Lake Jasna is a small but very scenic lake located just above the town of Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps. You pass the lake on the way up to the Vršič Pass. The surrounding high mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. We often stop by Lake Jasna—sometimes on the way to another destination, sometimes for a coffee, and occasionally for a short swim.

The Surrounding Area

The lake actually consists of two artificially constructed bodies of water, situated next to the Big and Small Pišnica rivers that flow down from the mountains. In the Krnica Valley behind the lakes, the towering peaks of Prisojnik (2,547 m) and Razor (2,601 m) create a beautiful backdrop.

In addition to visiting the lakes, there are several activities and attractions in the area. These include a trip to the alpine ski resort of Kranjska Gora, which lies just below the lakes.

In the other direction, you can travel up to the Vršič Pass. The road was built by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. Along the way, you’ll find the Russian Chapel, a memorial to the 400 Russian prisoners who died in an avalanche while constructing the road.

Just before the Russian Chapel, you’ll find Miha’s Hut, a traditional alpine cottage. From its patio, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the mountains rising above the Krnica Valley.

Things to Do

• Swimming - It is entirely possible to swim in the Jasna Lakes. Many tourists do this during the summer months.
• Hiking - There are many hiking routes starting from Kranjska Gora and the Jasna Lakes, which we cover in separate posts. One hike we want to highlight here is the trail up to Krnica Hut. If you’re reading this post in our app, you can select Hiking Directions in the menu at the top right for a detailed route description.

Accommodation

There are many places to stay in the area, ranging from high-quality hotels to smaller apartments and villas. Your choice will depend on your priorities and planned activities.

• Milka Boutique Hotel - Milka is both a high end restaurant and hotel next to Lake Jasna.
• Chalet Sofija - Not far from Lake Jasna, the exceptional Chalet Sofija is situated on Srednji Vrh, offering beautiful views of the Julian Alps.
• Villas and apartments - Because of the proximity to the tourist resort of Kranjska Gora, there are plenty of villas and apartments for rent.

Dining

We’ve chosen to highlight two restaurants—one for its exceptional food and the other for its spectacular view.

• Milka - A 2-star Michelin restaurant that focuses on both modern and classic dishes, using ingredients sourced from the surrounding alpine environment. You can reserve a table on their website.
• Gostilna Jasna - Just north of the lake is Jasna Restaurant. From its terrace, you can enjoy fantastic views of the lake, the Krnica Valley, and the surrounding mountains. You can book a table here