Name a lake in Slovenia, and most will point to the famously photogenic Lake Bled – but there’s another, wilder and equally beautiful, lake just west and it is the perfect spot for a summer holiday. Lake Bohinj basks in the untamed nature of Triglav National Park, where footpaths lead between stone villages, rugged mountains, rushing rivers and forested lakeshores. Amongst these atmospheric, lesser-trodden trails, it’s easy to believe that this is the realm of the mythical gold-horned chamois (and the less mythical eagle and ibex).
Walking in the Triglav National Park
The mountains might be dramatic, but much of walking around Lake Bohinj is easy-going. Footpaths ramble between forests and wildflower meadows, waterfalls and caves, and hamlets decorated with half-timbered houses, stone bridges and churches. Mostnica Gorge is a hiking highlight, awash with rapids and waterfalls, as well as the myth-wreathed Devil’s Bridge. There are plenty of challenges too - look up (and up) to the surrounding limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. Height-loving hikers can clamber up the rocky paths to Mount Vogel – or there’s always the cable car that takes you to the restaurant and Alpine trails above.
Explore Lake Bohinj: let us count the ways
Fancy heading out onto the water? Wooden boats cruise Lake Bohinj, panoramic windows framing the forests and mountains all around. Paddleboards are also a popular choice, dedicated bathing areas invite swimmers into the emerald-green waters, and cycling, canyoning and paragliding are all up for grabs too. Just make sure to try one of the local delicacies, such as Bohinjski sir cheese or the shandy-like grapefruit lager brewed in Ljubljana – always best enjoyed with a lake view.
Bohinjska Bistrica Village
Many visitors stay in Bohinjska Bistrica – a rural village seven kilometres from Bohinj, with a museum, restaurants, a church and a crystal-clear river running through it. The train station is a motorail that carries vehicles and passengers to Lake Bled or to the modernist town of Nova Gorica, right against the Italian border – but not before plunging through the mountains via the longest railway tunnel in Slovenia first. Above Bohinjska Bistrica, the Pokljuka Plateau is a popular starting point for walks, with dense forests and pretty alpine meadows, plus the idyllic Planina Zajamniki Mountain Pasture with its traditional wooden houses and views for miles.
Visit Lake Bled
The Insta-famous vistas of Lake Bled are just a 20-minute train journey or 40-minute bus ride away from Lake Bohinj. This is the Slovenia of postcards and guidebooks the world over, where a church-topped island perches in the middle of a forest-fringed lake. Here, gondola-like pletna boats continue their centuries-old tradition of ferrying visitors between Bled town and the island. It’s easy to spend a day here, hiking or cycling the lakeside paths, diving into the family-friendly lido and summer toboggan, and wining and dining in Bled town – all while the fairy-tale fortifications of Bled Castle look on.
Why book a summer holiday to Lake Bohinj with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Bohinj's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Bohinj. Join a professional walking guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
With 90 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Bohinj include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
