Lake Bohinj and the lower Soča valley
From Ljubljana through medieval Škofja Loka and Vintgar Gorge to Lake Bohinj, then over to the gorges and waterfalls of Tolmin and Kobarid.
- Distance
- 129 km (80 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 47 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Slovenia
- Updated
- July 19, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 129 km (80 mi) with 9 stops, from Ljubljana to Kobarid. About 1 h 47 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Slovenia · More road trips from Ljubljana
Route description
Leave Ljubljana north-west to Škofja Loka, about 25 km, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia, with a castle museum above two old squares. Continue to Bled and turn off to Vintgar Gorge, where a one-way boardwalk follows the Radovna river through a narrow canyon to a waterfall. Buy tickets online in summer and arrive early for the car park.
From Bled, the road follows the Sava Bohinjka upstream to Ribčev Laz at the eastern end of Lake Bohinj, about 30 km. The lake lies inside Triglav National Park and is far quieter than Bled. Walk or cycle around the shore, swim in summer and take the cable car up Vogel for views of Triglav. Savica Waterfall is a short climb from the car park beyond Ukanc.
To reach the Soča valley, drive back to Bohinjska Bistrica and either put the car on the train through the Bohinj tunnel to Most na Soči, or take the slow mountain roads over Soriška planina and Petrovo Brdo and down the Baška grapa valley. Once in the valley, head for Tolmin and its gorges, where the Tolminka and Zadlaščica meet between cliffs, with a loop path of about an hour.
Continue up the Soča to Kobarid, about 15 km, where a museum tells the story of the First World War battles on the Isonzo front. From town, a path crosses the Napoleon Bridge to Kozjak Waterfall, hidden in a rock chamber. Parking at Bohinj and the gorges is paid and strictly controlled in summer; the mountain passes are steep and narrow for motorhomes.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Ljubljana
Slovenia - 224 km
Škofja Loka
Slovenia - 338 km
Vintgar Gorge
NatureBled, SloveniaA 1.6-kilometre boardwalk along the Radovna river through a narrow gorge north of Bled, ending at a waterfall. The route is one-way and open from spring to autumn; buy tickets online and use the paid car park.
- 425 km
Ribčev Laz
Slovenia - 53 km
Lake Bohinj
NatureRibčev Laz, SloveniaSlovenia’s largest permanent lake, framed by the Julian Alps inside Triglav National Park and much quieter than Bled. Swim, paddle or walk the shore path; parking around the lake is paid and restricted in summer.
- 66 km
Savica Waterfall
NatureUkanc, SloveniaA waterfall splitting into two streams as it drops about 78 metres out of the rock above the western end of Lake Bohinj. From the paid car park it is a 20-minute climb on steps; entry fee.
- 714 km
Tolmin Gorges
NatureTolmin, SloveniaDeep, narrow gorges where the Tolminka and Zadlaščica rivers meet, with a loop path, bridges and a thermal spring. Allow an hour; open from spring to autumn with an entry fee and a car park at the entrance.
- 816 km
Kozjak Waterfall
NatureKobarid, SloveniaA waterfall pouring into a green pool inside a rock chamber, reached by a 30-minute walk from Kobarid via the Napoleon Bridge over the Soča. A small fee is charged at the end of the path.
- 92 km
Kobarid
Slovenia
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Ljubljana → Škofja Loka · 24 km · 0 h 20 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camp Smlednik (8 km); Ljubljana Resort Hotel & Camp (18 km).
- Day 2: Škofja Loka → Vintgar Gorge · 38 km · 0 h 31 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Perun Lipce (3 km); Camping Bled (3 km).
- Day 3: Vintgar Gorge → Savica Waterfall · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOn the way: Ribčev Laz, Lake Bohinj.Overnight nearby, for example: Kamp Bohinj Zlatorog (3 km); Kamp Triglav (10 km).
- Day 4: Savica Waterfall → Kobarid · 33 km · 0 h 27 minOn the way: Tolmin Gorges, Kozjak Waterfall.Overnight nearby, for example: Kamp Koren (< 1 km); Kamp Lazar (1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Slovenia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Lake Bohinj and the lower Soča valley?
4-day road trip of about 129 km (80 mi) with 9 stops, from Ljubljana to Kobarid. About 1 h 47 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lake Bohinj and the lower Soča valley?
We suggest 4 days: about 1 h 47 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lake Bohinj and the lower Soča valley start and end?
It starts in Ljubljana and ends in Kobarid.
Which countries does Lake Bohinj and the lower Soča valley pass through?
Slovenia.
Where can you camp along Lake Bohinj and the lower Soča valley?
OpenStreetMap lists 90 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Ljubljana Resort Hotel & Camp, Camping & Camper Stop near Ljubljana and Camp Smlednik.
When is the best time for Lake Bohinj and the lower Soča valley?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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