bohinj and surrounds
TL;DR
This was the second stop on my Slovenia roadtrip. Compared to the relative bustle of Bled, the Bohinj area moved at an even slower, unhurried pace. Despite only being a short drive, it felt much more like a “local” holiday spot. I spent a relatively short time in this area and enjoyed every second, and most excitingly I was able to enjoy several moments all to myself: a morning dip on the moody shore of Bohinj, a quiet 15 minute period eating my sandwich on the summit of Mount Visevnik, a late afternoon wander along the beautiful Mostnica Gorge.
Accommodation details
I stayed at Penzion Rožič, a cute little bed and breakfast-style place right in the middle of Ribčev Laz. It was only a few minutes’ walk from the shore of Bohinj, the local grocery store and the famous Sv. Janeza Krstnika church. The room was functional and clean though perhaps dated. The woman who owned it was extremely welcoming and hospitable, despite seeming to run the entire accommodation & restaurant on her own. I also recommend eating there, the traditional Slovenian food was unassuming and delicious. While you’re here, you can try Foksner’s burgers next door too — I didn’t try them myself but it constantly had a long line!
Mount Visevnik
If you’re after a day hike with serious payoff, Viševnik is a great choice. It’s around 9 km with a solid amount of uphill, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. You can either catch the shuttle bus from Bled or drive yourself — it’s about 30 minutes by car to the trailhead parking.
Visevnik hike: key details
Trailhead: Rudno Polje, next to the Pokljuka Sports Centre & Hotel. Google Maps location
Parking: Parking at the designated carparks was around €5, but I parked a little further down on the side of the road for free.
Distance: 8.5-9km if done as loop
Type: Loop (can be done as out-and-back too)
Elevation gain: 781m
Rating: Hard, not impossible! Reasonable fitness required, some loose rocks and scrambling on the return are to be expected.
Recommended route: Alltrails recommended to do the hike anti-clockwise, I didn’t regret this!
How to get here from Bled: 30min direct drive or you can take a shuttle bus from Bled town centre to Rudno Polje.
Mostnica Gorge
For something a bit more relaxed, Mostnica Gorge is a lovely spot for a wander. I went late in the afternoon and didn’t have to pay the usual entry fee — pro tip if you’re keen on a quieter visit (and saving a few euros).
Lake Bohinj
And if you want a change of pace from Bled, Lake Bohinj is a must. It’s way more low-key, the water’s the perfect temperature for swimming, and it feels a bit more untouched. If you’re looking for a peaceful swim, the beach at Ukanc on the far end of the lake is a beautiful, quiet spot.
There’s also Savica Waterfall nearby — I didn’t make it there myself, but it looks worth a visit if you’ve got the time!
