Introducing Bohinj
First, you have to know that Bohinj is an area – not a town. It is a 20 kilometre long and 5 kilometre wide basin in the Julian Alps in northwestern part of Slovenia. The area is very popular due to its beautiful unspoiled nature with one of the most imposing parts of the valley being Lake Bohinj, the largest of the Slovenian lakes. There are several small villages and hamlets in Bohinj with the largest one being Bohinjska Bistrica. The villages that lie in the immediate vicinity of the lake are Ribcev Laz, Ukanc and Stara Fuzina.
Bohinj is part of the Triglav National Park, the only natural park in Slovenia and one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1961, so no wonder natural attractions are the biggest draw here. Despite being less than half an hour’s car drive from the tourist Mecca of Bled, Bohinj feels more isolated and rural and pleasantly less developed than one would expect for a place less than an hour away from an international airport (Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport). Restaurants and places to stay here are very down to earth and local people are attentive and helpful. It’s the perfect place for nature lovers and people who really like peaceful places to recharge their batteries. The area is absolutely stunning in its serenity and unmatched sense of calm and the nightlife is basically non-existent.
Bohinj and the surrounding area is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There is a seemingly endless swathe of activities on offer. Summer pursuits include swimming, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and mountain biking, while adrenaline junkies can try their hand at kayaking, rafting, canoeing, SUP-ing, canyoning, hydrospeeding, diving, climbing, or tandem paragliding. In the winter months these are replaced by skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating and ski touring. In the depths of winter it is also possible to climb frozen waterfalls.
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Overall Rating: Lake Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest glacial lake located in the Triglav National Park. It is considered as one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. It’s a wonderful quite place to rest and unwind as you breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature in Triglav National Park. If you like nature this is one place you should visit should you go to Slovenia. |
Overall Rating: The Savica waterfall is situated above Lake Bohinj at the heart of the Triglav National Park. It is considered to be the most famous and the most scenic waterfall in Slovenia. Some might say it is too touristy and crowded, but hey, there is a reason a place is too touristy and that reason is because the place is so breathtakingly gorgeous. Why shouldn’t as many people as possible visit and enjoy it? |
Overall Rating: Mostnica Gorge is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Lake Bohinj area. It's located in the Voje valley near the Stara Fuzina village, about 2 km northeast of the lake. The gorge is two kilometres long and was carved by a Mostnica stream. The walk in both directions takes about an hour and a half and is quite easy, not strenuous at all. It’s a really nice walk through the forest, while you admire the emerald green water. |
Overall Rating: Vogel Ski Resort is located above Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest lake, at an elevation between 560 and 1,800 meters. In all it has 22 kilometres of ski slopes and a snowboard park. To get to it you have to take the cable car. There is plenty of snow due to its altitude, and a longer-than-average season which runs from mid-November to the beginning of May. It's within the Triglav national park, one of the oldest national parks in Europe, so it's protected from development and artificial snow-making is not permitted. Slovenia's capital Ljubljana is about an hour away. |
| The accommodation options in Bohinj can be divided into five main categories: hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self catering apartments and hostels. |
There are five hotels in Bohinj and the overall quality is superb - all are modern, clean and very comfortable. We have reviewed and rated them, so, if you're planning to visit Slovenian Alps and Lake Bohinj for the first time, read on and find a hotel that best suits your tastes and budget. |
Bohinj has a nice selection of friendly guest houses. The owners of a guest house soon get to know you and always make sure you enjoy a warm welcome. That's one of the main reasons so many people love to come back to Bohinj, Slovenia time after time and wish to stay at one its quality guest houses. |
If you like complete privacy, comfort, want to be able to cook your favorite meals, or just look for a cheaper and better alternative to basic Bohinj hotels, then Bohinj apartments are meant for you. They usually have nice modern furniture and all the necessary equipment, including a well equipped kitchen, a nice TV-set, DVD player, washing machine, fridge, air conditioner, etc. |
Bohinj bed and breakfasts are an inexpensive and relaxing alternative to a classic hotel for your stay in this stunningly beautiful area of Triglav National Park, Slovenia. Most bed and breakfasts in Bohinj are well kept and beautifully furnished and some have balconies or terraces with breathtaking lake and mountain views. |
Bohinj hostels are the main source of budget accommodation in the area and are in essence a form of shared accommodation. In general, you will share a large room with three to ten people sleeping on either single or bunk beds. Facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens and social areas are also shared and so its a great opportunity to meet other travelers. |
Bohinj farm stays are great way of bringing your family together and experiencing another way of living. Many farm stays in Bohinj offer a variety of activities for the little ones as well as adults where you can all get involved in being part of the daily tasks of a working farm. |
Bohinj Pictures
View our image gallery with 20 high-resolution photos that proves you absolutely have to visit Bohinj!
