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Natural attractions

Lake Bohinj

4.8 · 3,876 reviews
Serene and rugged
Lake Bohinj, 4265 Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenia
Interesting facts
1

Lake Bohinj contains approximately 92.5 million cubic meters of water.

2

The lake is a dimictic reservoir, meaning the entire water column undergoes turnover twice per year.

3

The Savica Waterfall, the lake's primary source, flows from a subterranean karst spring deep within the Komarča cliff.

4

The endemic Bohinj trout (Salmo trutta f. lacustris) inhabits the lake's deeper waters.

5

The lake basin was sculpted by the Bohinj Glacier, which reached a thickness of 800 meters during the last Ice Age.

6

A legendary creature called the 'Goldhorn' (Zlatorog) is said to protect the hidden treasures of the surrounding mountains.

Overview

Lake Bohinj is a glacial lake located within Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps. It is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, covering approximately 318 hectares. The basin was formed by glacial erosion during the Pleistocene epoch. The lake is primarily fed by the Savica Waterfall, which originates from the Triglav mountain range. Its water levels are managed by the outflow of the Sava Bohinjka river. The surrounding mountains, including Vogel and Pršivec, provide a high-relief backdrop for the water surface. The lake is situated at an elevation of 525 meters above sea level. It is characterized by its karst limestone geology, leading to high water clarity. Unlike neighboring tourist hubs, it remains largely protected from large-scale commercial development.

Photo spot

The stone bridge near the Church of St. John the Baptist, capturing the bridge, the church, and the lake reflection.

Insider tips

Walk the 12-kilometer perimeter trail to experience diverse perspectives of the shoreline and mountain views.

Check local weather forecasts specifically for the Julian Alps as conditions shift rapidly due to the mountain microclimate.

Visit the smaller village of Ribčev Laz for historic architecture, including the 15th-century Church of St. John the Baptist.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting on peak summer weekends if seeking solitude, as the central parking areas at Ribčev Laz and Ukanc reach capacity quickly.

Good to know

The Vogel cable car access is subject to maintenance closures during the transition between winter and summer seasons; check local operations before planning mountain-top excursions.

Etiquette

Respect protected status by avoiding water sports in restricted conservation zones and using designated swimming areas only.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning in September for calm waters, minimal wind reflection, and stable autumn weather.
Address
Lake Bohinj, 4265 Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenia
46.284, 13.859
Get directions
Details
Water FeaturesGlacial origin with high-clarity karst limestone filtering
Surrounding EcosystemTriglav National Park biodiversity zone

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning in September for calm waters, minimal wind reflection, and stable autumn weather..

The stone bridge near the Church of St. John the Baptist, capturing the bridge, the church, and the lake reflection.

Close by you'll find Goldenhorn/Zlatorog, Mostnica Gorge, Cerkev Sv. Janeza Krstnika.