7 Things to do in Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Lake Bohinj is special – so special that I have now visited it three times in the last two years.

Tucked away in the heart of the Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is what I would say Slovenia’s best-kept secret — a tranquil alpine escape that feels worlds apart from the more touristy vibe found at its famous sibling, Lake Bled.

It’s a place that will capture your heart in the blink of an eye, with an authentic and intriguing charm that will easily ensure that that exact feeling stays with you for the rest of your lifetime.

Towering mountain peaks, early morning mist rolling in above the lake’s crystal-clear water, the most incredible culinary treats (often paired with exceptional wine), and an authentic local atmosphere set the tone for a truly unforgettable experience – one that makes you slow down to the calm and serene rhythm of nature.

But it is also so much more than simply a tranquil getaway.

You see, Lake Bohinj is also a stepping stone to some of the Julian Alps’ most fascinating natural highlights; the Slap Savica Waterfall, plenty of adventurous hikes, the Mostnica Gorge, and the stunning Vogar viewpoint, to name but a few, making it a dream for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.

So whether you’re a seasoned hiker, nature enthusiast or simply someone who seeks a calm retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Lake Bohinj is for you.

In this guide, I’ll cover the absolute best things to do in Lake Bohinj, a few personal favourites regarding where to eat and drink, plus my picks on where to stay.


If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and support me to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here.

Where is Lake Bohinj Slovenia

Where is Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is situated within the boundaries of the Triglav National Park in the Upper Carniola region of northwestern Slovenia.

Only a 30-minute drive from Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most famous sight, Lake Bohinj offers a more tranquil experience than its bigger sister, as it’s not yet overrun by upscale tourism, giving it a relatively pristine feel.

Lake Bohinj’s unspoiled shoreline, exceptional culinary offerings, and stunning alpine scenery make it a true hidden gem for those seeking untouched natural beauty in Slovenia.

Where to stay in Lake Bohinj

Given that I have visited Lake Bohinj three times, I feel relatively confident to state the following: my insights will make finding the right accommodation here a tad more comfortable.

With a clear focus on green tourism, wellness & spa, and all things outdoor, Lake Bohinj has no shortage of inviting accommodation options, with an elevated standard in terms of quality.

So whether you’re looking for a boutique stay, a budget-friendly hostel or something in between, I am sure you will find good options either way, no matter your travel style, budget and needs.

To make things even more comfortable for you, I’ve picked my favourite out of the bunch below:

Hotel Bohinj | After visiting Lake Bohinj 3 times, where I stayed in Hotel Bohinj on all occasions, I am confident in saying that it is the absolute best hotel in the area. Situated at the edge of the pristine Lake Bohinj, this hotel reflects the spirit of this Alpine village in the best possible way. With comfortable spacious rooms, an exceptional sauna with a heated outdoor pool, cosy common areas, and a truly spectacular in-house restaurant, Hotel Bohinj is a true delight.

Sunrose7 | Situated in the heart of the Bohinjska Bistrica at 12 12-minute drive from Lake Bohinj, Sunrose7 offers a tranquil getaway fueled by top-notch hospitality and the best possible food you can imagine. On top of that, the rooms are absolutely stunning, with comfy beds, a working station, and an excellent bathroom with a rainshower. Add to that an incredible in-house sauna, and you instantly realise why I chose to opt for Sunrose7. See it for yourself here.

Vila Muhr | Those looking to splurge will be delighted to read about Vila Muhr; a truly spectacular addition to Alpinia Group’s exceptional offerings here in Bohinj. With just 4 suites, this newly opened villa provides an intimate experience that is marked by aesthetically pleasing interior choices, all the contemporary amenities, and an overall luxury feel that will simply make you feel a certain way. But my favourite thing about Vila Muhr is that it is directly connected to Hotel Bohinj, which means you also have access to the wellness centre and restaurant there, making it even better than it already is. Make sure you check Vila Muhr here.

Bohinj where to stay
Where to stay in Lake Bohinj
Where to stay in Bohinj

7 Things to do in Lake Bohinj, Slovenia


1. Take a short hike to the impressive Slap Savica Waterfall

Hidden in the lush forest at the very north of Lake Bohinj, Slap Savica is a charming waterfall, and the journey to the gushing waters of the waterfall provides a magical, fairytale-like experience.

Also known as the Savica Waterfall, this 78-meter-high waterfall is celebrated for its distinctive shape, as the gushing water splits into two separate streams before cascading into the emerald waters of the basin down below.

