The Fusine Lakes or Laghi di Fusine are two lakes in the northeastern part of Italy, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, within the municipality of Tarvisio. The lakes are located in the Julian Alps mountain range, near the Italian-Slovenian border. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular as a tourist destination.
The lakes are often referred to by their Italian name, Laghi di Fusine. Additionally, since the two lakes are also close to the Slovenian and Austrian borders, they are also known as Weissenfelser Seen in German and Belopeška jezera in Slovenian. We use the English and Italian forms in our article.
The two lakes are Lago di Fusine Superiore (Upper Lake) and Lago di Fusine Inferiore (Lower Lake).
Lago Superiore is the larger lake, located at an altitude of 929 meters above sea level, and it is 10 meters deep.
Lago Inferiore is the slightly smaller lake, situated at an altitude of 924 meters above sea level, and it is 25 meters deep.
Both lakes offer stunning views of the Mangart Mountain, which is Slovenia’s third-highest peak and sits on the Italian-Slovenian border.
The Laghi di Fusine are two glacial lakes and are known for their crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings. The lakes are popular tourist destinations, enjoyed by both locals and tourists who like to spend a few hours in nature.
In this article, we provide detailed information about the Fusine Lakes, including how to get there, the best times to visit, and activities to do at the lakes. Additionally, we offer tips on other wonderful attractions in the Julian Alps surrounding the lakes if you’re planning to visit the area.
So let’s see what to know about Laghi di Fusine before you travel there.
How to get to Laghi di Fusine
The Fusine Lakes are most easily accessible by car or guided bus tours.
Public transportation is very limited in the area. The only option we found is a bus service from Tarvisio that goes to the village of Valico di Fusine. From there, it’s a further 2.5 km walk to the nearest lake.
If you’re arriving by car, you can reach the lakes from either Tarvisio in Italy or Kranjska Gora in Slovenia, both via the SS54 road. The lakes are about 20 minutes drive from both Tarvisio and Kranjska Gora.
The two lakes are situated near Valico di Fusine, along Via Laghi, which is a narrow street winding through the forest.
It’s important to note that Via Laghi, the road leading to the lakes, is a toll road!
Entrance fee to the lakes
A few years ago, a toll was introduced for the road leading to Laghi di Fusine. The entrance fee is paid per vehicle and includes parking for the entire day.
When we last visited the lakes in early 2024, the ticket prices were €5 for cars, a slightly lower fee for motorcycles, and a higher fee for campers and buses (around €15 and €30).
You can pay this fee in cash. We’re not aware of any card payment options. However, this situation and the prices may change at any time!
If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, you can leave your car at one of the free parking areas, even before the toll booth, and walk to the lakes.
Parking around Laghi di Fusine
After the toll booth, you’ll find the lower lake approximately 1 km ahead, where you can park along the road. Continuing further, you’ll soon reach the upper lake, followed by another large gravel parking area.
How much time to plan to visit the Fusine Lakes
To visit Fusine Lakes, you’ll typically need about 2–3 hours to walk around both lakes, allowing time for strolling in the area, taking photos, and perhaps stopping for a drink or snack.
If you want to hike more, enjoy the nature, the views, and relax a bit, then plan for half a day or even a full day.
Best time to visit Laghi di Fusine
We recommend visiting Laghi di Fusine mainly from May to September. The lakes can be visited in autumn and winter as well, but undoubtedly, the landscape is most beautiful in late spring and summer.
However, during the summer months, especially in July and August, as well as on weekends, you should expect crowds.
Note: As the weather in the Julian Alps can be unpredictable, it’s essential to check the current weather forecast. Sudden thunderstorms are common in the area, so it’s best to be prepared.
Laghi di Fusine in winter
As mentioned, Laghi di Fusine are also accessible during winter. During this time, there are fewer people around the lakes, offering a truly peaceful experience.
However, the downside is the cold weather and snow. While snowy landscapes can be amazing, the hiking trails around the lake may be icy, making hiking in the area more challenging.
Therefore, if you visit Laghi di Fusine in winter, make sure to wear winter hiking boots and even consider using extra traction devices for your shoes to prevent slipping.
Best things to do at the Fusine Lakes
A Laghi di Fusine lakes provide excellent opportunities for spending a pleasant morning or afternoon, as there are several outdoor activities you can enjoy by the lakeside.
Let’s list some of the activities you can do at the lakes:
Hiking around the lakes
Both lakes are accessible via hiking trails, and there are several routes that connect the two lakes. The shortest route between the lakes is about 300 meters.
