Goats have always been an irreplaceable presence in the malghe of our region. Their milk is often processed in purity, through a traditional dairy technology similar to the "Formadi di mont" but with smaller sizes (0.7 - 1.2 Kg). The delicacy of the flavor, enhanced by the complexity of the aromas, derives from the green diet that these friendly ungulates choose and prefer at high altitude.
The Glazzat Bassa Alpine pastures are used at the beginning and end of the grazing period. Here thrive such species as the Alpine clover, the bearded bellflower, the wild geranium and various ferns. The Glazzat Alta pastures and hut structures (1,348 m), with its additional rural tourism activities, are part of this facilities.
The structure rises near the Pramollo pass and between June and July its fields are home to the blooming of the magnificent Wulfenia carinthiaca, a protected botanical species discovered in 1779 and only present in very few areas (Albania and Montenegro, the Himalayas and Asia Minor). This plant is protected due to its rarity and a special celebration is organized here during its flowering period.
The structure was built near the peak of the homonymous mountain, in a location characterized by its suggestive beauty. This splendid panoramic position makes it a spectacular observation point looking onto nearby Alpine peaks such as the Çuc dal Bôr, Mount Cavallo, the Montasio Jôf and the Mangart. The area is inhabited by deer, roe deer and corncrakes.
This pasture plays an important role for the grazing sector due to its majestic nature. Near the malga is the usually dry riverbed of a branch of the Rio Losa, where you can observe alpenroses, hairy alpenroses, specimens of erica carnea or spring gentian. By proceeding on CAI trail n. 220 you can reach malga Forchia and descend towards Ovaro; above the Forchia shelter, visitors will find the start of the path leading up Col Gentile to an altitude of 2.075 m a.s.l. (CAI trail n. 235).
Starting from this pasture, which offers a fascinating view of the Dolomite range, visitors can reach the trail climbing from Cima Sappada towards the Source of the River Piave and the “Pier Fortunato Calvi” Refuge. The southern flank of Mount Avanza, which dominates this pasture, features ancient copper and silver mines still containing the remains of pestles used for the crushing of minerals. This area of noteworthy historical value can be reached by following CAI trail n. 173, starting from the hairpin bend located 100 m to the East of the shelter and climbing steeply towards a crossroads where visitors should follow CAI trail n. 177 to the right.
The structure rises on the southern-east side of Mount Punta Bella. From this panoramic point you can enjoy a view on the Valle del But, on Val Lauco, on Val Tagliamento to Prealpi Carniche and Marano lagoon. Its position is strategic in the hiking and cycling scene.
On the asphalt road from Paularo, follow indications towards the Cason di Lanza Pass and turn right in the “Baita da Nelut” area onto a very steep forest path (CAI trail n. 442) that climbs towards the Zermula shelter. Along the path from Paularo to the malghe, approximately one kilometre after the “Maina della Schialute”, visitors will find indications for a short trail leading to the “Palm”, a prodigious secular white fir tree listed among the main natural monuments of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Trenches dating back to the Great War can still be found nearby the malga. Proceed on the road built during the First World War to reach the peak of the panoramic Mount Zermula (2.143 m).
The Alpine farm is located inside a doline, a karstic depression called "fossa" in the local dialect. Under the new facilities the remains of the old buildings can still be discerned. The natural or man-made water pool is called "lama". The entire district is marked by these small hollows with impermeable bottoms where rain water and melting snow gather.
The Alpine farm is located in a small hollow at the feet of the Col Scarpat and also includes the pastures of the Bos and Busa Bravin farms, whose long abandoned facilities are no longer recognizable. The stony pastures characterize the farm, as does the juniper, a plant usually avoided by animals because of its stinging leaves. The location of these pastures offers a broad view over the whole Friulian Alps range.
Just follow the cheese! is the motto of the cheese-themed circular trail in the market town of Kirchbach. The trail is a comfortable day's walk across the border between Carinthia and Italy, leading from pasture to pasture. Display boards and sunny mountain huts invite you to take a rest in between. One of them is the Kleinkordin Alm pasture, easily accessible via a well-maintained gravel road. The starting point of the tour is Straniger Alm pasture, 3km from Kleinkordin Alm, whose huts are located at an altitude of 1,623m, just below the Hochwipfel summit. This authentic, agrarian pasture serves Gailtaler Almkäse (Protected Designation of Origin) as well as other delicacies, such as Gailtaler Almschotten, creamy yoghurt and a wonderfully tasty hard cheese, all made from the milk of the dairy cows that enjoy their summer break up in the mountains. Following some hearty mountain refreshments from the farm and dairy, visitors are well prepared to climb the Hochwipfel, the nearest summit, and the Schulterkofel, both offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountain panorama. The pasture is located along the Karnischer Höhenweg trail.
Großfrondellalm pasture is a small, remote communal pasture of the Grafendorf neighbourhood, located high above the mountaineering village of Mauthen near the Italian border. The production of high-quality cheeses such as Gailtaler Almkäse and “Schotten” cheese as well as butter has a long tradition on the pasture. Cows are kept here during the summer months, grazing on the steep slopes together with a few goats. The kettle-shaped area also contains an ice tongue that usually remains intact throughout the summer. Großfrondell is well-known among hunters, due to its abundant wildlife stock of chamois, grouse and red deer. No matter what brings you here - you will be served a sustaining platter of cheese, speck and homemade sausages. The stone hut already functioned as a supply base for soldiers at the front during WWI. The path leading up to the hut with its 103 serpentine bends was constructed over just 13 days in 1915. Today, hikers may take the historic trail up to Köderhöhe, where a summit cross was constructed not long ago. There is also the option of "shadowing" the dairy workers as they go about their tasks. The pasture is sometimes also referred to as the "Grafendorfer Alm", due to the fact that the members of the farming community come from Grafendorf.
Really switch off, take a deep breath, live in the moment - Straniger Alm pasture, nestled against a breathtaking natural backdrop near the border to Italy, is the perfect place to do just that. The pasture may be reached via a well-maintained gravel path. For long-distance hikers, the pasture on the southern mountain ridge of the Gailtal valley is a great place to rest and one of the most important overnight stops on the Karnischer Höhenweg trail and the Via Alpina between Plöcken Pass and Nassfeld Pass. For mountain bikers, Italy is just a short ride away. Hikers may continue on the cheese-themed circular trail, visit nearby Kordin Alm pasture, or make their way up Waidegger Höhe, Schulterkofel or Hochwipfel mountain. To top up your supplies or purchase some goodies to take home with you, pay the small farm shop a visit. The pasture is farmed by a community from the surrounding villages. Traditional dairy skills are still cultivated on Straniger Alm: Gailtaler Almkäse is made, matured and stored here based on an original recipe. The cheese that owes its savoury note to a small amount of goat's milk is left to ripen in a natural rind. The ancient knowledge of cheese-making is passed on here through workshops and courses. Tours of the pasture, including tastings of its various products, are also organised on a regular basis. Visitors can expect lovingly and creatively prepared dishes, using produce straight from the farm. The pasture and its hut are known for their convivial, relaxed air. Guests quickly turn into friends who return time and time again!
