home / europe / back to Slovenia

Lake Bohinj is one of the most idyllic places that we’ve ever visited. Surrounded by thick forests and the Julian alps, Slovenia’s largest lake is expansive, peaceful, and still. Agatha Christie holidayed in the area in 1967. When she was asked if it would feature in a novel, she said that it was “too beautiful for a murder”.

While many travellers prioritise Lake Bled on a trip to Slovenia, Lake Bohinj is perfect place to spend summer afternoons, and offers even more impressive natural scenery. It can also be easily reached as a day trip from Ljubljana, or on a canyoning trip from Bled, so we’d highly recommend making time to visit Bohinj on a trip to Slovenia.

Tips for planning a trip to Lake Bohinj

Hiring a car in Europe

One of the easiest ways to get around Slovenia is by hiring a car. We find it easiest to book cars through Rentalcars.com, which let us compare prices across the major hire companies.

To reach Lake Bohinj from Ljubljana, it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Lake Bohinj can also be reached in 30-40 minutes drive from Bled.

Public transport to Lake Bohinj

If you’re not hiring a car, it’s possible to reach Bohinj by bus, as the closest train station (Bohinjska Bistrica) is 6.5km away from the lake itself. Regular buses connect both Ljubljana and Lake Bled to a stop at Bohinjsko Jezero. Tickets can be bought for a few euros when boarding, and depending on the time of day, the bus can take between 40-60 minutes from Lake Bled, or 1 hour and 45 minutes from Ljubljana.

Bus timetables and prices can be found online on the Arriva website.

The best time to visit Bohinj, Slovenia

The hot weather and clear skies in summer (June - August) are perfect for many of Slovenia’s outdoor attractions. During this season, free shuttle services are also helpful in getting around areas like Bohinj. However, summer is also the peak time for tourists visiting the lake, which can get crowded. Just outside of the high season (September - November) is still ideal weather to visit — particularly in the earlier months it is warm enough to swim but not too hot to hike.

The best time to visit the Savica Waterfall specifically is in spring (March - May), as snow melts from the mountains above Lake Bohinj, and water fills the 78m drop. Note that in winter months (December - February), Slovenia’s ski season picks up, however the hike to the falls can be closed depending on the weather conditions.

Day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj

If you’re staying in Ljubjlana on your trip, this is the best day trip to reach both Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. It is one of the most convenient ways to get around as all transport is organised on the tour and it includes entry to Vintgar Gorge and Bled Castle.

If you’re travelling in a small group, private tours can also be arranged here.

Day trip from Bled to Lake Bohinj

If you’re staying in Bled, it’s also possible to explore Bohinj on a canyoning trip in the Bohinj Valley, which can be organised online through GetYourGuide here. The tour includes pick-up and drop off at accommodation in Bled, all gear required for canyoning, and guidance from certified canyoning guide.

WHERE TO GO IN LAKE BOHINJ to hike, eat, and swim:

Ribcev Lav

While you’re in Bohinj, we’d recommend taking the bus to Ribčev Lav for lunch at any of the restaurants. From this side, you will find a stone bridge with an expansive view of the lake, and paddle-boarders crossing its still surface. In this area you can also find beautiful spots to swim, as there are small beaches and jetties along the water’s edge. There are a number of hikes on this side of the lake, including a 1.5 hour trek to the emerald waters of the Mostnica Gorge. If you’re interested in visiting the gorge, you can find more information about the hike here.

Ukanc

On the other side of the lake in Ukanc, there is a beautiful 20-30 minute hike up to the Savica waterfall, an impressive cascade of 78 metres. If you’re interested in visiting the Savica Waterfall, more information about the hike can be found here.

The name ‘Ukanc’ even loosely translates to “the end of the world”. This is because for hundreds of years, the agricultural villages around the lake were isolated from the rest of Slovenia by difficult terrain and poor roads. Lake Bohinj lake spans nearly 5km in length, and is beautiful to walk around—just make sure you allow enough time to do so (we did not). Alternatively, a free shuttle bus service runs around the lake in summer (visit their website here for more information).