The Bohinj basin is a really idyllic landscape, majestic mountains rise above charming villages and lush pastures, and at the end of the basin, in the Triglav National Park, is the striking Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in the country. (photo: Ales Zdesar, Slovenia.info)
Lake Bohinj is the centre-piece of Bohinj. It’s the largest lake in Slovenia and, in comparison with its neighbour Lake Bled, less known, more remote and delightfully tranquil. There is a road around one side of the lake which takes you to the far end and the Savica waterfall and the Vogel cable car. (photo: Turizem Bohinj, Slovenia.info)
Bohinj is perfect for cyclists of all ages and abilities. In the warmer months when the weather is fine, cycling is the best way to get around. There is a well-marked 11 kilometre long asphalt cycling route running along the Sava Bohinjka river from Bohinjska Bistrica to Stara Fuzina, which then continues to Studor and Srednja Vas. The route from Ribcev Laz west to Savica is also quite flat and pretty easy. (photo: Tomo Jesenicnik, Slovenia.info)
The small village of Studor in Bohinj is known for its double height ‘toplar’ hayracks. (photo: Ales Zdesar, Slovenia.info)
The Oplen House or Oplenova Hisa as it is called in Slovenian was converted into a museum and open to the public in 1991. It is a great example of a traditional house in Bohinj. It was most likely built in the beginning of the 19th century and all the exhibition rooms are equipped with the original furnishings of its last owners, which is why the house is a unique living museum depicting the lives of Bohinj ancestors. (photo: Joza Mihelic, Slovenia.info)
The Bohinj area offers magnificent opportunities for lovers of horses and horseback riding. (photo: Andy Aungthwin, Slovenia.info)
Bohinj area is home to a lot of small towns and although tourism has begun to grow, a lot of these are still farm focused. (photo: Mitja Sodja, Slovenia.info)
Cow bells resound in Bohinj’s pastures during the summer. (photo: Ales Zdesar, Slovenia.info)
The Cows’ Ball is an annual event in Bohinj with plenty of folk dance, music, eating and drinking that celebrates the return of the cows from the high mountain pastures to the valleys. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)
Beekeeping is an important agricultural activity in Bohinj with a long and rich tradition and there are many bee hives dotted around the area from which delicious honey is harvested. (photo: Jost Gantar, Slovenia.info)
Lake Bohinj is about 25 kilometres from the better known Lake Bled and is very different in character, being within the Triglav National Park. It is significantly less developed and more natural. It is the largest lake in Slovenia, about 4 kilometres long and about a kilometre wide. There is a walking track around the lake; on one side next to the road but on the other side it is a lovely quiet walk with no traffic and definitely worth doing. One can walk all round the lake. Another alternative is to take the tourist boat, which goes regularly, in one direction and walk back on the quiet side. (photo: Ales Zdesar, Slovenia.info)
Swimming is the number one activity in Bohinj! At least in summer. The lake temperature is constant and around 20°C and you can swim anywhere in lake. Though the water is colder, much more so than its cousin Lake Bled, it is crystal clear. A lot of people walk around the lake for a bit and locate a nice secluded bit of pebbles to relax in peace. Sunbathing by the lake is also a totally free activity. (photo: Daniel Taipale, Slovenia.info)
The electric tourist boat transports passengers from the west end of Lake Bohinj to Camp Zlatorog in Ukanc (and back). The lake is large, so this was a fantastic way for us to see the whole lake whilst having an interesting explanation of its often unseen features and history. From June to August, boats depart at 80-minute intervals from 09.30 to 17:30. (photo: Tomo Jesenicnik, Slovenia.info)
Rowing boats and canoes are available on Lake Bohinj. They are also a few stand up paddle boards and other boat rides but no speed boats, no engines around to break the peacefulness and tranquillity of the lake and it is such a great thing. (photo: Tomo Jesenicnik, Slovenia.info)
Lake Bohinj’s crystal clear blue-green waters are very inviting in the warm summer months. Jump in, splash around, go for a swim, rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard or just relax along the water’s edge and listen to the gentle waves lap onto the shoreline. (photo: Tomo Jesenicnik, Slovenia.info)
