Laghi di Fusine: the glacial jewels of the Julian Alps

We are still in Italy, just barely, on the border with Slovenia and Austria: here are two twin lakes that look like they came out of a fairy tale, the Laghi di Fusine. We are right in the Julian Alps, where these two bodies of water, set in a natural amphitheater dominated by the peaks of Mount Mangart, offer one of the most beautiful and breathtaking landscapes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Looking out over these lakes is like admiring a postcard. The Upper Lake and the Lower Lake are connected by a short path, and walking there, in every season, they will change appearance: in summer the colors will be green and blue, while autumn gives us gold and red.

The trails are simple to walk, and in fact, the whole area is perfect for restorative excursions for families and people with not too many demands. There is also the possibility of renting a canoe and gliding over the water, or stopping for a typical lunch based on mountain products. And for those who love to capture these moments, the panoramic points are perfect for spectacular photographs.

The cold you feel in winter is not accidental. The lakes are of glacial origin: they formed thousands of years ago, after the retreat of a glacier. Today they are continuously fed by underground springs and rainwater. According to some legends, the lakes are protected by the spirits of the mountains, and only those who visit them with respect can perceive their magic.

The geographical position makes this a perfect destination for those also looking for an international experience: by continuing on, you can easily find yourself in Austria or Slovenia, within a few kilometers.

Still far from the idea of mass tourism that has invaded other mountain locations, the Laghi di Fusine offer an immersive experience in unspoiled nature.

Cover photo credit Official FGV Tourism Website