Escape to Bohinj

Top 10 FREE Things to Do at Lake Bohinj in Slovenia

free-things-to-do-bohinj-slovenia

Top 10 FREE Things to Do at Lake Bohinj in Slovenia

We all know that family holidays can be expensive. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun, FREE things to do at Lake Bohinj to keep the whole family entertained without breaking the bank.

Lake Bohinj attracts visitors from all around the world to experience its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty. Lake Bohinj is quieter and less developed than the more famous Lake Bled nearby, and is protected inside the Triglav National Park.

FREE-things-to-do-at-lake-bohinj

1) Walk Around Lake Bohinj

A walk around Lake Bohinj is a must-do activity at any time of the year. Entirely free, this is the best way to appreciate the stunning lake setting surrounded by the magnificent Julian Alps. 

So grab your trainers, pack a picnic and head out along the well-marked trail around the lake.

Good to Know

  • The path around Lake Bohinj is 12km (~8 miles)
  • Walking all the way round will it take 3-5 hours, depending on how often you stop
  • The path around Lake Bohinj is well-marked and level, but bumpy underfoot in parts. Parts of the northern shore are not well suited to buggies – best to carry small children in a sling or backpack

We recommend that you walk anti-clockwise around Lake Bohinj, heading along the north shore to begin. This means that you go along the quieter and more scenic side first. If walking the whole of the lake is too much, you can then either turn around and return along the same path or get a bus or boat back from Ukanc (not free!)

Map showing the walk around Lake Bohinj in Slovenia

Click here for a detailed guide to walking around Lake Bohinj.

Relax & Recharge

One of the joys of walking around the lake is that your mind begins to slow down. You will soon forget the busyness of life.  There is time to chat, observe nature, and relax.  Reconnecting with the natural world and each other.

You’ll notice the tinkle of the bells as the cows graze in the adjacent meadows. You’ll notice the paragliders soaring above your head, skilfully swirling without a care in the world. You may even spot a golden eagle if you are lucky. Children love to gaze at the fish darting about along the shore line. Even the resident ducks seem friendly.

Take along a yummy picnic or snack, and you will while away the whole day, enjoying mother nature for free.

2) Swim in Lake Bohinj

You can swim anywhere along the shoreline at Lake Bohinj for free. During the summer period, the lake water can reach well over 20 degrees – easily warm enough to paddle or swim.

Mountain streams refill Lake Bohinj three times as year, making the water incredibly clean and refreshing. You can feel confident that the water quality is high here. Ideal for families and those with small children who spend a lot of time in and out of the water!

bohinj-beach-ideal-for-kids

Bohinj Lake Beaches

The water is shallow along the “beach” areas on the east shore (between Ribčev Laz and Stara Fužina). There are also toilets, grassy areas and shady trees. It’s easy to while away half the day here, lounging about, reading, splashing, and swimming. For the more adventurous, there is a small pier which you can run and jump off. Young and old alike love this! 

Swimming pier at Lake Bohinj Slovenia

There is also a floating platform secured in Lake Bohinj where the path leads off to Stara Fužina. Older children enjoy diving and jumping into the deep water here. Who needs to pay for an indoor swimming pool when you can have so much fun outside?

Teenagers love to swim at the floating platform at Lake Bohinj

The platform is also a great place to meet people and make friends. Our kids have chatted with people from all over the world in between flinging themselves into the lake.

Cold-Water Swimming at Lake Bohinj

As cold-water swimming has increased in popularity, many people come to Lake Bohinj even in winter.

winter-swimming-lake-bohinj-slovenia

These two photos were taken on consecutive days in February!

cold-water-swimming-lake-bohinj-slovenia

To make the most of the swimming on offer at Lake Bohinj, check out our Blog Post on the 5 Top Spots for Swimming at Lake Bohinj.

