TRAVEL
Beautiful Bohinj
April 25, 2019
Panoramic view of the Bohinj Valley
IMAGE: Aleš Zdešar
Beautiful Bohinj, in the heart of the Julian Alps, encompasses the Nomenj valley, the Upper and Lower Bohinj Valleys, the lake basin, the Pokljuka and Jelovica plateaus and a high mountain range. More than 60% of it lies in Slovenia’s only national park, the Triglav National Park, which holds the Slovenia Green Park Label. The Park is committed to protecting and preserving both its ecosystems and cultural heritage while ensuring sustainable development and accessibility. The Bohinj area is also protected under the Natura 2000 and UNESCO MAB (Man and Biodiversity) programmes.
Beautiful Lake Bohinj
IMAGE: Aleš Zdešar
If you’re thinking it sounds marvellous, you’re right, but hurry up; it’s an increasingly popular destination, with a lake equally as beautiful as Lake Bled and (shh!) larger. Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, and just one of Bohinj’s stunning natural attractions.
So how do you get to this Alpine paradise? Luckily, Ljubljana airport, with direct flights from 25 destinations, is only around an hour away by road. While local buses can take you to Bohinj, this involves a change mid-route, so airport transfer services are usually easier. It’s also easy to reach by rail, and you can even take your car or camper van with you (providing it’s under 3m in height and 2.4m in width) on Motorail trains operating between Bohinjska Bistrica, Podbrdo and Most na Soči.
Winter snowshoeing in Bohinj
IMAGE: Tourist Information Centre Bohinj
Once you’ve arrived, it’s easy to travel green as you explore, too. There are bikes and e-bikes for hire, and the Lower and Upper Bohinj valleys are connected by a paved, marked cycle track that takes you past numerous natural and cultural attractions. There are also two train stations and plenty of buses, including Ski and Summer services (free with the Bohinj Mobility Card), summer shuttles from car parks and the hop on, hop off service to Poljuka.
If you’re visiting for two nights or more, then buy a Julian Alps Bohinj Card. It entitles you to free local bus and rail travel, 50% off bus tickets from Bohinj across the Gorenjska region (including Ljubljana), free parking in most Bohinj car parks, free use of entry-exit points on Lake Bohinj and Sava Bohinjka, a free panoramic boat trip on the lake, 5–50% off various activities, services, attractions and shopping in Bohinj and elsewhere, 20% off return tickets for the Vogel cable car and free admission to Savica Waterfall, Mostnica Gorge, the Church of St John and all museums in Bohinj.
Hiking is a real pleasure in Bohinj
IMAGE: Mitja Sodja
The natural beauty of Bohinj
Bohinj has a lot to offer, but its natural beauty is the jewel in its tourist crown. If the 12km walk around the lake is too long, hire a bike or go straight for the lake cruise on the panoramic boat. If a hike up nearby Mount Vogel is also not feasible, take the cable car and enjoy its spectacular views. At the top, you can admire the scenery, enjoy a delicious meal, follow one of the many hiking trails, visit archaeological sites, enjoy the cycling park or try paragliding.
Mostnica gorge with its waterfalls and forests is a must-see, as is the spectacular Savica waterfall. It’s Slovenia’s third most visited attraction, emerging from underground tunnels at an altitude of 836m to plunge dramatically from a height of 78m.
Bohinj has over 1000 different plant species (some unique to the region) and vast forests dominated by beech, spruce, larch, and dwarf pine trees. Perhaps you’ll spot some local wildlife, such as the chamois, ibex or Alpine marmot, or a much rarer lynx or golden eagle.
The spectacular Savica waterfall
IMAGE: Tourist Information Centre Bohinj
Get moving and go back in time in Bohinj
It’s easy to get your exercise in Bohinj, with over 400km of organised hiking and climbing trails on your doorstep, including the Bohinj mountain trail and part of the international Via Alpina long-distance trail. Those up for a challenge can tackle Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain at 2,864m. There’s also biking, climbing, horse-riding, paragliding, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, fishing and diving in the warmer months. In the winter, there is skiing and, if it’s cold enough, outdoor ice skating. There’s also a large zipline park, an aquapark and, if the weather lets you down, an indoor climbing wall and bowling alley.
Visiting Bohinj’s fascinating museums isn’t the only way to explore its history. Walking, hiking and biking are great ways to see it ‘up close’. Look out for the hayracks or ‘toplarji’ unique to Slovenia, nay of which are still used. Although designed for a practical purpose (dry storage of crops), they’re often beautifully crafted. You can follow the old Pantz Cableway route up as far as your legs will carry you, from its lowest station on the main road to Bled. Built in 1882, it’s the oldest existing forestry cableway in Europe and a protected monument. Or why not enjoy a trip through Bohinj’s lovely landscape on the steam train?
Colourful meadows of butterfly orchids
IMAGE: Peter Strgar
Enjoy green, authentic experiences and tastes
To truly appreciate Bohinj, you need to experience its traditional trades and tastes. Watch a leathermaker or woodcutter at work or visit a traditional flour mill. Enjoy local cheeses and visit the Alpine Dairy Farm in Stara Fužina, a typical Alpine village with well-preserved buildings, including a working sawmill.
Visit a shepherd’s cottage and try potatoes and homemade cottage cheese, try local edible flowers or taste traditional food served in a contemporary way at an inn with the Bohinjsko/From Bohinj certificate. This brand denotes high quality food, beverages, goods and experiences that respect traditional values, using local materials, produce and ingredients and often, traditional methods. You can find the brand on inns, food and drink, and traditional products such as Gorjuše pipes, needlework, and wood and woollen products.
It’s said that cows rule in Bohinj, and one of the most enjoyable authentic experiences for autumn visitors is the annual Cows’ Ball, which marks the return of the cows and their herders from the mountains. The cows are decorated with flowers and their herders carry ‘basenga’ on their shoulders (everything they need for making cheese and living out on the pastures). Their arrival is marked with music, performances and plenty of local food and drink.
Traditional values really do sit comfortably and successfully alongside a commitment to sustainability here, and Bohinj’s spectacular scenery and warm welcome clinch the deal.
My bag is packed already…
Experience the beauty and charm of Bohinj and plan your next eco-adventure by visiting:
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