Holidays in Lake Bohinj

Escape into nature on a summer holiday to Lake Bohinj, a glacial lake on the edge of the spectacular Triglav National Park

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.

With over 85 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.

Added value

Julian Alps Bohinj Guest Card included for all Inghams guests

Hotels in Lake Bohinj

  • from£818pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 71 rooms
2023 Hotel Jezero, Bohinj Drone View

Great location? Check! Magical views? Check! Hotel Jezero sits at the eastern end of Lake Bohinj, close to the Most Bridge and the pretty church that the resort is famous for. There are many nearby walking trails to explore, including the picturesque circular walk around Lake Bohinj.

  • from£639pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 102 rooms
Bohinj ECO hotel slovenia aquapark 2.jpg

The ECO-Hotel is a family-friendly hotel with an environmental conscience. It's also home to an incredible Aquapark that's fun for the whole family. There are swimming pools, whirlpools, water jets, and a wild river ride.

  • from£769pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 69 rooms
Hotel Bohinj Exterior Day Three

The Hotel Bohinj couldn't be a more perfect spot for your romantic getaway. With tasty locally sourced food and hiking trails right on your doorstep, what more could you need? We could spend all day in the hotel spa, and the Slovenian salt room is a must-do while you're here.

Excursions

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Julian Alps

Enjoy a full day of spectacular mountain scenery and unspoiled natural beauty on this tour of the Julian Alps. Transport and guide included. 

Departs: Monday or Friday (full day)

Taste of Slovenia

Follow the trail of the River Soča as you journey by train, boat on the river and coach through spectacular Slovenian scenery. You'll also visit the largest wine cellar in Slovenia for a wine tasting (four wines). Lunch, wine tasting, guide and all transport is included.

Departs: Tuesday (full day)

Ljubljana

A guided insight into one of the youngest capital cities of Europe with plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping. Ljubljana is a vibrant and attractive city, known for being one of the greenest in Europe with plenty of green spaces and alfresco dining. Feel the energy of the streets, immerse yourself in the stories and legends, and enjoy the pretty city sights. Transport, guide and a funicular up to Ljubljana castle are included.

Departs: Wednesday (3/4 day)

Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle

Visit one of the most visited sites in Slovenia, and world-famous Postojna Caves and travel on the "cave train" to really enjoy one of worlds largest cave system and finish by visiting the nearby enchanting and mysterious Predjama castle with a vast history. Transport, guide and entrance fees are included.

Departs: Thursday (3/4 day) 

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Resort Combination

Multicentre Holidays

Ljubljana Flights: 

You can combine any resort in Slovenia with any other for minimum 3 night stays in each, for example, making 4 centre combinations you could for Wednesday arrival as 3 plus 4 plus 3 plus 4 night stays making total duration as 14 Nights. Saturdays will be 4 plus 3 plus 4 plus 3 night stays.

You could mix 3 centre combination for 10 nights (Wed) or 11 nights (Sat) 

or simply combine any 2 centre combination for any durations from 3/4/7/10 or 11 nights stays.

All transfers will be included and will be direct except Ljubljana city will be via the airport

 

Salzburg Flights: Combine Slovenia with beautiful Austrian Resorts

You can combine resorts of Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Kranjska Gora followed by any Austrian resorts served on Salzburg flights, like Kitzbuhel, Fuschl, Zell Am See, BKK and many more.

All transfers between the two countries will be via Salzburg airport and Slovenia will be the First centre.

Please call our reservations team on 01483 79 11 11 for more information.

Things To Do
  • Cycling
  • Horse-riding
  • Tennis
  • Walking
  • Bowling
  • Parapenting
  • Kayaking

Take the cable car up to Mount Vogel at 1,530m and enjoy a bird's eye view of the lake or follow the Sava Bohinjka River down into the valley. The forests and meadows with their alpine flora and fauna, the waterfalls and caves, the hamlets with their local churches, stone bridges and typical Alpine style houses, will make for an unforgettable holiday experience. Try and spot a chamois, an eagle or a lynx whilst rambling. Take a relaxing boat ride on the lake, and don't forget to try one of the local cheeses, wines from Goriska Brda and other local delicacies.

Bohinj Guest Card: The Julian Alps Card Bohinj

All Inghams guests will receive complimentary Julian Alps Card during their stay in Bohinj.

Guests staying 3/4 nights will receive a 3-day card, guests staying 7 nights will receive 5-day card and guests staying 10/11/14 nights will receive a 10-day card.

