One of the most popular hikes in the Triglav National Park is the Savica Waterfall hike right above Lake Bohinj – and for good reason! The view at the end of the trail of the Savica Waterfall is absolutely beautiful.

Since the official hike to the Savica Waterfall is a bit more touristy and quite a short walk, we recommend hiking to Savica Waterfall all the way from Lake Bohinj.

By combining the two trails, you get a full-day hike out of it. You start off by walking along the beautiful Lake Bohinj before connecting up towards the Savica Waterfall trail.

In this post, we’ve written out the trail details for the combination of the Bohinj Lake Trail and the Savica Waterfall Trail. That way, you don’t have to try connecting the two yourself!

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Everything you need to about the hike from Bohinj to Savica Waterfall

Since we’re combining two trails here, this turns out to be one of the longer hikes you can do in the Triglav National Park. However, it really isn’t that challenging when you look at the elevation.

The majority of the hike is spent walking around Lake Bohinj which is a completely flat trail. Only on the last third of the hike, the elevation kicks in up until you reach the waterfall.

Savica Waterfall is one of the more popular places to visit near Lake Bohinj. Even during the off-season, the last section of the trail (the official waterfall trail) gets quite busy. It’s understandable though as the view of Savica Waterfall is incredible.

Since that section is quite busy and short we found it worth actually starting the hike in Bohinj and walking around the lake along the Bohinj Lake Trail before connecting to the waterfall trail.

You don’t avoid the tourists at the end but this way you get to enjoy the first section of the hike to yourself with time to admire the lake. It’s very relaxing, and then near the end, you can connect with the trail up to Savica.

This way it turns into an actual hike and not just a short little viewpoint walk! Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But if you want to get a full-day hike out of it then starting in Bohinj and hiking all the way to the waterfall is the best way to do it.

Practical information about the Bohinj to Savica Waterfall hike

Distance: 17.2 km return / 10.7 miles return
Elevation: Roughly 370 m / 1215 ft. elevation gain
Type: In-and-out trail
Length: 5.5 to 6.5 hours total (including a break at the waterfall and for coffee)
Difficulty: Moderate-hard
Fee to enter: €3 per person + parking
Rating: 4/5 

Click here to see a map of the beginning of the Bohinj to Savica Waterfall hike.

Here’s a picture of the beginning of the Bohinj to Savica Waterfall hike:

Dom standing in front of the trail map for the Lake Bohinj Trail
Dom standing in front of the trail map for the Lake Bohinj Trail

Starting on the Bohinj Lake Trail at the edge of Lake Bohinj

As we mentioned above, the starting point on this side of the lake is going to be significantly less crowded than driving all the way to the Savica Waterfall trailhead.

You still have to pay for parking down by the lake in Bohinj next to the Lake Bohinj Trail but at least it’s easy to get to and there’s a lot more room.

You pay hourly so expect to be gone 5-6 hours. It’s somewhere around €2-3 an hour. Alternatively, you can leave your car at your accommodation if you live close by and then you save that money.

The view from this side looking at the lake is amazing!

Lake Bohinj as seen from the beginning of the Lake Bohinj Trail

Right at the beginning of the Lake Bohinj Trail, there are quite a few good photo opportunities to capture the whole lake. On a clear day, you may even be able to see all the way across the lake and capture the beautiful mountain peaks above.

It seems like a long way to go to get to the waterfall but you’ll notice you cover ground quite quickly since it’s such an easy trail. A good chunk of the hike is spent on the Bohinj Lake Trail which is super easy and flat.

A fun fact is that this hike actually starts on a small section of the Juliana Trail which is a famous trail in Slovenia. It’s a 270-km-long trail that loops around Triglav National Park.

Continuing on the Bohinj Lake Trail up towards Savica Waterfall

Lots of people do the Bohinj Lake Trail and just walk around the whole lake. This is a really nice and easy walk and perfect if you’re looking for something easy to do around Bohinj Lake.

BUT… We prefer connecting it to the Savica Waterfall to make the trail longer and with even more beautiful views. Also, the second half of the Bohinj Lake Trail is slightly boring as you’ll be walking on the road instead of a path…

The lake is quite big so the Bohinj Lake Trail does feel like it goes on for a while. Especially during the middle section when you’re about halfway along the lake, there aren’t many views of the lake.

Luckily on your right-hand side, you have the beautiful mountains that make up the Triglav National Park!

The Vogar Viewpoint (another amazing hike) actually has its viewpoint somewhere just above you…

So there’s still a lot to take in for views even though you’re stuck in between the trees for the first portion of the hike. Enjoy this section because it doesn’t stay flat forever and soon the incline begins!

