Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia, and many travelers consider it to be the most peaceful and serene place in the country. However, not all tourists make it all the way to Bohinj, preferring to visit the more well-known Lake Bled instead. Nevertheless, it is worth the 26-kilometer journey to reach the largest lake in Slovenia, located within the Triglav National Park.
General information
Bohinj is a unique lake that was formed by a glacier. It is located in the Julian Alps at an altitude of 525 meters. The lake has an elongated shape and is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a road leading to it on the fourth side.
The region is part of a national park. Here is the highest point of the country – the Triglav peak (almost 2900 meters). The area of the lake is 3.18 square kilometers, and the depth reaches 45 meters. Three times during the year, the water in the lake is renewed.
An interesting fact! A century ago, Bohinj was the largest metallurgical center in the country. Thanks to the efforts of Baron Sigismund Zois, the region became a resort and attracts thousands of tourists today.
People come here to walk in the picturesque countryside and try the delicious Bohin cheese.
Where to stay and what to do
Transport from the capital of Slovenia arrives at the eastern part of Lake Bohinj, where there are two villages: Ribčev Laz and Stará Fužina. A little further west is the village of Ukanc.
It’s interesting to know! The lake is 4.5 km long and 1.5 km wide at its widest point. It takes 2.5 hours to walk around the lake.
If you travel by car, choose any settlement that you like to stay in. For those who prefer peace and quiet, the villages of Stara Fuzhina and Ukants are perfect. Ribchev Laz is a rather noisy place, with most of the attractions located here.
Rybchev Laz
This village can be called the center of public life in the area of Lake Bohinj. There is a tourist office, a supermarket with all the necessary goods, cafes and small shops. The village is very beautiful. Here you can visit the church built in the 11th century, walk along the winding paths, rent bicycles, canoes or kayaks. From the pier in the village tourist boats depart.
It is important to know! All transport from the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, comes to the lake in Ribčev Laz. Many buses go to Ukanc, some buses turn right and follow to Stará Fužina.
Accommodation in Rybčev Laz is rented out first, so if you want to live here, book a hotel room or apartment in advance.
Stara Fuzhina
Fuzhina is a local word that means “mine.” The village used to be home to miners, but today it is an incredibly beautiful place filled with flowers. There is a supermarket and a tourist office located near the bus stop.
The village has an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Many travelers come here to experience harmony with nature and simply admire the beautiful landscapes of mountainous Slovenia.
When booking accommodation in this village on Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, please take into account the distance to tourist infrastructure and attractions. You will need to walk about 2 km. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle.
There is a cafe in the settlement called Mikhovch, and next to it is a museum that displays old photographs and household items from different historical periods. The museum also shows the process of making local cheeses.
Useful information! The main advantage of staying in Fuzhina is that it is the starting point for the ascent to the top of Triglav.
Ukants
This is the most remote village and the final stop for transportation from Ljubljana. There are many houses near the stop, but if you walk westward, you will find spacious apartments and a nearby mountain river. Many tourists consider this village to be the most beautiful, but it is quite expensive to live here.
Useful information! There is a tourist route to Savitsa Waterfall that passes through the village, and there are corresponding signs installed at the stop and along the route.
Prices for accommodation
The cost of accommodation depends on the type of accommodation, its location, and the amenities in the room. The approximate prices for accommodation are as follows.
- 3* hotel room – from 55€ per day;
- Country estate – from 65€;
- Private rooms in local residents’ houses – from 40€;
- Accommodation in the apartments costs from 75€ per night.
You can also book a room at a camp site, which costs from 50€ per day.
Camping sites offer the cheapest accommodation at 30-40€.
Things to do on Lake Bohinj
First of all, you need to purchase a tourist card for the Triglav National Park, which comes in two types:
- for car owners (parking is available), it costs 15 euros;
- for tourists without a car, it costs 10 euros.
The card is valid for the entire duration of your stay at the lake and gives you the right to visit attractions at a reduced rate and rent sports equipment. Along with the card, you will receive a transportation schedule, the location and description of all working shops and cafes. You can purchase the card at the tourist office.
After purchasing the map, you can start exploring the surrounding area. The pond is easy to walk around or rent a bicycle. There are several routes available for visitors, ranging in difficulty level.
Savitsa Waterfall
The lake is drained by the Savica River, which is home to the Savica Waterfall. Admission is paid. The waterfall is drained by the shortest river in Slovenia, the Jezernica. There is also a lift to the top of Mount Vogel.
Fishing and active sports
Fishing is another popular activity on the lake. You can fish not only in the lake, but also in the river. You will need to purchase equipment and a license for this. If you don’t want to spend time on the riverbank, you can simply order a dish of local fish at a restaurant.
You can swim in the lake, of course, if you’re not afraid of water that doesn’t get warmer than +15 degrees Celsius, and only warms up to +24 degrees Celsius during the summer months. The lake’s bottom is covered with small rocks, so it’s best to wear coral-resistant shoes for swimming.
During their vacations, people enjoy various sports such as yachting, paragliding, and kayaking. For those who prefer comfort, there is a boat available.
St. John the Baptist Church
Visitors are sure to visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which is recognized as a historical cultural monument. Inside the church, there are unique frescoes dating back to the 14th century.
Useful information! There aren’t many places to eat on the beach. Some cafes only open during the day, and many of them close in the evening, leaving you without dinner.
There is a monument to a white chamois on the shore of the lake. In Slovenia, there is a legend about a chamois with golden horns that lived in a treasure garden on top of a mountain. One day, a gold hunter shot the chamois, but a miracle occurred and the animal came back to life.
There is another legend that Bohin is the land that was given by God to the people who waited patiently for their turn when God was dividing the land. In the local language, Bohin means the place of God that belongs to the people.
Weather and climate, when is the best time to go
The warmest month in Bokhin is July. At night, the air temperature is +12 °C, and during the day, it is +23 °C. In the middle of summer, the water in the lake warms up to +24 °C. The month with the least rainfall is December, and the month with the most rainfall is June.
The weather in Bohinj is perfect for a relaxing vacation throughout the year. In the summer, you can hike to the waterfall, go cycling, and swim in the river and lake. This lake located in Slovenia is perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful vacation and nature exploration. However, those who prefer outdoor activities will also find plenty to keep them entertained, including the opportunity to climb a mountain peak. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a skilled climber to enjoy this experience, as the trails are designed to be accessible to everyone.
In winter, Bohinj is a ski resort in Slovenia, where skiers of all levels of experience come to ski. Skiing is possible from December to April. If there is not enough snow on the slopes, snow cannons are used.
How to get to the lake
The most convenient way to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj (Slovenia) is by bus. There are hourly departures from Ljubljana Central Bus Station (Ljubljana AP).
- The distance is only 86 km, and tourist buses can cover it in 1.5-2 hours.
- The first flight departs at 5:15, and the last flight departs at 21:00.
- The ticket costs 8.3 euros.
You can view the current schedule and book a ticket on the Alpetour website — www.alpetour.si.
You can also take the train, but this route is not very convenient, as you will have to travel another 8 km by bus or taxi from the train station.
Picturesque Lake Bled is commonly referred to as the drawing room of the Julian Alps, and Bohinj is called the heart of the mountains. Visitors come here for a few days to fully experience the slow pace of life and enjoy the solemn beauty of nature.
Lake Bohin attracts with its small-scale, untouched nature and, of course, high level of service. It is incredibly soulful here. Going to Bohin, remember that all parking is paid here, but this is unlikely to mar the rest.
