Lake Bohinj Or Lake Bled? Which Slovenian Lake Is Right For You

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Should you visit Lake Bohinj Or Lake Bled? This guide shares detailed information about weighing up Lake Bled vs. Lake Bohinj. We cover the top attractions and accommodation ideas.

In a rush and just want to know how to choose between Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj? Here is what we think you should know:

Lake Bled Lake Bohinj
Can be crowded & expensive More relaxed, quiet lake
More hotel & dining options More hiking & walking trails
Iconic beauty, easy to reach More remote, fewer amenities

Are you planning a trip to Slovenia and wondering which lake to visit – Lake Bohinj or Lake Bled? Both lakes offer stunning beauty and numerous activities, making deciding challenging.

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each lake so that you can make an informed decision based on your preferences. So, please grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!

Introduction To Slovenian Lakes

Best Castles In Slovenia - Alamy Church Of The Assumption

Slovenia is a small country with a big heart, and that heart is beating strongly for its many lakes. With over 12,000 rivers and streams and more than 2,000 natural lakes, it’s no wonder that water plays such an important role in Slovenian culture.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the scenery or you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation, there’s a Slovenian lake that’s perfect for you.

POPULAR SLOVENIA LAKES

Here’s a quick introduction to these two popular lakes in Slovenia:

Lake Bled

Nestled in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations. Its emerald green waters and dramatic mountain backdrop make it easy to see why. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake, take a boat out to the island in the middle of the lake, or even hike up to a nearby castle for breathtaking views.

Lake Bohinj

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Lake Bled, head to Lake Bohinj. This serene lake is located in Triglav National Park and is surrounded by towering mountains. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking or biking around the lake, while those seeking a more relaxing vacation can simply take in the stunning views. Several traditional villages are located around Lake Bohinj, where you can sample local cuisine and learn about Slovenian culture.

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Pros And Cons Of Visiting Each Lake

Slovenia Travel Blog_Lake Bled Vs Lake Bohinj

It can be tough to choose if you’re trying to decide between visiting Lake Bohinj or Lake Bled in Slovenia. Both lakes are incredibly beautiful and offer a range of activities for visitors. To help you decide, we’ve made lists of the pros and cons of visiting each lake.

Visiting Lake Bohinj

lake-bohinj-slovenia | Croatia Travel Blog
Lake Bohinj. Photo Credit

Here are some of the pros and cons of Lake Bohinj:

LAKE BOHINJ PROS
  • Quieter: It’s less crowded than Lake Bled, so you can enjoy more peace and quiet
  • Abundance Of Trails: There are more hiking and walking trails around Lake Bohinj, so it’s great for nature lovers
  • Clear Water For Swimming: The water in Lake Bohinj is crystal clear and very clean, perfect for swimming
  • Boat Rentals Available: You can rent boats and paddleboards to explore the lake at your own pace
LAKE BOHINJ CONS
  • Lack Of Accommodation Choices: There aren’t as many accommodation options near the lake, so you may have to drive a bit to find a place to stay
  • Remote: The lake is harder to reach

Visiting Lake Bled

BEST BALKAN CITIES_Holidays In The Balkans - LAKE BLED

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of visiting Lake Bled:

LAKE BLED PROS
  • Stunning: The setting is absolutely stunning, with a beautiful church perched on an island in the middle of the lake
  • Easy To Reach: It’s very easy to get to, as it’s only an hour from the capital city of Ljubljana
  • Loads Of Activities: There are plenty of activities available, such as renting a boat 
  • Loads Of Dining & Hotel Options: There are plenty of hotels and restaurants around Lake Bled, so it’s easy to find somewhere to stay or grab a bite to eat – be sure to try the famous cream cake!
LAKE BLED CONS
  • Crowded: It can be quite crowded, especially in the summer months
  • Expensive: It can be quite expensive to stay in one of the hotels on the lakefront
  • No Swimming: The water isn’t great for swimming

Things To Do At Each Lake

You can’t go wrong with either Lake Bohinj or Lake Bled.

If you’re looking for a more crowded and lively atmosphere, Lake Bled is probably your best bet. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the lake, as well as boat rentals and other activities.

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On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more relaxed and natural setting, Lake Bohinj is the place for you. Lake Bohinj is incredibly picturesque with its Alpine backdrop – surrounded by mountains and forests, it’s the perfect spot for a hike or nature walk. You can also go swimming in the lake or try your hand at fishing.

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Accommodation Considerations

Slovenia Travel Blog_Glamping in Slovenia_Garden Village Bled
Photo Credit: Garden Village, Bled

Both lakes offer a wide range of accommodation options, from camping and hostels to luxury hotels. We’ve made accommodation guides to both locations, including hotels at all price points, to help you choose your Slovenia accommodation.


Best Time To Visit Each Lake

Lake Bohinj is located in the Julian Alps and is a great destination for those looking to escape the heat of the summer. 

Fall is also a beautiful time to visit Lake Bohinj. The leaves start to change color in September and October, making for some stunning scenery. The temperatures are cooler at this time of year, so it’s a great time to enjoy all the outdoor activities that the area has to offer.

Lake Bled is perfect to visit from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, you may want to visit during shoulder season (April-May or September-October).

Wrap Up On Slovenian Lakes

Ultimately, the decision between Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled will come down to personal preference. If you’re looking for an adventure, then Lake Bohinj is definitely your best bet. But if a relaxing holiday is more your style, then head straight for stunning Lake Bled.

Whatever you choose, both lakes offer incredible scenery and experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. So why not take some time to explore both?

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