Lake Bohinj (Bohinjsko jezero) is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and of glacial origin. Located in Bohinj Valley within Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is a fantastic base for exploring the majestic Julian Alps.
You can bike, hike, swim, rent a kayak or SUP, and savor Slovenia’s most quintessential summer destination.
According to local legend, God divided the world amongst his people. After dividing everything, he realized that he overlooked a few people, who were patiently waiting. They made no noise or complaints, and God felt sorry for them.
He then decided to bestow the best piece of the world – the land that he had actually reserved for himself – to them. The name Bohinj derives from “Boh,” which is what the Bohinj people call God. Bohinj is God’s land.
We love visiting Lake Bohinj, because you can hike all day in the Julian Alps and then cap off the day with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Bohinj. Because motorized boats aren’t allowed on the lake, Lake Bohinj is an especially peaceful and pristine place to swim.
Use this Lake Bohinj travel guide to figure out what to see and do during your visit, how to get around, how to get to Bohinj without a car, and insider tips.
Top Things to Do around Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Lake Bohinj Essential Information
- Region: Upper Carniola Region
- Area: 318 hectares / 3.2 km2
- Depth: 45 meters
- Surface Elevation: 526 meters
- Swimming: Allowed.
- Fishing: Allowed. Fishing from the shore or a boat with one line is permitted. Read Bohinj fishing rules here.
- Boating: Rowing vessels with a max length of 8 meters are allowed on Lake Bohinj. The use of motor-driven vessels is prohibited. All vessels must have a valid boating permit. Read about permits, entry-exit points, and boating regulations here.
- Camping: Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds like Camp Zlatorog Bohinj.
- Cycling: You can cycle along the west, south, and east shores of Bohinj. Cycling along the north shore is not permitted.
- Drones: Not permitted.
- Lake Bohinj Villages: Ukanc, Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz.
- Other Nearby Villages: Bohinjska Bistrica and Srednja vas v Bohinju.
- Public Transit Accessible: Yes.
- Where to Stay: Hostel pod Voglom (budget), Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik (midrange), or Hotel Bohinj (luxury) in Ribčev Laz
- Where to Eat: Foksner, Restavracija Kramar, and Gostilna Bohinj pr’ Mihovc
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Lake Bohinj Map
What to See & Do around Lake Bohinj
1. Savica Waterfall
Slap Savica is a striking A-shaped waterfall and the source of the Sava Bohinjka river.
The waterfall is easily accessible from Ukanc, the small settlement on the western shores of Lake Bohinj.
From Ukanc, you can either hike up to Slap Savica, take the bus (summer only), or drive to Koča pri Savici hut. If you drive up, there’s a parking fee:
- Cars (3 hours): 4 EUR
- Cars: (all day): 8 EUR
- Motorbikes: 2 EUR
From the Koča pri Savici hut it’s a 15-20 minute walk along a stone pathway to the waterfall. There is an entrance fee to visit Slap Savica:
- Adults: 3 EUR
- Seniors: 2 EUR
- Students: 2 EUR
- Children: 1.50 EUR
2. Bohinj Alpine Pastures
High above the northern shores of Lake Bohinj is a world of alpine pastures, seemingly hidden in pockets of forest. Almost a dozen alpine pastures dot the “Fuzina Hills” (Fužinarske planine) at an elevation around 1000 meters.
Like many other places in the Alps, the Fuzina Hills were a place of traditional alpine farming. In the summer months, cattle grazed up in the highlands, overseen by herdsmen.
Traditional alpine cattle rearing is still in practice in some of these alpine pastures. And, there are even several cheese dairies still in operation. If you visit during summer pasture season, make sure to purchase fresh dairy products.
These Bohinj alpine pastures are particularly special, because of the traditional wooden buildings that are clustered together.
The best way to visit the Bohinj alpine pastures is on a circuit hike, starting at Planina Blato (accessible by shuttle bus in high season, or by car – 15 EUR).
