Walks and natural sights
Located in the Julian Alps in the north‑east of the country, the Bohinjsko Jezero lake is the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia. Winding through the moraines and boulders to join the lake near Ukanec, the river Savica is the lake’s main tributary. Bohinjsko Jezero is an open (exorheic) lake; its outflow river, the Jezernica, has a run of less than100 metres before it joins the river Mostnica and becomes the river Sava Bohinjka. Along the northern coast, there are several underwater karstic springs. The best‑known of them, Govic, has a glacial origin. A neat walking path encircles the whole lake, perfect for those in the mood for a lengthier walk (12 kilometres).
The spring of Savica with the waterfall Slap Savica is a karstic spring where the river Savica meets the light of day at 836 metres above sea level. The tall waterfall crashes 71 metres down into a pool. There is another spring at 790 metres above sea level, known as the “little waterfall”. When the water level is very low, the larger waterfall runs dry and the little waterfall remains the sole outflow for the subterranean waters. The waterfalls form the river Savica, which flows into the Bohinjsko Jezero lake. The river Savica is home to five species of fish: the river trout (Salmo trutta fario), the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), the grayling (Thymallus thymallus), the burbot (Lota lota) and of course the chub (Squalius cephalus).
The spring of the Bistrica is a beloved beauty spot where one can admire the fascinating waterfalls that form the brook’s origin. Draining off the mountain range of Spodnje Bohinjske Gore and emerging near Pod Luknjo, the brook Bistrica is the main tributary of the river Sava Dolinka. The spring is accessible from Bohinjska Bistrica via the settlement Pozabljeno (way markings), from the village Žlan (no markings), or via Rebro where a WWI cemetery is open for viewing. Follow the way markings from the Pozabljeno settlement by Bohinjska Bistrica. A mountain cart track, still showing the remnants of a once paved road, is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. An easy pace brings you to the spring in no more than 45 minutes.
If this is nowhere near enough and you wish to see even more beauty, you can prolong your hike by an hour and a quarter. Cross the bridge over the Bistrica and take the steep, un‑marked hunting trail to the saddle right above you. Once there, you will see the hay meadows of Čibrovice (716 m) against the backdrop of the magnificent Julian Alps. Take the gravel cart track back to the valley, across the Dobrava hay meadows and to the Pozabljeno settlement.
Plunging into a small yet deep lake, the waterfall Grmečiški Slap is one of the prettiest minor waterfalls in the area. Seven meters tall and the last in the line of waterfalls of the Grmečica gorge, it is not far from the right bank of the Sava Bohinjka, located between the settlements of Log V Bohinju and Nomenj. With its spring about a kilometre above the gorge (which itself is 100 metres long), the Grmečica brook has a total length of approximately 1.5 kilometres. After the last waterfall, the Grmečica brook crosses the forests and pastureland to join the river Sava near the Nomenj settlement. The shortest route to the waterfall – a walk of about a quarter of an hour – is via the footbridge by the Nomenj railway station. During summer, organised canyoning is possible in the Grmečica gorge.
In spite of being one of the minor tributaries of lake Bohinjsko Jezero, the Slap Govic waterfall is a Vaucluse‑type spring, erupting in a huge volume following heavy rainfall. Abundant rain causes the water level of an underground lake to rise and exit through a tunnel, resulting in a powerful waterfall thundering towards the lake. It can be seen at the north side of the lake, on the slopes of the Pršivec mountain.
The Mostnica gorge is located in the alpine valley of Voje north‑east of the Bohinjsko Jezero lake, near the settlement of Stara Fužina. Carved out by the Mostnica brook, the gorge is about two kilometres long. In some places, the gorge narrows down into barely a metre‑wide passage. Its deepest point is at the Hudičev Most bridge, with a depth of 20 metres. The bridge was constructed in 1777 on the order of Baron Žiga Zois to facilitate the transportation of charcoal and iron ore from nearby mines. Spanning the steep Mostnica gorge in a single arch, the ashlar stone bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering. The biggest attractions of the gorge are its bridges and a boulder that the water has shaped into an elephant over the millennia. In summer, entrance into the Mostnica gorge is subject to an entry fee. A footpath runs along both gorge walls, allowing for a round‑trip.
