The Sauris area

Sauris or Zahre as it was called in the old German dialect, is a country that respects its ancient traditions, immersed in the nature of the Carnic Alps. The municipality, located in a green valley dominated by the splendid peaks of the Dolomites, is the highest in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region and it is made up of three hamlets: Sauris di Sotto, Sauris di Sopra and Lateis as well as the La Maina and Velt districts that are situated at a height ranging between 1,000 and 1,400 metres above sea level.

To reach Sauris you climb up the Val Lumiei (the Lumiei Valley) from Ampezzo: while going along the road, which in certain stretches drops sheer into the river bearing the same name or among suggestive live rock tunnels, you can easily understand why this area has been semi-isolated for centuries, making it possible for traditions, costumes language and architecture to remain unaltered over time.

This is a tortuous path which is adrenalin-packed in certain points yet is a must if you finally wish to reach Heaven: extremely thick woods, alpine meadows studded with “malghe” (shepherd’s huts) and the green lake that changes its colours according to the seasons. Sauris immediately wins its guests over due to its unspoilt beauty and its calm, relaxing atmosphere.