Lake Bohinj Slovenia

Lake Bohinj Slovenia is a hidden treasure. It is the largest natural lake in the country located at the foot of gorgeous mountains.

Right in the heart of Triglav National Park, which happens to be one of the oldest national parks in Europe, it is right in the middle of a glacier valley. The water freezes during the winter but is very pleasant during the summer months being around 71 degrees F (22 °C).

Lake Bohinj Slovenia — A Bit of History

Situated in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, the history of Lake Bohinj is rooted in the mountainous terrain of the region. The Bohinj Valley is carved from glaciers that created a deep basin that over the years filled with water.

During the Middle Ages, the area served as a trade route for many types of goods including salt. The lake has played an important role in the history of this area.

Sheep and goat herding are what the locals traditionally relied upon. The villages around the lake have been quite isolated due to the steep slopes and poor roads.

A Few Interesting Facts on Lake Bohinj

• the word “Bohinj” is derived from “Boh” meaning “God”. The legend among the locals is that God gifted the land to a group of people who were overlooked when dividing the world so He gave them this very special place in this beautiful region.
• Although nearby Lake Bled is much more popular, Lake Bohinj is a magical place with stunning views and the surrounding mountains
• Stara Fužina is a village known for its tradition of ironworking with its name meaning “old forge”
• the lake was formed by retreating glaciers during the Ice Age
• the area has a legacy of mountaineering with locals the first to ascend Mount Triglav
• its rich cultural heritage is evidenced by its traditional architecture, folklore, and cuisine
• although an isolated area, Lake Bohinj Slovenia has experienced an increase in tourism because of its natural beauty, unspoiled alpine environment, and activities such as hiking and swimming
• three (3) times per year lake water is restored. Along the northern shore under the lake’s surface, more than a third of the water flows into the lake from the Karst springs.
• the Julian Alps of Slovenia is considered one of the top regions for travel because of its natural beauty and fewer crowds
• Mount Triglav is the highest mountain range in the country (2864 meters/9396 feet)
• more than two-thirds of the region is covered by Triglav National Park. It is responsible for the slower pace of development in the area as well as the improvements in local infrastructure in a much more meaningful and environmentally friendly way.
• its clear water is the habitat of many species of fish and algae

Things to Do in Lake Bohinj Slovenia

• Savica Waterfall — this amazing waterfall flows 78meters/256 feet into the gorge below. It is located about 4km/2.5 miles from Ukanc. There’s a parking area near the Savica restaurant and from there it’s a twenty-five (25) minute walk up a slippery path.
• Alpine Dairy Farming Museum — located in Stara Fužina, it has an interesting collection of articles that are related to dairy farming. Once a cheese dairy, it has four rooms with cheese presses, photographs, copper vats, hand-carved shepherds’ crooks, snowshoes and sleds, wooden butter molds, and a model of a 19th-century herder’s cottage.
• St. John The Baptist Church — this beautiful church and belltower are located at the very head of the lake beside a stone bridge. Dating back to the fourteenth (14th) century it is surrounded by natural beauty and its walls and ceiling are covered with frescoes.
• Vogel — a popular ski resort during the winter and great for hiking during the other seasons. A cable car based near Ukanc runs every thirty (30) minutes.
• Oplen House — located in the hamlet of Studor, Oplen House, a former cottage, is now a museum focusing on the domestic life of the locals.
• Year Rond Activities — throughout the year there are many activities including fishing, swimming, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, boat riding, hiking, horseback riding, skiing, and ice skating to name a few. Horseback riding is also a popular activity. There are also guided tours throughout the area.
• International Festival of Wildflowers — this is a two (2) week event in late May and early June that celebrates the region’s culture, nature, and wildflowers. There are botanical tours, music, dance, photography, art, and embroidery exhibitions.
• Cuisine — a traditional dish is Struklji, rolls of fine dough made with butter, cheese, and eggs battered in bread crumbs. The cuisine is influenced by the Balkan region, Central Europe, and Italy. Meat (both beef and game) and locally grown vegetables are prevalent with soups and stews along with plenty of sweet dishes.
• Triglav National Park — it is one of the largest natural reserves in all of Europe. Pristine nature and rocky mountains pervade the area with Mount Triglav in the center. The park has forests, waterfalls, Alpine meadows, river gorges, lakes, caves, rivers, canyons, and ravines to explore.
• The Cow’s Ball — this is an annual event that marks the end of the pasturing and tourist season. It began in the 1920s to celebrate the dairy farmers’ hard work. It takes place a day after the Festival of Cheese and Wine which occurs in the nearby town of Bohinjska Bistrica where cheese and winemakers showcase their products.
• Bohinj Railway — connecting western Slovenia with Italy, it is considered one of the best and overlooked railway journeys in Europe. It was constructed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the early 1900s.

Why Visit Lake Bohinj Slovenia?

There are a number of reasons to visit Lake Bohinj Slovenia. The gorgeous landscapes, the crystal clear waters, plentiful outdoor activities, and surrounded by an Alpine forest make this an ideal destination for any traveler.

Whether one is looking for a peaceful setting or a number of adventurous outdoor activities, Lake Bohinj has something to offer. Bike around the lake or do some hiking and take in the incredible scenery.

There are several choices for accommodations including hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, apartments, villas, hostels, and Airbnb. The Fairy Lake House in Bohinj Slovenia is a rather unique place to stay.

As I mentioned earlier Lake Bled is a more popular destination, but it has many more tourists and is crowded around the lake. Lake Bohinj Slovenia on the other hand offers much peace and serenity without the crowds within a pristine natural setting.

Here are Transportation Options for getting to the area.

Although Lake Bohinj is only an hour’s drive from the capital city, Ljubljana, it feels like you are entering a magical paradise. Surrounded by the high peaks of the Julian Alps, this is a destination worth considering.

Happy Travels,

Joseph William

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