Discover Cornino: Lake, Nature Reserve and Hiking Trails

Cornino is suitable for planning a trip that combines nature observation, short routes and longer hikes. The village is closely associated with Lago di Cornino, the Riserva Naturale Regionale del Lago di Cornino and a small museum dedicated to the regional landscape and wildlife. Depending on the time available, you can choose a short circular route, plan a longer hike or complement your visit with insights into rural crafts.

Lake and nature reserve around Cornino

Lago di Cornino is approximately 140 m long and about 8 m deep. Underground water circulation ensures rapid water exchange and clear water. This makes the lake a distinctive part of the natural environment, without reducing its appeal to a mere viewpoint. The Riserva Naturale Regionale del Lago di Cornino covers approximately 500 hectares and is located between the municipalities of Forgaria nel Friuli and Trasaghis.

The visitor centre of the Riserva Naturale Regionale del Lago di Cornino houses a small museum about the “Progetto Grifone” and the special features of the protected area's natural environment. The visitor centre also includes aviaries with rescued animals, mainly birds of prey, that cannot be released back into the wild. A feeding station for free-living animals completes this area. Anyone interested in wildlife and the work of the protected area can consider the museum visit and the outdoor areas as connected parts of their trip.

Hiking trails for different day plans

For a manageable outing, the “Lake Trail” is a good option. The circular route is approximately 1.48 km long and takes about 40 minutes from the visitor centre of the protected area. A longer but still clearly defined option is the “Sompcornino–Ledrania–Peonis Trail”. It is approximately 5 km long, takes two and a half hours and follows CAI trails 817 and 818.

The “Ring of Monte Prat from Cornino” requires more time: the moderately difficult circular hike covers 15.4 km and takes approximately 6 hours and 5 minutes. These details make it easier to choose for your day planning. You can distinguish between a short circular route, a two-and-a-half-hour hike and a considerably longer moderately difficult route, without combining the trails into one uniform tour. The trails of the Riserva Naturale Regionale del Lago di Cornino can be walked independently. Guided visits to the Riserva, on the other hand, are only possible by prior reservation.

Rural crafts and regional history

One of the cultural points of interest in Cornino is the “Geis and Riscjei House of Rural Manual Work”. It is housed in the restored former community dairy in Cornino. The exhibition includes sections on dairy farming, wool spinning and kitchen utensils. This allows your stay at the lake and in the nature reserve to be complemented by an insight into former working and everyday life.

Griffonday is a traditional annual event in the programme of the Riserva Naturale Regionale del Lago di Cornino. The programme includes playful, exhibition-based and educational activities. For your planning, the specific event date remains decisive; its annual inclusion does not automatically indicate a date during your stay.

Choose accommodation for your trip to Cornino

If you would like to combine nature, hiking trails and rural crafts, you can consider Cornino as a destination when planning your accommodation. First, it is important to decide which focus you want to set: the “Lake Trail” is suitable for a short nature experience, while the “Ring of Monte Prat from Cornino” requires a considerably longer day of hiking. If you would also like to include the museum, the aviaries or the House of Rural Manual Work, you can take these interests into account when putting together your own travel programme.

Discover more places

You can explore Ruda, Nogaredo di Corno, Cividale Del Friuli, Sutrio, Magnano In Riviera, Paluzza, Tavagnacco and Savogna di Cividale as additional travel destinations.

For the higher-level travel overview: Udine.