Located at the tip of the Voje valley, the Slap Mostnice is a 21‑metre tall waterfall of the Mostnica gorge.
Still largely pristine, the Soteska Save cove is a great destination for all water sports enthusiasts; fly‑fishing, rafting, kayak and canoe trips, and for the bravest even swimming in the summer (though temperatures above 20°C are rarely seen). The short but very pretty cove is where the river carved its way through the limestone massif not far from its spring. The river then calms down and continues on its east‑bound journey, passing the villages near Bohinj, the Bohinjska Bistrica settlement where it is joined by the river Bistrica, and then on towards Nomenj, along its way caressing the pebbles left behind by glaciers. In Nomenj it turns towards the north and takes on a somewhat wilder journey through the torrent‑carved Soteska between Jelovica and Pokljuka.
Those in search of spectacular views and short hikes will love Stara Fužina. We recommend visiting Rudnica, Peč and Studor or Vogar, two much‑loved take‑off points for paragliders.
If you do not feel like braving steep climbs, treat yourself to a walk to the Bohinjsko Jezero lake; you can always extend your trip to the other side of the lake. The Mostnica gorge with the Hudičev Most bridge and the whole Voje valley ending with the Šum waterfall are bound to leave you impressed. Mountain enthusiasts will love the Fužinarske Planine mountains where they will be able to hike to their heart’s content and buy fresh local cheese along the way.
The torch‑lit hike is an easy evening walk around Vrtovin. A romantic experience for adults and a thrilling adventure for children, the relatively flat terrain makes it suitable for all generations. Burning torches provide the light for the exploration of the area surrounding Ribčev Laz. Along the way you will learn fascinating facts about the church of John the Baptist (“Cerkev Janeza Krstnika”) and the Triglav National Park, and hear about the legends of Bohinj.
Rafting
If you are looking to spice up your day with a little bit of adrenaline, you should try rafting – an experience to awaken all your senses. The adrenaline rush of navigating past boulders, braving the white water, finding your own limits and enjoying the pristine nature at the same time is suitable for all generations.
Fishing
The Bohinjsko Jezero lake is home to at least 15 species of fish: the lake trout (Salmo trutta), the burbot (Lota lota), the chub (Leucius cephalus), the Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus), the arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), the river trout (Salmo trutta fario), the European perch (Perca fluviatilis), the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), the common rudd (Scardinius erythropthalmus), the grayling (Thymallus thymallus), the crucian carp (Carassius carassius), the wels catfish (Silurus glanis), the western vairone (Telestes souffia), the European bullhead (Cottus gobio) and others. The number of fish species in the Bohinjsko Jezero lake has tripled over the last 20 years.
Always full of surprises, the waters, banks and the unique ravine of the river Sava Bohinjka are famous for their charm and the challenge they pose to anglers both new and experienced. The river Sava Bohinjka is born right after the outflow of the Bohinjsko Jezero lake where the short river Jezernica meets the river Mostnica and becomes a pure, clear and fast‑flowing alpine river. It joins its sister Sava Dolinka near Lancovo. The river descends a full 120 metres over its 32‑kilometre, glacier‑sculpted course, which helps provide enough oxygen for a large number of salmonids to thrive. A number of clear brooks contribute to the Sava Bohinjka river’s increased volume in the lower course, which in turn increases the availability of food for the fish. The fishing zone begins at Soteska hydroelectric plant near the village of Obrne, where after a few kilometres of a wild flow through a beautiful ravine the river begins to take on a calmer nature when it enters the valley. There, the strong currents and depth of its stream pools turn into white water and longer pools, offering just the perfect place for even the most demanding fly‑fishermen. The river Sava Bohinjka is in fact world‑renowned for its long fly‑fishing season, uninterrupted even when the water level increases. The fishing season opens on 1 April and closes on 14 November. The Bled Fishing Club allows angling by fly‑fishing using a barbless hook. Different rules apply during the winter season (the huchen season lasts from 15 November to 14 February) when wobbling is allowed in addition to fly‑fishing. Of the salmonids, the following game species are found in the Sava Bohinjka river: huchen (Hucho hucho), river trout (Salmo trutta fario), grayling (Thymallus thymallus), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and lake trout (Salmo trutta lacustris).
