Lake Bohinj is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful natural spots and its largest natural lake. It’s located near the village of Bohinj, in a deep glacial valley in the Julian Alps, surrounded by high mountain ranges. Thanks to minimal development and its location off the main tourist routes, it offers a much calmer atmosphere even in high season than the more famous Bled.
I fell in love with Bohinj and the area around the lake years ago while skiing at the Vogel resort, which also offers a view of Lake Bohinj. I was just as thrilled with this place in the summer season, when it offers countless trips and nature trails.
Lake Bohinj – Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is located in the heart of a mountain landscape that has preserved its natural character to this day. The area around the lake isn’t heavily developed, making it an ideal destination for those looking for nature without the tourist crowds. This area is also perfect for mountain enthusiasts. While some visitors use the lake as a starting point for high-altitude hikes, others head for the natural attractions in the valley. For me, those are typically the waterfalls and viewpoints.
The lake is about four kilometers long and a little over a kilometer wide. The depth is around 45 meters. It’s a so-called flow-through lake. At its head, the Savica River flows into it, while the Sava Bohinjka flows out on the opposite side. Karst springs that emerge directly below the surface are also a significant source of water.
Lake Bohinj – recommended accommodations
Apartments Vila Darja – near Lake Bohinj
- Top-rated apartments
- Lake Bohinj is just a few steps away
- Breathtaking views of the mountains and partly the lake
Hotel Jezero – Lake Bohinj
- A beautiful hotel in one of the best locations by Lake Bohinj
- I recommend the buffet half-board
- Nice rooms with a balcony
Hotel Jezero – Lake Bohinj
Hotel Gasperin Bohinj
- Great ratings for both the hotel and breakfast, which we really appreciate when traveling through Slovenia
- The lake is about a 5-10 minute walk from here
- A family-run hotel with a peaceful atmosphere
Hotel Bohinj
- Our personal favorite for both winter and summer vacations – about 100 meters from the lake
- A designer hotel in Alpine style
- Excellent cuisine – plenty of gluten-free options
Hotel Bohinj – Lake Bohinj
What to do at Lake Bohinj and trip ideas
Lake Bohinj is an ideal summer destination where you can combine activity with relaxation. You have direct access to trails in the Julian Alps and plenty of excursion destinations nearby, such as waterfalls, mountain meadows, and viewpoints. Thanks to its location, Lake Bohinj is one of the main starting points for exploring Triglav National Park. And if you’re tired from long hikes one day, relaxing by the water will come in handy.
In the summer months, the lake is suitable for swimming. The water temperature can reach up to 22°C, which is above average for a mountain lake. A big advantage is the undeveloped shores, which make it possible to find a spot to enter the water almost anywhere. I consider the area around the Church of St. John the Baptist and the area near the Zlatorog campsite on the opposite side of the lake to be among the most popular locations.
1. Vogel Ski and Hiking Resort
A beautiful natural resort for lovers of relaxed skiing in winter, and a hiking spot with breathtaking views and trails of varying difficulty in summer. You can take a cable car from the valley to the Vogel resort, which runs at regular intervals during the season.
2. Lake Bohinj by boat
Take a cruise on Lake Bohinj on a guided excursion boat, which I think is one of the nicest ways to get to know the surrounding landscape. The boat departs from the pier by the stone bridge and heads towards the Zlatorog campsite; you can choose a round trip or return on foot along the lake.
3. Lake Bohinj – circular trail
You can comfortably walk around Lake Bohinj on a roughly 12 km long trail. If you want to shorten the route and see only the best parts, I think the section that runs along the north shore and measures about 8 km is enough. It’s ideal to combine the route with a boat trip to the opposite shore and return via this picturesque walking path, as I mentioned in the previous tip.
4. Savica Waterfall – Lake Bohinj
If you love waterfalls like I do, you shouldn’t miss the Savica Waterfall, located at the upper end of Lake Bohinj, which falls from the rock as a double waterfall up to 78 meters high. Its water flows through an underground system from Black Lake, located about 500 meters higher.
5. Lake Bled
A trip to Lake Bled is always a great choice. Head out on the trail around the entire lake to admire the iconic island with its church. Hike up to one of the breathtaking viewpoints, Ojstrica or Osojnica, and take a ride on a traditional pletna boat across the lake to the island.
- Bled Slovenia: 7 tips for the most beautiful trips
- Bled accommodation: 7 tips for hotels right by the lake
6. Pokljuka
Pokljuka Plateau is a vast plateau north of Lake Bohinj, where dense forests alternate with mountain pastures and traditional shepherd huts, where I recommend tasting local dairy products. The area is popular in summer for hiking and cycling and also serves as a starting point for further mountain treks.
In winter, the Rudno Polje biathlon center operates here. If you’ve been following me for a while, you surely remember that I had the chance to try biathlon myself right in this arena. Plus, from Pokljuka, you can easily get to Lake Bled, which is the subject of my next trip tip.
More tips on places to visit in Slovenia and the surrounding area:
- Kranjska Gora Slovenia: 9 tips for trips in the area + accommodation
- Portorož, the Slovenian seaside: 11 tips on what to see and do + accommodation
- Trieste: 16 tips on what to see in Trieste and where to stay
- Austrian lakes: advice, tips, and inspiration for your vacation too
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