The card has great saving benefits and will make travelling and sightseeing around the area much easier.

  •  Free admission to Savica WaterfallMostnica Gorge and Church of St John
  •  Free boat trip with the panoramic boat on Lake Bohinj
  •  Free admissions to all museums in Bohinj.
  •  Free summer Hop-on, Hop-off bus trip to Pokljuka
  •  Free bus rides around Bohinj with Arriva buses
  •  Free one way or return train tickets from Bohinjska Bistrica or Most na Soci to all stations on route to Nova Gorica and Ljubljana
  •  Free parking at most of the Bohinj car parks
  •  Free use of the entry-exit points on Lake Bohinj and Sava Bohinjka
  • 50 % discount on bus tickets from Bohinj across Gorenjska region, to Ljubljana and in the opposite directions (buses from Arriva company)
  • 20 % discount on a return ticket for the cable car to Vogel
  • 5 – 50 % discounts on activities and sightseeing in Bohinj and Bled.

Please note all of the above are supplied by local suppliers and can be changed or withdrawn at short notice.

     Suggestions what to do around Lake Bohinj

  • Cable-car to view the peaks on the southern part of the lake
  • Bicycle hire
  • Lake bathing (July and August)
  • The Pokljuka Plateau
  • Savica Waterfalls

 

  • Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival from 19 May - 4 June 2023

  • Guided botanical excursions at all altitude ranges

  • Expert advice: conservation of Alpine meadows and botanical wealth, the role and use of Alpine Flowers in Medicine
  • Cultural events on the theme of Flowers: exhibitions, theatre shows, concerts
  • Photographic workshops
  • The culinary use of Flowers
  • The use of Flowers in local crafts
  • Local craft and farmers market

Some events have a participation fee up to €15

Festivals
International Wild Flower Festival

International Wild Flower Festival 

Bohinj offers the most diverse and colourful landscape right before the summer. From approx end of May to mid June, is a world-famous festival and includes talks, walks and expert workshops all dedicated to the wildflowers which draw visitors to Slovenia from all over the world. There are even demonstrations on the use of flowers in cooking and medicine. On the second weekend of the festival, there are some activities planned for children and families.

* Please note dates might be subject to change and events are weather permitting

Walking

Bohinj is the ideal base for keen walkers who would like to explore the unspoiled beauty of Triglav National Park and Sava Bohinjska Valley with 16 marked hiking routes. The greatest choice of hikes start from Bohinj in the southeastern corner of the national park, the park is home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna. The Chamois, and the Golden Eagle are some species that can be encountered as well as the Julian Poppy, the purple Zois' bellflower can be widely seen during your hikes. At the western end of the lake, the cable-car to Mt Vogel and Savica waterfall offer good walking.

 

WALKS IN AND AROUND BOHINJ

Mostnica Valley & Voja | Moderate | 3½-4 hrs | 525m - 1453m

 

RIBCEV LAZ – MOSTNICA GORGE – VOJE VALLEY, 2,5 hours one way, MODERATE

Follow the main road through the village of Stara Fužina until you reach the church; take the road before the church, following it round to the left. It then becomes a track which passes the castle Zoisov Grad and brings you to the Devils Bridge, under which yawns a 20m deep gorge. At the other side of the bridge turn right and follow the road along the gorge of the Mostnica river. Follow the track through the forest; at the last, 3rd bridge follows the signs for 'Voje Slap'. After around 20 minutes walk uphill you will reach the road where the Voje mountain hut is and the start of the Voje valley.

At the hut, you can decide of either going back the same way or you can just follow the road down because it is easier to walk. There is also a waterfall at the end of Voje valley which is very picturesque but that would take another hour one way.

 

RIBCEV LAZ – HOTEL ZLATOROG AND SAVICA WATERFALL, 3,5 hours one way, EASY

From the church of St. John the Baptist, follow the path along the north side of the lake. When you come to Zlatorog Hotel cross the Savica river by a wooden bridge and continue along the gravel track passing a collection of alpine chalets (sign posted 'Savica Waterfall 1hr'). When you come to the mountain hut you will have to pay an entrance fee of 2,5 € and from there walk 500 steps up to the waterfall. From Hotel Zlatorog you can catch a bus back to Ribcev Laz or go on a tourist boat or you can walk back.

