A Day at Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Lake Bled, is a natural gem that stands out for its tranquility and authenticity. While Bled captivates with its picturesque island and medieval castle, Bohinj offers a wilder, more untouched atmosphere in the heart of Triglav National Park. Surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests, Lake Bohinj is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts seeking peace and outdoor activities. Less touristy, it invites visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Slovenian Alpine landscape, far from Bled’s hustle and bustle.
If you’d like to learn more about our day at Lake Bled, click here: Lake Bled and the Vintgar gorges.
– For our complete Slovenia itinerary, click here: Two Weeks in Slovenia: Itinerary, Tips and Advice –
How to Get to Lake Bohinj?
Lake Bohinj is easily accessible by car from Ljubljana, following the highway towards Jesenice. Exit at Lesce and follow the signs to Bled. Once in Bled, continue towards Bohinjska Bistrica and Triglav National Park. It takes about 30 more minutes to reach the lake from Bled.
For our stay in Slovenia, we rented a car from Renty, a Slovenian car rental company based in Ljubljana, which we chose for its flexibility and competitive rates.
If you prefer public transport, a train connects Ljubljana to Bohinjska Bistrica, followed by a local bus to the lake. In summer, direct buses also run from Bled, providing an easy and eco-friendly way to enjoy Bohinj's scenery.
Where to Stay near Lake Bohinj?
Lake Bohinj offers a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. For a full immersion in nature, several charming inns and guesthouses, such as Vila Park or the Bohinj Eco Hotel, provide exceptional views of the lake and surrounding mountains. You can also choose from chalets and apartments in Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz, villages that offer easy access to hiking trails and water activities.
We stayed in an Airbnb near the lake, along the river in Savica.
Things to do Around Lake Bohinj
The Savica Waterfall
Essential Tips
Access: The waterfall is located at the end of the valley and can be reached by bus from Bohinj. Check the official shuttle website for the schedule.
Admission and opening hours: Visit the official Savica Waterfall website for details.
Parking: Paid – located near the entrance to the trail leading to the waterfall. GPS coordinates: 46°17’23.1″N 13°48’08.6″E.
Hike: A 30-minute easy walk to the waterfall.
Our day begins early at Savica Waterfall, which we reach at opening time to avoid the crowds. On the way to the waterfall, we stop to admire Lake Bohinj, which unfolds before us, bathed in a delicate morning mist. This almost magical atmosphere envelops us as the first light of day breaks through the fog, revealing the emerald and turquoise hues of the water.
We continue on our way, and after an easy 30-minute walk, we reach Savica Waterfall, where an enchanting sight awaits us. At this early hour, we’re lucky to enjoy this place almost to ourselves. The waterfall, surrounded by greenery, flows gracefully, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. I can hardly imagine the chaos it must be when tourists crowd around the narrow viewpoint.
We enjoy the tranquility of the morning, leaving the site only 20 minutes later as another couple joins us. On the way back, we start encountering more and more tourists, confirming that our decision to arrive early was a good one.
A hike along the northern shore of Lake Bohinj
Essential Tips
Parking: Parking in Bled is highly regulated, with frequent fines. It’s recommended to check the official Bled website, which lists all parking options and their costs.
Hike: It’s about an 8 km walk from the waterfall to the other end of the lake.
Water Taxis: Two electric boats, Zlatorog and Triglavska roža, operate daily between Ribčev Laz and Ukanc, and vice versa. For fare and schedule details, you can visit the official Bohinj website.
After leaving our car in the parking lot by the waterfall, we decide to hike along the northern shore of the lake, making numerous stops to admire the stunning views of the crystal-clear waters. The lake, surrounded by majestic mountains that reflect in its calm waters, feels like a natural jewel—a living painting where the wild beauty of Slovenia flourishes. We can’t resist the urge to swim, refreshing ourselves as we go along. By noon, we sit down on a lakeside terrace to enjoy our meal, savoring each bite while taking in the view.
We then retrace our steps, as the southern shore is much less picturesque and runs along the road, to reach our car. If you’re traveling in summer, it’s good to know that the waterfall can also be reached by bus. For more information and schedules, you can visit the official shuttle website.
Hikes from the Bohinj Lake Valley
From Bohinj, many hiking trails are easily accessible. The Pokljuka plateau offers excellent options, including the hike to Mount Viševnik, qui est l’une de nos préférées en Slovénie. Planina Blato est également à portée, et elle sert de point d’entrée vers la vallée des lacs du Triglav (ou vallée des sept lacs), qui promet des randonnées à couper le souffle.
– Pour le récit de notre journée passée dans cette vallée spectaculaire, click here: An Amazing Hike in the Seven Lakes Valley –
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