Slovenia is known for its amazing and picturesque lakes. If you are looking for an amazing photo opportunity at Slovenian Lakes, here are our top 5 most Instagrammable lakes – Lake Jasna, Lake Bohinj,
1. LAKE JASNA IN KRANJSKA GORA
The lake is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the majestic Julian Alps. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop that’s perfect for photography. It is one of the most recognizable and popular sights of Kranjska Gora.
The vibrant turquoise color of the lake’s waters is incredibly eye-catching and photogenic. This color is caused by mineral deposits and gives the lake an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality.
The lake boasts magnificent backdrop scenery of two striking mountains Razor and Prisank, so a stroll around the lake is a true feast for the eyes and a heaven for photographers. If you pay close attention, you will also be able to see the famous Prisank window, one of the largest natural windows in Slovenia. At the spot, you can take unforgettable photos with Kosobrin from Kekec, the well-recognized youth literature tale, or next to a proud bronze statue of a Capricorn.
How to get to Kranjska Gora from Ljubljana?
Jasna Lake is easily accessible from Kranjska Gora, a popular tourist destination in Slovenia. Its proximity to the town makes it a convenient spot for visitors to capture stunning photos without having to travel far.
There is a parking place right next to it but it can get full quite quickly so we recommend parking in Kranjska Gora and then have a nice, scenic walk to the lake. It will take you about 15-20 minutes from Kranjska Gora.
By Car
Driving from Ljubljana to Lake Jasna is the most direct and convenient option. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route you take. From Ljubljana, you’ll head northwest towards Kranj and then continue on the E61 highway towards Jesenice. From Jesenice, follow the signs to Kranjska Gora, where Lake Jasna is located.
By Bus
While there isn’t a direct bus route from Ljubljana to Lake Jasna, you can take a bus to Kranjska Gora and then walk or take a taxi to Lake Jasna. Buses from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora operate regularly, with a journey time of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Once you arrive in Kranjska Gora, Lake Jasna is a short distance away, and you can easily reach it on foot or by taxi.
By Train and Bus (no direct connection by train only)
Another option is to take a train from Ljubljana to Jesenice and then transfer to a bus to Kranjska Gora. Trains from Ljubljana to Jesenice run frequently and take about 1 hour. From Jesenice, you can catch a bus to Kranjska Gora, which takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Once in Kranjska Gora, you can reach Lake Jasna by walking or taking a taxi.
By Organized Tour
If you prefer a guided experience, you may find organized tours from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora or the Julian Alps region, which often include visits to Lake Jasna as part of the itinerary.
Activities
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Jasna Lake offers various recreational activities such as walking trails, picnicking spots, and opportunities for swimming and paddle boating. These activities add dynamic elements to photos and make the lake a vibrant hub of activity worth capturing.
Lake Jasna truly is one of the most Instagrammable lakes in Slovenia.
2. LAKE BOHINJ
Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Julian Alps, Bohinj Lake boasts a spectacular alpine backdrop that captivates photographers and travelers alike. The pristine natural surroundings, with dense forests and rugged mountains, provide endless opportunities for stunning landscape shots. Of glacial origins, lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia. It lies in the heart of Triglav National Park (TNP) and is one of the most beloved natural sights, as well as one of the most popular lakes. With its size, it offers a multitude of ways for actively spending leisure time, in and around the water, in all seasons of the year.
Similar to Jasna Lake, Bohinj Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear, emerald-green waters. This clarity creates mesmerizing reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky, enhancing the visual appeal of photographs taken at the lake.
Unlike some more crowded tourist destinations, Bohinj Lake retains a tranquil and unspoiled atmosphere. The peaceful surroundings and relatively undeveloped shoreline contribute to its allure as a serene and photogenic destination.
How to get to Lake Bohinj (from Ljubljana)?
Bohinj Lake is a popular location in Slovenia so there are good transport connections to get there.
