Ribcev Laz

Ribčev Laz is the main lakeside settlement on the eastern shore of Lake Bohinj, with a population of around 30 permanent residents. Despite its tiny size, it is the visitor centre of the Bohinj Valley — the arrival point for most day-trippers, the location of the main tourist office, the bus terminus, the boat dock, and the trailhead for the hike to the Savica Waterfall. The settlement is essentially a single cluster of buildings around the bridge where the Sava Bohinjka River flows out of the lake.

The centrepiece of Ribčev Laz is the Church of St. John the Baptist (Cerkev sv. Janeza Krstnika), a 14th-century Gothic church with some of Slovenia's finest preserved frescoes, including a striking depiction of the Last Judgement on the external southern wall. The church and its medieval paintings are the reason many visitors stop here. The bridge next to the church is a favourite photography spot, with the church reflected in the river against the backdrop of the Julian Alps.

Ribčev Laz has no permanent residents' economy separate from tourism — its handful of buildings are hotels, restaurants, and the tourist office. In summer, the grassy shore in front of the hotels is crowded with sunbathers and swimmers. In winter, the settlement is quiet, with only the Hotel Jezero and its wellness centre maintaining year-round operation.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), 55 km south-east. Drive via Bled and the Bohinj Valley road (50 minutes). Alternatively, bus from the airport to Bled (€7, 45 minutes) and then the Bohinj bus to Ribčev Laz (€3, 30 minutes).

By Train

The nearest railway station is Bohinjska Bistrica (2 km east), on the Jesenice–Nova Gorica line with trains every two hours. From the station, take a local bus (€2, 5 minutes) or a taxi (€8) to Ribčev Laz.

By Car / Road

From Bled, take the R2-414 south-west through Bohinjska Bistrica to Ribčev Laz — 25 minutes. Parking is available at a large pay lot just before the bridge (€3 per hour, €12 per day). In peak season, arrive before 09:30 to secure a space. The bus from Bohinjska Bistrica terminus stops at the church square, with hourly departures. Direct summer buses run from Ljubljana's bus station (2 hours 15 minutes, €12).

Ribčev Laz is tiny — everything is within a 5-minute walk. The lake promenade stretches west from the church for 2 km toward the Camp Zaka area. The 12 km lake perimeter path begins here; a full loop on foot takes about 3 hours. The electric tourist boat to the western end of the lake (Ukanc) departs from the dock in front of Hotel Jezero (€12 round-trip, June–September). Rowboats and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent from the same dock.

• Church of St. John the Baptist — A 14th-century Gothic church with exceptional frescoes inside and out. The external Last Judgement fresco on the southern wall is the highlight. Free entry. Open daily 09:00–18:00 (shorter hours in winter). Modest dress required.

• Lake Bohinj — Slovenia's largest natural lake (4.2 km × 1 km, max depth 45 m). Swim from the grassy shore in front of the hotels, or walk east along the shore toward the Sava Bohinjka outflow.

• Sava Bohinjka River Outflow — The point where the lake drains into the river, crossed by a stone bridge next to the church. One of the most photographed spots in the valley.

• Swim in Lake Bohinj — The water is clean, cold (18–22°C in summer), and deeply refreshing. The best swimming access is the grassy area near Hotel Jezero. Free.

• Electric boat cruise — A 45-minute narrated cruise to the far end of the lake and back. Boats depart every 30–60 minutes. €12 round-trip.

• Hike the lake perimeter — The 12 km path around the lake passes through forest, across streams, and past viewpoints. Allow 3 hours at a leisurely pace.

• Picnic on the lakeshore — The grassy banks near the church and the Camp Zaka area are perfect for a picnic with local cheese and bread from Bohinjska Bistrica.

• Hotel Jezero Restaurant (Ribčev Laz 52) — The valley's best restaurant, serving refined Slovenian dishes with a view of the lake. Try the trout or the wild mushroom risotto. Mains €14–22. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
• Gostilna Mihovc (Stara Fuzina 2, 500 m east) — Rustic lakeside tavern with grilled meats, štruklji, and local wines. Mains €10–17. Excellent view of the lake from the terrace.
• Kavarna Bohinj (Ribčev Laz 50) — Simple café with coffee, cake, ice cream, and light snacks. Coffee €2.50. Open daily in summer.

For a drink with a view, the terrace at Hotel Jezero is unbeatable — order a Slovenian white wine (€4 glass) or a coffee and watch the sunset over the lake. Kavarna Bohinj serves takeaway coffee and cold drinks for a lakeside picnic. The bar at Hotel Jezero stays open until 23:00 in summer. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Camp Zaka (1 km west of Ribčev Laz) — Lakeside camping with basic facilities. Pitch from €18 per person. Open June–September.
• Mid-range: Hotel Jezero (Ribčev Laz 52) — A 3-star hotel with a lakefront location, restaurant, wellness centre, and outdoor terrace. Double €120–160 with breakfast.
• Upscale: Guesthouse Mihovc (Stara Fuzina 2) — A traditional Alpine guesthouse with a few rooms above the restaurant, some with lake views. Double €100–140 with breakfast.

The tourist office in the church square sells maps, postcards, and Triglav National Park passes. A small souvenir kiosk near the bus stop sells local honey, herbal teas, and Bohinj cheese. For groceries, the nearest supermarket is in Bohinjska Bistrica (2 km east).

• Savica Waterfall (5 km west, 12 minutes) — One of Slovenia's most famous waterfalls, accessed by a short but steep walk through the forest (€3 entry).
• Vogel Cable Car (6 km west, 15 minutes) — Gondola ride to 1,535 m for panoramic views, summer hiking, and winter skiing.
• Stara Fuzina (500 m east, 5 minutes walk) — The oldest village in Bohinj, with the Alpine Dairy Museum and traditional architecture.
• Bohinjska Bistrica (2 km east, 5 minutes) — The valley's transport hub with shops, restaurants, and the Plečnik-designed railway station.
• Bled (25 km north-east, 30 minutes) — The fairytale lake, castle, and island church — a different but equally beautiful alpine experience.