Nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj is a picturesque gem that captures the essence of Slovenia’s natural beauty. With crystal-clear water, snow-capped peaks, and verdant forests, it’s no wonder why this glacial lake is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
What is Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is the largest (permanent) lake in Slovenia, as it stretches for over 4.2km (2.6 mi) long and it’s up to 1km (0.62 mi) wide at its widest point. There is a 12-km long marked trail which goes all the way around the lake, and takes 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and the amount of stops you take.
The Lake of Bohinj is located not far from the more popular Lake Bled, but even though it’s generally lesser known, it is in no way inferior. In fact, Lake Bohinj is just as beautiful as Lake Bled, if not more.
Lake Bohinj is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers plenty of opportunities ranging from boating, hiking, kayaking, swimming, biking and more. At the same time, Lake Bohinj is also a great option for those seeking relaxation, as people can soak up the sun by the lake’s shores or take walk around the lake.
How to get to Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is situated at the end of a valley, and it used to be disconnected from the rest of the country due to its remote location. Poor roads and vertiginous terrain also contributed to its isolation, as they create a natural obstacle for the development of the region.
Today, getting to Lake Bohinj is really easy, whether you come by private car or by public transport. The lake is now well connected with the rest of Slovenia thanks to newer roads and modern tunnels, and it can be reached by car, train and bus. Here are the details about each option.
– By bus:
From cities like Jesenice or Ljubljana, you will reach the lake through the Bled – Bohinjska Bistrica – Ribčev Laz route. You can check out buses on ap-ljubljana.si, or on arriva.si.
From Ljubljana, buses leave hourly and the trip takes about 2h. Tickets cost 7.90€ on a weekday, and just 2.70€ on a weekend.
– By train:
The train to Lake Bohinj runs on one of the most beautiful railway lines in Europe, with pictoresque views along the entire way. The nearest station is Bohinjska Bistrica, which is about 7km from Lake Bohinj. From Bohinjska Bistrica you can continue your journey by bus, by taxi, or even by walk.
To check trains, visit potniski.sz.si. As an example, the train from Ljubljana to Bohinjska Bistrica takes 1h 50 minutes and the ticket costs 7.20€.
– By car:
The road leading to Lake Bohinj is paved for its entire way, and it’s a pleasant drive through one of Slovenia’s most beautiful valleys. Lake Bohinj is about 27 km (17 mi) from Lake Bled, or 80 km (50 mi) from Ljubljana. You can drive the from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj in about 1h.
When traveling by car you can even considering taking a “car train”. This option is pretty awesome if you want to have your own car and cover the distance without driving the whole way there. Find more info about it on potniski.sz.si/en/motorail.
🅿️ Parking at Lake Bohinj
While reaching the lake by car is very easy, there aren’t many parking spots available at Lake Bohinj and the ones available tend to be quite pricey. The hourly fee varies depending on the parking, but expect to pay around 3€ per hour during high season to leave your car by the lake!
Parking your car for free is also possible, although we won’t assure it’s 100% “legal”. The area near the Valley station of the Vogel Cable Car Valley is dotted with parkings. Some are reserved for the clients of the cable car, but many others seem to be available for everyone. However, they tend to get full pretty quickly and early in the morning.
What to do at Lake Bohinj
There are many fun things to do in and around Lake Bohinj, Slovenia that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can go hiking on the trails around the lake, explore the narrow canyon of Mostnica Gorge, and take the spectacular cable car of Mount Vogel for some stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Here is our selection for the best things to do at Lake Bohinj!
1) Swim at the Bohinj Lake
Many visitors describe Lake Bohinj as one of the best lakes they’ve ever swum in. If you visit Lake Bohinj during the summer months, make sure to save a couple of hours to take a dip in its waters!
Even though it is a mountain lake, Lake Bohinj is relatively warm during the summer months (July-August and sometimes June and September). It is also one of the Slovenian Lakes where you’re allowed to swim, as it’s prohibited in many other alpine lakes for environmental reasons.
The whole experience is really nice. The water of Bohinj is incredibly clear and the high peaks make for the perfect background. There are several “beaches” where you can relax and get a tan around the lake.
2) Walk around the lake
Walking around the 12-km loop trail is a really nice way to spend a day at Lake Bohinj. The path make its way around the whole lake: on the southern part of Lake Bohinj the trail runs alongside the road, while on the northern side it cuts through peaceful forests for most of its way.
The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it suitable for all skill levels, and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete.
3) Ribcev Laz
Ribcev Laz is a small town located on the shores of Lake Bohinj. The village is named after the fishermen (Ribčev) who have lived in the area for centuries, and “Laz” refers to the meadowland where the village is situated.
The village has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to visitors. There is also a small church in the village, the Church of St. John the Baptist, which dates back to the 14th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes.
