Visiting Lake Bohinj in Slovenia with Inghams

Wild Flowers, Schnapps and Dragons

My Slovenian experience with Inghams continues as we leave Lake Bled and drive south for an hour to Lake Bohinj. The drive takes us through a glacial valley filled with wild flowers. Lake Bohinj hosts the International Wild Flower Festival each year situated at the centre of the Triglav National Park.

Lake Bohinj Our Inghams guide Marko, who we now all love, tells us that visitors can also travel between the lakes by train. In the summer months, there is a scenic steam train but it is so popular that it has to be booked well in advance.

Our hotel for the night is the 4* Lake Jezero, situated on the edge of the lake. This hotel again is clean and friendly, smaller than Hotel Golf with a pool and sauna and fitness centre. Spa treatments can be booked at reception.

Lake Bohinj is bigger than Lake Bled. A 12km walk will take your around the perimeter. Mountain and electric bikes can be hired opposite the hotel at the Activity Centre. This is a Slow Tourism area set in the centre of Triglav National Park, which means that there are no buzzing motorboats or jet skis to spoil the tranquillity. The only ripple on the water is created by a passing swan, kayak or electric boat which ferries visitors from one end of the lake to the other. This again is a walkers paradise.

Savica waterfall Marko likes to keep us on the go, so off we go to see Savica waterfall. 575 vertical steps later (I counted them!) we find not one but two waterfalls plunging 78m to the lake below.

Thankfully, to catch a glimpse of top of the highest mountain in the Julian Alps, Mount Triglav, we can take a cable car, as this is a popular ski area in the winter months. There is also a chair lift to take you higher still.  Shedding its cloak of cloud for us today, Triglav is still snow-capped and looking very impressive standing at 2,864 metres.

The 2 week programme for the International Wild Flower Festival is very impressive. There is really something for everyone. Walks, talks by botanists, photographic workshops on how to photograph wild flowers, even yoga and meditation classes. Lectures on Flowers in the Kitchen, concerts in the forest and exhibitions of embroidery with flower motifs. This setting is so tranquil and spell binding that I think everyone will be soothed into a peaceful state of mind. I read that there are 4,000 species of wild flower and plant in Slovenia and a visit to the Alpine Botanical Garden Juliana, which was founded in 1926, has 600 different plant species. There are 40 species and sub species of wild orchid alone.  

Market day in Ljubljana Before we leave it is time for us to sample schnapps as an aperitif. Marko tells us that his grandfather’s home brewed plum schnapps is 60% proof! I could grow to like this fire water.

Our exploration of Slovenia with Inghams draws to a close but before the airport farewells we visit Ljubljana. In 2016 this fine city was awarded the title of European Green Capital.

On the approach to the capital city I am reminded that Slovenia was once ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and see architectural influences from that period. I am then delighted to see really fine examples of Art Deco. Ljubljana is also called the Venice of Slovenia. Ljubljanica canal snakes around the old town protectively and supports a very impressive colonnade. To cross the canal you have to run the gauntlet with fierce dragons who stand on guard at Dragon Bridge.

Today is Saturday, market day and Slovenians are out in force. The cafe culture is vibrant with sun starved Europeans promenading. Cobbled streets fit snugly around the feet of the castle above, which is the green oasis of the city. Dragons Streets encircle St. Nicholas Cathedral which in turn looks down on the central market. Stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and local chocolate fill the square and long tables under canvas act as pop-up eating places.  An ‘Oompah’ band is building up a sweat while  burly men stir huge cauldrons of goulash. Equally burly women pound dough for fresh dumplings. The atmosphere is buzzing.

I could have spent much more time in this fine city. It offers green spaces, environmentally friendly public transport, pedestrian ways, museums, galleries, restaurants and fine buildings. A day’s excursion from the lakes will give you a taste of what is on offer in Ljubljana.

I decide that neither Dragons nor potent schnapps will keep me away from visiting Slovenia once more and exploring further. It is a safe, clean and beautiful destination.

More information

Inghams offer 7 nights H/B at the 4* Hotel Jezero, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia from £575 per person departing May 2017.

Price includes flights from London Gatwick to Ljubljana and resort transfers.

For further information and to book visit www.inghams.co.uk or call 01483 791116.

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Inghams Lakes & Mountains

Read about Lake Bled

211 people found this helpful
18304

Share Article:

Kay Wiseman

Optimistic traveller & wordsmith

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.