Alpine peace

Sandwiched between Austria and Slovenia but located in Italy, this alpine lake is one of a pair that lie near the base of the stony peak called Mangart. The summit is one of the high points of the Julian Alps, a subrange named for the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, who developed villages and roads in the region during his reign. Speaking of roads, look no further than the Julians if you seek a long-distance trail less traveled: Nearby, the Juliana Trail encircles Slovenia's only national park in a 168-mile loop.