When researching Lake Bohinj, I discovered that the hike to Slap Savica was often among travellers’ favourite things to do in Bohinj; after roaming the enchanting forest to the waterfall myself, it is easy to see why.

Starting at the Savica Lodge in Ukanc, the well-marked trail takes you on an easy leisurely hike through serene, dense woodlands to the waterfall in just about 25 minutes.

At every step, the gushing sound of Slap Savica’s dropping water intensifies, tending to uplift visitors to up the pace so they can get their first glimpse of the waterfall as quickly as possible.

Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll be left in awe, as the beauty of its massive limestone rock formation and the immense force of nature combine for a truly spectacular sight.


Where | Slap Savica
Opening hours | Daily 0800 – 1800 – it varies highly on the season
Entrance fee | €4,- for adults, €2,- for kids

Slap Savica Things to do in Lake Bohinj

2. Take a walk around Lake Bohinj

When travelling to a destination famed for its lake, there’s not much more to be desired than the ability to roam around the shores of its calm waters whenever one feels like it.

Of course, there are heaps of amazing things to do in Lake Bohinj, yet, if you ask me, it is pretty hard to challenge the charm that lingers around the beautiful lake itself

I wandered around the lake quite a few times and enjoyed every single bit of it.

Its impeccable beauty didn’t stop captivating me, while the overall vibe gave me an intoxicating sense of calm that is somewhat hard to bring to words.

But it is not solely the calming waters of the lake that will leave you in awe.

You see, when walking around the lake you will stumble upon heaps of sights that are worth your while, whether it’s an authentic church, cosy alpine village, or densely forested valley.

Things that are worth your time include:

Zlatorog of Bohinj | Perched on the edge of the lake, the bronze statue of Zlatorog is a homage to the Slovenian legend of the ibex with golden horns, also known as the guardian of the Slovenian mountains.

Cerkev sv. Duha, Ribčev Laz | Built in a traditional alpine style, with a stunning bell tower as its eye-catcher, the charming Cerkev sv. Duha can be seen from various points around the lake and is an absolute must-visit when in Bohinj.

The many picturesque docks | Around the lake, you will find plenty of docks that serve the boats that go around the lake, offering heaps of views and photography opportunities.

Lake Bohinj in Slovenia
Lake Bohinj things to do

3 Walk the stunning Mostnica Gorge

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Lake Bohinj was being able to be out in nature as much as possible whenever I felt like it, and the Mostnice Gorge contributed to this desire.

As if lifted straight out of a fairytale, the walk along the gushing waters of the Mostnica Gorge will make you reconnect with nature’s essence in the blink of an eye, making it an absolute highlight on any list of things to do in Lake Bohinj.

Starting at Stara Fuzina, the trail slowly leads you through the lush forest, along the waters of the impressive gorge down below, with several small streams and waterfalls coming in from the dense greenery along the way.

In addition to its exceptional nature, the Mostnica Gorge trail is also relatively easy, making it accessible for all levels of fitness, which, for many travellers, might put it ahead of other more challenging hikes in the Julian Alps.

Those looking to move on can cross the bridge at the end and venture into Voje Valley, a stunning alpine meadow surrounded by towering mountains, with the 21m high Mostnica Waterfall at the end of it all.

I personally also opted to visit Voje Valley and absolutely enjoyed being out there.


Where | Mostnica Gorge
Opening hours | All day, but it depends highly on the season
Cost | The entrance varies between €2,- and 4,- depending on age and season of visit

Mostnica Gorge | Things to do in Lake Bohinj
Voje Valley Things to do in Bohinj
Lake Bohinj Slovenia

4. Admire the Church of St. John the Baptist

Easily one of the most famous sights in Bohinj, the Church of St. John the Baptist is a true icon.

Nestled on the edge of the lake, this fascinating church dates back as far as the 12th century and is marked by its pristine white appearance, which is commonly done in the oh-so-captivating Slovenian medieval architecture style.

Absolutely stunning from the inside out, the interior is famed for its amazingly well-preserved frescoes, including the well-known ‘White Devil’ lurking over Cain’s shoulders while whispering evil schemes into his ears.

While I chose to behold the church solely from the outside while wandering around the lake, I truly believe that those paying the small entrance fee of €3,50 will be left satisfied, based on the intricate frescoes I’ve seen when researching the church.

When arriving in Lake Bohinj, you will instantly see that there’s no going around this iconic church, as each activity in the surrounding area will lead you right back here, at the foot of the stunning Church of St. John the Baptist.

