Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj Walk

Activity Level

Moderate

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Enjoy self-guided walking in Slovenia

Most of our walking takes place in the north of Slovenia in the Julian Alps. This range forms part of the Southern Alps which extend into Austria. The spectacular mountains in this area are predominately limestone, and their jagged forms produce stunning vistas wherever you look. The area is softened by beautiful, tranquil lakes in the valley bottoms and amongst the rocky crags. Two of the largest lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, feature on our 7-night walking holiday.

The beauty of Lake Bled attracts world-wide visitors. It is a natural mineral spa lake with its medieval castle, island with church and the surrounding Alps as a stunning back drop. Nearby is Lake Bohinj, a lake set amongst the higher mountains of the Julian Alps in the Triglav National Park. The valley floors are full of picturesque villages whose inhabitants still rely on farming and its agricultural products for their income. The Slovenes are deeply proud of their way of life, and undoubtedly you will be tempted by their food which offers a host of national dishes many influenced by the cuisine of neighbouring countries. Slovenia also produces excellent wine.

There is walking in Slovenia to challenge the most demanding of walkers as well as those who require more gentle routes. The limestone peaks give many opportunities for ridge walking with stunning vistas of local peaks and lakes. You can walk to the top of Mount Vogel (1922m) with its commanding views all the way to Italy and Austria. Helpfully, some of these high walks can be assisted by the use of a cable car.

Experience routes through the mountains built by soldiers in the First World War as supply routes for Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fighting in the area. Explore mountain paths through Alpine meadows. Take mountain routes over rocky paths; discover deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls where for most of the year, you may be the only visitor.

There are also several routes linking beautiful, unspoilt villages either on the valley floor or on the mountain slopes. They often follow fast-flowing mountain rivers which will make their way to the Danube and the Black Sea. There is plenty here to satisfy all grades of walker.

We offer a choice of hotels on this holiday, the standard price is based on the 3 Star Hotel Tripic in Bohinj Bistrica with the possibility of upgrading to the 4 Star Hotel Jezero in Ribcev Laz.

Key Information

Trip Code: W07SB
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Slovenia

What's Included

Single-centre accommodation in *** and ****
All breakfasts and evening meals

Highlights

Enjoy a variety of ridge walking, alpine meadows, deep gorges and unspoilt villages
Based in the spectacular Julian Alps Mountain range which extend into Austria
Jagged peaks are softened by tranquil Lakes Bled & Bohinj, renowned for their beauty

Itinerary

First Destination: Bohinj Bistrica
Next Destination: Ribčev Laz

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

First Destination: Bohinj Bistrica
Next Destination: Ribčev Laz

You stay at:

Hotel Tripic, Bohinj Bistrica (breakfast and evening meals included)

Hotel Jezero, Ribčev Laz (breakfast and evening meals included)

Walks Around Lake Bled

Between two rivers to Talež 15 KM/ 9.5 MI/ 5 HRS

This circular route from Bled will give you an ideal introduction to the area around the town. It includes a stroll through attractive meadows, visits two of the largest rivers in the area and then takes you up to a koča (hut), from where you have extensive views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

The Lake Bled Circuit 6 KM/ 4 MI/ 1.5 HRS

Lake Bled is very beautiful and a walk round should not be missed. Mostly it is combined with our Osojnica walk, which gives the classic overview of Lake Bled, the combination giving a good introduction to the Bled area. The circuit could include a swim at the castle bathing area. Another option would be to catch a boat at the far end and visit the island of Otok. Visitors staying at Bohinj would no doubt wish also to spend some time in the tourist resort of Bled itself, making this a truly leisurely day. On the other hand, you could also combine with the walk towards Babji Zob, thereby making a much longer day.

Above Lake Bled on Osojnica 3 KM/ 2 MI/ 1.5 HRS

The most famous views of Lake Bled are from up here. The walk is very short but is steep and rough in parts; at one or two points it is briefly and slightly vertiginous. The walk starts and ends at the far end of Lake Bled so it makes sense to combine it with the Lake Bled Circuit.

Vintgar Gorge 13 KM/ 8 MI/ 3.5 HRS

Vintgar Gorge is a must-see spectacle. Vintgar Gorge is about 1.5km long and over 90m deep, with rapids, green pools and rock faces, and a surprising number of trout. The path is mostly narrow, with walkways skilfully constructed out over the river from the rockfaces and several bridges. Progress can be slow because of the quantity of sightseers, but this matters not because Vintgar should be savoured slowly.