From Planina Blato, we recommend hiking to Planina Lazu and then to Planina Dedno Polje, followed by Planina Pri Jezeru, and back to Planina Blato.
Bohinj Mountain Pastures
- Planina Vogar
- Planina Blato
- Planina Pri Jezeru
- Planina v Lazu
- Planina Kristenica
- Planina Dedno Polje
- Planina Hebed
- Planina Ovčarija
- Planina Viševnik
- Planina Vodični vrh
3. Triglav Lakes
The Triglav Lakes Valley, also called the Seven Lakes Valley, is a scenic valley in the Julian Alps, only accessible by foot.
You can hike to Seven Lakes from the Koča pri Savici hut (where the Slap Savica parking lot is), or from Planina Blato, or even from Stara Fužina.
Note: the Koča pri Savici ascent route via Črno jezero is far more difficult than the Planina Blato and Stara Fužina ascent routes. Here’s our Planina Blato to Triglav Lakes Valley trail guide.
To see more of the valley, we recommend a 2-day route, with an overnight in a mountain hut. We loved this Veliko Špičje and Seven Lakes Valley route.
To learn more about staying the night in a hut, read our guide to Slovenian Mountain Huts.
The Seven Lakes of Triglav Lakes Valley
- Črno jezero – Black Lake
- Dvojno jezero – Double Lake (two conjoined lakes)
- Veliko jezero – Big Lake, or Jezero v Ledvici – Kidney Lake
- Zeleno Jerzero – Green Lake
- Rjavo Jezero – Brown Lake
- Jezero pod Vršacem – Lake below Vršac
Important: Bathing in these alpine lakes is not permitted.
4. Mostnica Gorge
Mostnica Gorge is a 2-km-long gorge in Voje Valley, accessible from Stara Fužina. Between mid-March and the end of October, there’s a fee to enter the gorge:
- Adults: 3 EUR
- Children 7-14 years of age: 1.50 EUR
- Students, Seniors over 65 years of age, Disabled: 2.50 EUR
- Preschool children groups: 1 EUR
If visiting the Mostnica Gorge, you can extend your hike up the Voje Valley to the 21-meter high Mostnica Waterfall (also called the Voje or Šum Waterfall).
You can walk to Mostnica Gorge directly from Stara Fužina. Read this Mostnica Gorge trail guide for more info.
5. Vogel Cable Car
The Vogel Cable Car connects Ukanc, to the Vogel Ski Center. From the mountain station, you’ll have sweeping views of the Julian Alps and Bohinj Valley.
A number of hikes start at the Vogel Ski Center, including Vogel (1922 m), Rodica (1964 m), and a number of other peaks along the Spodnje Bohinjske Gore (“Lower Bohinj Mountains”) ridge.
The Vogel Cable Car runs daily every 30 minutes from 8 am until 6 pm, during high season, and from 8 am until 4 pm, during low season. There’s a free parking lot directly at the valley station.
Your Vogel Cable Car ticket includes the Orlove Glave Chairlift. If this chairlift is running, definitely take it, if you’re planning on hiking to Vogel or Rodica.
To reach the Vogel Cable Car, drive to Ukance, the settlement on the western-end of Lake Bohinj. After passing a large camping area (on your right), a road branches off to the left to the Vogel Cable Car valley station. Park here.
Throughout the year, there’s a bus connection to the Vogel cable car valley station.
Learn More: Hiking to Mount Vogel
6. Planina Vogar Bohinj Lookout Point
From Stara Fužina (600 m), you can hike up one hour to the Kosijev dom na Vogarju hut (1054 m), situated at Planina Vogar. It’s a steep 454-meter ascent through the forest.
When you reach the Kosijev dom na Vogarju mountain hut, take a quick detour to the Bohinj lookout point marked by a bench. There are signs.
This is one of our favorite vantage points of Lake Bohinj. From here you can continue to Planina Pri Jezeru (1:30 hrs).
