Lake Bohinj

Part of Triglav National Park in the northwest of Slovenia, Lake Bohinj appeals to lovers of the outdoors: enjoy a wide range of active pursuits such as cycling around the lake, hiking in Mostnica Gorge, skiing at Vogel Ski Resort, and swimming at the beaches along the Savica River.

To see the 256-foot (78-meter) Savica Waterfall and the Church of St. John the Baptist, opt to visit Lake Bohinj as part of a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled due to the challenge of reaching its remote location—expect a long day, as tours generally last at least 10 hours. Attractions at Lake Bohinj are spread out around the lake, making it hard to get around without your own transport.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as most attractions and activities require them.
• Bring plenty of layers when visiting outside of summer, as you’ll be up in the mountains.
• You need to buy an admission ticket for Savica Waterfall—prices are higher during the peak months of July and August.
• The trail up to Savica Waterfall is not wheelchair accessible.

Although a guided tour is the easiest way to visit Lake Bohinj, there are ways to get there independently. Buses run regularly from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj via Lake Bled and take just under 2 hours. Going by train, while possible, requires a connection at Jesenice to the nearest train station at Bohinjska Bistrica, then a local bus from there.

While Lake Bohinj is a year-round destination, summer offers the best weather for sightseeing and activities. For this reason, the warm summer months of July and August are also the busiest. Try visiting in May, June, or September to avoid the bulk of the crowds. As for the ski season, December to early April provides the winter weather you need.

Lake Bohinj’s most popular activities are cycling, hiking, and swimming. But the region is also a hive of activity for more adventurous pursuits. Ride down local dirt tracks and the slopes of Vogel Ski Resort on a mountain bike, scramble up the perfect terrain of waterfalls and gorges while rock-climbing and canyoning in the Bohinj Valley, or take to the skies with a tandem paragliding experience.