Chiusaforte, the town of 13 waterfalls in Friuli Venezia-Giulia

by letygoeson16, Sep, 2024Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

The Magic of Chiusaforte: Discover the Enchanting 13 Waterfalls
Chiusaforte is a hidden gem in the heart of Carnia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, best known as “the town of the 13 waterfalls.” This guide will take you on an unforgettable adventure through one of the most enchanting places in the Julian Alps.

With its breathtaking landscape and rich history, Chiusaforte is the perfect starting point to explore its extraordinary 13 waterfalls—true natural wonders that captivate visitors with their beauty and power.

Imagine walking through lush forests and discovering, one by one, these spectacular waterfalls cascading into deep canyons and crystal-clear pools. Each waterfall has its own unique charm, creating scenes that seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer searching for the perfect shot, or simply someone looking for peace and beauty, Chiusaforte offers an unparalleled experience.

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The Town of the 13 Waterfalls

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, many people know Fontanon di Goriuda, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Chiusaforte, located along the road leading to Sella Nevea.

But did you know that this corner of Carnia is home to many more fascinating waterfalls? The real surprise is that there are 13 waterfalls in total, all easily accessible and ready to enchant you with their beauty.

Although I wouldn’t call myself an expert hiker, I can’t help but encourage you to explore this unique natural paradise in Carnia, which captivated me from the very first moment.

With this article, I want to take you on a journey to uncover the secrets of Chiusaforte and admire some of its breathtaking waterfalls in all their splendor.

Chiusaforte: The Waterfall town of Friuli

I had the pleasure of discovering them by chance, thanks to a wonderful map (https://comunedellecascate.it/mappa-delle-cascate/). This map precisely indicates how to reach each waterfall, making the exploration simple and fun.

Chiusaforte proudly holds the title of “the town of the 13 waterfalls,” and Fontanon di Goriuda, though composed of two cascades, is considered a single natural wonder.

The waterfalls are all close to each other, allowing you to plan your route based on your interests. You can easily park near each site and decide whether to visit them all or just a few… Many of these waterfalls are also accessible to children and those who are not used to long walks, making the experience suitable for everyone.

I will soon return to complete my exploration and discover the remaining waterfalls that this extraordinary corner of Friuli Venezia Giulia has to offer. In the meantime, I invite you to follow my path and be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Chiusaforte’s waterfalls.

Fontanon di Goriuda

Also known as the “Waterfall of the Sun,” Fontanon di Goriuda is a true masterpiece of nature. Nestled in the wild beauty of the Julian Alps, this waterfall left me speechless with its powerful roar and the crystal-clear pool below.

The trail to reach it is surprisingly easy and short—just a five-minute walk with minimal elevation gain will take you directly to this natural spectacle. As you walk along the path, the fresh air and the sound of rushing water create an almost magical atmosphere. When you finally stand before the waterfall, its grandeur and power immediately strike you.

But the experience doesn’t end there! You can get close to the pool below, feel the refreshing mist on your skin, and even walk behind the waterfall. The view from the cave behind it is absolutely breathtaking, offering a unique and enchanting perspective, as you can see from the photos.

Local legend adds even more charm to this magical place: it is said that a mythical ogre named Goriuda once lived in the cave—a figure possibly inspired by the Guriuz, the cave-dwelling dwarves of Friulian folklore. This story gives an extra touch of mystery to an already enchanting location.

Fontanon di Goriuda, Lower Waterfall

Reaching the lower cascade of Fontanon di Goriuda is an adventure in itself. You can choose between two fascinating paths: one requires a bit of agility as you descend a narrow trail from the upper waterfall, while the other leads through a vast meadow toward the Goriuda stream.

The latter route is particularly scenic: you’ll need to cross the stream (you might get your feet wet!) and follow a short path leading to the pool formed by the waterfall cascading dramatically onto the dolomite rocks. This stunning scene looks like a postcard from an untouched natural paradise.

To reach the lower waterfall, follow these simple steps: from Chiusaforte, turn right toward Sella Nevea and Val Raccolana, crossing the bridge over the Fella River. After just five minutes by car, just past the village of Piani di Là, you’ll find the entrance to the site.

Rio Montasio Waterfalls

The Rio Montasio Waterfall plunges from a height of 70 meters, creating an irresistible crystal-clear pool. This enchanting spot feels like a living painting, surrounded by a forest of beech, hornbeam, and black pine trees, which enrich the landscape with deep green hues and playful shadows.

The beauty of this place is truly captivating. The waterfall crashes powerfully into the pool below, and you won’t be able to resist dipping your feet into the water. But be warned—it’s freezing!

How to get there: Follow the signs to Piani di Qua and park at the village entrance. From the parking lot, a trail leads through the meadows. Keep an eye out for a bench on the right—if you continue straight, you’ll get a spectacular view of the waterfall from below. However, I recommend taking the left path, which quickly leads to a short but scenic descent, bringing you right in front of the pool where the waterfall crashes down.

Rio di Plis Waterfalls

The Rio di Plis Waterfalls are another extraordinary discovery. From the village of Saletto, turn right onto the road toward Chiout Cali. After the second hairpin turn, follow the narrow right-hand curve (it’s very tight, so it might be easier to reach the village and turn around). Here, a dirt road will lead you directly to the waterfall.

Although the path can also be driven with caution, I preferred to walk to avoid any risks—it’s less than a five-minute walk.

Along the way, if you look up, you’ll notice a bunker and the ruins of trenches, adding a historical charm to the landscape. The waterfall elegantly plunges into the stream below, which flows under a bridge before continuing its journey.

Repepeit Waterfall

Repepeit Waterfall is set in a truly picturesque location, near a charming stone bridge. Crossing the bridge and following the trail through the woods, you’ll see the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Raccolana, reflecting the sunlight in a magical way. A short path to the left leads directly in front of the waterfall.

Despite some ongoing work to improve the viewpoint, the site is still accessible and safe. Moreover, the spot is absolutely worth visiting for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Belepeit Waterfall

The Belepeit Waterfall is a true natural masterpiece, featuring three spectacular waterfalls of 70, 40 and 30 meters. For a breathtaking panoramic view, I recommend climbing the Alpeadria Cycleway Bridge, which offers an exceptional view of the waterfall. Don’t miss the opportunity to descend to the pool below for a close-up observation.
Directions: Reach the hamlet of Villanova and park at the beginning of the village, next to the bar “Agli amici.” Right there you will find the sign indicating the beginning of the trail.

Where to Eat in Chiusaforte

If you don’t feel like packing a picnic lunch or simply prefer to eat out, I highly recommend Trattoria Fontanon. It is located a few hundred meters from the Lower Cascade you will recognize it by the ample parking available. This trattoria is the perfect place for a break, where you can enjoy a coffee or a delicious lunch of Friulian products.

In addition to finding paper maps with detailed directions for exploring all the other waterfalls in the area you can taste frico, goulash and wonderful first and second courses! Don’t forget to end the meal with a slice of Sacher Torte, it’s really fantastic!
The dishes are simple, typical and the ambiance is pleasantly relaxed, especially in the garden, under the umbrellas and outdoor canopy, with excellent value for money and friendly service.

Chiusaforte and its 13 waterfalls await you—immerse yourself in this magical adventure and let nature’s beauty take your breath away!

To learn more, I leave here the official website of the municipality of Chiusaforte