The total walk around the two lakes is almost 4 kilometers, with small climbs in places.
Walk around the Lago Inferiore
The trail around the lower lake is approximately 1.6 km long and relatively easy, although hiking shoes are recommended due to rocks and slippery sections.
Walk around the Lago Superiore
The route around the upper lake depends more on the weather. Although some sources say that the upper lake is easier to walk, we found this mainly when the water level was low. At high water levels, the trail directly along the shore can be impassable, and the higher trails can be more challenging due to the rocky terrain.
On average, it takes roughly 2 km to walk around the whole lake.
Rent a boat at Lago Inferiore
Along the northern shore of Lago Inferiore, there is also the option for boat rental. This is mainly available during the summer months and offers a delightful way to relax on the beautiful blue waters of the lake.
Can you swim in the Fusine Lakes?
In theory, yes, swimming is allowed in the lakes, but it’s not popular because the lakes have very cold water.
Sit in a local restaurant
There are 3 restaurants in the Fusine Lakes area where you can eat during your hike:
- Belvedere: Restaurant with the best view of Mangart Mountain and the lower lake. It offers traditional local dishes such as polenta, wurstel, gnocchi, ravioli, and more.
- Capanna Edelweiss ristorante bar: The largest restaurant at the lakes, also offering traditional local dishes, perhaps a bit more variety than the others. Rooms are also available.
- Bar Ai Sette Nani: Located at the parking lot of the upper lake. It’s a completely new building that recently underwent reconstruction. You can expect simpler local Friulian dishes here.
Hiking to the Rifugio Luigi Zacchi
A hiking trails lead from the parking lot at the upper lake towards the mountains. One of these trails (mostly heading left) leads to Rifugio Zacchi. This mountain hut is located at the foot of Visoka Ponca mountain. The trail to it from the upper lake is about 4.5 km long one way, with a 500-meter elevation gain.
At the end of the hike, you’ll find a traditional alpine refuge with fantastic mountain views all around, a large terrace, local food, and overnight accommodation. The place has good online reviews, so if you’re into more hiking, it’s worth a visit.
Where to stay near Fusine Lakes
Accommodation options are limited at Laghi di Fusine.
If you want to stay close to the lakes, we recommend Capanna Edelweiss ristorante bar, where you can book a room, or the camping site near the upper lake if you’re traveling by camper.
Alternatively, it’s a good idea to stay in nearby Tarvisio or Kranjska Gora in Slovenia.
The accommodations we recommend are:
In Tarvisio:
- Hotel Rosengarten: A three-star hotel in Tarvisio
- Hotel Sogni D’Oro: Three-star hotel, just a short drive from Tarvisio
In Kranjska Gora:
- Milka Boutique Hotel: a luxury hotel in the most beautiful part of Kranjska Gora, next to the Lake Jasna, with a fantastic view of the lake
- Triangel Boutique Hotel: a modern four-star hotel close to Kranjska Gora
- Apartma Vovk: three-star apartments in Mojstrana, recommended for families
To sum up, visiting Laghi di Fusine is a wonderful experience in the stunning Italian Alps. Whether you love serene lakes, majestic mountains, or outdoor adventures, Fusine Lakes have it all. Plan your trip carefully, enjoy the best times to visit, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in this beautiful place.
Finally, if you have more time in the area, let’s see what else you should visit.
Other attractions in the Julian Alps
Zelenci Nature Reserve
The Zelenci Nature Reserve is famous not only for its emerald-green lake but also for being the source of the Sava River. An interesting fact is that due to its warm temperature, the water doesn’t freeze even in winter.
You can reach Zelenci with a short forest walk from one of the nearby parking areas.
Next to the small green lake, you’ll also find a wooden viewing platform, where you can capture the best photos.
Lake Jasna
Lake Jasna is a stunning alpine lake located in the town of Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear green waters, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a pleasant walk.
Lake Predil
Lake Predil, or Lago del Predil, is a picturesque mountain lake in the Italian Alps. It is also located near the town of Tarvisio, along the SS54 road, but on the section heading towards Bovec.
Surrounded by steep cliffs and lush forests, the lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. While exploring the area, especially in the summer, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, pedal boating, and swimming.
Soca Valley
The Soca Valley is a stunning alpine valley in Slovenia, famous for the emerald-green Soca River.
The valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and paragliding.
Visitors can also explore charming towns, historical monuments and buildings, as well as breathtaking waterfalls and gorges in the valley.
