Lake Bohinj is located about 25 km southwest of Lake Bled. To get there, you drive from Bled through a long alpine valley, and it feels like entering a different world with a slower pace. Deeper into the alpine landscape, you’ll find significantly fewer tourists, more untouched nature, and a wilder, more authentic side of Slovenia.
Situated within Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is an important starting point for hikes in the park and the Julian Alps. The area also offers opportunities for many other activities, including swimming, paragliding, kayaking, canoeing, and cycling.
Geology, geography and climate
Lake Bohinj is a glacial lake that was originally formed by the movement of tectonic plates in the area. Its final shape was carved by the Bohinj Glacier, which melted away around 10,000 years ago as the climate changed. The glacier left behind moraines and the deep basin that is today’s Lake Bohinj. The lake’s primary source of water comes from the last lake in the Triglav Lakes Valley below Mount Triglav. At the opposite end, water flows out into the Jezernica Creek, which later becomes the Sava Bohinjka River.
The temperature of the lake can reach up to 24 °C during the summer months.
How we spend our time at Lake Bohinj
We often visit Lake Bohinj to swim when we’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience. There is plenty of space for everyone. Sometimes we drive, and other times we cycle, as there is a good bike path all the way from Bled to the lake. Lake Bohinj is worth visiting simply to experience the beauty of nature itself.
Towns and villages
On the way to Lake Bohinj, you pass through the towns of Bohinjska Bistrica and Ribčev Laz.
- Bohinjska Bistrica is a typical alpine resort with a focus on sports activities. From the main street, you get a perfect view of Slovenia’s highest mountain, Triglav.
- Ribčev Laz is located just before Lake Bohinj. Here, you will find a statue commemorating the four Slovenians who first climbed Triglav in 1778. The town also offers many hotels and restaurants.
Activities
Like Bled, Bohinj is a destination for active vacations. However, unlike Bled, the focus here is more on hiking and slightly less on cycling. Above Lake Bohinj, you’ll also find the Vogel ski resort, which can be reached by cable car.
Hiking
- Vogel – In winter, Vogel is a ski resort, but in summer, it offers many hiking trails. From Vogel, the views over Lake Bohinj and the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park are spectacular. The easiest way to reach Vogel is by taking the gondola from the valley station. If you are reading this blog post in our app, you can select Hiking Directions in the menu at the top right to view one route. The blog will cover other hikes in this area in more detail in a future article.
- Triglav Lakes Valley – For serious hiking in the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj is an excellent starting point for one of the most beautiful hikes in Triglav National Park: the hike through the Triglav Lakes Valley up to Slovenia’s highest mountain, Triglav. This hike typically requires 2–3 days to complete.
Bicycling
If you want to cycle around Lake Bohinj, you can rent a bicycle in both Ribčev Laz and Bohinjska Bistrica. However, the choice of cycling routes is not as extensive as in Bled.
Swimming
The best place to swim at Lake Bohinj is reached by walking from Ribčev Laz across the bridge toward the Church of St. John the Baptist. After crossing the bridge, turn left and follow the path for a few hundred meters until you reach the beach. If you are using the app, select Show on Map in the menu at the top right to view a map of Lake Bohinj.
Other activities
Whether you arrive at the Savica Hut by car, bike, or on foot, it is about a 15-minute walk slightly uphill to reach the Savica Waterfall. The waterfall is 78 meters high, and its source is the lakes of the Triglav Lakes Valley. If you select Show on Map in the app’s menu at the top right, you can see the waterfall’s location. You can also read more on the official website. Please note that an entry fee applies.
Where to stay
Here are some excellent places to stay near Lake Bohinj.
- Boutique Hotel Sunrose 7 - Located in Bohinjska Bistrica, approximately 6km away from Lake Bohinj.
- Apartmaji Triglav - A hotel with apartments, located in the village of Stara Fužina with a extraordinary view over Lake Bohinj.
- Hotel Bohinj - Located in Ribčev Laz, just a short distance from the lake.
- Vila Muhr - A high-end luxury hotel with only four suites, located next to Hotel Bohinj.
- Villas and apartments - Many residents and owners of villas and apartments rent them out during the tourist season, and most of these properties are of a high standard.
Restaurants and cafes
- Vila Muhr - A high-quality restaurant offering its own interpretations of Slovenian dishes. The ingredients are sourced from local producers and farmers. You can book a table here
- Pod Skalco - A casual and welcoming spot to stop for a drink and some snacks. When we visit Lake Bohinj, this is our go-to place for a drink. “Pod Skalco” means “under the rock.”.
- Restaurant Majer’ca - Mentioned in the Michelin Guide, this restaurant focuses on alpine flavors, heritage, and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. You can reserve a table by emailinginfo@majerca.si or calling +386(0) 40 249 352.
- Foksner - If you’re looking for fantastic hamburgers and quality meat, this is the place to go!