Lake Bohinj Hotels and Accommodations
We recommend staying in the villages of Stara Fužina, Ribčev Laz or Ukanc. You can also stay in Bohinjska Bistrica, which is a bit further away, but well-connected to the lake by transit.
Hotel Bohinj in Ribčev Laz
The newly renovated Hotel Bohinj is located in the center of Ribčev Laz, only a few meters from Lake Bohinj. Designed to impress as much as to pay tribute to the region’s cultural heritage, Hotel Bohinj is the most striking hotel in the region.
The hotel hallways epitomize the traditional, wooden hay racks of Bohinj Valley. The lobby ceiling represents the stalactites, commonly found in the karst caves of the Julian Alps. And, the hotel’s logo signifies the four brave men from Bohinj who first climbed Mount Triglav in 1778.
As you wander through the hotel, you’ll be mesmerized by the bold design decisions, charmed by the motifs, and soothed by the neutral materials and textures. It’s a work of art.
Here’s why we recommend staying in Hotel Bohinj:
- Location. Everything is easily accessible from Hotel Bohinj. If you’re traveling without a car, the bus stop is 1-minute away. It’s effortless to hop on the free shuttle buses to Rudno Polje, Planina Blato, and Ukanc. The tourist office is across the street. And, of course, Lake Bohinj is a mere 2-minute walk from the hotel.
- Air-conditioned Bedrooms. Bohinj Valley can get really hot in summer. Luckily, all bedrooms are air-conditioned.
- Breakfast. The breakfast buffet features yogurt, muesli, sliced cheeses and meats, local cheese, eggs and sausages, warm croissants and nutritious breads, juices, loose leaf tea, and of course coffee.
- Dinner. You can also decide to eat dinner at the hotel. The dinner menu changes each evening. You’ll have the choice between 2-3 items for each of the 3 courses. The food was delicious, especially the beetroot risotto and the various trout dishes. However, the portions are on the smaller side.
- Hotel Garden. You can relax and order drinks throughout the day in the hotel’s outdoor living room.
Hotel Bohinj also has a spa and wellness area, which is accessible as an add-on. The wellness area encompasses a Finnish sauna, steam sauna, outdoor whirlpool, a heated salt relaxation room, and a juice bar.
We opted for a 3-hour sauna world (25 EUR per person) on an overcast day and it was extremely relaxing. The spa menu includes massages (classic, relax, and sport), facials (beauty, deep cleaning, and peeling), and several spa packages.
Book your stay at Hotel Bohinj.
More Lake Bohinj Accommodations
Ribčev Laz
Ribčev Laz is the main hub at Lake Bohinj, with a direct bus connection to Lake Bled and onward to Ljubljana. Here, you’ll find a cluster of eateries, grocery stores, and boat rental shops.
Budget | Hostel pod Voglom is located along the southern shore of Lake Bohinj. This budget-friendly accommodation offers simple twin, single rooms, triple, and quadruple rooms. Bathrooms are either private, or shared.
From the hostel, it’s a 20 minute walk (1.8 km) to Ribčev Laz, the closest village (restaurants, shops, etc…). You can rent kayaks, SUPs, and bicycles on-site.
Midrange | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik is located in Ribčev Laz, a mere 10-minute walk to the lakeshore (1 km). This sparking clean accommodation offers double and triple rooms as well as well-equipped apartments.
Breakfast is available for an additional fee. On-site parking is free.
Look for accommodation in Ribčev Laz.
Stara Fužina
If you want to combine your hikes with lakeside goodness and afternoon dips in Lake Bohinj, consider staying in Stara Fužina.
Midrange | Ideal for families, the top-rated Pr `Agotnik apartmaji sobe Bohinj offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, and washing machines.
Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Majerca is a lovely boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant in Stara Fužina. The restaurant extends onto a grassy lawn, with views of farmland backed by the Julian Alps. It’s wonderful to start and end your day here. The al fresco breakfast is phenomenal.
