Holidays to 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.

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 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

Exclusive to Inghams: Join up to two included walks with a professional, local guide (limited availability, pre-booking is essential, available from 27 May - 13 Sep)

24/7 support & tailored advice from our local resort team

All holidays include flights from the UK and transfers

Walking around Lake Bohinj

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Bohinj

Bohinj is the ideal base for keen walkers wanting to explore the unspoiled beauty of Triglav National Park and Sava Bohinjka Valley and with around 300 kilometres of trails, there's lots to explore. The area around Bohinj is wild and beautiful, with rugged peaks, gorges and waterfalls. The park is home to a wonderful array of wild flowers and animals - it's not uncommon to spot chamois or a golden eagle, as well as the Julian Poppy or the purple Zois' bellflower.

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of other guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Inghams guided walks

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

We’ve included two full-day walks per week (one in Bohinj and one in nearby Bled), just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. The walks in Bohinj and Bled are run by Elizabeta Hlede.

Walks are available from 27 May - 13 Sep - they will run every Monday and Friday and you can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

To take part in some of the walks, you'll need to travel to Bled. Travel is possible by public bus or taxi - both are payable locally and not included in the walk.

Kupljenik Viewpoint - Bled

Explore the surrounding hills and villages of Bled including Selo, Bohinjska Bela and Kupljenik which has many original architectural sites and the beautiful church of St. Stephen which dates back to the start of the 16th Century. You'll also enjoy stunning views over Bled and the surrounding hills along the way. From Bohinjska Bela you can either return to Bled by bus, or complete the full loop on foot.

  • Grade: easy to moderate
  • Distance: 8.2-14km
  • Walking time: approx. 4 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 200-405m
  • Terrain: mainly gravel road, footpath or forest/meadow trail (can be quite uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul, 22 Jul, 5 Aug, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 13 Sep

Mount Vogel - Bohinj

Starting with the ascent of the Vogel Cable Car, you get a fantastic bird's-eye view of Lake Bohinj (Vogel cable car is payable locally - approx. €29.50 per person). From the top, the route makes the most of the high-alpine terrain, with far-reaching views and interesting trails, with plenty of wild flowers to spot.

  • Grade: moderate to challenging
  • Distance: 8km
  • Walking time: approx. 4 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 550m
  • Terrain: mainly gravel road, footpath or mountain trail (can be quite steep, rocky and uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 31 May, 14 Jun, 28 Jun, 12 Jul, 26 Jul, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 6 Sep

Arnold Rikli Walk - Bled

A scenic and panoramic route along Lake Bled, below the castle and to Stan hill, past a giant spruce tree. The trail then meets the Rikli Trail which was originally created during the time of local healer Arnold Rikli, and passes information plaques and the Poglej Church and has many lovely views along the way.

  • Grade: moderate to challenging
  • Distance: 11.8km
  • Walking time: approx. 4 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 400m
  • Terrain: mainly gravel road, footpath or forest/meadow trail (can be quite steep and uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 3 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul, 29 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sep

Mostnica Gorge - Bohinj

This walk follows the crystal clear Mostnica Gorge (gorge entry is free with your Bohinj Guest Card so please ensure you have it with you) as it weaves through the forested valley, with stunning natural rock features. In the upper part of Mostnica, the valley widens into the idyllic Voje valley, with meadows and the Voje waterfall. Depending on the group, it's possible to do a shorter route along the gorge path, or extend it further into the Voje valley to visit the waterfall.

  • Grade: easy to moderate
  • Distance: 10-19km
  • Walking time: approx. 2.5-6 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 450m
  • Terrain: mainly gravel road, footpath or forest trail (can be quite uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 7 Jun, 21 Jun, 5 Jul, 19 Jul, 2 Aug, 16 Aug, 30 Aug

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sunglasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack, cash for mountain huts/transport and your Bohinj Guest Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any times, distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our favourite walks around Bohinj

Ribcev Laz - Mostnica Gorge - Voje Valley

  • Grade: moderate
  • Walking time: 2.5 hours one way

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

  • Grade: moderate
  • Walking time: 3.5 hours one way

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

  • Grade: easy
  • Walking time: 1.5 hours one way

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

  • Grade: easy
  • Walking time: 1.5 hours one way

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

  • Grade: easy
  • Walking time: 1.5 hours one way

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

  • Grade: moderate - difficult
  • Walking time: 1.5 hours one way

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

  • Grade: moderate - difficult
  • Walking time: 3 hours one way

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.

Useful information & guidelines

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Bohinj. There's nowhere to hire equipment in resort so take what you need with you.

Walking maps

Detailed walking maps are available from the Tourist Office or most hotel receptions.

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Slovenia Emergency Services: 112
  • Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them
  • Leave no trace

Hotels in Lake Bohinj

  • from£899pp
  • @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£829pp
  • @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£1213pp
  • @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.

Julian Alps Bohinj Guest Card - included

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 or 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 daily boat trip with the panoramic boat on Lake Bohinj
  • Free admissions to all museums in Bohinj
  • Free Hop-on, Hop-off bus trip to Pokljuka (high season)
  • Free local 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
  • 50 % discount on bus tickets from Bohinj to Ljubljana
  • 20 % discount on a return ticket for the cable car to Vogel
  • 5 – 50 % discounts on activities and sightseeing in Bohinj and Bled
  • and more

Please note inclusions are subject to change.

