Since visiting Slovenia, I have hardly stopped talking about the country and its undiscovered beauty. Perhaps a little overlooked by many tourists until recently, Slovenia has been hiding its scenic nature away from the eyes of the many.
In recent years, the country has been slowly gaining popularity inspiring travellers with its crystal-clear lakes, dramatic backdrops of the Alps, warm hospitality and abundance of wholesome activities attracting hikers, cyclists, and urban explorers from around the globe.
This small nation of just over two million citizens invites its visitors not only with its green nature and Alpine location, but with its rich cultural heritage, too. Until 1990 what is today Slovenia was a region in the former Yugoslavia, which consisted of a mix of cultures from the neighbouring regions (now independent countries). Having shared heritage with so many nations has meant that the country’s regions still carry very different traditions and even linguistic differences from one another.
Today, many people only visit a small part of Slovenia around its capital Ljubljana and the renowned Lake Bled. Though extremely beautiful, the lake is not the only one that is worth visit. The region of the Julian Alps and lake Bohinj are very strong contenders for your next visit. I headed there to find out more.
Explore beautiful Bohinj, a paradise valley embraced by the Julian Alps
The area of Bohinj is situated in the valley of the Julian Alps and the Mount Triglav, which is the highest peak in Slovenia. Coming to Bohinj feels a little like stepping back in time; there is a certain stillness in the air. The lake sits calmly on the bottom of the mountain, reflecting every movement in its crystal waters. The little houses across the hills are cosily tucked together so that the locals can preserve any land that is good for farming and therefore built houses neatly together on the hills to not take up too much space.
Local legends suggest that Bohinj, which translates as God’s place, was the part of the world that God saved for his retirement. But when he was handing out land to the different nations, he forgot about the people of Bohinj, so he gave them his most loved area.
What to do in and around Bohinj
Connect to nature
There are many things you can do in the region that will make you feel more connected to the surroundings. From hiking up Triglav Mountain, with more than 300km of marked hiking trails; kayaking or swimming through the peaceful waters of Lake Bohinj; cycling the Julian trail in the summer; to heading up to Vogel Mount for skiing in the winter, the region really has a lot to offer.
A personal favourite was an activity which is a less physically demanding yet an equally rewarding experience – engaging in forest therapy. Forest therapy is referred to as a type of wellness tourism which involves spending time in nature and performing meditation such as breath work, meditation, and yoga.
Slovenia is the first and only country in Europe to have an accredited programme teaching forest therapy which benefits both mental and physical health. Experiences such as forest bathing are now offered to tourists through certified consultants who specialise as forest therapy guides.
The experience includes a guided walk through the scenic Poklijuka Forest to a private location, where you are guided through various meditation exercises such as breath work, meditation as well as ‘bathing’ in the sounds of instrumental music.
Due to the high atmospheric pressure caused by the high altitude of the Poklijuka forest in Bohinj, as well as the terpenes in the region, Bohinj has become a prime spot for all things forest therapy.
Visit the Wild Flower festival (May – June)
There really is nothing quite as stunning as a sea of wild flowers blushing in multicolour, trembling from the buzzing of the bees. The local guides here will tell you that because of the locals’ stubbornness and their refusal to cut the grass early on in spring, the region is blessed with fields of wildflowers which are in full bloom from early spring until late summer.
Cuisine in Bohinj
It’s no surprise that a region like this, which focuses so much on its residents’ mental and physical health, offers cuisine that is focused on local produce and family recipes.
As the local Lake Bohinj is the largest glacial lake in Slovenia, it means that it is home to some of the local delicacies – the lake trout. The fish is part of many must-try dishes. Another culinary delight of the region is kobariški štruklji (which are sweet dumplings with walnuts and raisins and can be found in the Soča Valley.
Where to stay in Bohinj?
Bohinj offers various types of accommodation for its visitors, and the alpine-style Hotel Bohinj is the perfect refuge after a long day of forest activities. The design of the hotel is aligned with the peacefulness of the region featuring natural materials, but its main highlight is the view of Mount Triglav reflected in the beautiful Lake Bohinj. You can indulge in relaxation at the spa and enjoy the cryotherapy to rejuvenate your skin, or breathe in the iodine of the salt rooms to give your lungs extra energy for hiking.
Visit Radovljica, one of the most beautiful Slovenian historical towns
If you have an extra day to spend in Slovenia or even a late afternoon flight to catch, you should make a short detour to the town of Radovljica.
This unsuspecting town, which is situated just 20 minutes’ drive from the airport, is known as the sweetest town in Slovenia. The town is famed for two things – its locally-produced honey and its chocolate. The old town of Radovljica is entirely dedicated to its sweet spots, here you’ll find local guides who will greet you in their noticeable hats, which resemble swirling chocolate figures.
You will be taken on a chocolate experience where you can make your own chocolate and, of course, taste it while also learning about the history of the cocoa bean and its connection to the Slovenian town. Every year in April, the town hosts its annual Chocolate Festival attracting chocolate lovers from all over the world.
Radovljica is also home to one of the finest Slovenian Michelin star restaurants, Hiša Linhart, where you can immerse in the local spirit with local dishes with a chocolate twist.
Factbox
This trip was hosted by the Slovenian Tourism Board, Bohinj Tourism Board, and Julian Alps.
Rooms at Hotel Bohinj start at £155 (€180) per night for double occupancy. For more information or bookings visit, hotelbohinj.si.
