Val Rio del Lago
The Val Rio del Lago is a dramatic glacial valley carving through the heart of the Julian Alps, serving as a vital link between the high plateau of Sella Nevea and the town of Tarvisio. Flanked by the towering limestone massifs of Monte Canin and Jôf Fuart, the geography is defined by steep, rugged rock walls and dense alpine forests. At its center lies the emerald-green Lago del Predil, a high-altitude lake whose outflowing river, the Slizza, gives the valley its name. The terrain transitions from technical mountain hairpins near the pass to a sweeping, high-speed descent as the valley floor opens up toward the basin. The area is steeped in a complex history, marked by centuries of mining and its strategic position near the triple border of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. The village of Cave del Predil sits as a focal point, where the remnants of massive lead and zinc mines—dating back to pre-Roman times and peaking under Austro-Hungarian rule—create a striking, slightly melancholic atmosphere. The route offers a world-class cycling experience; the SS54 provides a smooth, mostly downhill run toward Tarvisio with an average negative grade of 3% to 5%. It is a ride that balances natural beauty with the industrial grit of old Europe.
Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
City: Sella Nevea
Distance: 15.84 km
Elevation Gain: 44 m
Elevation Loss: 417 m
Difficulty: 64 (Easy)
FIETS Index: 0.14 FIETS
Avg Grade: -2.62 %
Max cat climb: 5
Min elevation: 799 m
Max elevation: 1197 m
Ride Category: Flat