As the biggest lover of lakes in the world I have seen more than 1330 lakes in Slovenia. Many of them are mostly suitable for fishing, some are created to be admired only, but in these hot summer days we are in a search of those, that invite us for a jump in a water.

I am sure you know Bled (you have probably seen pictures of the fairytale island of the Bled lake) and Bohinj Lake, but this time my wish is to give you new ideas for you next lake trip, where to find a lake refreshment.

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1. GOREJCA POND - Gorenjska

The small man-made lake of Gorejca is located above Spodnji Log pod Mangartom. The Gorejca is an interesting stream descending the mountainside of Ruševa glava, spilling over into multiple waterfalls, which flow into small, distinct pools.

The locals dammed one of these pools, thus creating an adorable bathing pool, whose water is known to reach temperatures as high as 20°C. You can also visit four beautiful waterfalls along the way.

The lake offers a well-deserved cool down spot for cyclists to catch their breath on the ascent to Mt. Mangrt.

2. ŠOBEC POND - GORENJSKA

Šobec Pond is a natural lake in the Šobec campground near Bled, which is one of Slovenia's largest campgrounds with five stars. The pond originated naturally when the Sava Dolinka River created a meander in the middle of the pine forest.

The pond boasts a children's water park and many recreational opportunities around the pond, including tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, miniature golf, basketball courts and a zipline. Guests can play soccer, badminton, table tennis or try out a small climbing wall.

3. KOČEVJE LAKE - JV SLOVENIJA

Kočevje Lake, or Rudniško Lake, is one of the largest natural sights of the Kočevje region and among the cleanest in Slovenia. And my favourite, because I come from Kočevje. It was formed at the bottom of a mine valley, in which brown coal was mined until 1979.

Kočevje Lake is amazing for swimming, fishing, suping, or sailing. The circle path around is great for a jogging, scrolling, or cycling.

4. ODOMOVO LAKE - KOROŠKA

Odomovo Lake is located in the North of Slovenia between Kapla and the border with Austria. It was first simply used as a water provision for operating a saw and mill, and then later began to develop into a popular place for socializing and sports.

A hunting lodge with a shooting range was set up near the lake, a campsite and benches were built and it is possible to swim, row and fish. It's also a nice picnic area in nature and a venue for a triathlon at Kapla on Kozjak.

There are two educational paths by the lake: Razgledna and Srčkova pot.

5. SOBOŠKO LAKE - POMURJE

Soboško Lake, also called the Soboško Sea, lies in the immediate vicinity of Murska Sobota. It is very recognizable, because Slovenia's pavilion from the World Expo Milano 2015 now sits on its shores.

While the shape the pavilion represents Slovenia's geographical areas, its content is designed to mirror the Expano regional promotional centre, which presents Pomurje in detail, with the 'Door of Pomurje' exhibition. The interior of the pavilion take you on a journey to the beautiful world along the Mura River through the use of innovative multimedia.

A specialty of the lake is an exercise park that includes as many as 34 fitness machines and various playgrounds set up for children. There are also four cottages with fireplaces, used for picnics or outdoor celebrations. Other activities at the lake include swimming, guided exercise at the exercise park, windsurfing, SUP boarding, sunbathing, sailing, water zorbing, kayaking, canoeing and a whole range of activities for children.

6. ČRNAVA LAKE - OSREDNJESLOVENSKA

Lake Črnava is situated near Preddvor, a place located between four castles. The name is taken from a black forest that had formerly existed on the lake site.

Around the lake there is a walking path that curves through the forest and over a bridge, crossing the Bistrica Stream. In part, it leads along the short forest learning trail, where you can learn about 29 different types of trees. Right by the lake lies Hrib Castle, next to which grows an ash tree pathway, also known as Newlyweds' Avenue. Tradition says that walking through it brings 50 years of love and loyalty.

In summer, it is possible to swim in Črnava Lake, take boat rides and climb a natural wall nearby.

7. PODPEŠKO LAKE - OSREDNJESLOVENSKA

Podpeč Lake is a small, almost completely round lake, which adorns the border of Ljubljana Marshes.

Its specialty is a funnel-shaped underground drain, which leads into a deep pit. Explored up to a depth of 51 meters so far, the attractive lake is actually one of the country's deepest.

The lake is very popular with locals and other visitors for a refreshing swim, as a smaller swimming area is set up alongside it in the summer. It is also visited by fishermen, who try their luck catching big carp, pike, chub and other fish all year round.

I always say - you do not visit a lake, you experience them. And these lakes will give you so many unforgetable summer memories. 

You find 7 lakes from the list in my The Slovenia Lakes book.

You can buy the book here