Those into photography should head out early, when the gloomy Bohinj morning fog creates an absolutely amazing moody scenery, which, in my opinion, matches perfectly with the overall appeal of Lake Bohinj.


Where | Church of St. John the Baptist
Opening hours | Daily 0900 – 1900, depending on the season. More info here.
Cost | Entrance fee €3,50

Things to do in Lake Bohinj Slovenia

5. Stay at the beautiful Hotel Bohinj

Nestled on a picturesque hill overlooking the utterly charming lake, Hotel Bohinj is special.

Defined by the perfect combination of natural materials and modern design elements, the design of Hotel Bohinj is a true delight for those appreciating minimalistic architecture yet also enjoying thoughtful, rustic touches that refer to the natural surroundings of Bohinj.

But it is not just the design that stands out, no, the whole experience is in a league of its own. 

Top-notch hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and an absolutely amazing sauna with an outdoor pool offering views that are simply impossible to rival set the tone for an exceptional experience.

It almost feels like a destination on its own, where travellers tend to discover new layers of calm at each and every moment of their stay, which elevates their time in Bohinj to a whole other level.

I would even go as far as stating that my time at Hotel Bohinj has been one of the most incredible ones ever – if you want to find out for yourself, make sure you read my in-depth review here.


Book | Hotel Bohinj
Cost | Luxurious doubles start at €190,- a night.

+ Continue reading | Keen finding out why Hotel Bohinj is one of my favourite stays ever, read about it here.

Bohinj things to do
Hotel Bohinj Things to do in Bohinj
Things to do in Bohinj

6. Ride the Vogel Cable Car and take in the views

Towering high above the lake, the Vogel viewpoint will welcome you with the most stunning panoramic view of Lake Bohinj, the surrounding valleys, and the towering peaks of the Julian Alps in the distance.

Seeing Lake Bohinj from the Vogel Viewpoint is absolutely stunning, as the viewpoint gives you a mind-blowing perspective of the immense size of the lake.

However, to reach the Vogel viewpoint, you have to take an equally impressive journey.

First started operating in 1964, the Vogel Cable Car offers a steep, yet quick journey to the first level of Mount Vogel, which is located at a height of 1537 metres above sea level and exactly where the viewpoint is.

From here, you can also venture deeper into the mountains, as some of Bohinj’s best hikes start here, including the ones to peak Šija, Rodica, and Vogel. Alternatively, you can also choose to opt for all sorts of winter sports activities when visiting in winter.

One thing worth noting is that the Vogel Cable Car becomes significantly busier during the winter season, as Bohinj has rapidly grown among winter sport enthusiasts over the last few years.


Where | Vogel Cable Car
Opening hours | Daily 0800 – 1800
Cost | €29,- for adults, €15,- for children

Vogel Cable Car | Things to do in Bohinj

7. Have an epic burger at Foksner

As a burger enthusiast at heart, I recognise a good burger joint when I see one.

When I first stumbled upon Foksner, I immediately knew it was business, given a massive Green Egg (barbeque aficionados will know) was projecting the mouthwatering smell of perfectly grilled burgers from afar.

Once seated, my eyes instantly fell on the Tartuf, a juicy locally sourced beef burger topped with red onions, truffles, Mature Cheddar Cheese and a little personal twist; sriracha instead of ketchup, giving it the extra kick that I always aim for when ordering a burger.

All burgers are served on a superior bun and come with crunchy potato wedges, making sure you leave nothing short of satisfied. Personally, I was so satisfied, that during one week around Lake Bohinj, I came back twice – don’t judge me.

If I had to give one remark, it would be that they are not open around lunchtime, which to me is the best time to savour a burger.


Where | Foksner
Opening hours | Daily 1600 – 2200
Cost | The average burger here will set you back +/- €14,-

Bohinj things to do
Foksner Things to do in Bohinj
Things to do in Lake Bohinj | Foksner

Things to do in Lake Bohinj | The essentials


The best time to visit Lake Bohinj

Slovenia, and thus Lake Bohinj is considered a year-round destination, so the time you desire to visit depends highly on the type of activities you wish to do while there.

During Spring, the entire region is in bloom, providing excellent circumstances for all sorts of outdoor activities; think horseback riding, hiking, watersports, and cycling to name a few.

In winter, a whole new playground unfolds, as Vogel opens up as the perfect retreat for those looking into skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and more.

Since Lake Bohinj is also famed for its spa, wellness and culinary experiences, I honestly believe there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit Lake Bohinj.

I visited Bohinj in winter and spring and truly loved it in both settings.

Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj walk
Things to do in Bohinj Slovenia

How to get around Lake Bohinj

In general, it is pretty easy to navigate Lake Bohinj, as all famous sights are pretty close to the lake itself and therefore easy to reach on foot.

However, if you are sport-oriented, a lover of the great outdoors, or simply have a little less time for slower exploration, there are a few other options that will help you explore the many impressive sights here more efficiently, which I will list below.

On foot | As mentioned above, Lake Bohinj and its surroundings are insanely easy to explore on foot, and walking around the area is actually one of the best things to do in Lake Bohinj.

By bike | Those who enjoy biking will be delighted to hear that Lake Bohinj and biking go hand in hand, given that all sights are connected by excellent biking paths. In general, those paths are both comfortable and scenic, making it one of the best ways to explore the Bohinj region.

By car | If you’re exploring Slovenia by car, which you should, getting from A to B will be as easy as it gets. I personally explored Slovenia on a road trip and saved a lot of time by simply driving to the starting points of the hikes and activities, making it the perfect option for those on a tight schedule.

How to get around Lake Bohinj

How to get to Lake Bohinj

Given that Lake Bohinj is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia, you will notice that there are plenty of options to get from A to B here.

To help you find the best suitable option for you, I’ve listed them below:

By car | To me, road trips and Slovenia are a match made in heaven, and for that reason, I would highly recommend exploring Slovenia with your own set of wheels, so you have all the freedom to visit wherever, whenever suits you. 

I always use Rentalcars.com to book my car rentals, as they offer all the major rental car companies, excellent service, and additional insurance – plus, it’s super easy to find yourself a deal here too.

By private transfer | Lake Bohinj is just a 1,5 drive from the capital city of Ljubljana, meaning taking a private transfer is actually something worth considering.

Starting at €90,- a car, this option is quite affordable, especially if you travel with a larger group.

Since I had an early morning flight, Hotel Bohinj arranged my transfer with Vip Shuttle, and I was impressed by how the driver handled both the ride and the hospitality part.

By public bus | Depending on the departure time of your journey, using the public bus between Bohinj and Ljubljana could be a great and affordable option. 

The bus leaves the Ljubljana Bus Station hourly and takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Ribčev Laz. 

Along the way, the bus will also stop at Lake Bled and the Bohinjska Bistrica. 

A one-way ticket from Ljubljana to Ribčev Laz will cost €8,30 per person. For an up-to-date timetable, please check the Ljubljana Bus Station website.

How to get to lake bohinj

Slovenia travel essentials

Though I wouldn’t necessarily label the activities around Lake Bohinj as extreme, I do think it’s a smart idea to bring some essentials.

To help you have a comfortable time here, I’d suggest bringing the following items:

A reusable water bottle | One travel essential that I carry with me at all times is the Grayl Geopress. This reusable water purification bottle allows me to fill up water from almost every water source, making it one of my best investments to date.

A hoodie | Depending on the time of year, I advise bringing an extra layer in the form of a hoodie to keep you warm if needed. Since you’re out in nature most of the time, this layer might come in handy at any given time.

A sturdy pair of sneakers | Though the hikes around Lake Bohinj are relatively easy, it’s not a bad idea to wear a pair of sturdy trail runners. I use the New Balance Hierro V7, and I’m pretty pleased with the grip and comfort they provide me when I’m out in nature.

A camera | Like most places in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj and its natural features are incredible for enthusiastic and professional photographers alike. For that reason, I advise bringing your camera, so you can capture heaps of photos while there. Curious about my photography gear, make sure you see what’s in my camera bag.

Leave no footprints | Slovenia is a slice of untouched natural paradise, and it’s our responsibility to keep it that way. Therefore, make sure you respect the location at all times, and bring your trash when wrapping up your time in nature.

Lake Bohinj Slovenia

Stay safe in Slovenia | Travel insurance in Slovenia

When travelling this big wide world, especially if it involves lots of outdoor activities, I always make sure that my travel insurance is sorted out well in advance, and I advise anyone travelling to do the same.

While I believe it’s unlikely to experience any problems when following the suggestions in this itinerary, something unfortunate could happen at any time, whether it’s an injury, a stolen camera, or an unforeseen cancellation.

For travel insurance, I use Heymondo, as they offer full COVID-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy too.

Cheers!

I’ve been on this travel blogging journey since 2019.

If you appreciate what I do here, these are some ways you can support me.

Follow me on InstagramBuy me a coffee on Kofi
7 Things to do in Lake Bohinj