Midrange-Luxury | Apartmaji Triglav is a stylish aparthotel in Stara Fužina with an on-site restaurant and bar and spa and wellness center. Rooms are clean, modern, and feature balconies, kitchenettes and seating areas. Guests particularly love the mountain views and the hotel’s proximity to hiking trails and the lake. Breakfast is included.
Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.
Ukanc
Alternatively, you can also stay on the other end of the lake in Ukanc. This tiny settlement is a great base for hiking to Mount Vogel and exploring the Southern Julian Alps.
Budget | Rooms and Apartments Lake Bohinj
Midrange | Apartments Ukanc
Luxury | Vila Park B&B – Adults Only
Luxury | Hiša Erlah is a very welcoming B&B in Ukanc, very close to the beach. As a guest, you can borrow their SUPs and Kayaks for free.
Look for accommodation in Ukanc.
Bohinjska Bistrica
Budget | House Budkovič
Midrange | Apartments Klemenčič
Luxury | Sunrose 7 – Heritage Boutique Hotel
Look for accommodation in Bohinjska Bistrica.
Lake Bohinj Campsites
- Camp Zlatorog
Lake Bohinj Restaurants and Bars
Foksner
Foksner is a hamburger joint in Ribčev Laz, which serves smokey burgers on brioche buns with tasty potato wedges and homemade ketchup. This spot never disappoints.
Address: Ribčev Laz 42, 4265 Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenia
Opening Hours: 4:00 pm – 10 pm, daily
Karakter Bar
Karakter Bar is a casual, outdoor bar close to the lake. Come here for a coffee, beer, or a very delicious Eiskaffee (coffee with ice cream and whip cream).
Address: Ribčev Laz 51, 4265 Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenia
Opening Hours: 9 am – 12 am, daily
Restavracija Kramar
Restaurant Kramar is located directly at the lakeshore, making it an ideal place for lunch. Grab a seat outdoors and enjoy the lake views. We always order the turkey salad.
Address: Stara Fužina 3, 4265 Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenia
Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm, daily
Gostilna Bohinj pr’ Mihovc
Gostilna Mihovc is a traditional Slovenian restaurant located in the village center of Stara Fužina. The food is yummy and the menu has something for everyone (salads, stews, local slovenian dishes, pastas, etc…).
Address: Stara Fužina 118, 4265 Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenia
Opening Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm everyday except Thursday.
Hotel Bohinj
You don’t have to be a guest at Hotel Bohinj in order to eat dinner there. However, we recommend making a reservation. Dinner is served in 3 courses and costs 30 EUR per person.
Address: Ribčev Laz 45, 4265 Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenia
Opening Hours: 6 pm – 9 pm, daily
How to Get to Lake Bohinj without a Car
Ljubljana Bus Station to Lake Bohinj (2 hours)
It’s very straightforward to get to Lake Bohinj from Ljubljana using public transit. There’s a regular bus line that connects Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj via Lake Bled. The bus journey takes about 2 hours. First, head to the Ljubljana Bus Station.
The Ljubljana bus station (Ljubljana Avtobusna Postaja) is located just outside the Ljubljana train station. If you’re arriving by train, simply exit the train station and you’ll see a line of buses.
Ljubljana Bus Station Address: Trg Osvobodilne fronte 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Purchase Tickets: You can purchase your bus ticket directly at the bus station (not in the bus). Note: if you buy your ticket online, you need to print the ticket and hand it in to the driver upon entering the bus. Tickets presented on mobile devices are not considered valid.
Ticket Price: 8.30 EUR
Time Tables: Use ap-ljubljana.si/en/ to look up departure times. Enter “Bohinjsko jezero/lake,” or “Ribčev Laz” in the destination field.
Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj (35 Minutes)
A regular bus line connects Lake Bled with Lake Bohinj. In summer, these buses operate hourly. There are two main bus stops around Lake Bled: Bled (main bus station in the town center) and the Bled Union (next to Union Beer Hall).