They are kept company by chub (Squalius cephalus), common nase (Chondrostoma nasus), European bullhead (Cottus gobio), minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), northern pike (Esox lucius) and even some carp in the blind branches.
Fly‑fishing in the river Mostnica is an exclusive pursuit with no more than five fly‑fishers allowed per day. Why not become one of them? The angling zone stretches from the Stara Fužina dam to the river’s confluence with Sava Bohinjka. It is managed by the Bohinj Fishing Club. The river Mostnica is home to river trout, rainbow trout and grayling. All fishing is catch‑and‑release only.
Sport climbing
Sport climbers will love the Peč climbing crag. You can also make sure you stay fit by visiting an outdoor fitness centre on Vorančkovca with a fantastic view of the lake.
Cycling
The Bohinj cycling path is situated away from the road, duly marked and suitable for all. It follows the course of the river Sava from Bohinjska Bistrica to Stara Fužina and then further on by Ribnica to Srednja Vas. It is properly marked and perfect for recreational cycling in Bohinj. There are rest areas with waste disposal bins and benches along the way. It is multi‑purpose in character and used by cyclists, hikers, strollers, roller‑bladers and local farmers, meaning you might get to encounter farm machinery on the move. In general, cars, motorbikes and quad bikes are not allowed on the path.
Also very popular, there is a cycling path along the lake shore.
Horseback riding
The Bohinj area is very varied and there is diverse terrain suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Trail riding is an excellent way to explore Bohinj as the delights of horseback riding are perfectly complemented by the natural and cultural sights of Bohinj. The available horseback tours are varied, from short ascents to the low hills (Senožeta) to a whole‑day riding on the Pokljuka plateau. All horseback tours are guided. The docile and adaptable nature of the Icelandic horse of the Ranč Mrcina horse ranch makes riding in nature possible even for complete beginners, following introductory training in the arena. Trail riding is available throughout the year. During summer, the rides take place in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst heat. All the horses get a day of rest, usually Monday.
Hiking in Bohinj
A true hiker’s paradise, Bohinj offers countless hiking trails, splendid views and extraordinary natural sights.
RAZGLEDNIK PEČ – VIEWING POINT (720 m) – A fantastic destination for recreation and photography. You can prolong your hike and visit Rudnica.
All year round, the Peč beauty spot offers a wonderful and easily‑accessible view of the Bohinjsko Jezero lake, Ribčev Laz and the surrounding mountain peaks. During the 15‑minute walk to the beauty spot (starting point: the Levov Most concrete bridge in Stara Fužina) you will ascend about 200 metres. Along the way, a lovely view of Stara Fužina opens up.
If you wish to prolong your trip you can take a marked path towards Rudnica. In some places, the well‑maintained forest path broadens into a proper forest road. It takes about an hour at an easy pace to reach the top of Rudnica. There are several nice views of Stara Fužina and the Bohinjsko Jezero lake along the way.
RUDNICA (946 m) – A beauty spot so splendid that many prefer it to their morning cup of coffee.
