Slovenia is a tiny country in the heart of Europe that is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Bordered by Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, it often gets overlooked. This is a mistake as Slovenia is a country brimming with gorgeous nature, charming towns and warm people. Although it can get busy, there are fewer tourists here than many European countries, making it easier to enjoy all it has to offer. When visiting Slovenia, I am overwhelmed by its stunning landscapes. Among its most captivating features are its numerous lakes, each with its own unique character. Let's take a look at some of the top lakes Slovenia has to offer.
Lakes in Slovenia - Lake Bled
No discussion of Slovenian lakes would be complete without mentioning Lake Bled. It is probably the most famous lake in the country and a popular destination for travelers. This glacial lake in the Julian Alps, with the small island in the center, is extremely photogenic and the perfect place to enjoy some down time. The emerald green waters of the lake span 2km (1.25 miles) long and 1.4 km (0.8 miles) wide. Along the shores of Lake Bled are beautiful villas, the majestic Bled castle and the town of Bled.
The famous Bled island, which is located in the middle of the lake, is home to the Church of the Assumption. You can access the island on a traditional Pletna boat, operated by standing rowers. These wooden, flat-bottom boats are made by locals and have a history dating back to 1590. They are 7 meters (22 feet) long and 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide and can hold 18 people. The title of oarsman has been handed down through families for centuries from generation to generation and cannot be given to just anyone. You can also visit the island on an electric wooden boat, rent a rowboat or even swim.
Once on the island you can visit the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary or the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake. Although there has been a church on this island since the 9th century, the current church was built in the late 17th century. Leading up to the church is a baroque staircase with 99 steps. There are many weddings held at this church and tradition states that for a long and happy marriage, the groom has to carry the bride up the 99 steps while the bridge remains absolutely silent. Once inside, there is a beautiful gold alter piece dating to the mid 1700s. Make sure to ring the church bell three times to make a wish come true. This bell was made in 1534. Also make sure to climb the clock tower for gorgeous lake views. If you are feeling hungry and want to stop for a snack, there is a small cafe and tourist shop on the island.
Expert tip: Just be aware that if you swim to the island, someone will need to bring you clothes as you can't enter the church in a wet swimming suit.
Back on the shore there is plenty more to do. Fijakers (or cabs) are horse drawn carriages with a long tradition in Bled. Like the pletna boats, the profession of Fijaker driver has been passed down from father to son. They wear traditional dress of black pants, a white shirt, black hat and black embroidered vest. While the wheels of the carriages now have rubber, the rest of the carriages have remained the same throughout the centuries. You can take these carriage rides around the lake or up to the castle. There are plenty of other ways to get around Lake Bled as well. You can walk, rent bikes or e-bikes and, in the warmer months, there is a tourist train that takes you around the lake.
The nearby mountains provide plenty of other outdoor activities in the area that are perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Some of them include rock climbing, ballooning, paragliding, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, zip-lining and caving. An alpine slide is available in the summer months as well.
Bled castle sits atop a cliff with spectacular views of the lake. The history of the castle dates back to 1004. After being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1511, the castle was rebuilt into the structure we now see. Today there is a museum in the upper courtyard. There is also a restaurant and souvenir shop. Many cultural events take place in the castle during the summer such as concerts and festivals.
How to get there: The town of Bled is a small resort town on the lake. It is an ideal choice to use as a home base if you have a few days in the area. You can reach Lake Bled in under an hour (about 45 minutes) by car from the nation's capital of Ljubljana. If you don't want to drive, there is a direct train from Ljubljana that takes about an hour and a half. There are also numerous day trips from Ljubljana that you can purchase if you prefer to join a tour or hire a private guide.
Lake Bohinj
Located in Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is the largest natural lake in Slovenia with a length of 4.2 km (2.5 miles) and a width of 1 km (0.6 miles). It is located about an hour northwest of Ljubljana. This tranquil lake, with crystal clear water, is a perfect spot for all kinds of water sports. There is kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating, snorkeling and more. If you want to stay dry, there are many options as well including hiking, biking, horseback riding and paragliding. Because this lake is less crowded than Lake Bled, it offers a more serene experience and is a great place to relax and go at your own pace. The lake is a starting point for many hiking trails, including the ascent to Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak.
If you would rather ride up to mountain peaks instead of walk, you can hop on the Vogel cable car. The gondola takes you up to Brown rock 1000 meters (3200 feet) above the lake. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the perfect lake below as well as the awe-inspiring mountains, including Mount Triglav, and the scenic countryside. Besides the view, there is plenty to do once you reach the top. This is the starting point for many hikes of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. There are also restaurants if you are hungry and you can go even higher by taking the Orlove glave four-seater chairlift. Once you exit the chairlift make sure to ring the wishing bell to make a wish come true.
How to get there: There are three small villages around Lake Bohinj: Ukanc, Stara Fuzina and Ribcev Laz where you will find accommodaion options. To reach the lake, it is about an hour drive from Ljubljana. The town of Bohinjska Bistrica is the largest settlement in the area and has very good bus and rail connections to Ljubljana. On weekends and holidays there is a shuttle bus that runs from the town to the lake. Bohinjska Bistrica is also a great home base to explore the area as it has accommodation options, shopping and restaurants.