Bled Bus Terminal Address: Cesta svobode 4 , 4260 Bled / GPS: 46.371197, 14.106871
Ticket Price: 3.60 EUR
Time Tables: Use arriva.si/en/ to look up departure times and current prices.
Kranjska Gora to Lake Bohinj Trek (4 Days)
If you’re up for an adventure, you can trek to Lake Bohinj from Vršič Pass, near Kranjska Gora. Read our detailed 4-day Triglav National Park Traverse itinerary for more info.
How to Get Around Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj Panoramic Boat
Two electric panoramic boats steer visitors across Lake Bohinj. The boarding points are in Ribčev Laz and Ukanc (Camp Zlatorog Bohinj). A one-way ride takes about 25-30 minutes.
Prices for One-way Ticket:
- Adults: 9 EUR
- Children (6-14 years): 6.50 EUR
- Students, Seniors, and Disabled: 8 EUR
Prices for Return Ticket:
- Adults: 12 EUR
- Children (6-14 years): 8.50 EUR
- Students, Seniors, and Disabled: 10 EUR
Free of Charge:
- Children up to 6 years old
- The Julian Alps Card: Bohinj card holders
- Dogs
Walk
You can walk around the perimeter of the entire lake. The 11.8 km walk takes 3:15 – 4:00 hours.
Cycle
Bicycling is partially restricted. Cycling along the north shore of the lake is not permitted. However, you can cycle along the south, west, and east shores.
Bus / Shuttles
Lake Bohinj has an excellent free summer transit system. This website outlines all the Lake Bohinj bus lines and timetables. These summer buses start running in late June or in early July. And, they stop running in late September.
Bus frequency varies depending on the month. Here are some bus lines that are really helpful for hikers:
- Bohinjsko Jezero to Vogar-Blato. This is a really important connection because it gets you to the Planina Blato-Vogar crossroads (marked on the map). From here, you can hike to the Planina Blato trailhead, the starting point of the Seven Lakes Valley hike as well as multiple others. By starting your hikes here, you’ll save a lot of time and energy.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Pokljuka. From the Rudno Polje trailhead on Pokljuka, you can hike to Viševnik, Vodnikov Dom, and even Mount Triglav (with an overnight in Dom Planika pod Triglavom).
Car
You can drive between villages and along the south-shore of Lake Bohinj. Parking is only allowed in designated car parks.
Park and Ride
There are a few park-and-ride car parks in Bohinjska Bistrica and Strednja vas. During high season, you can park in these P+R car parks and use the free shuttles to access Lake Bohinj and other attractions.
The P+R free shuttles run between car parks and villages to Lake Bohinj, Ukanc, Savica Waterfall, Blato Pasture, Voje Pasture, Soriska Planina, and Pokljuka (Rudno Polje).
Rules for Visiting Lake Bohinj
Because Lake Bohinj and the Sava Bohinjka river and its tributaries represent a unique water system, the Republic of Slovenia has declared Lake Bohinj a natural asset of natural importance, and thus, the lake is strictly protected. During your visit, please adhere to the following rules and regulations.
- Meadows, pastureland, and forests are owned by local farmers. Respect private property and walk only on marked trails.
- Cycling on mountain trails (hiking trails) is not permitted.
- Cycling along the north shore of Lake Bohinj is not permitted.
- Do not leave your rubbish behind. Dispose of your waste in proper waste containers. Do not dispose of food scraps (e.g. fruit rinds), toilet paper, and wipes in nature.
- Dogs must be on a leash. Pick up dog poop and dispose of it properly.
- Camping and bivouacking are only permitted in campgrounds.
- Drones are not allowed in Triglav National Park.
- Caravans can stay overnight only in campsites and designated caravan car parks.
- Use organic sunscreen.
- Bathe only in designated bathing areas. Note: while swimming in Lake Bohinj is allowed, it is prohibited in the Triglav Lakes and in the Mostnica River.
- You can access Lake Bohinj and the Sava Bohinjka River only via designated entry and exit points. All vessels must have a valid boating permit.
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