The Rudnica mountain divides the Bohinj area into the Zgornja Bohinjska Dolina and Spodnja Bohinjska Dolina valleys. At the top, you can enjoy excellent views in all four directions: towards the Bohinjsko Jezero lake, Srednja Vas, Brod and Savica, and Češnjica and Jereka. A container with a rubber stamp and a visitors log is available at the summit. The whole path is undemanding from the technical aspect and the height difference is slightly under 400 metres. Accessible from: the Peč viewing point (720 m), the Stara Fužina village, Bohinjska Češnjica, Srednja Vas, and the village at Brod.
VODNIKOV RAZGLEDNIK – VIEWING POINT (1,017 m) – The perfect beauty spot for the whole family; breath-taking views accessible with barely any exertion.
Sometimes called Gospodovec by the locals, the viewing point was named after Valentin Vodnik who worked as a priest in Koprivnik for three years and very much loved the views of the Bohinj valley and the mountains surrounding it. Accessible from Koprivnik (you can leave your car by the church in the village centre) and from Jereka, via a paved footpath. From Koprivnik, it is a 30‑minute walk with a 40‑metre height difference, and from Jereka it takes one hour and 15 minutes, with a height difference of 387 metres. Both access routes are marked and technically undemanding. You will find a container with a rubber stamp and a visitors log at the top.
ČRNA PRST (1,844 m) – Where the love of hiking meets the beauty of flowers.
Treat yourself to a hike into the botanic kingdom under the Črna Prst mountain. Its treasures are priceless, so remember to take them with you in your memory(card) only. The side effects are well known: stress reduced, fascination increased, breath taken away, and lungs full of fresh mountain air. This is a moderately‑demanding hike which takes 4‑7 hours, depending on your final destination. Officially opened in July 2009, the botanical route begins at the Orožnova Koča mountain lodge and currently there are info plaques for about 80 different plants at the height of flowering. Those who like a bit of ascent can see the whole route, which concludes by a large boulder about 1,550 metres ASL, before the beginning of the steepest part of the Črna Prst ascent.
In the words of Julius Kugy, the ascent to the lovely Orožnova Koča lodge and along the botanical route towards the Črna Prst mountain is “Easy, and rewarding in the sense of flowers and views.”
STUDOR (1,002 m) – A unique view of the Bohinjsko Jezero lake and the Zgornja Bohinjska Dolina valley.
Although Studor may be a less known viewing point, it does not lack in beauty. It also serves as a paragliding take‑off point. It is accessible via a marked and well‑trodden path from the Hudičev Most bridge (turn onto the path to Uskovnica before the bridge) through a beech forest and onto the Blatce mountain pastures (839 m). The path forks off there and to get to Studor you will need to turn sharply right and continue along an unmarked forest path up to a grass‑covered ridge at the west side of the mountain. The hike takes about an hour and ascends about 456 metres.
VOGAR (1,054 m) – A beloved destination with an exquisite view, complete with a mountain lodge.
Vogar is the eastern‑most summit of the mountain ridge above the northern coast of the Bohinjsko Jezero lake. The views and the lodge are the main reasons for its popularity, in addition to being a take‑off point for paragliders. It is accessible from Stara Fužina via a steep marked path; about an hour‑and‑a‑half walk to the lodge and another hour for the descent. You can leave your car at the Vorančkovca car park in Stara Fužina (parking fees apply from April to October). It is also accessible by car, via the road to Vogar and the Blato mountain pastures (a 10‑kilometre drive, a charge applies). From the Vogar car park there is a 20‑minute walk to the viewing point. The height difference is 500 metres and you should wear suitable footwear for the rather steep hike.
