Lake Bled vs Lake Bohinj – Overview
Thousands of tourists flock to Lake Bled every year as it steals the spotlight and captures most of Slovenia’s tourism. However did you know there is a larger lake under an hour’s bus away. Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia and equally there is plenty of things to do here around this lake as well. So… Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj? Good question! Why not both? I will be highlighting the things to do in lake Bohinj, how to get here and where is the best place to base yourself for your Slovenian trip.
While Lake Bled is the more popular tourist hub with its picturesque castle and movie like island, Lake Bohinj is a more quiet and tranquil destination offering different hiking trails, swimming spots and getting lost in Slovenia’s raw beauty. So if you are looking somewhere more quiet to escape the crowds, then Lake Bohinj is the destination for you. Keep in mind that during peak season you will still naturally find a good amount of people.
List of Things to do in Lake Bohinj
Activities to do in Lake Bohinj
Imagine all the fun activities that you can do in Lake Bled but in a more peaceful and bigger setting. Lake Bohinj offers all sorts of activities including swimming, kayaking, paragliding, trekking and fishing.
These are all activities that you can do in either lake here is a summary in my opinion where to do what and the reason behind it.
| Activity | Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Lake Bled | Offers more scenic and serene swims with views of the island and castle. |
| Kayaking | Lake Bled | More peaceful experience with the nature surrounding the lake |
| Paragliding | Lake Bohinj | Better surrounding mountains making the above view spectacular |
| Trekking | Lake Bohinj | More hikes to choose from for both the experienced and inexperienced |
| Fishing | Lake Bohinj | Bigger and quieter, makes it the ideal spot for fishing over Lake Bled |
Summarizing the above, for actual water activities done on the lake such as kayaking or swimming I would choose Lake Bled, it has a more serene feeling to it which is difficult to put into words. Other activities around the lake such as paragliding and trekking I would go for Lake Bohinj. The sheer size of Lake Bohinj ensures that there are amazing views from high up top and different options for hiking to choose from. I will mention some potential hikes to choose from further down.
Mount Vogel
Mount Vogel is a nearby mountain top which offers breathtaking views over Lake Bohinj. This is definitely a must go especially in the winter for ski lovers, as there is a lovely ski resort.
The Vogel Cable Car runs year-round and takes you up to Mount Vogel in just a few minutes. The round-trip fare is around €28 for adults and €14 for children. In winter, the cable car operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with frequent rides to accommodate skiers. In summer, it runs from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, depending on the weather.
Once up the cable car make sure to not exit it immediately but take a left, and you will be greeted by the best view of Lake Bohinj. There’s also a restaurant at the top, perfect for enjoying a meal or drink while taking in the stunning scenery.
In winter, Mount Vogel operates as a ski resort, with ski lifts running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In summer, the ski lift is open for hikers and visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing access to the several mountain trails and viewpoints. Whether you are taking on the summit hike or just casually strolling around, climb up the ski lift it will give you amazing views in of itself as well as the chance to see some wild cows.
Savica Waterfall
Further on past the Vogel Cable car there is the trailhead to reach the Savica waterfall. This stunning natural attraction takes around 20 minutes to reach from next to the Savica Hut, there is also a couple of restaurants near the trail entrance to freshen up before or after you climb next to the waterfall.
There is a small fee to enter the trailhead of €4 per person. It is definitely worth the climb as Slovenia’s lush greenery and most beautiful waterfall awaits at the top. There is also a gazebo where you can stay and catch your breath and enjoy the views. My tip is to go as soon as the trailhead opens at around 9am to avoid crowds. You can’t swim at Savica waterfall or go next to it as it is closed off.
Mostnica Gorge
Another potential hike around Lake Bohinj is Mostnica Gorge. Compared to the Lake Bled counterpart, Vintgar Gorge, this is a hidden gem near Lake Bohinj offering crystal clear waters and natural rock formations. It stretches for around 2 kilometers and takes around 1-2 hours to navigate through depending on how much you decide to explore.
This hike can be started from the village of Stara Fuzina village which is easily accesible by bus. Along the hike you can find several small waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There is also a small entry fee of €3 to enter Mostnica Gorge, but compared to the more touristy Vintgar Gorge is much cheaper and more quiet. There is also no time constraints to enter.
You can extend your hike and visit the Mostnica Waterfall. The total trail and hike can be found on AllTrails here
Zlatorog Statue
On the shores of Lake Bohinj one can find the Zlatorog statue, the iconic Golden Horned ibex of Slovenian folklore. This statue offers a unique photo opportunity with the mountains and lake in the background. According to legend the horned ibex guarded a treasure hidden in the mountains and is present in other lakes in Slovenia.
How to get to Lake Bohinj?
Now that you know what to do in Lake Bohinj, how to get here? There are direct buses from Bled and from Ljubljana and take around 2 hours. Bus timetables can be found here. Tickets cost around 8.10 from Ljubljana and around 3 euro if traveling from Bled.
Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj
There are several different attractions that each lake offers. While there are similar destinations such as Vintgar and Mostnica gorge, Lake Bohinj and the nearby surroundings offer unique destinations that you can’t find in Lake Bled. Such include the Savica waterfall and Mount Vogel. Ski goers for instance definitely need to base themselves at Mount Vogel as there isn’t anywhere to ski near Lake Bled.
On the other hand, in my opinion, you can not visit Slovenia without going to Bled. The island in the middle of the lake is like living a movie, and although it is by nature more touristy, the place has somewhat of a peaceful feeling which is difficult to describe with words.
The answer to the question Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj depends on what you are looking for. I would recommend to make time and visit both. Both lakes have something different to offer.
To properly compare the two lakes checkout this blog post on 11 things to do in Lake Bled and you can make an informed decision on what you prefer!
