Bohinjsko jezero doesn't have an island with a church or a castle on a cliff β what it has is raw alpine wilderness right at the lake shore. It's Slovenia's largest natural lake, sitting inside the Triglav National Park, surrounded by forest and mountain peaks that seem to rise directly from the water. Many people prefer it to Bled precisely because it hasn't been overrun.
It's 80 km from Ljubljana, about 1h 15min by car.
Getting There
Scenic route β change in Jesenice
A train journey from Ljubljana to Bohinjska Bistrica requires a change in Jesenice and takes about 2 hours total. The route through the Bohinj tunnel is spectacular β this is genuinely one of the more scenic rail journeys in Slovenia. From Bohinjska Bistrica, local buses run the remaining 6 km to the lake.
Direct from Ljubljana bus station
Buses run from Ljubljana's main bus station to Bohinjska Bistrica, some continuing to the lake. Journey time approximately 1h 50min. Check ap.si for timetables β less frequent than the Bled service.
1h 15min, direct to the lake
We drop you at exactly where you want to be β hotel, campsite, a specific trailhead. For hiking or outdoor trips with gear, this makes much more sense than buses. If you're also visiting Bled (26 km away), we can include both in a single journey.
What Makes Bohinj Different
Where Bled is about the view, Bohinj is about being in it. The lake is bigger β 4.5 km long β and there's no fence between you and the mountains. Hiking trails start directly from the lakeshore. You can kayak, swim, climb, or just sit by the water and watch the reflections.
- Savica Waterfall β 4 km from the western end of the lake, a 45-min walk through forest to a powerful 78m waterfall. One of the most rewarding short hikes in Slovenia.
- Vogel cable car β rises to 1535m for panoramic views over the lake and the entire Julian Alps range. Also a ski area in winter.
- Swimming β the lake is clean and calm. Access points around the shore, no entry fee. Water temperature reaches 22β24Β°C by August.
- Church of St John the Baptist β a 14th-century church with medieval frescoes at the lake's eastern end. Small but remarkable.
Questions
Should I visit Bled or Bohinj?
If you have time for both, visit both β they're 26 km apart and offer completely different experiences. Bled for the iconic view and island; Bohinj for hiking, swimming and real alpine atmosphere. A private transfer can include both.
Is Bohinj good for hiking?
Excellent. Trails of all difficulty levels start directly from the lake. The route to Savica waterfall is easy (45 min). Routes up to Vogel, Triglav, and into the high alpine zone are available for more experienced hikers.