Everyone who has been to Lake Bohinj in Slovenia knows the iconic Lake Bohinj church — the Church of St. John the Baptist (Cerkev sv. Janeza Krstnika). Together with the old arched stone bridge, it forms one of the most photographed views of the lake. Whether seen from the shore, from the water, or from the surrounding hills, this charming spot is pure Bohinj magic.
I’ve visited Bohinj countless times — privately and on my photography workshops. As a photographer, hiker, or swimmer, I’ve crossed that bridge more times than I can remember. Yet, despite all those visits, I’ve only stepped inside the church a couple of times!
Visiting the Lake Bohinj church
The first time I entered was about 15 years ago, when the church was open during restoration works. I remember snapping just a few photos because the interior was full of scaffolding and work platforms — not exactly ideal for photography or enjoying the art.
Recently, during one of my Slovenia photography tours, we stopped at Lake Bohinj to capture the autumn colours. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and since the Lake Bohinj church was open, I decided to visit again.
At the entrance, a young girl selling tickets gave me a fun challenge: “Try to find the white devil fresco inside!”
That was enough to spark my curiosity. I walked in and was immediately drawn to the vibrant artwork covering nearly every wall and arch. Most frescoes date back to the 14th–16th centuries and are incredibly well preserved.
I spent almost an hour studying the details, photographing from different angles, and searching for that mysterious white devil. Eventually, I found it — actually, two of them! It felt like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
Some frescoes are almost comical — a woman with a baby dragon (who reminded me of Cersei from Game of Thrones), or the faces behind the main altar that look a bit like vampires. The imagination of medieval artists never disappoints.
Church of St. John the Baptist
Although small, the Lake Bohinj church is packed with artistic details — colourful frescoes, a golden altar, elegant stone arches, and wooden statues. Even the outside is beautiful, featuring the famous fresco of St. Christopher and decorative motifs on the façade. The wooden roof shingles and aged walls give it that authentic Bohinj charm.
The church is truly old — its earliest parts date back to the 11th century, with many additions and renovations over time. It’s a wonderful example of traditional Bohinj church architecture, and only a few similar ones remain in the area.
A small visit with big rewards
So next time you visit Lake Bohinj, check whether the church is open. The small entrance fee is absolutely worth it. You’ll get a deeper appreciation for local history and culture — and maybe even find the white devil fresco yourself.
If you enjoyed this story, check out my other posts about Slovenia’s most beautiful church interiors and the most scenic hilltop churches in Slovenia.