3) Hike to a Viewpoint over Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj and the Triglav National Park are full of walks and hikes to suit all abilities and ages. In fact, there are 300km of marked hiking trails in Bohinj alone! Hiking is one of the most popular reasons that people visit the area. And the great thing about hiking is that it is totally free – the only things that you will spend are time & energy.

Peč Viewpoint over Lake Bohinj

One of our favourite hikes is to the Peč viewpoint. You have probably seen photographs of this fabulous vista on promotional material for Lake Bohinj. It’s one of the classic shots, with the church and bridge acting as gatekeepers to the lake.

lake-bohinj-viewpoint-pec

Good to Know

  • Altitude: 640m (climb of about 100m)
  • Path length: 2km round trip from Stara Fužina
  • Time: 40-60 minutes round trip from Stara Fužina

How to get to Peč Viewpoint

The walk begins in Stara Fuzina, one of the prettiest of the traditional Bohinj villages, 10 minutes’ walk from Lake Bohinj.  

From the centre of Stara Fužina, cross the main bridge over the Mostnica river, heading east. Turn right down the small road after the wooden barn, following the flow of the river. After a while, you’ll cross the smaller Ribnica river and join a cycle path. Head stright on, and after about 500m the path rises gently to a road crossing the river from the right. Turn left here and follow the signs to Peč. You won’t be disappointed!

Peč is a great walk that you can do with the whole family. However, as is common in Slovenia, there are no fences or barriers on the way up. So do keep little ones close by to avoid them straying from the path. There are also gaps between rocks which could be dangerous for carefree children. 

Once you have seen the view it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular Lake Bohinj viewpoints. Peč is also a great place to watch the sunset. A magical place to end a magical day.

sunset-lake-bohinj-pec

Check out our other hikes to viewpoints here.

4) Watch the Paragliders Take Off & Land

It is thrilling to watch the skilful paragliders take off, loop-the-loop, and land in the meadow next to Lake Bohinj.   

paragliding lake bohinj with teenager

Vogar Paragliding Launch Site

Mount Vogar is another popular viewpoint over Lake Bohinj. This is the mountain above the north-eastern end of the lake. It’s a steep climb, but well worth the effort as you see the panoramic views over Lake Bohinj and the village of Stara Fužina.

One of the highlights of hiking up to Vogar is that you get to watch the brave paragliders close-up. Perching on the grassy bank, it is thrilling to watch them take off, and then soar high in the sky like a bird. It’s easy to spend time here, soaking up the view and atmosphere.   

paragliders-bohinj-vogar

Good to Know

  • Altitude: 950m (climb of around 400m)
  • Length: 6km round trip from Stara Fužina
  • Time: 2-3 hours round trip from Stara Fužina

How to get to Vogar

From the bridge in the middle of Stara Fužina, follow the road uphill to the west. Go past the children’s play area on the left and you will then see a car-park on the right hand side. From here, a signpost directs you to Vogar, a 1 hour 15 minute hike.

Hike up through the forest, marked by signposts and the typical red circles surrounding a white spot. As you get close to the top, you will see a sign post to the paragliding launch site on the left. 

Watch the Paragliders Land

Equally fun, and a lot less physically exerting, is to observe the paragliders land in the meadow between Ribčev Laz and Stara Fužina.  Watch them land and witness the buzz of excitement as families gather to spot their loved ones descend from the sky. 

5) Admire the Frescoes at the Church of St John the Baptist

Unlike most churches, the Church of St. John the Baptist is not free to enter. The church is a historical monument under heritage protection, and the entrance fee is used for preservation. However, you can still wander around the outside of the church for free and admire its simple elegance and location. 

The church at Lake Bohinj is a popular tourist site

Fortunately, you can also see some of the detailed frescoes which are on the outside of the building. Look out for St. Christopher, patron saint of travellers, with six toes! People used to believe that they would not die if they had gazed upon St. Christopher that day. 