Overall, Ribčev Laz is a charming village that offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region, as well as access to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Slovenia.
4) Zlatorog
In the proximity of the town of Ribcev Laz you will find the statue of Zlatorog (Golden Horn), the mythical golden-horned ibex. According to legend, Zlatorog was a magnificent white chamois with golden horns that lived in the mountains around Lake Bohinj. It was said to possess magical powers and guarded a treasure hidden deep in the mountains.
Today, the legend of Zlatorog is still celebrated in Bohinj, with the creature being a symbol of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
5) Mount Vogel
Mount Vogel is definitely worth visiting when in Bohinj. This mountain offers some of the most stunning views of the surrounding Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj.
There is an outstanding viewpoint on Mount Vogel which visitors can reach by taking a scenic cable car ride. The cable car that takes around 7 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. Once at the upper station, visitors can enjoy the panoramic views or continue for the several hiking trails.
In fact, in addition to the views, Mount Vogel is also a popular destination for outdoor activities. During the winter months, skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, with several well-groomed slopes and trails available. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
We’ve discussed these options into details on our dedicated guide to Mount Vogel.
6) Savica Waterfall
Savica Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located in the Triglav National Park near Lake Bohinj in Slovenia. The waterfall is fed by the Savica River, which originates from a series of underground springs in the mountains.
The waterfall drops 78 meters into a pool below, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. The water flow is at its strongest during the spring and early summer months when the snow is melting, creating a spectacular sight.
Visitors can reach the waterfall via a well-maintained hiking trail that takes around 20 to 30 minutes to walk from the parking lot. Along the way, there are several viewpoints that offer stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding scenery.
7) Mostnica Gorge
Mostnica Gorge is a beautiful natural attraction located just 3km from Lake Bohinj. The gorge is carved by the Mostnica River, which flows through a narrow canyon surrounded by steep walls of rock.
The hike along the Mostnica Gorge takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete. The trail leads through lush forests and meadows, with several wooden bridges and stairs along the way that allow visitors to cross the river and explore the canyon.
The gorge itself is about 2 kilometers long and offers stunning views of the crystal-clear water flowing over rocks and boulders, creating small waterfalls and pools. The canyon walls are covered with moss and ferns, giving the area a magical and tranquil atmosphere.
8) Bohinjska Bistrica
The town of Bohinjska Bistrica is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and cycling.
One of the highlights of Bohinjska Bistrica and the surrounding area is the vast fields of wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The fields are located just outside of the town and offer a peaceful and picturesque setting for hiking or picnicking.
Where to stay near Lake Bohinj
Hey there! If you’re planning a trip to Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, you’re in for a treat! There are loads of great accommodation options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage or a luxurious hotel.
- ON A BUDGET: the cheapest beds available near Lake Bohinj are those at Hostel pod Voglom (from 22€/night per bunk bed in a shared room) and at House Budkovič (from 25€/night per bunk bed in a shared room). An even cheaper spot is Bohinj Camp, from 13€/night for a camp spot. More about it later.
- MID-RANGE: One of the most interesting accommodations in the area is TriSa apartments, from 72€/night. Another option is Apartmaji Milan Taler, from 77€/night. You could also consider to spend one or two nights at Chalet Burja (from 127€/night), up the mountains of the Vogel Ski Resort.
- LUXURY: A very interesting luxury option is Villa & Chalet STARE (from 391€/night, for up to 6 people), an exquisite villa located in Ukanc, a cozy town on the shores of Lake Bohinj. Another place we’d love staying at is Hiša Križaj, a beautifully designed apartment complex with units starting from 162€/night.
– Lake Bohinj Camp
The big deal for budget travellers visiting Lake Bohinj is the Bohinj Camp, The campsite offers a range of facilities including pitches for tents and campervans, but they also rent tents for those who aren’t equipped with one.
It’s the perfect spot to set up camp with your tent or campervan without breaking the bank, and you’ll wake up to some stunning views. And the best part? You won’t have to venture far for food and supplies because they’ve got a restaurant and a supermarket right on site.
Check it out on the Bohinj Camp’s official site.
Best time to visit Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is one of those places that can – and should – be visited year-round, as every season has something special.
Summer (June to August) is the busiest season, with warm temperatures ideal for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. The surrounding forests and meadows burst with vibrant colors and wildflowers, making it a perfect time for nature lovers to visit. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak season, and the crowds can be overwhelming.
If you prefer a quieter experience, then spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are great times to visit. The weather is mild, and the crowds have thinned out. During the spring, the snow melts, and the waterfalls are at their fullest. In the fall, the leaves change color, and the surrounding mountains are dusted with snow.
Winter (December to March) is another magical time at Lake Bohinj, with skiing and snowboarding being the main attractions. The lake freezes over, and you can go ice-skating, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. However, please note that the winter months can be cold, and some activities may be weather-dependent.