Today was a free day in Bohinj, an area that encompasses Lake Bohinj as well as several small settlements and the town of Bohinjska Bistrica. The area is sometimes compared to Lake Bled, but while there are some similarities, a notable difference that there are a lot fewer tourists and less commercial development in Lake Bohinj– both of which were positives in my book. I had several options for how to spend the day, including hiking, biking, boating, or a combination of all three (My list did not include paragliding and other adrenaline options that might interest others). I opted for a leisurely walk around the lake and a gondola ride up to the Vogel ski area, with more hiking available at the top should I feel energetic.
Mount Triglav says good morning on my way to Lake Bohinj
I was a pretty big ski enthusiast in my younger days - not very good, but enthusiastic. Somehow, chair lifts and gondola rides were never a problem with skis clamped to my feet. Now, however, I'm a bit terrified riding up a steep mountain in a tin can full of strangers. I steeled myself for the Vogel gondola and spent the ride up clinging to a hand rail and looking intently at the floor. Obviously, the trip was without incidence and I was soon looking at the panorama of the Bohinj Group summits, including Mount Triglav, which at 2,863 meters is the highest peak in the Julian Alps and in Slovenia.
I fortified myself with a bowl of soup at the Vogel ski chalet and considered the various hiking routes. I could go up along one of the ski runs, but I was more interested to discover there was a trail back to Ribčev Laz. The lake path I'd taken to Vogel was mostly along the highway rather than the lake, and I thought a hike down from Vogel would be more interesting. I put the route in RWGPS and started down the trail, initially a gravel road that narrowed as it headed downhill. I took care not to slip on the chunky rocks, and managed to take in some additional views of the surrounding peaks. However, I soon came to a painted red arrow directing me to a very narrow, little-used trail that ran through the woods, appearing to drop a bit precipitously off the right side. I paused and considered the fact that I was alone, without hiking poles, and about to take a little-used trail down a mountain side. Not a smart choice - I turned back to brave the gondola ride down.
Panorama view of the the Bohinj Group summits, including Mount Triglav, barely discernible on the right
Steve Miller/GrampiesLooks a bit reminiscent of our bike route from yesterday that sent us back to white knuckle it with the cars on the road. Reply to this comment 2 years ago
With my feet safely touching solid ground, I walked into Ukanc, a town whose name loosely translates as "end of the world." I was just in time to take a boat ride back to Ribčev Laz, during which time I learned a few things about the lake and met two nice women from France who were on their sixth visit to Bohinj. They encouraged me to visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist, which I just learned had some pretty amazing frescoes.
And so ends my free day in Bohinj. Though I didn't sample everything on offer, I'd say it was a day well spent.
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Scott AndersonLooks a lot like our stay there 20 years ago, but with better weather and photos. Congratulations on doing the smart thing on the mountains! Reply to this comment 2 years ago
Susan CarpenterTo Scott AndersonThe weather has been great. And I'm learning that many places here are pretty remote and I need to be aware of my limits. Safety first, as they say. Reply to this comment 2 years ago