Experts believe that the Church of St. John the Baptist in Bohinj was built in the mid-11th century, or late 10th century.  Although the exact date is unknown, it one of the finest examples of medieval architecture and frescoes in all of Slovenia. Most of the frescoes were painted in 15th and 16th century.  It is one of the most photographed churches in Slovenia, and you can easily appreciate its beauty for free from the outside.

6) Explore The Triglav National Park Centre

The Triglav National Park Centre in Stara Fužina is well worth a visit and is free to enter. A light and spacious building, it contains information about the history and culture of Bohinj and the Triglav National Park. It will put many of the things you see and do around Bohinj into context.

view-triglav-national-park-centre

There is also a reading room with a fabulous view down towards Lake Bohinj, plus a selection of books to grab your interest.

The Triglav National Park Centre holds free community events throughout the year, so it is worth popping in to find out what is on during your stay. Currently it is the Autumn Potato Festival and so there are guided walks for parents and children, craft and cooking workshops. In springtime there is the International Wild Flower Festival.

7) Visit the Four Brave Men & Zlatarog Monuments

Having now learnt a little more about the history of Bohinj, you will be well placed to visit the two iconic Bohinj monuments.

In the village of Ribčev Laz, you will find the bronze statue of the four brave men. These local men were the first to climb Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia, in August 1778. You can see that they are discussing their route, pointing towards the summit of Triglav. 

4-brave-men-statue-bohinj

The monument is certainly a fitting tribute to this piece of history, perched on a grassy slope with the Julian Alps rising up behind. The surrounding gardens make a lovely spot to sit and admire the view.

By the shore of the lake, 250m from the four brave men, you will find the statue of Goldhorn (or Zlatorog in Slovene), the keeper of Lake Bohinj. 

zlatorog lake bohinj golden horns

According to local legend, the golden horns of the white chamois held the key to the treasures hidden in the Bohinj mountains. A greedy merchant who wanted to seize the treasure wounded Goldhorn. From Goldhorn’s dripping blood grew the Triglav flower. Goldhorn ate the flower and his powers were restored. He then fled into the mountains, never to return again. The treasure, meanwhile, remains hidden in the mountains under Triglav.

8) See the Bohinj Hayracks

As you arrived in to the Bohinj region, did you notice the unusual wooden hayracks? The finest examples are in the village of Studor, 2km up the valley from the lake. These double hayracks, with a roof spanning between them, are unique to the region and are called ‘Toplar’ or ’Kozolec’. 

bohinj-hayrack-kozolec

The double hayracks have heritage protection and are beautifully crafted pieces of architecture. They are still used today to dry hay and store wood, and are a reminder of the rich agricultural history of the region.

9) Outdoor Entertainment in Summer

During the main tourist season, there are evening markets and concerts held in the Bohinj villages, all free to attend. These are a lovely way to see and taste products made locally, such as cheese, honey, and chocolate, as part of the “Bohinjsko” (From Bohinj) brand.

“From Bohinj” are tourism products that support local life, entrepreneurship, and have a low carbon footprint. This is at the heart of sustainable development in Bohinj. 

Stara Fužina holds it market every Tuesday evening in summer. Expect local Slovene music, food and dancing. These are vibrant, friendly events which will give you a feel for the Slovene culture. There are also free outdoor cinema nights held weekly in the village.

10) Free Hop On/Hop Off Bus Services

Bohinj is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. Due to the excellent free hop on/hop off bus services, it is possible to have a car-free vacation in Bohinj.

The buses take you to Slap Savica, the main waterfall in Bohinj; the Pokljuka Plateau; Soriška Planina; and the villages of Vogar-Blato. Pokljuka is a great place to start many fantastic hikes in the Julian Alps.

hiking-visevnic-julian-alps-slovenia

One of the most popular buses drops you at Rudno Polje on the Pokljuka Plateau from where you can hike up to Viševnik (2050m). Whilst ascents of many peaks require a full day of walking, Viševnik only takes around 2 hours to summit. 

Read our Blog Post here about our ascent of Viševnik.

