolomites, the lake is adjacent to the Riserva Naturale Forra del Cellina and has a quaint little village on its shores. Even the 40-minute drive from base is beautiful; taking the mountain highway toward Montereale Valcellina leads you through beautiful examples of rustic Italy and you are greeted by breathtaking vistas around every hairpin turn. Once you reach the town, there is almost no limit to the activities you can pursue.
The lake and the trails surrounding it offer plenty for the adventure-seeker and outdoor enthusiast. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, sailing, speedboat racing, mountain biking, camping, paragliding - you name it. I can vouch that the hiking trails around the lake and in the nearby nature reserve are some of the best around. Lago di Barcis is fed by a mountain spring and the runoff of melted snow, so the water is icy year round, but with a good wet suit, it makes for some amazing scuba diving. There is also a paved trail around most of the lake for joggers, cyclists and families with strollers.
When I went recently with my family, we took a leisurely walk around the edge of the lake, eating some delicious gelato and enjoying the scenery, one family was kayaking across the lake, a father and his son were fishing and a young couple paddled their feet in the water at the end of the pier. Some children were having a birthday party at one of the many picnic locations - their laughter ringing out over the water. The sun was shining, the breeze was pleasant and everyone was out enjoying the beautiful day.
In addition to tons of enjoyable outdoor activities, you can also get some great shopping in while you're visiting the village. The town frequently hosts local artisans, antiques dealers, farmers and herb growers who sell their goods in outdoor markets that people travel for miles around to visit. In the markets you can find one-of-a-kind, hand-made products, usually at a fairly low cost. I was lucky enough to visit Barcis during a ceramics market and got some Mother's Day shopping done - Mom is going to be very happy.
If you're hoping to stop and try some local cuisine, there are several well-recommended agriturismos in the area. An agriturismo is usually a self-sustaining restaurant run by farmers who use their own produce, meat and dairy products.
For a list of local events and markets, you can visit www.turismofvg.it, click "English" in the middle of the page and search "Barcis events." You'll find information about their famous chestnut festival, called Castagnata sotto il campanile, sumo wrestling and speed boat racing competitions, antiques markets, art shows and much more.
If you would like to go camping, kayaking, fishing or cycling but don't have the right equipment, call the Outdoor Recreation Center at DSN 632-8623 to inquire about rentals