Up the mountain towards the Savica Waterfall trailhead

There’s one important direction you don’t want to miss where the Bohinj Lake Trail connects to Savica Waterfall!

Once you hit the beach area on the west side of Lake Bohinj there will be a trail with some markings “Pot Juliusa/12b”. You can look at the trail map up to Savica Waterfall here. 

Basically, this is the point where you get off the Bohinj Lake Trail and actually start making your way up the mountain towards the waterfall. It’s not the most obvious turnoff but once you see the markers and the signs hopefully you won’t miss it! 

On this section, you get to hike on a beautiful mountain trail to where the entrance to the Savica Waterfall is. 

There’s a road somewhat parallel to this hiking trail where most people will go by car to the entrance. Instead, you get to hike and explore a more undiscovered part of the Triglav National Park on your way to the Savica entrance. 

As you hike up, you’ll get closer and closer to the Savica River which is the river that comes from Savica Waterfall and funnels into Lake Bohinj. 

Once you see the river and hike up a little bit, there will be a little bridge, a few cottages, and most likely a bunch of cars. This is where you finally connect with all the tourists and big groups of people who are also on their way to see Savica Waterfall.

Hiking from the parking lot to the Savica Waterfall entrance

If you’re looking to do the short version of the Savica Waterfall hike you can start right from here.

Lots of people drive up to the parking lot for Savica Waterfall and start the hike from here. It’s great if you only have a few hours in Bohinj since it’s so quick.

But if you do have the time and want a proper long hike then the full trail from Bohinj to the parking lot and then to the waterfall is awesome.

One thing we really like about these more touristy places in Slovenia is that they are all well-run and taken good care of.

There are restaurants and toilets at the trailhead of this hike similar to the Mostnica Gorge hike on the other side of Lake Bohinj.

I guess we can’t complain about the €3 fee per person to visit since the money does go into maintaining the trails and everything 😉

We’ll be honest with you though… The restaurant is slightly overpriced. But if you’re just looking for a warm drink or something small it’s okay. If you’re not overly hungry it’s better to wait and grab something in Bohinj after the hike (we have a recommendation further down this post).

You’ll notice it’s a lot busier up here than along the Bohinj Lake Trail since most people come for the waterfall. It makes sense though since it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Bohinj

It is so beautiful up in the mountains above Lake Bohinj. The colour of the Savica River is incredible and hiking next to it is so refreshing.

That’s actually one thing we love about some of the hikes here in Slovenia. The trails we’ve hiked are often right next to rivers or streams and it’s so relaxing and peaceful hiking next to these. 

We also want to mention that this is the section where you really start to feel the uphill even though it’s quite short-lived.

Soon enough you’ll see the little cabin/hut where you have to pay €3 per person to enter the last stretch of the hike to actually see the Savica Waterfall.

The €3 per person goes towards maintaining the trails and back into the beautiful land here to preserve it and maintain it long term.

After you pay, you hike uphill some more before you’ll get rewarded with the most beautiful view of the waterfall!

The last stretch to Savica Waterfall

Once you’ve paid your fee you’re all set to hike the last bit to Savica Waterfall. You can definitely tell money’s been put into the trail since there are steps and staircases almost the whole way to the waterfall. 

There’s a bit of elevation but it’s nothing crazy. It’s only about a 20-minute hike from where you pay to the actual waterfall viewpoint. 

Crowds or not, the view and sound of Savica dumping down is a sight to behold. Looking back towards the lake and seeing the distance you covered from starting at the Julina trailhead at Lake Bohinj all the way here is pretty cool.

Enjoy the moment and even though it may take a few minutes before you get to get a picture of the waterfall. It’s worth it!! 

Once you’ve made it, you’ll see why we recommend hiking from Lake Bohinj all the way here. Otherwise, just the Savica Waterfall Viewpoint is way too short and crowded.

By starting at Lake Bohinj at least you get some trail to yourself and you get to see a lot more.

At the end of the day, whichever way you decide to go, you’ll get to see the powerful Savica Waterfall and it’ll all be worth it.

Making your way back down from Savica Waterfall

Since it is an in-and-out trail, the way back down is the same way you came up.

Remember there’s a restaurant next to the parking lot at the Savica Waterfall trailhead. That’s a good spot to use the toilet, fill up your water, and grab a bite to eat if you’re hungry. 

From there, you still have a few hours back to Bohinj so it’s good to grab some food if you didn’t pack any.

It’s too bad there’s not a nice walking trail on the other side of Bohinj Lake because that way you could see the lake from both sides. 

