Bohinj holidays

There are various spots around the lake where you can lay down and soak up the sun or jump in for a swim. The south-west shore tends to be busier - if you'd rather have some space to yourself then you're free to claim any suitable patch you find between the shrubbery.

Camp Zlatorog is said to be the best place for lake bathing on Bohinj - it's a large strip of stony beach with access to gorgeous clear-blue waters and fantastic views.

In Ribčev Laz, there's a lido where you can either sit back and enjoy the sun, or hire a pedalo or boat and explore the lake from the water.

Bohinj hosts a local market every Saturday, which sells a range of native products including clothes, craftworks, cheeses, honey and seasonal produce. It's a great place to experience local delicacies and traditions, and buy picky bits for a classic Slovenian picnic.

If you want to shop for familiar brand names, you'll need to jump on a train to Ljubljana. Whether you explore the huge BTC City, or take a wander down the streets by the river, you're bound to find something lovely to take back home with you.

Watch the sunset over the water while you stroll around the lake, then stop off at Kramar, a quiet bar with light entertainment. Here you can have a glass of wine or a local tipple and reminisce about your day.

During the summer months, there are usually lots of open-air events and live DJ gigs that attract a crowd. The Paviljon Bar is a popular choice - it looks over the lake and is fairly busy almost every evening. If you're around in mid-August, the Midsummer Night festival is a massive party, welcoming everyone to eat and drink, watch musical performances and shows, and marvel at the firework display.

If you love treating yourself to high-quality, delicious and local foods, Bohinj will not disappoint. Traditional Slovenian dishes can be found at a lot of the pubs and restaurants in town. But don't worry if you’re not feeling that adventurous, as Italian and Mediterranean cuisines are available here too. Keep in mind though that Bohinj is made up of lots of villages, so you may have to catch a bus to get to a few of the places.

In the centre of Bohinjska Bistrica is Strud’l, serving a modern take on traditional farmhouse cooking. You can enjoy local favourites like ričet s klobaso – barley porridge served with sausage and beans. And if you like their products, you can buy some to take home.

A great spot for a coffee and cake is Coko-Hram, a small café where everything is homemade. You can pick from a delicious choice of cakes and pralines and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

In the village of Nemški Rovt you’ll find Pension Resje, a restaurant with a lovely terrace and incredibly cheap prices. You’ll receive fine-dining quality dishes that are extremely well presented – it's easy to see the extra care and attention that have gone into them.

Local buses are free if you have bought a Bohinj Guest Card, and you can also get a discount on bus journeys to Lake Bled, which run hourly, and Ljubljana.

There are no ferries on Lake Bohinj but there is a tourist boat that will take you on a tour across the water. There’s also a local guide on board, so you can learn more about the area. A return trip costs approx €10.50 per person.

Catch a ride on the Orlove Glave chairlift up to the top of Mount Vogel, for spectacular views of the valley and access to excellent mountain walks. The lift is open from mid-June to mid-September.

There’s a train station in Bohinjska Bistrica which links to Bled (20 minutes) and even the capital, Ljubljana (2 hours). You can get discount on train services if you purchase a Bohinj Guest Card.

A walk around the lake is a must for anyone visiting Bohinj – it’s the perfect way to get some peace and quiet, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake. You can also take your time wandering between the different hamlets, which each have their own unique feel.

Lake Bohinj will show you nature at its best, with some excellent walks around the lake and further afield. Stroll along the shores of the lake and stop off for a picnic on one of the many beaches - don't forget your swimsuit so you can cool off in the crystal-clear water. You can also take the cable car up to Vogel, a ski resort in winter. The views on the way up are amazing and, at the top, there are graded walking trails. Along the routes, you’ll find several traditional mountain huts where you can try local meat and cheese platters or even boar goulash.

Starting in Ribčev Laz, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Bohinj – and feel free to take your time and stop for a swim or picnic. The path also leads up through woodland to Slap Savica, the source of the Sava River. The whole loop will bring you back to Ribčev Laz, and takes on average four hours without a break.

Another easy walk that winds through shady forest, perfect for a hot summer’s day. Start at the Pri Hrvatu Inn in Srednja Vas and follow the left bank of the stream. The trail follows the course of the water, offering some beautiful scenery, and is gentle enough for children – though the trail does run high above the stream in some places so be wary. The trail ends at the small bridge, and you can return the way you came.