In short: in Bohinj it is worth seeing Lake Bohinj in the Triglav National Park, the Savica waterfall (about 78 m), the Vogel cable car with its viewpoint and the church of St John, and nearby the Mostnica gorge.
Bohinj is the calmer and wilder Alpine sister of Bled — an emerald lake in the heart of Triglav National Park, surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps, with waterfalls, mountain trails and a cable car to the viewpoints. In this guide we go through the lake, the sights, the excursions and where to eat, and if you are also planning the Belgrade to Bohinj minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Lake Bohinj and Triglav NP
Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and lies in the heart of Triglav National Park — the only national park in the country. Unlike livelier Bled, Bohinj is quieter and more untouched: around the lake run walking and cycling paths, and the clean water invites swimming and kayaking or SUP in summer. Above it all rises Triglav, the highest peak of Slovenia (2,864 m), the symbol of the country.
The Savica waterfall — the symbol of Bohinj
At the western end of the valley is the Savica waterfall, about 78 metres high, which at the bottom splits into two jets in the shape of the letter “A”. To the viewpoint leads a laid-out path with numerous steps through the forest, and the climb is rewarded with a view of the waterfall and the valley. Savica was immortalised by the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren in the poem “The Baptism on the Savica”, so, along with the natural, it is also a literary symbol of Slovenia. From the waterfall springs the river Savica, one of the sources of the Sava.
The Vogel cable car and viewpoint
From the south-western shore, from the village of Ukanc, the Vogel cable car takes you in a few minutes up to about 1,535 m, to the restaurant, viewpoint and ski resort of Vogel. From there opens one of the loveliest views in Slovenia — of the whole of Lake Bohinj, the valley and the peaks of the Julian Alps with Triglav. In summer Vogel is a starting point for hiking and cycling, and in winter one of the highest ski resorts in the country.
The Church of St John, Ribčev Laz and Mostnica
By the place of Ribčev Laz, next to the stone bridge at the eastern end of the lake, stands the Church of St John the Baptist from the 13th century, with frescoes and a blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque — one of the most photographed motifs of Bohinj. Beside it is also the monument to the “four brave men” (Štirje srčni možje), dedicated to the first recorded ascent of Triglav in 1778. Nearby is also the Mostnica gorge with wooden paths and the river’s “troughs”, a lovely excursion for all ages.
Bohinj with children
Bohinj is ideal for families seeking nature without the crowds: the flat paths around the lake are suitable for walking, prams and cycling, and the shallows by the shore for swimming. The Vogel cable car ride to the viewpoint, a trip to the Savica waterfall and a walk through the Mostnica gorge are a real experience for children, along with kayaking or SUP on the calm lake. Nearby is also livelier Bled, so the two lakes are easily combined into one family holiday.
Where to eat in Bohinj
The Bohinj valley is known for its home-made dairy products and mountain cheeses, served in the traditional inns by the lake. Along with them there are also lake trout, Upper Carniolan sausages and Alpine specialities, best enjoyed with a view of the water.
When to go to Bohinj and how many days
Bohinj is loveliest from late spring to early autumn: summer is for swimming (the water is cooler than at Bled), hiking and Vogel, and autumn for calm walks and colours. In winter Vogel operates as a ski resort. For the lake, Savica and Vogel two days are enough, and with Mostnica, hiking in Triglav NP and a trip to Bled it is nice to stay longer. Bohinj is an excellent base for a calm, active break in nature.
How to get to Bohinj from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Bohinj minibus transfer we drive door to door, departing from Belgrade. Departure is at night, at around 23:00h, by the route via Croatia and the Bregana border crossing, so you sleep through most of the journey and reach Bohinj in the morning. The journey is about 610 km, a drive of 7–8 hours.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Bohinj or the whole price list, and we also drive to the other towns of northern Slovenia (Belgrade to Northern Slovenia transfer). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras, and read about the whole region in the guide northern Slovenia. Nearby are also Bled and Kranj.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Bohinj?
Lake Bohinj in Triglav NP, the Savica waterfall, the Vogel cable car with its viewpoint, the Church of St John by Ribčev Laz and the Mostnica gorge nearby.
Which is the largest lake in Slovenia?
Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and lies in the heart of Triglav National Park, surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps.
How high is the Savica waterfall?
About 78 metres. At the bottom it splits into two jets in the shape of the letter “A”, and to the viewpoint leads a laid-out path with steps through the forest.
Is Bohinj good for children?
It is — the paths around the lake are flat and safe, the shallows by the shore suitable for swimming, and the Vogel cable car ride and a trip to the Savica waterfall are a special experience for children.
What is the difference between Bohinj and Bled?
Bled is livelier and better known, with its island and castle; Bohinj is quieter, wilder and more untouched, in the heart of Triglav NP. The two lakes are close and easily visited together.
How far is Bohinj from Belgrade?
About 610 km, a drive of 7–8 hours. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h) via the Bregana crossing, you reach Bohinj in the morning.
When is the best time for Bohinj?
From late spring to early autumn for the lake and hiking, and winter for skiing on Vogel. July and August are the warmest for swimming, June and September quieter.
