Izvir Kamniške Bistrice is the source area of the Kamniška Bistrica river, where clear water collects in small pools at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. It is a quiet stop for those who want to see a mountain river at its very beginning. The spring lies in the Osrednjeslovenska region, up the valley north of Kamnik, and is reached by a short, easy walk.
Lakes within an hour or two of Kamnik
54 places, nearest first; times are estimates — the planner times the real roads.
Within an hour
Črnava is a small lake in the Gorenjska region, located near Preddvor at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. It makes an easy stop for a short lakeside stroll with views toward the surrounding hills. The area suits a relaxed half-day outing combined with other sights in the Kranj area.
Lake Zbilje is an artificial lake on the Sava River near the village of Zbilje, created by the dam of a hydroelectric power plant. Its calm water and wooded shoreline make it a common spot for an easy walk, rowing or a quiet stop by the water. It lies in central Slovenia, a short drive northwest of Ljubljana near Medvode.
Lake Trboje is a reservoir on the Sava River in the Gorenjska region, formed behind the hydroelectric dam near the village of Trboje. Its quiet banks suit an easy walk or a spot of birdwatching. The lake lies a short drive from Kranj and Medvode.
Planšarsko jezero is a small lake in Jezersko Municipality, in the Gorenjska region of northern Slovenia. It sits in the Alpine valley of Jezersko, close to the village, and makes an easy stop on a day out in the area. The surroundings suit a short, level walk around the shore.
Tivoli Pond is a small pond inside Tivoli Park, the large city park on the western edge of central Ljubljana. It makes an easy stop on a stroll through the park's tree-lined paths, with benches along the water. It lies within walking distance of the city centre in the Osrednjeslovenska region, so no car is needed.
Koseze Pond (Koseški bajer) is a small body of water in the Koseze district on the western edge of Ljubljana, in central Slovenia. It is a quiet spot for a short, easy walk around the shore, close to the city's residential neighbourhoods. It works well as a brief stop when combined with walks in the nearby green areas on Ljubljana's western side.
Ribnik Dobje is a small pond in the Osrednjeslovenska region of central Slovenia, southeast of Ljubljana. It is a quiet spot to stop by the water and look out over the surrounding countryside. Expect a short, easy stroll rather than a hike, and it fits well into a day spent exploring the hills and villages of the area.
Mali ribnik is a small pond in the Osrednjeslovenska region of central Slovenia, located south of Ljubljana. It is a quiet spot for a short stop by the water and a look at the surrounding landscape. Expect an easy, informal visit rather than a marked hiking destination, so it pairs well with other outings in the area.
Ribnik Boštanj is a small pond in the Osrednjeslovenska region of central Slovenia. It is a quiet spot for a short stop, a stroll along the water and a look at the surrounding countryside. Expect an easy, level walk rather than a hike, and combine it with other places nearby.
Worth the longer drive
Lake Cerknica is an intermittent karst lake in the Primorsko-notranjska region, near the town of Cerknica. Depending on the season and rainfall, it fills into one of the largest lakes in Slovenia or drains away through underground karst channels, leaving meadows and fields. The flat surroundings suit easy walks and cycling along the shore and across the lake basin.
Lake Bohinj is the largest natural lake in Slovenia, lying in a glacial valley within Triglav National Park in the Gorenjska region. It is surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps and is known for its clear water and quieter shores than nearby Bled. A level path runs along much of the shoreline, and the Church of St John the Baptist stands by the stone bridge at Ribčev Laz on the eastern end.
Lake Petelinje is an intermittent karst lake in the Primorsko-notranjska region, one of the seasonal lakes of the Pivka area that fill with water and then drain away again through the karst underground. Depending on the season and rainfall, visitors may find open water or a dry, grassy basin, which is what makes repeat visits worthwhile. It lies in the countryside near the town of Pivka and is best explored on an easy walk along field paths around the basin.
Jezero na Planini pri Jezeru is a small mountain lake on an alpine pasture in the Gorenjska region, in the high country of the Julian Alps above Bohinj. It sits beside a cluster of herders' huts, making it a quiet stop on a mountain walk. Reaching it means a hike on mountain paths, so plan it as a day trip on foot with proper footwear.
Black Lake (Črno jezero) is the lowest of the lakes in the Triglav Lakes Valley, set in forest within Triglav National Park in the Gorenjska region. Its dark, still water surrounded by trees and rock walls makes it a quiet stop on the way into the high valley. It is reached on foot by a steep mountain trail, most commonly climbed from the Bohinj side.
Double Lake (Dvojno jezero) is a pair of small connected alpine lakes in the Julian Alps, part of the Triglav Lakes Valley in Triglav National Park. Its quiet setting among high karst peaks and the nearby mountain hut make it a common stop on longer hikes. It is reached only on foot by a demanding mountain trail, so plan it as a full-day hike rather than a short outing.