Overlooking the sapphire waters of Lake Bohinj on the edge of the Triglav National Park, Hotel Jezero provides a tranquil haven for those looking for a retreat that takes them away from the pressures of everyday life. When staying at this charming family-run hotel in this beautiful region of Slovenia, you can feel its connection with the natural surroundings. Built in 1982, Hotel Jezero is regularly renovated, providing guests with all the modern facilities needed for a relaxing and comfortable stay while remaining in keeping with the stunning environment in which it sits.
Guests choosing our Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj Walk holiday get the opportunity to stay in this wonderful hotel and make the most of its fairytale surroundings. We speak to Polonca No?, the General Manager of Alpinum Hotels, which includes Hotel Jezero, to gain a unique insight into what you can expect when staying here. Below, we share what makes Hotel Jezero such a special place to stay and what highlights await you upon visiting.
Hotel Jezero is built in a classic style with alpine balconies and architecture. Alongside its 76 rooms, two restaurants and café, Hotel Jezero has a dedicated wellness area where guests can relax and rejuvenate. While all the rooms offer stunning views over Bohinj, Polonca highlighted, “314 has to be our favourite. It has 2 balconies and looks directly out over the lake. You get a beautiful view of the bridge, St. John’s Church and the Julian Alps, including the highest mountain and symbol of Slovenia, Triglav.”
In 1987, Polonca’s father, Iztok No?, first took over the management of Hotel Jezero alongside others in the hotel group in Bohinj. During his time here, he oversaw several renovations, which included adding a swimming pool and creating the garden part of the hotel in 1990, which won the Prešeren award for architecture, and covering the terrace area to offer a conservatory. Reflecting its environmental ethos, Hotel Jezero has also recently incorporated the use of thermal and solar energy. While Iztok No? retired in 2016, he is still passionate about the place. Polonca describes how he continues to visit a few times a week to oversee how things are going.
The municipality of Bohinj is renowned as a green oasis, with a keen dedication to responsible tourism that seeks to protect this flora-abundant space for future generations. Polonca described how “Every season is a unique experience in Bohinj.” The area makes up a large part of Triglav National Park, where the magnificent Lake Bohinj is set within the higher mountains of the Julian Alps. With this incredible landscape, these seasonal changes are vivid and spectacular. Polonca elaborated, “The rushing of the waters in spring, the calm of nature and people in summer, the magic play of sunlight and colours in autumn, the snow-white peace of winter. This is a place of myths and legends.”
Our Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj Walk trip provides the opportunity to gain close encounters with this beauty. As a 7-night holiday, there is a variety of self-guided routes to choose from, taking in the alpine meadows and valleys, the captivating Savica Waterfall and the dramatic Mostnica River and Gorge. You can also discover some lesser-known routes, taking in traditional Bohinj farmland, woodlands and picturesque hamlets. Additionally, Polonca recommends taking a leisurely stroll to the picturesque village of Stara Fužina, going on a boat ride on Lake Bohinj, or even trying your hand at water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. Plenty is still on offer in the winter months, with opportunities for paragliding, horseback riding and skiing.
Hotel Jezero is ideally placed for exploring the natural wonders of this enchanting region of Slovenia. “The hotel is situated right by the stunning Lake Bohinj,” explained Polonca, “so it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and pristine nature.” It’s, therefore, the ideal base for our Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj trip, “Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake, hike in the nearby Triglav National Park, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, this hotel offers a memorable stay in one of Slovenia’s most picturesque locations,” said Polonca.
At Hotel Jezero, Polonca and his team are supremely careful to nurture the surroundings. Asking where this love of nature came from, she replied, “My father is an ornithologist, so, at the hotel, we have always paid special attention to the nesting of birds in its garden area and vicinity. We are very conscientious about when to trim the bushes and never use any chemicals outside in nature.” This exceptional attentiveness is paying off, “Swallows, flycatchers, blackbirds, domestic sparrows, great tits, bats etc. nest here every year,” Polonca recounted. They encourage their guests to take an interest in the wildlife, too. “At the reception, guests can borrow manuals about birds, animals, plants, mushrooms and wildflowers in the area, as well as binoculars for observation.”