 

RIBCEV LAZ – HOTEL ZLATOROG (HUNTERS  PATH) around 1,5 hours one way, EASY

From the Hotel Jezero, follow the road along the south shore of the lake and take the path signposted to Ukanc, just after the climbing school. Follow the hunter’s track, which later joins the lower terminal of the cable car to mountain Vogel. From the cable car terminal, you can proceed past the 1st world war military cemetery and you will arrive at the Hotel Zlatorog. You can also combine this walk with going up to Vogel with a cable car. VOGEL CABLE CAR is open every day: 08.00 – 18.00. On the top of the cable car, you can have a nice wander around and even go to a nearby mountain Rodica.

 

 

RIBCEV LAZ – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA - 1, 5 hours one way, EASY

The path takes you along the left bank of the river Sava Bohinjka across the meadows and it is also suitable for bicycles. Start at St John’s church and walk towards Stara Fuzina. After 5 - 10 minutes turn right across the bridge and follow the sign for Bohinjska Bistrica. When you get there you can always catch a bus for the way back. There is a market in Bohinjska Bistrica every Saturday morning where the local farmers sell their products.

 

STARA FUZINA – STUDOR – SREDNJA VAS, 1, 5 hours one way, EASY

This is a very scenic walk through the villages of the Upper Bohinj Valley and you can walk or cycle along the road. In Stara Fuzina you can visit the Museum of alpine dairy farming and in Studor the Oplen House. Studor village is also famous for the wooden hayracks and all the villages have a lot of old houses preserved. In the village Srednja vas, you can stop in a local Restaurant Rupa and try some typical Slovenian dishes

In Srednja vas you can decide of either going back the same way or go further along the road to Bohinjska Cesnjica and across to Bohinjska Bistrica where you can catch the bus back or go across the ski area Senozete to Savica village and come back to Ribcev Laz.  Museums and Restaurant are closed on Mondays.

 

STARA FUZINA – PEC – RUDNICA, 1,5 hours one way, MODERATE - DIFFICULT

You can start at St John’s church and walk towards the village of Stara Fuzina. After 5 - 10 minutes turn right across the bridge and follow the sign for Rudnica. The path for Pec branches of after 20 minutes walking up and you can enjoy the views of the lake already from there. It will take you another hour if you would like to continue to Rudnica.

You can enjoy some spectacular views of the valley and the lake from the top. There are different ways of going down but they are rather steep so it would be best to go down the same way. The walk is difficult because of uphill walking.

 

RIBCEV LAZ – USKOVNICA VALLEY, 3 hours one way, MODERATE – DIFFICULT

Follow the main road through the village of Stara Fužina until you reach the church; take the road before the church, following it round to the left. It then becomes a track which passes the castle Zoisov Grad and brings you to the Devils Bridge. The path and sign for Uskovnica is on the right side of the bridge. The path takes you a bit steeper uphill for about 1 – 1,5 hours through the shady forest and when you come to Planina Blatca joins the road further up. You can either follow the road or you have signs for shortcuts through the forest.  When you come to the hut in Uskovnica you can either take a path down to Voje valley or you come back the same way. There is also an option to come down to Srednja vas. Please have a map with you. The walk is difficult because of uphill walking but very scenic.

SOME MORE SUGGESTIONS IN BRIEF

 

RIBCEV LAZ – VOGAR, 2 hours one way, DIFFICULT

 SAVICA WATERFALL – DOM NA KOMNI, 2,5  hours one way, DIFFICULT

 SAVICA WATERFALL – CRNO JEZERO, 3 hours one way, DIFFICULT

 RIBCEV LAZ – VOGEL, 3 hours one way, DIFFICULT

discover-julian-alps-hero-image.jpg

Nestled in this picturesque area are the intriguing destinations of Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and Bovec: Lake Bled's beauty is renowned, nestled amidst dense pine forests and surrounded by the dramatic snow-capped Julian Alps, and its famous tiny wooded island has become the national symbol of Slovenia.

Good to know

Walking trails: around 300km of walking trails and easy access to surrounding villages

Terrain: varied terrain from lakeside walks, gentle valleys, plateaus, forests and rugged mountains

Best time to go: end of May to mid October

Recommended for: walkers of all abilities, nature, families, activities

Fly into: Ljubljana or Salzburg

Transfer time: Approx. 1 hour from Ljubljana airport or 3-4 hours (traffic dependent, including a stop) from Salzburg airport

Rep service: In-Resort

Resort card: Julian Alps Bohinj Guest Card included for all hotels

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