There is something undeniably special about the autumn season; coats and scarves come out of the wardrobe, hands are constantly wrapped around hot drinks and the outside air feels crisp and fresh. Bohinj, though naturally beautiful all year round, comes into its own in autumn. Vibrant greens transform to warmer tones, and fallen crunchy leaves form carpets across paths and roads. Cold, bright days are common, and although swirling winds and drizzling rainfall also show their faces, don’t let this put you off visiting in autumn. We think it’s one of the best times to visit, and we have put together some ideas of experiences to add to your autumn wishlist.

Spectacular autumn colours

During autumn Bohinj evolves into a golden colour palette of orange, red and yellow hues. The breathtaking autumnal landscapes are a sign that the world is turning and nature is regenerating as it should be. The painting of amber and auburn across the scenery of Bohinj is reason alone to visit; it is truly stunning. Find the best vantage points to truly appreciate the coloured foliage of trees before it falls to the ground. It will be hard to resist snapping an autumn picture at Lake Bohinj, where the still water creates a mirror-like reflection of trees above. Or, see the explosion of autumn colours from higher places, such as the Vodnikov razglednik viewpoint for incredible views over the upper and lower Bohinj valleys. The symphony of these colours creates the perfect picturesque backdrop for autumn strolls or hikes…

Hiking and biking season

September and October bring cooler temperatures and less tourists. These combine to make the perfect conditions for hiking season! Wrap up and enjoy the crisp invigorating mountain air and cool temperatures that are ideal for long walks, hikes, and simply embracing the natural surroundings. Stages 6, 7 and 8 of the Juliana Trail take you on wonderful hikes around the Bohinj region. Be wary of bad weather conditions affecting routes, and of course the darker evenings. Make use of the Vogel cable-car if the shorter days catch you out. Cycling is also a great way to see the autumn landscapes, and the Juliana Mountain Biking Loop starts in Bohinj. Bike through the Bohinj valleys, up through the forests of Pokljuka, along the Socâ River and beyond while taking in the changing landscapes around you.

Harvest gastronomy

Fresh harvested produce is one of the best things about autumn in Bohinj. Local produce and fruit bring new excitement to menus. Top Slovenian chefs utilise this new wealth of ingredients such as mushrooms, nuts and vegetables to create gastronomic delicacies you won’t forget easily. Look out for new autumn menus and dishes in restaurants around Bohinj. A great way to get a taste of these autumn flavours is during Restaurant Week. Running twice a year across Slovenia, it consists of 10 days where 108 Slovenian restaurants, all approved by food critic Uroš Mencinger, offer affordable priced (at least) three-course meals. With prices from €23 up to €28, it is a great way to experience top-quality autumn cuisine across Slovenia. Some of Bohinj’s participating restaurants include Triglav Restaurant, Sunrose 7 Restaurant and Pri lovcu Restaurant. Dates for this year’s autumn Restaurant Week have not yet been announced, but it is usually in mid-October. Keep up to date here.

Autumnal events

Autumn is harvest time for those in the business of wine – and Slovenia has asserted itself as a key producer, with fruitful wine-growing regions. By late September, vines will be bursting with juicy grapes and will be harvested and pressed into must-in barrels. While we are not famed for wine, Bohinj is famed for something that goes remarkably well with it: cheese. Both the emmental-style Bohinj cheese (or Bohinjski sir), and the sharp and tangy Mohant cheese have well-established roots in Bohinj and have been made in farms and dairies around the region for hundreds of years. This month, the 65th traditional Cow’s Ball celebrated the return of cattle and shepherds from the mountains to the valley. On the 28th of October 2023, we are celebrating these combinations at the Cheese and Wine Festival. Sample some Bohinj cheese and other dishes paired with delicious local wine – the ideal culinary afternoon.

Explore the indoors

There is plenty of indoor fun to be had in Bohinj if the weather deteriorates. Make a splash at Aquapark Bohinj, a waterpark with indoor and outdoor pools. It also has wellness facilities for those who want to find a moment of peace; relax in the sauna or unwind with a massage. Combine dodging the bad weather with learning about the cultural heritage of Bohinj in one of the region’s museums. The Alpine Dairy Farming Museum in Stara Fužina gives a look into what lives of shepherds who lived and worked on the mountain pastures were like and the importance of the herdsmen’s role. Or, discover the history of Bohinj from prehistoric times up until the Second World War at the Bohinj History Museum in Bohinjska Bistrica.

No crowds 

Autumn is the perfect time for peaceful reflection amongst the changing seasons. Take time to sit and reflect in serene natural surroundings. As the summer crowds disperse, Bohinj becomes a tranquil haven, allowing visitors to explore the region’s beauty in a more relaxed environment. Major attractions like Savica Waterfall and Vogel Cable Car experience fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature and the surroundings. Visiting in autumn allows you to experience the true Bohinj, the one only the locals normally see.

Look after yourself

With autumn and colder weather comes the likelihood of catching a cold or other illness. Combat this by putting your wellness first. Bohinj is home to a number of top-class wellness facilities. Relax in Hotel Bohinj’s indoor salt room before having a floating breakfast in their outdoor pool. Or, reach ultimate inner peace by trying yoga surrounded by the beauty of the Triglav National Park with a class at Yoga Bohinj. From meditation in the forests of Bohinj to watching the day begin with the sunrise session, guests will get the most out of the natural healing powers of the mountains. Apitherapy (or bee therapy!) is also a popular wellness treatment here in Bohinj, where the healing powers of bee products can be experienced through honey massages. See more about Bohinj’s wellness centres here.

Here are seven reasons to love Bohinj in autumn, but we are sure that visitors of Bohinj this autumn will be able to find many more!