While the breathtaking natural landscape is a significant reason why many visitors are drawn to staying at Hotel Jezero, it offers its guests a whole lot more, too. Polonca explained, “The staff at Hotel Jezero Bohinj are known for their warm hospitality and dedication to providing excellent service to guests. From the front desk receptionists who greet you with a smile upon arrival and are always ready to assist with recommendations for activities and attractions in the area to the housekeeping team that ensures your room is clean and comfortable, every member of the staff plays a crucial role in creating a memorable stay for visitors.”
If you are planning an active walking holiday here, food will likely be a big factor in the enjoyment of your stay, too. Hotel Jezero has that well-covered, offering their guests meals guaranteed to satisfy after a long day out walking in the mountains. “The hotel’s restaurant staff are skilled in preparing delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients,” said Polonca. “Guests can visit the café, the hotel restaurant Vrtovin or our à la carte restaurant Zlatovcica, which has an outdoor terrace. This venue also hosts celebrations, such as weddings, picnics and other social events.”
On the menu, you’ll find everything from traditional Slovenian dishes to international cuisine. Whether you’re sitting down for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll find a diverse selection of options that ensure all tastes and dietary preferences are catered for. “Our chef, Anže Arh, recommends specialities that include a selection of Bohinj cheeses and homemade sausages, Bohinj cottage cheese soup, char carpaccio, fillets of char and Alpine dairy slice,” Polonca highlighted. Of course, the delight of the dining experience is amplified by the glorious views of Lake Bohinj and the surrounding mountains, which you can enjoy as you eat.
When staying at Hotel Jezero, you’ll also benefit from its peaceful wellness area. Amenities include a fitness room, table tennis, saunas and an indoor pool. You can also relax with a soothing massage. “It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life,” said Polonca. “Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day of exploring the beautiful surroundings or simply pamper yourself, the wellness area provides a serene retreat for body and mind, guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.”
Hotel Jezero has attracted some famous faces who have come to enjoy its delights. Polonca proudly recounted how they’ve welcomed Slovenian politicians and also national musicians, including Jan Plestenjak, Magnifico, Pero Lovšin, and Big Foot Mama. She also described how the Scottish Earl and Countess of Sutherland stayed at the hotel and enjoyed going fly fishing every day.
Bohinj is an excellent destination to visit almost year-round. Summer is the warmest, with temperatures around 25°C+ and lake temperatures reaching 20°C in July and August. While it is also the busiest time of year, this area is notably quieter than neighbouring tourist destinations.
Autumn and spring are pleasant for walking and biking in the Julian Alps. The landscape comes alive with striking colours from the wildflowers, meadows and forests. Polonca recommends seeking out the Alpine Flower Festival, which is held in spring or early summer. “The festival coincides with when the flowers are in full bloom, showcasing their vibrant colours and diverse species. Visitors can enjoy guided flower walks, photography exhibitions, botanical workshops, and traditional folk music and dance performances. It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Bohinj and learn more about the unique plant life that thrives in the alpine environment.” She added, “Make sure you don’t miss a taste of our flower menu at the Zlatovcica restaurant during the festival.”
In winter, Bohinj becomes a low-key alpine resort, perfect for those seeking winter sports without the crowds. Polonca shares that there are also a number of seasonal celebrations to look forward to, such as Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve parties, several of which are hosted by the hotel.
Polonca’s enthusiasm for Hotel Jezero and the surrounding area is unmistakable. Committed to showcasing all the joys it offers, she is keen to ensure guests have the best stay. And with such captivating surroundings and a hotel retreat offering everything guests could need, she will surely succeed in this mission.
Please visit our Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj Walk trip page to discover more about what you can enjoy with a holiday in this region.