As you can see, there are plenty of free things to do at Lake Bohinj. You can experience the cultural heritage of the area, swim in the silky waters, hike forever, visit viewpoints, watch sunsets, all within a kilometre of the lakeside.  

Once you are in Bohinj, your holiday in Slovenia does not have to cost you anything if you are happy to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. 

lake-bohinj-julian-alps-slovenia

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Top 10 Activities at Lake Bohinj in Slovenia

Top 10 activities at Lake Bohinj Slovenia

Top 10 Activities at Lake Bohinj in Slovenia

Discover our top 10 activities at Lake Bohinj to help you make the most of your holiday in Slovenia. All our favourite activities are within a kilometre of the lake, so you can spend more time out and about and less time in the car! 

1) Swimming at Lake Bohinj

Swimming and splashing about in the lake has got to be top of the list. The water is crystal clear and incredibly clean. In fact, all of the water in Lake Bohinj is replenished by mountain streams and springs three times a year. In summer you can expect the water temperature to be in the early 20s °C. So perfect for cooling off after a walk or hike in the mountains. 

swimming lake bohinj

The water feels like silk on your skin and there is nothing better than swimming out into the lake and looking at the impressive Julian Alps all around you. It’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this magical place.

relaxing lake bohinj

Even in the height of summer it is still possible to find a secluded spot to laze around, take a dip, and watch the fish dart around the shore line. There are shallow swimming areas which are perfect for toddlers, and a floating platform for older children, whilst high rocks give bold teenagers an opportunity to fling themselves into the water. More ideas can be found in our Blog Post here.

swimming activity lake bohinj

Top Tip

Head down to the lake for a swim a sunset. You’ll probably have the lake to yourselves.

2) Kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboarding

Enjoy even more fun on the water with a kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP). Lake Bohinj is very calm, making it ideal for beginners and children.

Lake Bohinj Kayaking

Hiring is inexpensive and can be done directly from a number of operators on the lake shore. With water splashing on your body and the sun on your back, it’s easy to relax into the holiday spirit. We recommend hiring for the day (approximately €35) as then you can discover little inlets, take a picnic with you, and paddle about at your leisure.

kayaking activity lake bohinj

Head far out into the lake to get that postcard view of Lake Bohinj with the bridge and the striking Church of St John the Baptist. Soak up the peace and tranquillity and take in amazing views of the surrounding mountains. It is easy to see why this area is protected by the Triglav National Park. 

postcard view lake bohinj

Top Tip

Remember that sunshine reflects off the surface of the water. Do take the necessary precautions – sun cream, sun hat and sun glasses.

3) Experience Lake Bohinj by Boat

One of the most delightful ways to experience Lake Bohinj is to take the tourist boat across the lake.

Take the Lake Bohinj Boat for stunning views of the Julian Alps in Slovenia

Go on a bright, sunny day and you will be rewarded with Instagram-worthy photos of the Julian Alps reflected in the crystal-clear water. The boat, powered by electricity, is completely silent, so you can really appreciate the natural beauty as you glide across the lake.

 

As you relax on the boat, the captain provides an interesting talk about the history of the vessel, the lake and the geology of the surrounding area.

Top Tip

For those with a little more time and energy, take the boat one way across the lake and return by foot along the northern shore line footpath.

4) Stroll around Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is the largest and perhaps the most beautiful natural lake in Slovenia. A great way to get your bearings is to take the well-marked trail around the lake. It takes between three and five hours to complete the 12km circuit, depending on how often you stop to admire the views or take a dip in the water.

A popular activity at Lake Bohinj is to walk around the lake

We recommend you start in Ribčev Laz and head over the bridge towards Stara Fužina and around the quite side of the lake. Once you reach Ukanc at the end of the lake (great photo opportunities here), you can buy and ice-cream or drink at the campsite café.

A popular swimming beach at Lake Bohinj in Slovenia

From Ukanc, head along the roadside path or the “rougher” forest path higher up.

