A wild herb hike in Northern Italy in May

Result of a wild herb hike in Friuli Venezia Giulia Photo FVG A. Castiglioni

In search of wild herbs in the mountainous region between Trieste and the Dolomites

With spring, wild herb hikes in nature begin in the mountains from Trieste to the Dolomites. Then you look for sclopìt (pigeon sweet tooth), radicchio (mountain radicchio), bruscandoli (hop sprouts), dandelion and wild asparagus. They grow from the mountains to the lagoon, in the karst, on the permanent meadows, on the plains and along the rivers. So you can get to know the region well.

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The spring days ensure that nature blossoms. The locals use them for wild herb hikes. Then you can discover the riches of northern Italy as well as corners off the beaten track on a walk. Sclopìt (bird's-catchion), radicchio (mountain radicchio), bruscandoli (hop sprouts), dandelion and wild asparagus are just a few of the specialties that thrive this time of year. They are also the main ingredients of the dishes that the region's cuisine offers in May.

From the karst hills to the Friulian Dolomites, across the lagoon and the landscape of the plain, wild herbs cannot be missing in the recipes of the region. Chefs use them in the specialties of the region. Not only cooks, but also gourmets use the spring days to go in search of Silenen (cranberry catchfly), bruscandoli (hop sprouts), dandelion, rue, nettle, mint, fennel and radicchio (mountain radicchio).

Collected wild herbs on a hike — Wild herbs collected on a hike Photo: FVG, A. Castiglioni

On a wild herb hike between the Karst and the Dolomites

Wild herb hikes are possible from the karst around Triestand Gorizia via the valleys of Carnia, the region around Tarvisio to the Friulian Dolomites. You can do them on the roads of the Valli del Natisone, in nature and in the meadows in the Pordenone region and in the lowlands of Friuli. The best place to start a wild herb hike is on a farm. In general, the region offers wild herbs en masse. All you have to do is take a walk in a meadow in Central Friuli or along the banks of the floodplains to discover the wild plants. Sorrel, wood sorrel, lemon balm, mallow, yarrow, plantain, borage, meadowfoam, rosole (wild poppy) and even chives, garlic chives and garlic mustard grow here, alongside wild garlic.

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On the way on a wild herb hike in Friuli Photo: FVG, A. Castiglioni

Wild herb hikes have a long tradition

In the valleys of Carnia, dairymen and farmers have been picking Radic di mont (Bergradicchio) on wild herb hikes for centuries. This sprouts on the alpine pastures after the snow melts, usually in May. This is a radicchio that is used in salads or omelettes. This makes it a slow food product, locally called Radic dal glaz (Ice Radicchio), precisely because it appears after the snow melts. The radicchio is picked at the beginning of May for about 15 days. It is then stored in jars like canned vegetables. So you can enjoy it all year round. Lovage, also known as mountain celery, can also be found in the meadows of Carnia.

On the other hand, those who prefer wild herb hikes in the city can collect 19 species in the province of Gorizia alone. These include hop sprouts (Urtissoni or Bruscandoli), wild asparagus (Aspargina) and elderberries. Many of the herb-gathering trails run along the Isonzo River. You follow the shore towards the border Slovenia. These are hiking areas that the Habsburgs loved at the time as a “travel destination because of the climate and the peace and quiet”. Empress Elisabethwas a frequent guest in the region.

What you need for a wild herb hike

What do you need for your wild herb hike in Friuli Venezia Giulia? In our packing list for hikersyou can definitely check what you need for your tour.
Good hiking bootsare also a must on every hike. Only then can you enjoy your hike.
You can then put the collected herbs in one backpackpack. You can also use one in it snack, Yours lunch boxand accommodate everything you need for your day trip.

Collect wild herbs in the nature of Friuli — Collecting wild herbs in the nature of Friuli Photo: FVG, Santonego, Davide Monti

The whole family will enjoy a wild herb hike

Wild herb hikes are also fun for the youngsters. They love Silene (Silene vulgaris / Pigeon Catchfly) or Sclopìt. This term derives from the custom of crushing its flowers on the back of your hand. That creates a bang. The herb can be found on fallow land and permanent meadows. In the region it is called Grisòl, Sclopìt, S'ciopeti or Carleti. And finally the dandelion. Its flowers can be used to make “false honey” or “poor man’s honey”. This is used e.g. B. for glazing omelettes. It is a version of maple syrup. How to make it in Central Europe.

If you have the patience to wait until the end of May with your herb hike, you can also find Salicornia (Saphire), the sea asparagus. This is a plant that the sea salt gives its flavor to. It is collected in the Grado and Marano lagoons or on the islands. Samphire is suitable as an accompaniment to fish, blanched or fried and seasoned as desired.

A wild herb hike is a way to get to know the areas of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and discover new insights.

A wild herb hike can easily be combined with a motorhome holiday

Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information and a selection of booking options. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car ? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tentsis possible.
Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
Campsites for Italy*you can find here. You can relax there after a day trip Dutch Oven or on the portable grillor maybe on a campfire. You can also find Dutch oven accessoriesYou can also find it here.