Things to Do at Lake Bohinj
We’ve put together a list of things to do at Lake Bohinj in Slovenia to give you an idea of the types of activities you can enjoy whilst on holiday here. All of our suggestions are within walking distance of the lake and Escape to Bohinj Holiday House. Better for you, and better for the environment too!
Lake Bohinj (pronounced Boh – een in English and Bohinjsko Jezero in Slovene) is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and is nestled in the Triglav National Park in the North-West. It is a glacial lake, with crystal-clear water and is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Julian Alps. When the English crime novelist Agatha Christie visited and was asked if she could use Bohinj as a location for one of her novels, she famously replied that Bohinj “was far too beautiful for a murder”. Once you have visited, you too will agree with Christie!
Unlike the more well-known Lake Bled (just 20km away), tourist development at Lake Bohinj has been kept to a minimum. Sustainability is at the heart of tourism philosophy in Bohinj, to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. As such, only two electric tourist boats are allowed on the lake, making it a quiet haven for swimming, kayaking, walking and enjoying the natural world. Lake Bohinj is also a hiker’s paradise, as it is surrounded by the Julian Alps and protected inside the Triglav National Park.
So take a look at our recommendations and enjoy planning your Lake Bohinj holiday!
Things to Do at Lake Bohinj
You can swim in Lake Bohinj, walk around the lake, take a kayak, rowing boat or SUP on to the water, take the cable car up to Vogel for a bird’s eye view, hike to a viewpoint or bike around half of the lake. It’ easy to spend a couple of days just exploring the lake itself. There are endless opportunities for outdoor fun but also it is easy to sit and relax in the unspoilt alpine landscape. There are also some low-key shops and cafes so you can stop for lunch or enjoy the views with a morning coffee.
Swimming and splashing about in Lake Bohinj, surrounded by the Julian Alps, is a must-do summer activity.
A great way to get your bearings is to take the 12m trail around Lake Bohinj.
A walk for all seasons.
Enjoy a guided panoramic trip in the eco-friendly tourist boat across Lake Bohinj.
Expect a lot of fun and laughter when you hire a kayak, canoe or a stand-up-paddle board on Lake Bohinj.
In just 4 minutes, be transported from Lake Bohinj to Vogel Ski Resort and experience the high alpine world.
This impressive waterfall and striking emerald green pool are well worth the 550 steps to the viewpoint!
Immerse yourself in nature as you walk up the gorge, enjoying unique rock formations and crystal-clear water.
Stunning from the outside and filled with vivid frescoes, the Church of St John the Baptist is not to be missed.
Learn about local history and enjoy fabulous scenery as you ride between the Lower & Upper Bohinj Valley.
There are an abundance of things to do at Lake Bohinj, all set within an oasis of calm, making it the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Many of our suggestions can be combined to make a great day out or can be spread over a number of days. Good combinations include:
- Tourist boat across Lake Bohinj → Walk back
- Tourist boat across Lake Bohinj → Hike up to the Savica Waterfall → Tourist boat back/walk back
- Hire a kayak or stand-up-paddle board (SUP) on Lake Bohinj → Swim
- Swim in Lake Bohinj → Mostnica Gorge
Many visitors just come for the day, but to truly experience this alpine paradise, it is best to stay for a few days. You can then enjoy Bohinj Lake once the day-trippers have returned home. Lake Bohinj also makes a great base for your holiday in Slovenia as you can easily access the other main tourist sites from here. In fact, it is lovely to be able to return to a quite and peaceful haven after a day out exploring.
For those spending a week here, it is definitely worth buying the Julian Alps Card. The card will save you money on many of the tourist activities in the Lake Bohinj area.
Lake Bohinj Map
Bohinj is the name used for the area around the lake itself, and is not in fact a town. There are three villages within walking distance of the lake.
Ribčev Laz
Ribčev Laz is the gateway to Bohinj Lake, and is the first village you meet as you arrive. Here you will see the picture-postcard view of the stone built bridge with the beautiful Church of St John the Baptist. The village is has everything you need for your stay – a supermarket, restaurants, post office, atm, and a tourist office. It can get quite busy here, especially as you try to drive through and cross the bridge heading towards Stara Fužina.
Stara Fužina
Stara Fužina is a traditional working village – expect to see tractors on the road and cows wandering through on their way to the pastures. There are 2 supermarkets, restaurants, atm, tourist information and the Triglav Centre. It is also the start for a number of local hikes, including the Mostnica Gorge, Vogar, Studor and Peč viewpoints. The area has recently been re-designed to create a small square for summer events involving live music, markets and local food.
Ukanc
Ukanc means “end of the world” in Slovene, and once you have driven here you will understand why! The road ends in Ukanc as you are surrounded by the imposing Julian Alps. The only way out is the road you came in on! Ukanc is a charming village with a couple of cafes, and access to the Savica Waterfall and Vogel Cable Car.
When to Visit Lake Bohinj?
Lake Bohinj is in the mountain range of the Julian Alps in the Triglav National Park. As such, the weather can change very quickly. However, in general, expect warm summers (around 25°C+) and cold winters, perfect for outdoor activities such as skiing.
Summer in Bohinj
The warmest months to visit Lake Bohinj are July and August. As such, these are the busiest months, although it is never as busy as many other holiday tourist destinations such as Lake Bled! Summer time is the best season to be able to make the most of all the things to do at Lake Bohinj.
Autumn in Bohinj
Autumn in Bohinj is great season for hiking and biking in the Julian Alps. The weather is generally stable, with fewer storms than in the summer months. The reds, yellows, oranges, golds, browns and greens of the trees are also stunning at this time of year.
Winter in Bohinj
Winter in Bohinj offers all the activities that you would expect from an alpine region – yet it won’t break the bank. The ski resort at Vogel is low-key, making it ideal for families and beginners. Lake Bohinj does truly become a Winter Wonderland in the snow. Whether you just want to soak up the peace and tranquillity, build a snowman or get energetic on the piste, there is something for everyone.
Spring in Bohinj
Gorgeous flowers abound in the meadows surrounding Lake Bohinj in Spring. The unique Wild Flower Festival celebrates the bio-diversity and cultural heritage of the Bohinj area. Like with Autumn, Spring is an excellent time for hiking and biking.
When to Stay at Lake Bohinj?
Escape to Bohinj Holiday House is in the centre of Stara Fužina, and offers spacious and comfortable self-catering accommodation for 6 people.
Escape to Bohinj Holiday House
- Completely modernised house with character charm
- Open-plan kitchen, living & dining room
- 3 bedrooms, sleeping 6 people
- Private parking
- Outdoor dining
- Wifi/USB sockets
Ideally Located for Lake Bohinj & Lake Bled
- Village with two shops, pubs and restaurants
- Walking distance to Lake Bohinj
- In the Triglav National Park
- 30 minutes’ drive to Lake Bled
- 60 minutes’ drive to Ljubljana Airport
- Hiking, biking & swimming opportunities on your doorstep
Just over an hour in the car from from Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, and only thirty minutes by car from the famous, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj feels like another world. As an easy day trip, or as a base for a family holiday, you won’t be disappointed. At Escape to Bohinj, we look forward to welcoming guests who are looking for somewhere special to stay whilst visiting this magical part of Slovenia.
Escape to Bohinj Blog Posts
Discover great ideas and fun activities for your visit to Lake Bohinj in our Blog Posts. So much to do and explore!
