Is Lake Bohinj really a must-do? Looking for itinerary advice.

My only thought--which isn't really going to help you much--is that Ljubljana is a lovely place worth more time than it's getting. But then again, your trip is mostly cities except for the time in Slovenia, so I can see why you want to take advantage of seeing the lovely countryside. I think, given your origin, you needn't worry about skipping Lake Bohinj.

No sight is a "must do." "Strongly recommended" maybe, but go with what feels right to you.

I don't think Lake Bohinj is a must-see in your circumstance, but you do have to sleep somewhere. Years ago, I stayed there in preference to Lake Bled (while driving) primarily because it was a smaller, quieter town and had an interesting local restaurant, not for any specific hike or sightseeing. Rick may give more attention to Bled because it has more tourist services, including train station, is easier to walk all the way around, and has the cute island to visit.

acraven - Thanks for the reply. I definitely agree... I've been trying to think of a way to squeeze any Ljubljana day in there but haven't figured out how and only have flexibility in my Slovenia itinerary vs the other destinations. It does seem like a really great city, although you're right, this Slovenia portion of our trip has the goal of emphasizing countryside vs city. I could condense the Piran to Kobarid to Kranjska Gora into one longer day but worry it'd be too crammed?

jane - Sure, I get that. I didn't mean to phrase it in with such definitiveness, just trying to get a better sense of what people love about it so I can determine if I think I'll be missing out. :)

Laura - Thank you for the tip. Thought about that, just wasn't sure if I'd mind the back-tracking if I stay in Lake Bohinj the night before driving back to Ljubljana, but I suppose it's really not that much extra time! I will ponder.

I can only agree with Jane that nothing is a must-do.

However, I also recall fondly the two or three days I spent at Lake Bohinj and how gorgeous it was there. But every trip has a different context, and I am not from the Pacific NW, so it may have struck me differently than it would you.

Kobarid and the Soča Valley are incredible, I will say that !!

Sorry not to be much help.

I would consider "winging it." In May, you may get some rainy days, and it would be a shame to be locked into a rigid itinerary where you are can only explore Lake Bohinj on a rainy day. I'd rather be in Ljubljana that day, where I probably find more to do indoors.

At very least, "wing it" by not locking in an itinerary until a few days before arrival - maybe have you Ljubljana lodging lined up but not otherwise. I doubt you will have trouble finding lodging on the fly last minute, assuming you have a phone or some other internet device handy to book places.

Lake Bohinj is beautiful. I'm really not an outdoorsy type, so I didn't spend tons of time there. I took a boat across the lake and took the cable car ride up for the view. I skipped the waterfall. I hiked a little. I'm sure outdoorsy types could spend a few days there and love it. It's certainly not as built-up as Lake Bled.

Kobarid is a OK little town - I spent a night there but it was nothing special. (I did see the nearby waterfall, Slap Kozjak, which is easy to get to.) I stopped there in part for the World War I museum, which was a bit of a letdown (I'm a history buff but not a museum buff, if that makes any sense).

I loved, loved Piran (and Ljubljana). Loved the scenic drive from Skofja Loka to Bled via Jamnik and Kropa. i didn't drive from Skofja Loka to Bohinj - that might be pretty too.

I loved my 5 days at Lake Bohinj, but I don't see it as a "must do" for Slovenia, especially for someone trying to maximize sites seen in 5+ days. For me, Bohinj is more of a peaceful, nature-centric base for someone who wants to relax and wants to do some outdoor activities in the area. It would be much better to make sure you see something unique like Škocjan Caves than to make another alpine stop when you already have a fair amount of alpine "stuff" on your itinerary.

Andrew H - Thanks, that's a good tip! I tend to over-plan so it's a good reminder to try and loosen up the itinerary a little. Lake Bohinj remains an option depending on the weather, time, etc but isn't locked in. It does sound nice if I can reasonably fit it in. I picked Kobarid only as a half-way point - Bovec is another alternative. Ultimately it will just depend on accommodations. I'm really looking forward to Piran and wish I could add another night there for more relaxation - still trying to think of a way I can add another day or two to Slovenia in general without drastically affecting other plans!

Dave - Thank you for your experience! Lake Bohinj does sound really beautiful and relaxing. I think I might try to loosen the itinerary a little to play it by ear in the Bled/Bohinj area.

We went to Lake Bled as part of our Rick Steves' Eastern Europe tour last year. I just looked at the pictures of Lake Bohinj, and it is gorgeous. It looks similar to Lake Bled, but it also looks less built up than Lake Bled. Although we very much enjoyed Lake Bled, if you had to choose between the two and you really like nature, then Lake Bohinj may be a better choice.

We took the train from Lake Bled to Salzburg and I was very glad that I had purchased my tickets in advance and reserved seats. The train got very crowded and a lot of people were standing in the aisle for the long train ride.

I am one of the folks who recommend Lake Bohinj. I recommend it, however, as an alternative place to stay for those considering staying in Lake Bled. Bled should be seen, but I wouldn't stay there. It is tacky, in my opinion. The towns around Lake Bohinj are quieter and have good restaurants.