It is lovely walk, and it is hard not to feel inspired by the beautiful scenery. In fact, when Agatha Christie visited and was asked if she could use Bohinj as a location for one of her crime novels, she famously remarked that Bohinj “was too beautiful for murder”. 

Top Tip

For a shorter walk, from Ribčev Laz, head along the shore line towards Stara Fužina. There are lots of shallow swimming places, grassy areas and opportunities for refreshments. Return back along the same path.

5) Discover the Slap Savica Waterfall

Slap Savica (“Slap” means waterfall in Slovene) is one of the most famous waterfalls in Slovenia. At 70 metres high, the water bursts through the rock and crashes down to the emerald-green pool below. It is a must-see when in Bohinj.

Having visited a number of times, I think that it is the setting which adds particular charm to this waterfall. The hike is through a lush forest, with gorgeous views out over Lake Bohinj. 

 

There are 550 steps (yes, we have counted!), but there are plenty of resting places. As you near the waterfall, you can hear the water thundering down.

Top Tip

In summer it can get quite busy, so go early to avoid the crowds.

slap savica waterfall bohinj slovenia

6) Ride the Lake Bohinj Cable Car to Vogel

For the ultimate panoramic views of Lake Bohinj and the Julian Alps, head up to Vogel on the cable car. In just 4 minutes you glide up to an altitude of 1,535m. It’s really exciting, especially for children. This is the quickest and easiest way to experience the pure mountain air of the high alpine world.

Take the cable car from Lake Bohinj to Vogel for views of the Julian Alps

At the top, on a clear day, you can enjoy breath-taking views, watch sheep amble about, and observe beautiful alpine flowers bursting out from rock crevices.

Relax in the café or take advantage of the ski chairlifts, some of which also operate in summer, to start one of the numerous, well-marked, high-altitude hiking trails.

alpine flowers vogel

For the more energetic, try the zip line or mountain bike park; for the fearless, paragliding offers an unforgettable experience.

Top Tip

The café at the top does amazing hot chocolate!

7) Hike to a Viewpoint over Lake Bohinj

Heading up to one of the viewpoints overlooking Lake Bohinj is a real treat, and is well worth the time and effort. We recommend Pec viewpoint for a picture-perfect view of Lake Bohinj.

It is about a 40-minute round trip from the village of Stara Fužina. You never get more than 200m above the water, but the views over Lake Bohinj, and the meadows along the way are superb. The final view is beautiful, with the Church of St John the Baptist and bridge acting as gatekeepers to the lake.

pec viewpoint lake bohinj

Top Tip

Head up to the Peč viewpoint for sunset and watch Lake Bohinj on fire!

Dramatic Sunset from Pec viewpoint over Lake Bohinj in Slovenia

8) Immerse yourself in Nature at the Mostnica Gorge

One of our favourites walks when we visit Lake Bohinj is to head up the Mostnica Gorge. The moss-carpeted forest floor, impressive rock formations and refreshing breeze from the cold mountain water combine to make it beautiful and atmospheric – imagine the perfect home for pixies and elves. It is a cooling haven on a hot summer’s day.

Water has gushed down the gorge for millennia, carving striking pools, crevices and waterfalls into the rock. In places, the gorge is only 1 metre wide, with the bottom looking impossibly distant below.

As you go through this enchanting gorge, look out for the rock formation, below, said to resemble the head and trunk of an elephant.

mostnica gorge trees
Walk the Mostnica Gorge for a family activity at Lake Bohinj Slovenia

It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top of the gorge from Stara Fužina. Here you will find Koča na Vojah, a mountain hut offering refreshments.

Top Tip

Stop at the Koča na Vojah for a delicious slice of blueberry strudel.

9) Devour a Banana Split Overlooking Lake Bohinj

Indulge in a delicious banana split at Kramar café overlooking Lake Bohinj. Or if that’s not your thing, try a Nutella-filled pancake or one of the locally crafted beers. You can’t get a better view.

banana split lake bohinj

The café is situated next to a small pier. Wander along to watch the trout swimming in the clear water, or run and jump off into the lake. A very popular activity for children, and indeed with our own!