Things to do around Lake Bohinj

Make the most of Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is the largest natural lake in Slovenia, and the surrounding area is packed with things to see and do. In summer, the water temperature can reach 24 degrees, so it's perfect for a swim. Explore by kayak or canoe, or rent a paddleboard and test your balance on the water. There are at least 16 species of fish in the lake too, so it's worth snorkelling to see what goes on beneath the water's surface.  If you prefer to stay dry, 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.

Visit Mt. Vogel

For the best view in Bohinj, you need to take the cable car up to Mount Vogel at 1,530m and enjoy a bird's eye view of the lake. The top of the lift is a great starting point for long hikes if your a keen walker, but it's worth the trip even for a short wander. There's plenty of wild flowers and animals up in this Alpine landscape, and the Vogel information trail provides information on the area. In high season, the four-seater Orlove Glave chair lift takes you even higher into the mountains with ease, and for the adventurous there's mountain bike trails or you can take to the skies in a paraglide.

Gorges and waterfalls

In the Mostnica Gorge, crystal clear water flows through the intricate rock formations that have been creatively carved by nature over thousands of years. It's surrounded by nature, and all you can hear is the rushing of water and the sound of the trees.  Hidden in the hills at the far western end of Lake Bohinj, the Savica Waterfall is one of Slovenia's most visited natural attractions, tumbling 78 metres top to bottom. It's glorified in Slovenian folklore as the birthplace of love stories and captivates visitors from all over the world.

Museums and culture in Bohinj

Life in the mountains around Bohinj hasn't always been easy, and its cultural heritage is testament to that. Dotted throughout the mountains, traditional shepherd's huts can still be found on the mountain pastures, once an important part of pastoral livestock farming, with milk and dairy products a key part of everyday diets. You can see a traditional Bohinj farmhouse with black kitchen at the Oplen House. or get a glimpse into the life of Bohinj's shepherds at the Alpine Dairy Museum.

There's a rich mountaineering history in Bohinj, and Mt. Triglav (Slovenia's highest peak) was summited long before the likes of Grossglockner, Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn, and even before the creation of any mountaineering associations. 

Tradition on the Pokljuka Plateau

20 kilometres long and almost 20 kilometres wide, the Pokljuka Plateau is a huge area with a unique karst landscape, shaped by the Pokljuka glacier and home to many plants and animals. The tradition of Alpine farming continues on the Poklljuka Plateau in summer, and cattle spend their summers here, grazing the Alpine pastures and living in traditional wooden sheds. You can buy home-made milk and cheese, and experience a bit of life as it used to be.

Bohinj festivals
International Wild Flower Festival

International Wild Flower Festival 

In late spring and early summer, Bohinj offers the most diverse and colourful landscape, so it's the perfect place for a world-famous festival. The festival 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. Flowers are also used in local crafts and you can enjoy the local craft and farmer's market. 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

Some events have a participation fee up to €15

The 2024 International Wild Flower Festival is from 24 May - 9 Jun.

Family activities around Bohinj

Swimming and watersports

Enjoy some time on the water combining both leisure and adventure. Stand-up paddleboarding is the perfect daytime activity for splashing around with the children. The calm waters and secluded beaches are great for having your own personal spot - Simply relax and swim, or for a more adventurous choice rent a canoe or a stand-up paddleboard for some self-guided fun.

There's the Aquapark adjacent to the Bohinj Eco Hotel, in Bohinjska Bistrica too - great for fun filled days with indoor and outdoor pools, water slides and more.

Family cycling adventure

Ride through pretty villages or discover the exciting mountain bike park on Mount Vogel. For younger children, take an easy ride from Bohinjska Bistrica directly to the lake on the six-kilometre path - a quick way to explore the local landscape with fantastic family photo opportunities at every corner.

Scenic lake cruise

With two panoramic boats on the lake, you can either do a return trip or a one-way journey to explore a whole new setting. Included in the Julian Alps Bohinj Guest Card, you can take a trip a day, ideal for sitting back and enjoying the peaceful setting while the children spot the fish in the water.

Family friendly walks

Enjoy easy trails along the edge of the river, wander the lake shore in between paddles, or head to Ukanc at the west of the lake, where you'll find the Zlatorog fairy trail. Find characters from local fairy tales, enjoy time in nature and find fun activities along the way. Or head up Mount Vogel for some family friendly walks up high - there's a play park and picnic spots too.

Bohinj excursions

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Julian Alps (from £79 adult/£39.50 child)

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 (full day)

Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle (from £69 adult/£35 child)

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: Tuesday (3/4 day) 

Ljubljana (from £61 adult/£31 child)

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 and guide are included (funicular in Ljubljana is not included).

Departs: Wednesday (3/4 day)

Taste of Slovenia (from £66 adult/£33 child)

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: Friday (full 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.

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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

24/7 Support and advice: In person or over the phone from our local resort team

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

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