The Olbe lakes (2150 m a.s.l.) are a pair of lakes north of Sappada, nestled just below the pre- Alpine ridge that marks the border between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto.
The hike starts at the Baita Rododendro refuge (1700 m a.s.l.), located along the first valley of the Piave, just south of the river’s springs. Leaving your car here, take trail CAI 138, which leads to the lakes in about 1 h 30 min. Along the way, you’ll come across the junction with CAI 140, where you keep right towards the Casera d’Olbe (currently closed).
The lakes provide the perfect setting for a long break, with benches on the shore and views of the surrounding ridges; a walk around the two water basins is also highly recommended.
The second part of the route continues on trail 138, this time towards Monte Lastroni (2449 m), which can be reached in about 1 hour from the lakes. From the summit, you can admire Mounts Peralba, Chiadenis and Avanza on one side, and Cimon and Siera on the other.
For the return, follow CAI 138 back: in 30–45 minutes you will reach the lakes again, and from there another 1 h 20 will bring you back to Baita Rododendro.
Advises
Potrebbe essere affollato il weekend. Sconsigliato correr giù per il sentiero in quanto presenti buche di marmotte.
References
Photo/video galleryDISCLAIMER: The information provided herein is based on the personal experience of the page editors, and as such should be taken with a grain of salt: it may not be up to date or accurate. The editors strongly recommend always checking the condition of the trails with the relevant authorities before setting out on a hike.