Below Babji Zob, the Old Hag’s Tooth 11 KM/ 7 MI/ 3.5 HRS

Babji Zob is a striking perpendicular rock standing out at the end of the limestone Jelovica hills, south of Bled, and is said to resemble an old woman’s tooth. (The tooth is still there, but the old hag is long gone!! You will have to use your imagination!). Our walk explores the delightful countryside and villages on its slopes, and in the Sava Bohinjka valley.

Walks Around Lake Bohinj

Around the lower Bohinj Valley 17KM/ 11 MI/ 5 HRS

On the north side are excellent views of the valley and attractive alpine meadows. On the south side of the valley the route goes through relatively unwalked countryside and generally shows off the attractive Bohinj farmland, mixed woodlands and villages.

Savica Waterfall 8 KM/ 5 MI/ 2.5 HRS

A steady climb from the lake on a clear track to the parking area and restaurants is followed by a short section from the pay kiosk up 580 (!) steps to the waterfall. Our return route takes a quiet, pleasant cross-country route, but alternatives are offered. All variants of this walk can be combined with the Lake Bohinj circuit.

The Mostnica River and Gorge 16 KM/ 10 MI/ 4.5 HRS

This is a low-level walk which follows a wonderfully sculptured narrow limestone gorge with green pools and rapids before entering a lovely alpine pasture full of wildflowers. There is a shady waterfall at the far end of the walk and two cafes along the way to refresh a tired walker. The walk is either side of the gorge to maximise what can be seen. A small fee is payable for walking along the gorge.

The rocky slopes of Vogel 12 KM/ 7.5 MI/ 5 HRS OR 8KM/ 5 MI/ 3.5 HRS

This is a mountain walk with good paths. Vertigo sufferers should avoid the walk from point 1615m up to Vogel but could enjoy the lower option which does not involve scrambling. Either walk has extensive views of the Julian Alps and the Bohinj valley with those opting for the summit of Vogel also enjoying vistas to the south.

The wooded heights of Pršivec 15 KM/ 9.5 MI/ 6.5 HRS

North of Lake Bohinj is a high, wooded area rising to the peak of Pršivec, dotted with several small planinas or open pastures. One or two brief parts are exposed, so those easily prone to vertigo should give it a miss, but for those who undertake it, this route should provide a good, ‘away from it all’ feeling. If you have enough time you may wish to sample one of the mountain inns.

Walks Around Triglav National Park

Vrata valley and Peričnik waterfalls 17 KM/ 11 MI/ 4.5 HRS

This side valley walk, climbs from the main Sava Dolinka valley to the foot of Triglav, it is mostly easy going with the notable exception of the steep climb to the waterfalls. This is well worth the effort because you can experience the waterfalls from close range.

Pokljuka’s forests and the ridge to Debela Peč 16 KM/ 10 MI/ 6.5 HRS

High above the remote Pokljuka Forest lies the attractive alpine Planina (pasture) Lipanca with its profusion of wildflowers, below the summit of Debela Peč. The path is well waymarked, steep in places, but well worth the effort for the outstanding views.

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Hotels

HOTEL TRIPIC, BOHINJ BISTRICA

The small 3* family run Hotel Tripic is situated in the village of Bohinj Bistrica, the centre for rural life in the upper Bohinj valley. Dating back to 1986, it features 17 rooms and 2 restaurants with a large, covered summer terrace. Breakfast is a rich buffet breakfast and dinner consists of many homemade Bohinj specialities.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, telephone, television and private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.

HOTEL JEZERO, RIBČEV LAZ

Situated by the shore of picturesque Lake Bohinj amongst verdant pine forest. The staff of the homely 4* Hotel Jezero will always extend a friendly welcome to guests. Featuring an indoor swimming pool, garden terrace and 2 Finnish saunas. Enjoy delicious Slovenian cuisine on the summer terrace at Vrtovin restaurant or in the à-la-carte restaurant Zlatovčica.

All rooms feature Wi-Fi, telephone, television, minibar, safe, balcony and private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.

Essential Information

The tour normally begins at the start hotel in Bohinj Bistrica.

Slovenia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Slovenia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.