The Bohinj Lake Trail does go all the way around the lake but we do recommend going back the same way. But, as we mentioned before, the trail on the other side of the lake is next to the busy road that takes you up to Savica Waterfall and it’s not so pleasant walking and constantly hearing the sound of cars driving by. 

At least walking back the same way you came from will give you beautiful views as you get to see the long valley that goes into the distance. It offers a different perspective and the hike back is actually quite nice. 

The last few kilometres are completely flat so it’s a nice way to stretch out your legs and get a break after this fairly long hike. 

Eventually, you’ll get back to the east side of the lake where Bohinj is and where you started the hike earlier in the day.

And then you’ve completed the Bohinj Lake Trail to Savica Waterfall hike!!

It’s long but not very difficult. You’ll get to enjoy both Lake Bohinj and some mountainous terrain along the way. The highlight is without a doubt the picturesque Savica Waterfall, which serves as a captivating finale before heading back.

If you have a whole day to spare for hiking in Bohinj, this trail is an absolute must-try.

Enjoy a nice meal in Lake Bohinj after the hike

This is just a bonus if you’re looking for a delicious meal after the hike. Which you probably will be since you’ve just been out in nature for a few hours. There’s nothing better than a nice sit-down and meal and a beer or coffee after a long hike!

We found a delicious restaurant in Stara Fuzina. The name is Gostilna in Picerija Bohinj and it’s a local restaurant that serves some delicious food.

The service was great and quick, and the variety of food was really nice. They make yummy homemade pizza, pasta, soups, salads, and also some more local meals. So there’s something for everyone there!

It’s a nice place to relax and have a bit to eat or a cup of coffee. In the summer, there is a huge outdoor seating area and in the cooler months, you can cozy up inside.

Sometimes the restaurants right in Bohinj get super busy and this smaller local village only a few minutes away is better to go to.

We also stayed in Stara Fuzina at the Old Mill House so this place was perfect for us. We could just walk there from our accommodation.

What to bring on the Savica Waterfall hike

The nice thing about Bohinj Lake Trail to Savica Waterfall is that there is a restaurant and also a bathroom next to the parking lot.

You can grab a bite to eat, fill up your water bottles (we always bring our LifeStraw bottles), and use the toilet if you need to.

It’s good to know because it means you don’t have to pack as much food if you don’t want to. We always love to snack on hikes so we brought a bunch but if you want a lighter bag then you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant up by Savica Waterfall.

We tend to throw everything imaginable we may need into our backpacks. Everything from a tripod to a power bank and of course snacks. Below is a list of the things we suggest you need for this hike…

Packing list for hiking in Bohinj:

  • ​​Water! We always fill up our LifeStraw bottles before hikes and even during them when we can. You can fill up your water bottle midway through the hike at one of the restaurants at the Savica Waterfall trailhead.
  • Sunscreen is highly recommended when hiking in Slovenia during the summer months. It’s a long hike and there are sections where you will be quite exposed to the sun.
  • A power bank is one of the most underrated things to bring while you hike.
  • Bring some snacks to enjoy while you explore the Lake Bohinj Trail and Savica Waterfall. 
  • It’s always nice to have hiking poles! It’s a long hike and there are definitely points in the hike, especially on your way back where the hiking poles will come in handy.

Where to stay near Lake Bohinj

We have two awesome accommodations we can recommend if you plan to stay near Lake Bohinj for a few days and hike around the Triglav National Park.

The first option is very affordable and tourist-friendly. The second is an authentic stay in Stara Fuzina which is the place where we stayed!

One of the nice things about staying near Lake Bohinj compared to Lake Bled is that it’s way less touristy. You’re also closer to a bunch of amazing hikes, and it’s likely going to be more affordable than if you were to stay in Lake Bled (although it’s very much worth it).

Hostel Pod Voglom

Aerial view of Hostel Pod Voglom next to Lake Bohinj
PC: Hostel Pod Voglom

Hostel Pod Voglom is a hostel located right on Lake Bohinj. If you drive to the Savica Waterfall trailhead you will actually pass right by it.

Hostel Pod Voglom has everything you need to have an awesome time during your stay at Lake Bohinj!

For example, they have canoes and kayaks you can rent and take out on the lake. They also have mountain bikes you can take up and down the mountains near the hostel.

In the winter, they also have lots of fun winter experiences such as snowshoeing and sitting mono skiing!

There’s even a bus stop located right in front of the hostel so it’s super easy to get to from Lake Bled or Ljubljana if you don’t have a car. It’s a great place to stay if you want to meet people and find some adventure friends to explore the area with. 

