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Lake Bohinj

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Lake
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Lake Bohinj (Slovenia)

Weather…

Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia, situated within the Julian Alps at the heart of the Triglav National Park. This glacial lake spans approximately 4.2 kilometers in length and reaches a maximum depth of 45 meters, holding over 92 million cubic meters of water. It is primarily fed by the Savica waterfall and drained by the Sava Bohinjka river on its eastern edge near Ribčev Laz. The lakeside is home to the 14th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, which features remarkable Gothic frescoes and a prominent bell tower. The surrounding ecosystem is highly protected, providing a habitat for diverse Alpine flora and fauna under strict national park regulations. Today, it serves as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a gateway to numerous high-altitude hiking trails in the region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-326111517171283-2
Rain mm5866748311012012514013011811985

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Drive via a singular scenic road cutting through the majestic national park landscape. Direct bus lines from neighboring tourist hubs provide extremely convenient access points.
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Best season
Summer conditions are great for active kayaking and exploring the deeply shaded shoreline trails. Winter transforms the basin into a frozen wonderland wildly popular for cross-country skiing.
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Terrain & paths
The loop includes paved sections alongside rugged, root-filled forest paths demanding careful steps. Surrounding alpine paths immediately climb steeply toward massive, intimidating mountain walls.
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What to bring
Durable hiking shoes are practically mandatory for tackling the uneven, wilder northern shore. Always pack a wind-resistant rain jacket due to highly unpredictable alpine weather patterns.
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Parking
Paid lots exist at both main edges, yet they overfill frustratingly early during high season. Park lower in the surrounding valley and utilize free seasonal shuttles to save massive headaches.
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Safety
The glacial water is genuinely freezing even in mid-July, causing unexpected muscle cramps. When exploring higher vertical trails, inform accommodations of your specific intended route.
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Time needed
Snapping photos near the main bridge barely requires forty-five relaxed minutes of your time. Energetically hiking the complete rugged perimeter easily takes between three and four solid hours.

Geography

Coordinates
46.27780, 13.88580

Facts

  • The lake is 4.2 km long and up to 1 km wide.
  • The total water volume is approximately 92.5 million cubic meters.
  • The maximum depth of the lake is 45 meters.
  • The Church of St. John the Baptist dates back to the 14th century.
  • The lake water is completely renewed about three times a year.
  • The surface elevation is 526 meters above sea level.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lake Bohinj (8)

Planšarski muzej🏛 museum

A museum in Stara Fužina dedicated to the history of alpine dairy farming.

🕒 Oct-Jan Sa,Su 10:00-12:00,16:00-18:00; Feb-May,Sep Tu-Su 10:

Oplen's house🏛 museum

A preserved historic farmhouse in Studor showcasing traditional Bohinj architecture and life.

Studor📍 landmark

A characteristic mountain peak overlooking the village of Studor near Lake Bohinj.

Hansenova skakalnica🏺 historical

The ruins of a former ski jumping hill near Polje, designed by engineer Thorleif Hansen.

Vogar🌿 nature

A popular viewpoint on a mountain pasture offering remarkable views of Lake Bohinj.

Spodnji Vogar🌿 nature

A lower viewpoint on the Vogar pasture providing vistas of the Bohinj valley.

Mostnica Gorge🌿 nature

A scenic gorge carved by the Mostnica stream, known for its unique rock formations.

Bathing area Fužinski Bay🎡 recreation

A public bathing area in Fužina Bay on the shores of the scenic Lake Bohinj.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Bohinj quieter than Bled?
Yes, Lake Bohinj is wilder and less commercially developed, handy for nature lovers.
Is there parking by the lake?
Parking is limited, so using the shuttle bus is recommended during the peak season.
Is there a cable car nearby?
Yes, the cable car to Mount Vogel features a fantastic aerial view of the lake.
How warm does the water get in summer?
The water reaches about 20-22 degrees in mid-summer, so it is quite refreshing.
Can you walk around the lake?
Yes, an approx. 12 km long hiking trail leads completely around the lake.
Lake Bohinj: where is it located?
Lake Bohinj is located in Slovenia.
Lake Bohinj: what is there to see?
Highlights include Planšarski muzej, Oplen's house, Studor.
Lake Bohinj: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lake Bohinj: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia, situated within the Julian Alps at the heart of the Triglav National Park.
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