By car
It is very quick and easy to get to Bohinj Lake with car, follow the main road from Bled. You will need a vignette from Ljubljana to Bled but not from Bled to Bohinj. There are many parking places near the Lake but make sure you don’t leave your car on unregistered parking spots as fines can be huge.
By Bus
You can catch a bus from Ljubljana which also goes and stops via big towns such as Kranj, Radovljica, Bled. Bus journey from Ljubljana to Bohinj Lake takes about 2 hours – about 2 hours and a half in summer months as there is more traffic around.
By Train
You can get a train from Ljubljana via Kranj, Radovljica and to Jesenice. You will then have to change at Jesenice and your stop for Bohinj Lake is Bohinjska Bistrica. From there you can take a bus (about 15 minutes), drive or you can rent a bike to get to Bohinj Lake.
Activities
The lake’s natural beauty is complemented by a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, kayaking, and swimming. These activities not only provide opportunities for adventure but also add dynamic elements to photographs, showcasing the lake’s recreational appeal.
The walking path surrounding the lake is some 12 kilometers long – you can walk, run, or take a bike, in any case, you will have a great time. But don’t forget to stop and take pictures on your way.
3. LAKE BLED
Lake Bled is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the Julian Alps and dense forests. The emerald-green lake with its crystal-clear waters is captivating and provides a breathtaking backdrop for photographs.
At the center of Lake Bled lies Bled Island, home to the iconic Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage Church. The church with its distinctive spire and the island itself create a postcard-perfect scene that’s irresistible for photographers.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake is Bled Castle, one of the oldest castles in Slovenia. Its medieval architecture adds to the charm of the area and provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings.
Lake Bled is the biggest tourist attraction in Slovenia. With the world’s only natural island on a freshwater lake, it serves as a true icon for Slovenes. The lake is of glacial origin and is relatively young at ˝just˝ 9000 years.
Its beauty shines especially bright if you mount one of the hills surrounding the lake: Mt. Ojstrica or the twin peaks of Mala or Velika Osojnica. You’ll observe a charming view of the lake, with its island, castle and surrounding snow-covered mountains. What a perfect opportunity to take a picture or even a selfie! If you are not in it for a short hike to mt. Osojnica we recommend you take your camera and walk around lake Bled. The path is around six kilometers long and you will be able to take a photo of islands every angle.
How to get to Lake Bled (from Ljubljana)?
By Car
Driving from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is the most convenient option if you prefer flexibility and independence. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Simply follow the A2 highway towards Jesenice, then take the exit for Bled and follow signs to Lake Bled.
By Bus
Bus company Arriva operate regular routes between Ljubljana and Bled, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can catch a bus from the main bus station in Ljubljana (Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana) or from other designated bus stops in the city or in the cities on the route (Kranj, Medvode, Radovljica, Lesce).
By Train
While there isn’t a direct train connection between Ljubljana and Bled, you can take a train to the nearby town from Bled, which is Lesce, and then transfer to a bus or taxi for the remaining journey to Lake Bled, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Trains from Ljubljana to Lesce-Bled run regularly and take approximately 1 hour.
By Organized Tour
If you prefer a hassle-free option with guided transportation, you can join an organized tour from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Many tour companies offer day trips to Lake Bled, often combined with visits to other nearby attractions such as Bled Castle or Vintgar Gorge.
Activities
From leisurely boat rides on traditional wooden Pletna boats to exploring the surrounding hiking trails and cycling routes, there are plenty of activities to engage in at Lake Bled. Each activity offers unique vantage points for capturing memorable shots.
You can visit Bled Castle, enjoy the amazing views and try the traditional dessert Bled Cream Cake (Blejska kremšnita). There is a tourist train that goes around the lake.
Head to the Island where you can enjoy beautiful scenic landscape and you can ring a bell at Mary’s Church to make a wish.
4. LAKE PLANŠAR
On the fourth place of most Instagrammable lakes in Slovenia is Planšarsko lake or Lake Planšar, located in wonderful Jezersko, is a heart-shaped lake, made by the locals to commemorate a large glacial lake, which gave Jezersko its name. Cute, isn’t it? To truly capture the shape of the lake we recommend using a drone.