You can book Hostel Pod Voglom right here.

Old Mill House Stara Fuzina

The Old Mill House is probably one of the coolest places we’ve ever stayed at!

It truly is an Old Mill House that has been passed down from generation to generation. There’s so much history and things to see that are connected to this house and it’s really interesting.

The owners (Maja and her husband) live upstairs and are always happy to help you with whatever you need. They will give you a full guided tour of the place and share some interesting things. They will also give you some good hiking recommendations to do in the area.

The house itself is newly renovated and very nice. You have the whole main floor to yourself and it’s really cozy. This is great if you’re two couples or a family of four travelling together since there are two bedrooms.

There’s also the smaller Old Mill House which is great for singles or a couple as it’s a one-bedroom flat.

Stara Fuzina is only a 3-4 minute drive to Lake Bohinj so it’s super close and convenient!

You can book the Old Mill House right here.

How to get from Ljubljana to Bohinj 

Google map of the route from Ljubljana to Bohinj.

Having a car to explore Slovenia and the Triglav Mountains is probably the easiest way to get between all the different lakes and hiking spots.

It is possible to go by bus, and actually, there is a bus directly from Ljubljana to Bohinj. But it’s just so much more convenient having a car.

Having a car makes it easy to get to the trailheads of most of the hikes. This way you can leave and go as you please without being dependent on being back at a specific time to catch a bus.

Rent a car in Ljubljana 

Renting a car is by far the easiest way to get to Lake Bohinj if you’re travelling from Ljubljana. Especially since this way you don’t have to be time-dependent and can just go as you choose.

This trailhead is easy to get to even without a car but for some of the other hikes in Lake Bohinj, a car is definitely recommended.

Cars are fairly affordable to rent from the Ljubljana Airport and being able to drive will save you lots of time getting to and from all the trailheads.

We always rent cars through DiscoverCars. DiscoverCars allows you to compare the prices between different cars and rental companies. This is the easiest way to find the best deals.

You can look at different rental car options from the Ljubljana Airport here.

Photo of a car rental pickup from Ljubljana to Lake Bled.

Taking the bus to Bohinj

You can actually take a bus directly from Ljubljana that goes through Lake Bled and then stops in Bohinj.

Arriva is the main company that does these bus trips. The buses run daily and quite frequently during peak season (and less frequently during the offseason).

You can also look at all the other ways to get to Lake Bohinj here.

So even if you don’t have a car, it’s not that hard to get to Lake Bohinj. And once you’re in Bohinj you can walk directly to this trailhead!

Before you hike from Lake Bohinj to Savica Waterfall

Check the weather near Bohinj

No matter where you hike, you should always check the weather before you go. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of the hike during a rainstorm and realise you’re still 2 hours from a restaurant or your car.

You can see the weather for Lake Bohinj here which is where the hike starts. This way you’ll have a good idea of what the weather’s like throughout the hike.

Wear hiking shoes

Almost everywhere in Slovenia up in the mountains proper hiking shoes are recommended.

We wear ours on all mountain hikes we do. It makes the hike so much more enjoyable. It’s also a lot safer, especially with all the loose rocks, roots, and other things you find on the trail.

We hiked all around Lake Bohinj in early October and because of all the rain, the majority of the trails were muddy and filled with water.

When is the best time to hike from Bohinj to Savica Waterfall?

One thing which is certain is that if you plan to hike from Bohinj to Savica Waterfall in the summer it’s best to start early in the day.

If you leave at 7 or 8 am from the beginning of Bohinj Lake Trail you can be up at Savica Waterfall before all the crowds of people who make it there in the afternoon. 

Another option is to go later in the day during the summer and hopefully enjoy the waterfall without the crowds. Again the Savica Waterfall is one of the more popular hikes in the Triglav National Par.

At the end of the day, there’s no real bad time to go explore Lake Bohinj and hike up Savica Waterfall as long as the weather is safe for hiking.

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Recap of the Bohinj Lake Trail to Savica Waterfall

The hike from Lake Bohinj to Savica Waterfall is a must-do for anyone looking for a longer hike near Lake Bohinj.

It’s a long and beautiful hike that takes you around Lake Bohinj and then up into the mountains above the lake to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Triglav National Park. 

Despite its length, the trail is not overly difficult, offering a taste of both the stunning lake and the majestic mountains of Triglav National Park.

So, if you’re in Bohinj and have a full day to spare, lace up your hiking boots, hit the trails, and prepare to be awe-struck by the natural beauty that awaits you at Savica Waterfall. Happy hiking!

If you have questions on how to get there then DM us on Instagram @redwhiteadventures or leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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