Top Tip

Café Kramar only accept cash. There is a cash point in Ribčev Laz by the tourist information.

jumping lake bohinj

10) Visit the Church of St John the Baptist

To add a little culture to your stay in Lake Bohinj, visit the beautiful medieval Church of St John the Baptist.

The church at Lake Bohinj is a popular tourist site

This church is considered to be one of the most brilliantly frescoed churches in all of Slovenia. 

The simple, plain style of the white exterior belies the detailed and vivid artwork inside the church. If you decide to view the art inside, be prepared for a few gory surprises!

Top Tip

For a small fee, you can climb up the tower for a superb view of the lake.

fresco church lake bohinj

Top 10 Activities at Lake Bohinj

Ready to start planning your visit to Lake Bohinj in Slovenia? Hopefully by now you will have a flavour of the types of activities you can try here in summer. You can explore the local area by foot, boat, cable car, as well as by bike, horse and even electric scooter! So much to do… I hope you have time to try all 10!

lake bohinj garden

Escape to Bohinj Holiday House

Escape to Bohinj Holiday House

Escape to Bohinj Holiday House is just 10 minutes by foot away from Lake Bohinj, and offers spacious accommodation for 6 people. It is a great base from which to try all the activities on offer at Lake Bohinj. At the end of an active day, come and relax in a lovingly restored cottage fully modernized for contemporary living.

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Bears & Bees, Caves & Trees: 10 Fun Facts about Slovenia

10 fun facts about Slovenia

Here are some quirky and interesting facts which help to make Slovenia so special.

1. sLOVEnia

Slovenia is the only country with LOVE in its name. This is particularly apt as most travellers seem to fall in love with Slovenia when they visit. Although it is only small (the size of Wales in the UK), Slovenia is incredibly diverse and packed full of natural wonders. From lush forests, emerald green rivers, picture-postcard lakes, waterfalls, castles, caves, mountains to charming towns, Slovenia offers something for everyone.

2. Forests

Over 60% of Slovenia’s land area is covered in forest. Unlike in many countries, these forests are actually expanding. Green and verdant, over 50% of land in Slovenia is protected, making it the perfect haven for nature lovers. It is home to the Triglav National Park, one of the oldest in Europe, which surrounds Mount Tiglav, Slovenia’s highest peak at 2864m. So if you enjoy pristine nature, in a country where sustainability is a top priority, then Slovenia is a must.

forest sunset slovenia

3. Bees

Speaking of nature, there are about 90,000 beekeepers in Slovenia – not bad from a population of 2 million. Slovenes take great pride in their beekeeping history and are particularly proud of their distinct “Carniolan Bee” which is only found here. This bee is a symbol of hard work and diligence and has given rise to the Slovene saying “priden kot čebela” which means “as hardworking as a bee”. Honey is a wonderful treat to try when visiting Slovenia and makes a lovely gift for family and friends back at home. 

 

Look out for the colourful wooden beehives as you travel around, or visit the museum of apiculture in the beautiful old town of Radovlijca.

honey bee slovenia

4. Bears

With such a high density of forests, it is no surprise that Slovenia has one of Europe’s largest brown bear populations, numbering over 500. If you have ever dreamed of watching bears in their natural habitat, this is the place to come!

 

There are a number of operators in the south of Slovenia: Slovenian Bears offer bear-friendly and human-friendly photo experiences whilst Bears & Wildlife offer the option to spend the night in a simulated bear cave – one for the bucket list! The best time to view bears is between May to September.

5. Caves

Slovenia is full of amazing natural wonders, and home to over 10,000 caves, with more than 100 new ones discovered each year. That’s a lot of caves! Over 20 caves are open to visitors, with a variety of tours depending on your level of adventure.  Experience the underground world by train at Postojna, or even kayak or bike through the tunnels of the Mežica Mines

 

Postojna cave is the largest and most visited in Slovenia and home to the amazing “human fish” or baby dragons which can survive for up ten years without food! 

