Slovenian lakes: 3 tips for your vacation right by the water
Slovenian lakes have been close to my heart for over ten years, and we love returning here regularly. Do you already know which of these three large lakes will win your heart for this year’s (not only) summer vacation? Will it be the mountain lake Jasna, the popular Bled, or the still peaceful Lake Bohinj?
Get inspired by my tips on where to stay right by the lake and where to go for trips in the surrounding area. If you want to enjoy the Slovenian lakes to the fullest, I recommend planning at least 2–3 nights at each lake.
Slovenian lakes
1. Lake Jasna – Kranjska Gora
Stay right by Lake Jasna or in the center of Kranjska Gora:
- A beautiful resort right by Lake Jasna
- I recommend booking a room with a lake view
- Half board is also worth it
- A more affordable option while maintaining high service quality
- Right by the ski slope and just a few minutes from Lake Jasna
- Half board, or at least breakfast, is also worth it
ALL ACCOMMODATION AT LAKE JASNA
Lake Jasna and the surrounding Kranjska Gora area are ideal for lovers of mountain hiking and views. It lies on the edge of Kranjska Gora, yet only a few minutes’ walk from the center and at the start of the valley leading to the Vršič Pass. In reality, these are two smaller, man-made lakes on the Pišnica River, known for their crystal-clear water and views of the Julian Alps peaks.
Lake Jasna is easily accessible and is among the most photogenic in the area. Typical photo spots include the wooden pier, the bronze statue of a mountain goat on the shore, and of course, the wooden photo frame with the Kranjska Gora sign. In summer, you’ll appreciate the lake for a quick refresh after a hike, and in winter, look forward to the peaceful backdrop of the snowy landscape.
Read more about Lake Jasna:
2. Lake Bled
Stay right by Lake Bled:
- A luxury hotel at a good price
- Extensive wellness center
- Views of the lake and Bled Castle
- Ideal for a romantic stay for two
- A luxury hotel with a popular café and pastry shop just across the road
- Elegant wellness center with a view of the lake and Bled Castle
ALL ACCOMMODATION AT LAKE BLED
Lake Bled is a tourist classic. Take a boat to the island with the church, or go for a walk on the circular trail. Hike up to one of the viewpoints and enjoy the great services. Bled is located about 50 km northwest of Ljubljana. The glacial lake is famous for the aforementioned small island with the Church of the Assumption of Mary, where people traditionally sail on wooden boats called pletnas.
Above the lake, the view of the rocky cliff with Bled Castle will take your breath away; it offers one of the most beautiful views of the entire lake and the surrounding peaks of the Julian Alps. Other beautiful viewpoints are Ostrica and Osojnica. The loop around the lake measures approximately 6 kilometers and follows a well-maintained path suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists. In summer, it’s pleasant for swimming as the water tends to be quite warm by Alpine standards, while in the off-season, Bled attracts visitors for peaceful walks.
Read also about Bled:
- Lake Bled: 7 tips for the most beautiful trips
- Accommodation in Bled: 7 tips for hotels right by the lake
3. Lake Bohinj
Stay right by Lake Bohinj:
- A very nice hotel just a few steps from the lake
- I recommend rooms with a balcony
- Half board is worth it
- Apartments with great ratings and price/quality ratio
- Just a few steps from Lake Bohinj
- Views of the mountains and partial views of the lake
ALL ACCOMMODATION AT LAKE BOHINJ
Compared to Bled, Lake Bohinj still maintains its calmer atmosphere. You’ll find a few great hotels here, you can go mountain hiking on Vogel, or just relax by the lake.
Lake Bohinj lies in the heart of Triglav National Park and, as I already wrote, feels significantly calmer than the more famous Bled. It is the largest natural lake in Slovenia, formed by glacial activity, and has maintained very clean water to this day without significant development on its shores.
The liveliest area is the one with the stone bridge and the Church of St. John the Baptist, where an iconic view of the lake and surrounding mountains awaits you. The loop around the lake is roughly 12 kilometers long and alternates between forest sections and open views of the Julian Alps. In summer, the water is suitable for swimming, but it remains cooler than at Bled.
Read also about Lake Bohinj:
On the way to Slovenia, I recommend visiting some of the Austrian lakes as well:
Whichever place you choose for your vacation this year, I believe the Slovenian lakes will thrill you, just as they did me.
Save this article with tips for Slovenian lakes on Pinterest too, so you can easily find it next time:
