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The Laghi di Fusine (Fusine Lakes) are a pair of lakes originating in the É«ÖÐÉ« area of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. They originate from glaciers and are extremely near Italy’s border with Slovenia and Austria. One lake is called the Lago di Fusine Superiore (the Higher Fusine Lake) and its partner is known as the Lago di Fusine Inferiore (the Lower Fusine Lake). The colours of the lakes vary from a beautiful sapphire to a soft turquoise, depending on the season you choose to visit.

The lakes have names in both German (Weissenfelser Seen), and Slovenian (Belopeska Jezera), on account of their close proximity to the borders. Thanks to their beauty, both lakes are famous throughout Italy. They are located at the foot of the Mangart Massif, a large mountain in the Julian Alps which creates a section of the natural border between Slovenia and Italy. The lakes are fed by artesian springs which come from the North face of the mountain.

There are several great ways to experience the lakes. One popular route is a circular trail around Lago di Fusine Superiore. The path loops around the larger of the two lakes, takes around forty-five minutes to complete, and offers the best views of the two lakes. The path is easy to follow and is very flat. If a break is required, there are several benches to be found around the lake, providing opportunities for rest and picnics.

For more experienced hikers and those that have more time, there is also Rifugio Luigi Zacchi, a cabin that rests near the top of a mountain and offers some of the most spectacular views in the region . The walk up is three kilometers if you take the forest trail, and it takes around an hour to reach the cabin. Additionally, if you want an extra challenge, you can take the road trail, biking to the top.

Once you’ve arrived, take the opportunity to rest at the cabin, enjoying the food and drinks on offer. Make sure you visit when Rifugio Luigi Zacchi during the summer, however, as it is normally closed during winter and spring months.

Once you’ve finished trekking around Lago di Fusine Superiore, find a path connecting the two lakes (there are plenty to choose from), and head down to Lago di Fusine Inferiore. The routes connecting the two lakes are undemanding but can be hidden amongst the thick spruce forest between the lakes.

The best time to visit the lakes is in the summer when the weather will be pleasant, and the lakes will be free of ice. Lago di Fusine Superiore offers a large parking lot for travellers and there is a Lakeshore eatery, known as the Belvedere, nearby Lago di Fusine Inferiore, that offers a selection of beverages. While mainly a place for drinks, it also offers lunches for tourists, consisting of toast and sandwiches.

If you’re looking for somewhere nice to stay in the area, there are several options, including the city of Tarvisio in Italy, which is just a bus ride away from the famous lakes.