 

Meanwhile, Škocjan Cave, a Unesco World Heritage site, has one of the largest underground canyons in the world, combining four miles of underground passages, vast chambers and waterfalls. It is a like a fantasy world – think of the “Mines of Moria” in “The Lord of the Rings…

skocjan cave slovenia

6. The Solkan Bridge

Slovenia is home to the longest stone arch railway bridge in the world. It was built at the beginning of the twentieth century from 4,533 stone blocks. The total length is 219m and the central span is 85m stretching  across the Soča river. It is marvellous piece of civil engineering, all the more beautiful with the emerald green river that flows underneath. Travel by train across the bridge or visit by car and enjoy lunch in one of the picnic areas.    

solkan arch stone bridge

7. Ski Jump

Slovenia has the second largest ski jump or ski-flying hill in the world at Planica, near the resort of Kranjska Gora. Planica is the traditional venue for the finals of the Ski Jumping World Cup, with over 60 world records being set here.

 

If you would like to experience the freedom of an elite ski jumper, then visit Planica Zipline, the steepest zip line descent in the world. It is 566m long and you will reach speeds of 85km/h! That is certainly only for the very brave! It’s open every day in July and August.

ski jump planica slovenia

8. Wine Makers

Many people are unaware that Slovenia is a superb wine producing country, with one vineyard for every 70 inhabitants. The Mediterranean and Alpine climatic influences allow 48 varieties of grape to flourish within this small country. The rich wine heritage is evident in the town centre of Maribor in the North East of Slovenia, where the world’s oldest grape vine can be found. 


Climbing around the Old Vine House, this 400 year old vine is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Due to the age of the vine and the small number of grapes yielded, the wine produced is very rare and expensive. Only 100 miniature bottles are made each year. Slovenia has given bottles as gifts to the Pope and Queen Elizabeth II. We hope they enjoyed them!     

old grape vine slovenia

9. Narnia

Did you know that scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2007) were filmed in the Soča Valley, in the West of Slovenia? The first film, The Chronicles of Narnia, was filmed in New Zealand and the producers were looking for a similar landscape to shoot the second film. Andrew Adamson, director of the movie, said “The beauty of this place overwhelmed me, as a director and a tourist. It is gorgeous and the Soča river is the perfect place for filming a fairytale.” The stunning emerald green colour of the Soča river, combined with the huge range of outdoor activities on offer, make this part of Slovenia a popular region to visit.

soca river valley slovenia

10. The Slovene Language

Spoken by just 2.3 million people, the Slovene language has 46 different dialects and is the only EU official language recognised as having a “dual” form. This is used when referring to precisely 2 people or objects, in addition to the more conventional singular and plural forms. 

That's the end of our fun facts about Slovenia

We hope that you have discovered something new in our fact guide about Slovenia. Do let us know below if you have some interesting facts we could add to our list. 

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Lonely Planet features Slovenia in its top 10 best value destinations

beach lake bohinj

Often, when planning a holiday, we want to make sure we are getting the best value for money from our trip. Slovenia, a small country the size of Wales and unknown by many, has now made the Best Value List for 2019 published by Lonely Planet; “in a single day you can tour a Venetian-tinged seaside town, cross Alpine passes and dine by the river in the heart of Ljubljana”.

Lonely Planet highlight that “this is the land of outdoor activities available for much less than you’ll pay in other Alpine countries” and specifically mention that even in summer when Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are at their busiest, you can still find a quiet spot to relax.

Getting around is cheap and easy, often an event in itself as you travel through stunning landscapes. Finally, it is a place of “world-class restaurants and wineries, and undiscovered small towns”.

So why not consider Slovenia for your next holiday? Come and Escape to Bohinj for an affordable adventure.