Stories and legends
“Rudnica is home to several legends that are now in danger of slowly fading from memory. It is said that once upon a time two giants lived in Bohinj; one stood on Studor and the other on Rudnica. Their sister must have been even larger than the two of them as she was said to put one foot upon Studor and the other upon Rudnica so that she could wash the laundry in the Ribnica brook. The etymology of the name Rudnica hints at its history as a mining centre. And where there are mines and miners, one is sure to find Perkmandeljc, a small goblin intent on harassing those mining for ore, for the underworld is his kingdom. He would reveal himself to the miners and then disappear again, preventing them from digging further.” From the writings of Jelena Justin (website Gore in ljudje)
Active winter
The Vogel Ski Center is a mountain resort with natural snow and plenty of fantastic winter activities for you to experience. Elevation: 569 m to 1,800 m. Accessible via a cable car line; passenger capacity 950 persons/hour. Area: 78 hectares. It has 8 cableways/lifts and a conveyor in the Children’s Park. It offers 22 kilometres of ski tracks, covered in natural snow. The ski centre serves all skiers, from beginner to expert.
Snow Park Vogel is deemed to be one of the best in Slovenia. With several kickers and other elements (rails and boxes), it has been attracting snow adrenaline fans for many years now. It is suitable for beginners (baby line) and for experienced/professional users. It encompasses about 2 hectares of Vogel ski tracks and often hosts competitions and special events.
Snowshoeing is a fun activity, in the fresh winter atmosphere in what is often considered one of the prettiest valleys in the world. The sun, blue skies, fresh snow – what more could one ask for an unforgettable experience of Bohinj? Explore the area with us, have fun with your loved ones and enjoy the winter in full. The experience is also suitable for children over 10.
The Vogel full‑moon walk can be a very romantic hike over the snow‑covered Vogel in the moonlight. This guided hike is a very special experience because the full moon sharpens our perception and increases sensitivity. The pleasant company and the soft beams of hiking lamps will make this experience of snowy Vogel all the more unforgettable. Our guides will tell you about the legends, sights and curiosities of Vogel, Bohinj and the Triglav National Park. The meeting point is at the bottom cable car station, at 8.15 PM. Fifteen minutes later we’ll take the cable car to the top station of Žičnice Vogel. The hike takes about an hour and although it is not demanding, we recommend you come equipped with comfortable winter hiking boots, warm clothes, hiking/skiing sticks and a headlamp. When we’re done walking we’ll stop in the ČUK bar at the top cable car station for refreshments.
The TRIGLAV POKLJUKA Sports Centre is a biathlon & cross‑country skiing centre (elevation: 1,347 m) where you can fully experience the charms of the snow‑covered Pokljuka. The sports centre is open all year round; depending on the snow conditions, winter activities are available from the first snowfall until April. With more than 30 kilometres of cross‑country ski tracks (from Rudno Polje to Javorniška Planina), 6 kilometres of them are IBU‑ and FIS‑approved tracks, snowmaking equipment and a nice car park, it is suitable both for beginners (cross-country skiing and ski walking) and professional cross‑country skiers.
The Viševnik Ski Centre is located near the barracks in Rudno Polje. Accessible by car, this mountain ski resort has two ski tracks, one well‑suited for beginners and one that will even satisfy experienced skiers. The centre has a maintained car park and is located 1,371‑2,049 metres above sea level.
The Pokljuka family ski centre offers a variety of activities for all generations, and skiing lessons for those who wish to turn their first curves. Snow sledding and sleigh rides are also available, on top of the simple enjoyment against the wonderful snowy backdrop of Pokljuka. Altitude: 1,283‑1,330 metres above sea level. There is a maintained car park about 50 metres from the ski centre. It has a total of 1,000 metres of ski tracks, stretching over 5 hectares. There are two drag lifts (named Šport and Jelka) and a mobile drag lift for children. With a capacity of 900 skiers‑per hour and natural snow, the centre is suitable for families and beginners. The centre also offers easy ski tracks, kindergarten‑in‑the‑snow, a sledding track, a skiing school for the youngest and sleigh rides.