Lake Planšar may not be as well-known internationally as Lake Bled but it still offers plenty of charm and beauty that make it worthy of Instagram.
We are sure it will inspire you too, to take some amazing pictures with mountains as the perfect backdrop.
How to get to Lake Planšar (from Ljubljana)?
By Car
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Planšarsko jezero. The lake is located in the Jezersko Valley, approximately 50 kilometers north of Ljubljana. From Ljubljana, take the A2 highway towards Kranj. Near Kranj, take the A1 highway towards Jesenice. After passing Jesenice, take the exit for Kranj and continue on the road towards Tržič. Follow signs for Jezersko. Once you reach Jezersko, you’ll find signs directing you to Planšarsko jezero.
By Bus
While there isn’t a direct bus route from Ljubljana to Planšarsko jezero, you can take a bus to Jezersko and then walk or take a taxi to the lake. Buses from Ljubljana to Jezersko operate regularly, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive in Jezersko, Planšarsko jezero is within walking distance from the village center.
By Organized Tour
Alternatively, you may find organized tours or guided excursions that include visits to Planšarsko jezero as part of their itinerary. These tours often depart from Ljubljana or nearby cities and provide transportation to and from the lake, along with additional sightseeing opportunities in the region.
Activities
At Planšarsko jezero, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities amidst the beautiful alpine scenery, including hiking on scenic trails, fishing for trout, picnicking along the lakeshore, renting rowboats or paddleboats for boating, capturing stunning photographs of the landscape, observing local wildlife, and exploring nearby attractions in the Jezersko Valley.
5. LAKE ZELENCI
A turquoise lake with uniquely blithering volcanoes!
Zelenci or Zelenci Nature Reserve, an emerald lake on the northern edge of the Triglav National Park, are the remnants of a large former Podkoreško lake.
The water is crystal clear and we can see right to the bottom of the lake, which is up to two meters deep. The trout and some endangered animal and plant species live in the Zelenci Nature Reserve. So make sure you have your camera ready if you want to catch them in action. At the spot, you will be able to visit the lookout tower from which you can get the perfect photo of Zelenci with the tall mountains in the background.
It is a very popular and Instagrammable spot for photography lovers as the lake is extremely picturesque and generous with all the shades of green.
How to get to Lake Zelenci (from Ljubljana)?
By Car
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Lake Zelenci from Ljubljana. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the route you choose. From Ljubljana, take the A2 highway towards Kranj. Near Kranj, take the A1 highway towards Jesenice. From Jesenice, follow signs for Kranjska Gora. Lake Zelenci is located near the town of Kranjska Gora, and there are signs directing you to the lake.
By Bus
While there isn’t a direct public transportation route from Ljubljana to Lake Zelenci, you can take a bus to the nearest town with public transport. Take a bus from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora, which takes approximately 1.5 hour. From Kranjska Gora, you can either walk or take a taxi or cycle to Lake Zelenci, which is located a few kilometers away from the town center.
By Organized Tour
Alternatively, you may find organized tours or guided excursions that include visits to Lake Zelenci as part of their itinerary. These tours often depart from Ljubljana or nearby cities and provide transportation to and from the lake, along with additional sightseeing opportunities in the region.
Activities
At Lake Zelenci, visitors can engage in various activities such as nature walks to explore the wetlands, photography to capture the scenic beauty, birdwatching to observe diverse bird species, relaxation and picnicking amidst the tranquil atmosphere, educational interpretation of the ecological significance, hiking to discover nearby natural attractions, and environmental conservation efforts to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Summarized by the author of the book, Slovenia Lakes, Manca Korelc.
To learn more about the Slovenian Lakes, purchase the Slovenia Lakes book, here.
THE Slovenia Lakes
Let us know in the comments below which of the Slovenian lakes you have visited already? Don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram using #theslovenia or #sloveniawonders!
