Years ago we were talking to cyclists about Slovenia and they said – go to Lake Bohinj as in their opinion it was nicer than Lake Bled.

So today we are heading to Lake Bohinj.

We had a lovely breakfast and headed off, for what would be another ‘active recovery’ day as the distance between the two lakes is not great.

We were on road for some distance then on bike pathway. The bike pathway infrastructure is being increased and we saw multiple construction sites today where pathway is being built.

A series of shots as we travel down the valley in the sun! When we were in forested areas it was still quite cool so the arm warmers would get dragged back up.

Lake Bohinj is surrounded by mountains on all sides, dotted by walking trails and well preserved old villages.

Ribcev Laz is the main settlement at the eastern end and our overnight stay. It was only 10.45 am when we arrived, well short of our 2 pm check in.

I approached reception to see if we could drop some of our luggage off and was told we could check in. Chatting to the lady about our adventures, she ventured to ask about my chest scar. I explained.

She processed our passports (ie seeing our age) and told me she had upgraded us to their ‘best’ room, that has two balconies on a corner overlooking the lake from both! How nice 😊❣️

So I loaded up a trolley with our gear whilst Tony minded the bikes.

We then headed off down the lake towards Ukinc and the Vogel cable car.

Arriving at the cable car base we debated what to do with the bikes. Should we hope for the best and leave them (decent thieves get through locks super easy with portable cutting devices these days), do we take turns?

I decided I was happy to chill, so Tony went up with around 25 people in the one cabin. It only takes four minutes to reach the top at 1532 metres (remembering we rode to over 2100 metres only a few days ago at Passo Gardena).

At the top there are other chairlifts that take skiers higher again to the differing runs.

There were nice views across Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps, the highest and most extensive mountain range in Slovenia.

Upon Tony’s return, we rode to Ukanc a small settlement on the western end of Lake Bohinj.

We loved the Sava Bohinjka river. What a little alpine gem. it has the clearest water imaginable! It really does look this colour.

Back to our hotel, we stored our bikes, showered and laundered. We then went on a walk around the eastern part of the lake where bikes are not permitted.

We past this church that is apparently one the most photographed in Slovenia, although I would think the one on the island at Lake Bled may win that competition.

The church site has a significant history with coins found going back to the first century. The current church was build mid 11th century.

The bell tower was the first musical bell tower and plays the song…..Oh Triglav, my home. I have not yet heard the bells ringing!

Walking around the lake, of course, more lake photos 😊

We walked further and lay on the finer gravel ‘beach’ just enjoying the view, waiting to see if we could note the cable car ascending. Good luck if you can spot it.

We were motivated to get moving after listening to the thunder.

Looking towards a neighbouring village.

A tandem paraglider came and landed 20 metres away from where we watched. I am amazed at their landing skills.

Just off the pathway was this little cottage lakeside. How adorable.

Opposite our hotel now is this statue de,nesting the first four men who scaled Mount Triglav.

Our map today. A short ride (38 km) but a lovely ride. We need this recovery as we have a more difficult day tomorrow, and the weather forecast is not brilliant…..but let’s wait and see. 😊