Under favourable conditions, the cross-country skiing paradise at Bohinj offers more than 70 kilometres of well‑kept cross‑country skiing tracks. You can choose from the recreational round‑trip tracks Bohinjska Bistrica (3 km), Bohinjska Bistrica‑Dobrava‑Bohinjska Bistrica (5 km), Bohinjska Bistrica‑Dobrava‑Žlan‑Dobrava‑Bohinjska Bistrica (10 km), Laški Rovt (3 km) or a FIS‑accredited track Bohinjska Bistrica‑Laški Rovt‑Ribčev Laz‑Laški Rovt‑Bohinjska Bistrica (18 km). In the Zgornja Bohinjska Dolina valley there are round‑trip tracks Stara Fužina‑Senožeta Ski Centre‑Stara Fužina (9.6 km), Senožeta Ski Centre‑Jereka‑Senožeta Ski Centre (4 km), and along the Senožeta Ski Centre (illuminated during the night; 3 km). In addition, there are maintained cross‑country tracks at the Pokljuka Sports Centre, in Goreljek and Gorjuše, and at Soriška Planina and Vogel ski resorts.
Day trips in Slovenia
We will be delighted to suggest and plan your day trips around beautiful Slovenia. This diverse country has many well‑known sights and even more less‑well-known mysteries to offer. You can count on us finding a way to surprise and delight you. We can organise adrenaline-, culinary-, hiking-, and spa‑themed trips, depending on what you like best.
Here are a few ideas to stir your imagination…
Rakov Škocjan is a karstic valley of breath‑taking beauty in the heart of the Notranjska region, which was formed by the crumbling and collapsing of a karstic cave. It became the first Slovenian natural landscape park, given its protected status as a natural sight in 1949. It has a natural‑history learning path, further divided into three round‑trip paths. These picturesque natural paths will teach you about the karstic processes, biodiversity and the cultural heritage of Rakov Škocjan. You can return to each starting point via a circular road. The learning paths are the 2.3 km speleology path Jamarska Pot (a 1.5 hour walk), the 4.5 km Tkalčeva Pot (3 hour walk) and the 7.5 km Rakova Pot (a 4.5 hour walk). Due to the similarity of their names, Rakov Škocjan is often confused with the Škocjanske Jame karstic caves but they are in fact two different places. Rakov Škocjan is a part of the Ramsar Conservation area – wetlands of international importance. The Cerkniško Jezero lake and the Križna Jama cave are also a part of this area. Rakov Škocjan is a UNESCO natural heritage site.
Trenta is a spectacularly beautiful glacial valley through which the emerald‑coloured river Soča runs. It is located in the heart of the Triglav National Park. The nature is breath-taking. The air is pure. Mountains rising on all sides. But what’s even more important is the kindness and friendliness of the people who call it home. With its wealth of sights and opportunities for adventure, you can never run out of things to do in this wonderful place. A trip to the Trenta valley is perfect for children and the elderly. It is particularly popular in the summer. The sights you shouldn’t miss are the spring of the river Soča, a valley known by the locals as Zapodnem, river rock formations at the foot of Trentski Pelc and Srebrnjak mountains, the river Mlinarica gorge, the Julijana alpinetum garden with a beautiful waterfall and the Church of Saint Mary.
One of the most beautiful waterfalls of the Triglav National Park, the Virje waterfall is sure to captivate your attention. You will find it on the Glijun brook near the village of Plužna Nad Bovcem. The waterfall is 20 metres wide and 12 metres tall. It falls into a small, lusciously‑green lake, and is famous for being one of the pretties waterfalls near Bovec. Nearby you will find a dreamlike spot to sit down, relax and take in the wondrous nature around you. A boulder at the top of the waterfall splits it into two strands. The right strand slides over the rocks and then falls freely for seven metres before another 5‑metres drop over the rock, after which it crashes against the rock block and disperses. The left strand soon divides into two smaller ones that fall into the plunge pool independently. The fascinating green of the pool is a special attraction for photographers and other admirers. Owing its unusual colour to the algae, the two‑part plunge pool is rather large and deep. The Virje waterfall is at its prettiest in the beginning of spring when the show in the high mountains, especially on Kanin, begins to thaw, lending volume to the waterfall. Its beauty attracts visitors throughout the year.