Lake Jasna
Set at the foot of the Julian Alps near the alpine resort town of Kranjska Gora, Lake Jasna is an artificial lake made up of two interconnected lakes. The formation of the lakes was for the purpose of tourism. These man-made lakes are known as the alpine mirror because of the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountain peaks in the crystal-clear turquoise waters.This area is a popular fishing spot but only fly-fishing is allowed. It is also known for summer swimming and winter ice skating. There are piers perfect for sunbathing or jumping off. There is also a 6 meter high viewing platform for gorgeous views (or jumping off as well). You can often enjoy musical performances in the evening. Listening to music with the background of the stunning mountains is an ideal way to spend an evening. The paths surrounding the lakes are well maintained making for a lovely walk. An iconic bronze statue of the Goldhorn (Zlatorog), a mythical chamois from Slovenian folklore, sits on the edge of the lake.
The Kneipp barefoot path is located close to the lake. The path is made of stones with cold mountain water running over them. It is meant to have health benefits as the cold water is said to revitalize and strengthen the immune system. Massaging your feet on the different sized stones is relaxing and good for blood pressure. Also in the area is horseback riding, biking and hiking.
How to get there: Located near the border of Italy and Austria, Lake Jasna is about an hour drive from Ljubljana, 30 minutes from Villach Austria and 25 minutes from Tarvisio, Italy. If you need to take public transportation there are buses that run from Ljubljana to Krangska Gora. From there it is a 20 minutes walk to the lake. Of course, there are always day trips/tours available as well.
Cerknica Lake
One of Slovenia's most fascinating natural phenomena, Cerknica Lake is one of Europe's largest intermittent lakes. An intermittent lake is one where the water level changes dramatically, often draining completely and then filling up again. This lake covers up to 38 km² (23miles) when full, becoming the largest lake in the country, but can also completely disappear. It is fed by underground springs and drained by sinkholes and subterranean reservoirs. During the dry season of summer, the lake drains into the reservoirs and the bed is quickly covered in vegetation. When heavy rains return, subterranean passages are filled creating the lake. These changes are very irregular. There can be times when the lake does not disappear for years or it can remain dry for a whole year. In a typical year however, the lake changes dramatically with seasons, creating a unique ecosystem. The water usually stays for about 8 months.
The area has been designated a wetland of international importance. It is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 250 bird species recorded (half of all European species). There are 45 mammal species, 125 butterfly species and 15 amphibian species. It is also rich in fish, which come and go with the water. Besides enjoying the interesting fauna, there is hiking, biking, boating and hay rides available. You can rent your own boat or there are also tour operators offering organized boat tours. There is a museum of Lake Cerknica which even has a working model of the lake.
How to get there: Cerknica lake is located in the southwestern part of Slovenia with the town of Cerknica located nearby. To get there, it is about a 30 minute drive from Ljubljana. You can also take a train or a bus but you will have to walk, bike or get local transportation for the last few minutes.
The Triglav Lakes
The Triglav Lakes are a series of seven scenic lakes located in Triglav National Park (the country's only national park), which is named after the highest peak in the country, Mount Triglav. This area is also known as the Valley of the seven lakes or Triglav Lakes valley. A glacial alpine valley, this area is home to gorgeous lakes, stunning mountain vistas and beautiful plants and flowers.
Even though there are more than 7 lakes and ponds in this valley, many of them dry up during the year, leaving the seven that make the name. These are: the Black Lake, the Green Lake, the Brown Lake, the Great Lake, the Double Lake, the pool in Lastah, and the lake at Podstenje. Each lake has a distinct character and they are only accessible by hiking. There is a 31km (19 mile) trail that passes all 7 lakes. Besides exploring the lakes, you will pass through forests, meadows, and valleys viewing spectacular panoramic vistas. Along the way you can stay in mountain huts and enjoy traditional hut food. The whole trek takes about 9-12 hours. It is usually done in two days but can be done in one full day if you are very fit. There are many different paths in the area giving you options for what to see and do. If seeing all seven lakes is daunting, or you don't have the time, it is still well worth it to come and see one or two.
As the Slovenian government is trying to preserve the pristine nature of this valley, swimming and other recreational activities are strictly prohibited in the lakes. Picking flowers and making fires is also prohibited. The leave no trace policy is enforced, so be respectful and aware of your choices.
How to get there: If you are arriving by car, it is an hour and a half drive from Ljubljana. If you are taking public transportation there is a shuttle bus from Bohinj, but the lakes are only accessed by hiking.
Zelenci Lake and nature reserve
Located near the Italian and Austrian borders, just behind the village of Podkoren, Zelenci is a nature reserve centered around a small lake and springs. Surrounding the lake is a swampy area or marsh that is home to many species of interesting plants and animals. This 15 hectare area was declared a nature reserve in 1992. The water of the lake comes from a very clean and cold spring that bubbles up through a layer of lake chalk. This gives the lake a bright turquoise color. This spring is also the source of the Sava River, which is the longest river in the country and ultimately joins the Danube. If you look closely you can see the water bubbling up from the springs in what looks like jacuzzi jets or little volcanoes. The water does not freeze in the winter. It has a constant temperature of 6 degrees Celsius or 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is a special wooden footbridge and walkways so you can explore the lake and the surrounding swampy area without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. It only takes about half an hour to walk around the reserve and the wooden walkways are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Swimming is not allowed.
How to get there: The two best ways to reach Zelenci is to drive or join a tour. It is located very close to lake Jasna and Kranjska Gora. There is local transportation in the area so look at bus schedules, but you will have to walk 15 to 20 minutes from the closest bus stop.
Slovenia as a whole places a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism and conservation. Many of these lakes are protected within national parks or nature reserves. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect local regulations to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.
From the world-famous Lake Bled to the lesser-known gems like Zelenci, Slovenia's lakes offer a diverse array of natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply awe-inspiring landscapes, the lakes of Slovenia provide an unforgettable experience. As you explore this small but incredibly diverse country, take the time to discover these aquatic treasures – each with its own story, ecosystem, and breathtaking views.
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