At the head of the Bohinj lake and right by the famous old stone bridge stands the postcard-worthy Church of St. John the Baptist. Its origins are Romanesque but it was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 15th century and vaulted in the early 16th century. (photo: Iztok Medja, Slovenia.info)
Lake Bohinj may be the lesser-known lake in northwestern Slovenia, when compared to Lake Bled, but it’s just as beautiful and much more tranquil than its neighbor. (photo: Tomo Jesenicnik, Slovenia.info)
Autumn is a very picturesque season in Bohinj especially as the leaves change colour from green to yellow, orange and varying shades of red. (photo: Jost Gantar, Slovenia.info)
The winter months bring favorable snowy conditions in Bohinj creating a beautiful and playful winter wonderland. (photo: Boštjan Odar, Turizem Bohinj, Slovenia.info)
The Sava Bohinjka river that flows through Bohinj is great for kayaking and in summer it is great for simply exploring and enjoying what nature has to offer. (photo: Rok Jensterle)
The Savica Waterfall is the most famous waterfall not only in Bohinj but in the whole of Slovenia. With two falls at 78 meters and 25 meters height respectively, it forms a unique shape of A against the creamy limestone with the mossy patches and collects into e beautiful emerald pool. But to be able to admire it, you first have to climb more than 500 steps and pay a small admission fee. (photo: Mojca Odar, Slovenia.info)
Mostnica Gorge is another gorgeous natural sight in the Bohinj area. It’s a two kilometre long gorge located near the Stara Fuzina village, about two kilometres northeast of Lake Bohinj. (photo: Ales Zdesar, Slovenia.info)
The magnificent setting and breathtaking panoramas make it worth a trip up Mount Vogel. The cable car operates from the village of Ukanc at the far side of Lake Bohinj and takes you to 1,535 meters above sea level. (photo: Mitja Sodja, Slovenia.info)
All images above provided by I Feel Slovenia
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Gregor Skoberne is one of the most talented and passionate landscape and nature photographers in Slovenia. Completely self-taught, Gregor is primarily focused on the unique local landscape and nature found in the Lake Bohinj area with an aim to capture the spirit and the essence of the moment in his photographs. |
Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia, known for being a quiet alternative to the smaller, yet more famous brother – Lake Bled. It is situated at the edge of the Triglav National Park in the northwestern corner of Slovenia. |
Spring, summer, autumn or winter, Lake Bohinj has its charms in all seasons, but there’s something especially magical in the early spring, when nature comes back to life and everything turns green and starts flourishing. |
Although most choose to visit Lake Bohinj in spring or summer, the fairytale landscape of the lake in the winter months is a must see. |
Lake Bohinj looks so incredibly calm and tranquil the next day after snowfall. |
The Lake Bohinj area in the Triglav National Park is known as the best place in Slovenia to go paragliding. |
Waterfall Savica is considered to be the most famous and the most scenic waterfall in Slovenia. It is located above the famous Lake Bohinj, under the cliff of Komarca, inside the Triglav National Park in the northwestern corner of Slovenia. The waterfall flows from the rock face above and cascades 78 metres into a large water sink, which is located at an altitude of 500 meters. |
Mostnica Gorge is a very picturesque 2-kilometre-long gorge carved by the Mostnica stream. It located only two kilometres northeast of the famous Lake Bohinj, in the Voje Valley near the Stara Fuzina village in northwestern Slovenia. |
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Remarkable aerial footage of the frozen Lake Bohinj in the winter. |
When you've seen Lake Bohinj on a clear winter's day, you can truthfully say you've seen the best that nature has to offer. |
Location of Bohinj on the map
Address: Ribcev Laz 48, 4265 Bohinjsko Jezero, Slovenia
Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.276795, 13.887560
GPS coordinates: 46° 16′ 36.462” N 13° 53′ 15.216” E
Region: Gorenjska (a.k.a Upper Carniola a.k.a Slovenian Alps a.k.a Oberkrain)