Crossing Borders on Foot: A Quiet Hike to Fusine Lakes with Just One Backpack

Last weekend, I crossed a country border on foot.

No guards, no checkpoints—just a small road sign between Slovenia and Italy, and a path that led to two alpine lakes tucked quietly into the forest.

From Ljubljana, I caught a local bus to Rateče, the last stop before the Italian side. The ride took just over two hours. From there, I started walking along a quiet greenway. The border marker came and went with little fanfare. An hour later, the first lake appeared—misty, still, and glowing under soft winter light.

Ten minutes beyond that, the second lake opened up like something from a painting. Deep green in one moment, shimmering blue the next.

Everything I needed for the day fit inside my waterproof hiking backpack.

Snacks, a light jacket, my camera, and a journal—just enough for a day of stillness. No need to worry about sudden rain or rough paths. The bag stayed dry. So did I.

After circling both lakes, I wandered back the same way I came.

Stopped at a tiny shop near the roadside for water and postcards. Waited for the bus back to Ljubljana as the light shifted behind the mountains.

It wasn’t a long hike.

It wasn’t dramatic or wild.

But it was the kind of day that stays with you—simple, quiet, unhurried.

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