The ‘outrageously’ pretty lake named one of Europe’s most beautiful places to visit – and it’s only a few hours from the UK

A little-known lake in Slovenia has been described as one of Europe’s ‘most beautiful’ places to visit in 2025. 

Lake Bohinj picked up the accolade in a ranking of Europe’s 15 best beauty spots by Lonely Planet. 

Spanning 318 hectares, Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and is located in the country’s Triglav National Park.

It’s often missed by tourists in Slovenia with many opting to explore nearby Lake Bled instead. 

However Lonely Planet says: ‘You’d think no lake could possibly upstage [Lake Bled] but then you reach nearby Lake Bohinj, a lake so outrageously beautiful you gasp out loud.

‘It makes a spectacular splash in the mountain-buckled Triglav National Park in the country’s northwest, where peaks rise sheer, rugged and forested above blue-green waters.’ 

And it’s not just Lonely Planet that’s raving about Bohinj.

A tourist writes on Tripadvisor: ‘This is a beautiful alpine lake in the mountains. There is a hiking path around the lake that is about 12km (8 miles).’ 

Spanning 318 hectares, Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and is located in the country’s Triglav National Park

History fans can visit the 700-year-old Church of St. John the Baptist which sits on the shore of the lake

Another visitor says: ‘Hidden gem of natural beauty and eco-friendly lifestyle. We’ve returned numerous times. We’ll be back.’ 

The lake’s glass-like clear water makes it the ideal spot for swimming, kayaking and canoeing. 

Lonely Planet recommends that tourists base themselves in Ukanc, a town on the western end of Lake Bohinj. 

From there, visitors can take a ride in the cable car up to Vogel which offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 

And don’t miss Savica Waterfall, a breathtaking 78m (255 feet) waterfall which cascades through a gorge. 

History fans can visit the 700-year-old Church of St. John the Baptist which sits on the shore of the lake. 

The historic church is a fantastic example of Slovenian medieval architecture and mural painting. It’s open daily between April and October. 

For a quirky day out, head to the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum which has a preserved cheese-making workshop. 

Lonely Planet says: ‘You’d think no lake could possibly upstage [Lake Bled] but then you reach nearby Lake Bohinj, a lake so outrageously beautiful you gasp out loud’

Don’t miss Savica Waterfall, a breathtaking 78m (255 feet) waterfall which cascades through a gorge

To reach Bohinj British tourists can fly from London to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, in just over two hours. 

The lake is around one hour’s drive from the capital while buses take around two hours. 

Looking to explore a hidden gem this summer? easyJet has just launched flights to a beautiful Mediterranean island. 

Located off the coast of Tunisia, Djerba is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.