Guide to Visiting Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

Visiting Slovenia’s lakes isn’t about choosing between them — it’s about understanding what each offers. Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are only 26 kilometers apart, yet they deliver vastly different experiences. Bled is polished, iconic, and full of postcard moments. Bohinj is wilder, quieter, and deeply rooted in alpine nature. Together, they form a perfect day or weekend escape.

Start Your Day at Lake Bled

Early morning is the best time to enjoy Lake Bled. The lakeside path is quiet, and the rising sun illuminates Bled Island and the cliffside castle. A walk around the lake takes about 90 minutes. You’ll pass wooden docks, swans gliding through the water, and cafés just beginning to open. If you’re up for it, rent a pletna boat or a rowboat and head to the island.

The Church of the Assumption sits at the top of 99 stone steps. Inside, you can ring the wishing bell — a tradition that draws visitors and locals alike. The views from the island are some of the best, with a full panorama of the lake and the Karavanke mountains in the background.

Don’t miss Bled Castle. Perched 130 meters above the water, it offers exhibitions, a printing shop, and a terrace café. Entry is around €15, and it’s open year-round. Spend an hour or two here before heading onward.

The Journey to Lake Bohinj

If you’re planning to continue your trip toward Austria after visiting this region, a transfer from Bled to Vienna can be booked in advance — ideal if you’re not renting a car and want a smooth connection onward.

 

Lake Bohinj lies in the heart of Triglav National Park. The drive from Bled takes about 30–35 minutes and is especially beautiful if you follow the road through the village of Stara Fužina. Along the way, you’ll pass alpine meadows, traditional farmhouses, and thick forests.

Bohinj is bigger than Bled and much less developed. There are no islands or castles here — just glassy water surrounded by dramatic peaks. It’s a place to slow down.

Park near Ribčev Laz, the main access point to the lake. A small bridge by the Church of St. John offers a perfect photo spot, especially in the morning when the water reflects the Julian Alps.

Things to Do at Lake Bohinj

If you enjoy hiking, Bohinj delivers. One of the most popular walks is to the Savica Waterfall. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the lake’s eastern edge, followed by a 20-minute stair climb. The falls are powerful, dropping 78 meters into a turquoise basin.

Another excellent option is the cable car to Vogel ski center. In summer, it runs daily and offers sweeping views of the lake and surrounding valleys. Once at the top, you can hike further or relax at the mountain lodge.

Swimming is allowed throughout Lake Bohinj. In summer, water temperatures are pleasant, especially on the western end near Ukanc. Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are available for rent, and the lake is large enough that you’ll always find a quiet spot.

Where to Eat and Rest

In Bled, there’s a wide range of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. Try the famous Bled cream cake at the Park Hotel or enjoy a meal at one of the lakeside terraces. Bled is also more tourist-oriented, so reservations are a good idea in high season.

Bohinj offers simpler but hearty fare. Mountain lodges and guesthouses serve traditional dishes like ričet (barley stew), Bohinj-style sausage, and homemade cheeses. Meals are usually generous, and the views — especially from the terraces above the lake — are unbeatable.

Planning the Logistics

 

If you’re staying in Bled, visiting both lakes in one day is possible, though spending a night near Bohinj allows you to enjoy it without rushing. Local buses connect the two areas, and parking is available in both spots — but Bohinj tends to fill up quickly during weekends.

 

When to Visit

Both lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and cooler temperatures — perfect for hiking. Summer is ideal for swimming, water activities, and longer daylight. Autumn covers the landscapes in color, while winter brings quiet and snow.

Bled is more accessible in winter, especially with Christmas markets and lakefront festivities. Bohinj, meanwhile, attracts skiers and snowshoers, and the area remains peaceful even in peak season.

Tips Before You Go

Planning a hike to Savica or taking the Vogel cable car? For daily hours, closures, and route suggestions, check the Official Bohinj Tourism Site before setting off.

Final Thoughts

Bled and Bohinj aren’t competing — they complement each other. One offers iconic views and polished experiences, the other invites you into deeper quiet and connection with nature. Together, they show two sides of Slovenia’s soul. Whether you’re coming for a day or staying for a week, these lakes make time feel well spent.