Rifugio Luigi Zacchi — loop from the lakes of Fusine
Rifugio Luigi Zacchi — loop from the lakes of Fusine
4.7
(99)
453
hikers
04:17
9.21km
730m
Hiking
Embark on a challenging 5.7-mile (9.2 km) loop from the glacial Lakes of Fusine to Rifugio Luigi Zacchi, gaining 2385 feet (727 metres) in elevation. This difficult hike, typically taking around 4 hours and 17 minutes, leads you through dense forests and alpine terrain. You will encounter continuous views of the deep blue and green waters of the Lakes of Fusine, often reflecting the imposing Mangart Peak, before ascending to panoramic vistas of the Julian Alps.
This demanding route requires good fitness, sturdy hiking shoes, and some alpine experience. While the initial sections around the lakes are flatter, the ascent to Rifugio Zacchi involves narrow forest trails and broader gravel roads. The mountain hut itself is a welcome stop, offering food, refreshments, and a spacious terrace with breathtaking views; it is typically open from mid-May to the end of September.
The Lakes of Fusine are considered an Italian hidden gem, providing a serene natural backdrop for your adventure. The Rifugio Luigi Zacchi also serves as an excellent starting point for more challenging excursions and climbs within the Julian Alps, including routes towards Mangart and Ponza Grande. You can enjoy the trail in both summer and winter, though snowshoes are recommended for winter conditions.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment that may be dangerous
A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
After 4.62 km for 80 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
56 m
Highlight • Restaurant
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Tip by
1.19 km
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Hut
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Tip by
2.87 km
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Tip by
3.72 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
9.21 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.85 km
1.31 km
936 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.16 km
3.75 km
258 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,660 m)
Lowest point (940 m)
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Weather
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Thursday 21 May
19°C
5°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
The beautiful and wild Friuli Venezia Giulia once again lived up to expectations. Dense, rugged forests surprise you with splendid views through the trees, and from the midst of the warm autumn colors emerge two turquoise gems, the Fusine Lakes. A journey to savor at every step, a rugged yet welcoming nature.
Snow ❄️, sun ☀️, snowdrops 🌸 were our constant companions today. On the way up we had a view of the Mangart and on the way down we had a view of the two Lago di Fusine. These are the best ingredients for a successful hike. The snowshoes could safely stay at home, but the crampons were a great advantage. 🗻
At the parking lot of the lower Weissenfelser See (Lago di Fusine Inferior), we head straight into the forest. A sign points us to trail 512 toward Ref. Zacchi. At a viewpoint, where you can admire the beautiful colors of both lakes, we stop for a short rest and enjoy the view. After about 750 meters of ascent, we reach the highest point of our hike today and leisurely descend to the Zacchi Hut, which invites you to stop for a rest and a while. We continue straight away as the clouds are getting grayer and rain is forecast for the afternoon. After about 1.5 hours from the hut, we return to the valley and reach the parking lot of the upper Weissenfelser See (Lago di Fusine Superiore) via the forest road. From here, there are several options for returning to the parking lot. Beautiful and scenic tour, enjoy the video. https://youtu.be/z6p55zEwdtc?si=AFRGi2Rrq1wvaxUP