Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj Walk

You stay at: Hotel Tripic, Bohinj Bistrica (breakfast and evening meals included) OR Hotel Jezero, Ribčev Laz (breakfast and evening meals included)

Walks Around Lake Bled Between two rivers to Talež 15 KM/ 9.5 MI/ 5 HRS This circular route from Bled will give you an ideal introduction to the area around the town. It includes a stroll through attractive meadows, visits two of the largest rivers in the area and then takes you up to a koča (hut), from where you have extensive views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The Lake Bled Circuit 6 KM/ 4 MI/ 1.5 HRS Lake Bled is very beautiful and a walk round should not be missed. Mostly it is combined with our Osojnica walk, which gives the classic overview of Lake Bled, the combination giving a good introduction to the Bled area. The circuit could include a swim at the castle bathing area. Another option would be to catch a boat at the far end and visit the island of Otok. Visitors staying at Bohinj would no doubt wish also to spend some time in the tourist resort of Bled itself, making this a truly leisurely day. On the other hand, you could also combine with the walk towards Babji Zob, thereby making a much longer day. Above Lake Bled on Osojnica 3 KM/ 2 MI/ 1.5 HRS The most famous views of Lake Bled are from up here. The walk is very short but is steep and rough in parts; at one or two points it is briefly and slightly vertiginous. The walk starts and ends at the far end of Lake Bled so it makes sense to combine it with the Lake Bled Circuit. Vintgar Gorge 13 KM/ 8 MI/ 3.5 HRS Vintgar Gorge is a must-see spectacle. Vintgar Gorge is about 1.5km long and over 90m deep, with rapids, green pools and rock faces, and a surprising number of trout. The path is mostly narrow, with walkways skilfully constructed out over the river from the rockfaces and several bridges. Progress can be slow because of the quantity of sightseers, but this matters not because Vintgar should be savoured slowly. Below Babji Zob, the Old Hag's Tooth 11 KM/ 7 MI/ 3.5 HRS Babji Zob is a striking perpendicular rock standing out at the end of the limestone Jelovica hills, south of Bled, and is said to resemble an old woman's tooth. (The tooth is still there, but the old hag is long gone!! You will have to use your imagination!). Our walk explores the delightful countryside and villages on its slopes, and in the Sava Bohinjka valley. Walks Around Lake Bohinj Around the lower Bohinj Valley 17KM/ 11 MI/ 5 HRS On the north side are excellent views of the valley and attractive alpine meadows. On the south side of the valley the route goes through relatively unwalked countryside and generally shows off the attractive Bohinj farmland, mixed woodlands and villages. Savica Waterfall 8 KM/ 5 MI/ 2.5 HRS A steady climb from the lake on a clear track to the parking area and restaurants is followed by a short section from the pay kiosk up 580 (!) steps to the waterfall. Our return route takes a quiet, pleasant cross-country route, but alternatives are offered. All variants of this walk can be combined with the Lake Bohinj circuit. The Mostnica River and Gorge 16 KM/ 10 MI/ 4.5 HRS This is a low-level walk which follows a wonderfully sculptured narrow limestone gorge with green pools and rapids before entering a lovely alpine pasture full of wildflowers. There is a shady waterfall at the far end of the walk and two cafes along the way to refresh a tired walker. The walk is either side of the gorge to maximise what can be seen. A small fee is payable for walking along the gorge. The rocky slopes of Vogel 12 KM/ 7.5 MI/ 5 HRS OR 8KM/ 5 MI/ 3.5 HRS This is a mountain walk with good paths. Vertigo sufferers should avoid the walk from point 1615m up to Vogel but could enjoy the lower option which does not involve scrambling. Either walk has extensive views of the Julian Alps and the Bohinj valley with those opting for the summit of Vogel also enjoying vistas to the south. The wooded heights of Pršivec 15 KM/ 9.5 MI/ 6.5 HRS North of Lake Bohinj is a high, wooded area rising to the peak of Pršivec, dotted with several small planinas or open pastures. One or two brief parts are exposed, so those easily prone to vertigo should give it a miss, but for those who undertake it, this route should provide a good, 'away from it all' feeling. If you have enough time you may wish to sample one of the mountain inns. Walks Around Triglav National Park Vrata valley and Peričnik waterfalls 17 KM/ 11 MI/ 4.5 HRS This side valley walk, climbs from the main Sava Dolinka valley to the foot of Triglav, it is mostly easy going with the notable exception of the steep climb to the waterfalls. This is well worth the effort because you can experience the waterfalls from close range. Pokljuka's forests and the ridge to Debela Peč 16 KM/ 10 MI/ 6.5 HRS High above the remote Pokljuka Forest lies the attractive alpine Planina (pasture) Lipanca with its profusion of wildflowers, below the summit of Debela Peč. The path is well waymarked, steep in places, but well worth the effort for the outstanding views.