Lake Raibl is icy even in summer, so few will decide to swim

(Patria) - The picturesque Lake Raibl, or Lago del Predil, is located in the Julian Alps in Italy, about ten kilometers south of the town of Tarvisio, near the Slovenian border and the Predil Pass.

The lake is of glacial origin and lies 959 meters above sea level. Its water is sometimes green, sometimes blue, deep and clear, reflecting the beautiful surrounding mountain peaks.

It is icy even in summer, so few will decide to swim, but it is perfect for canoeing.

There are not many tourist facilities, but along the beautiful pebble shore of the lake, you will meet many recreationalists.

Thanks to the frequent afternoon wind, there is also a Windsurf center, and you can rent surfboards, canoes, and SUPs.

If you prefer calm waters, plan to sail on the lake in the morning hours.

A small island that seems to float on the lake has captured people's imagination since ancient times. Many legends circulate about it, the most common being that there was once a green valley and a city inhabited by hard-hearted people, writes Punkufer.hr.

One winter night, a young woman with a child arrived in the city, and after no one wanted to take her in, she found shelter with a humble family.

That night, the valley was hit by an earthquake, a huge storm raged, and it rained until the valley and the city were completely flooded. Thus, the lake was formed.

The woman and child disappeared, and all that remained of the city was the house of the humble family, the remains of which are still visible today on the island in the northern part of the lake.

Lake Raibl is surrounded by a deep pine forest with several marked hiking trails and picturesque bare alpine peaks, the most significant of which are Lepa glava, Trbiška Krniška špica, and Jerebica/Cima del Lago (2,126 meters), along whose ridge runs the border between Slovenia and Italy.

Two kilometers from the lake, in Bele Vode, is the beginning of the trail leading to Jerebica via Jezersko sedlo/Sella del Lago. The ascent is not the easiest, but the summit will reward you with magical views.

You can combine a visit to Lake Raibl with an excursion to Bled, which is less than an hour's drive away, or, for example, with exploring the magical Soča Valley.

If you are coming from that direction, you can reach it via the Predil Pass or the Vršič Pass, which is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Slovenia and an experience in itself that you must afford yourself.