Lake Bohinj sits in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia, not far from the more famous Lake Bled but a world apart in atmosphere. Where Bled caters to coach tours, Bohinj is quieter, wilder, and surrounded by proper mountains — Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, rises just to the north.
The lake itself is stunning: deep blue water backed by forested slopes and limestone peaks. In summer the area is excellent for hiking, swimming, and mountain biking; in winter the Vogel ski resort offers runs directly above the lake with spectacular views. The Savica waterfall, a short hike from the western end of the lake, is one of Slovenia's most photogenic natural sites, and the medieval Church of St John the Baptist by the lake's eastern bridge is one of the most photographed buildings in the country.
The area has all the beauty of the Austrian or Swiss Alps at a fraction of the price. The small villages around the lake — Ribcev Laz, Stara Fuzina, Ukanc — have good accommodation and a growing food scene. Most of the lake's surroundings sit inside Triglav National Park, which keeps development away from the foreshore and the views unspoiled.