(This was first published 1 October 2018, updated 23 May 2023)
Whereas Lake Bled has a castle and an enchanting island in the middle which attract group tourists like flies, Lake Bohinj, just over 20 km away is tranquility and serenity personified.
For our week in the Slovenian lakes in June my partner and I chose to spend the first few days in Bohinj. It turned out to be a wise move as we needed all the peace and quiet to relax after quite a trek to get there!
Slovenia via Italy
We flew to Venice and stayed one night at Mestre – Hotel Bologna right opposite the station. We caught the 10.16 train to Gorizia bound for Trieste.
At the station we bought bus tickets (€1.25 each) for Nova Gorica from the tobacconist’s. The lady there told us to take Bus No. 1 which took us right opposite the Nova Gorica station, on the Italian side.
The train station was a stately looking building. Inside it looked very 1930’s with dark wood panelling. It was fascinating to know that this building used to mark the boundary between Italy and Yugoslavia!
Our train tickets to Bohinjska Bistrica were only €5.50 each. It was just as well that we had booked a taxi through the hotel to pick us up as there’s no taxi stand outside the small station. It was only a short ride to our hotel at Ribcev Laz, a pretty little town on the east bank of Lake Bohinj
Hotel Gasperin
Our hotel was a charming family-run establishment within a short walking distance to the iconic stone bridge with the pretty St John the Baptist Church at the background.
The owner, Peter was very helpful. When I told him that we were going to Bled next, he suggested that we take the bus from just down the road rather than to retrace our steps to Bohinjska Bistrica for the train!
Our room on the second floor with a balcony looked out to Julian Alps. The Information Centre was between the hotel and the lake. The bus stop was right outside it.
Lake Bohinj
We arrived in the late afternoon and could not wait to see the old stone bridge and St John The Baptist Church!
We were treated to the glorious views of lake from and around the bridge as the day turned into dusk
Views of the lake from the bridge at dusk was magical!
Views from a boat ride to Ukanc
The boat ride was not cheap at €9 per person, and probably because of it there was no stampede of people. It was well worth it to breathe the fresh air (only electric boats are allowed on the lake) and to enjoy the views of the peaceful surroundings.
Vogel Cable Car
We took the cable car up to Vogel and had a nice lunch in the restaurant at the top.
Savica Waterfall
We thought Savica Waterfall was a short distance away from Vogel. Wrong!! We walked miles on unmade roads and then climbed many steps up to see it – reputed to be the third most visited sights in Slovenia. I would say it’s pleasant rather than spectacular
Afterwards we walked back to Ukanc via the main road – another 6 km – to take the boat back!
A walk around the lake
We walked on the right side of the lake from the church. It took us from 11.00 to 15.30 to get as far as Ukanc. We took our time to enjoy the views and take photos, many photos!!
Finally, here’s my signature fridge magnet, and photo
