Cansiglio Forest loop
A long loop through the great beech and fir forest of the Cansiglio plateau, past clearings, alpine dairy farms and the villages of the Cimbri.
- Difficulty
- T Tourist
- Length
- 17.2 km
- Elevation gain
- +420 m / −420 m
- Time
- 4.5–5 hours
- Route
- Loop
- Altitude
- 908–1122 m
- Season
- Summer Autumn
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The story
In the 16th century the Republic of Venice declared the Cansiglio an «oar forest»: its straight, knot-free beeches were used for the oars of the Arsenal's galleys, and no one could fell them without permission. In the 18th century families of Cimbrian woodcutters, speaking an old form of German, moved here, and their villages still exist.
Why go
Because it is one of the most beautiful forests in Italy, protected for five centuries, and in autumn you can hear the red deer roaring.
Practical information
- Start
- Pian del Cansiglio
- Finish
- Loop
- Best time
- May–November (spectacular in October)
- Parking
- Car parks at Pian del Cansiglio, near the visitor centre.
- By public transport
- Summer buses from Vittorio Veneto, with few services.
- Water
- Fountains and inns in the villages on the plateau.
- Shade
- Almost all of it in the beech forest.
- Huts and refreshments
- Mountain huts and farm stays on the plateau.
- With children
- Yes: long but almost flat, and you can do just part of it.
Weather at the start
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
What to see on the route and nearby
After the hike, into the water
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Routes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), via Waymarked Trails and BRouter; elevations from a digital terrain model. Times and elevation gains are indicative: waymarks on the ground and closure orders always take precedence.