Lake Jasna

Lake Jasna occupies a small basin surrounded by spruce and larch forest. The water is transparent and turquoise – you can see the bottom several metres down. The backdrop consists of the limestone peaks of Razor (2,601 m) and Prisank (2,547 m), which reflect in the mirror-like surface during calm morning hours. On the northern shore, a bronze Goldhorn statue by sculptor Stojan Batič (1986–1988) stands on a natural boulder. Nearby, a wooden photo frame features Kosobrin from the Slovenian children's tale of Kekec, perfectly framing the mountain panorama.

Wooden boardwalks and bridges line the shore. On the eastern side, a three-level observation tower styled like a castle turret offers a higher vantage point. Beach areas with improved water access were added during a 2015 renovation. Summer water temperatures reach 20–22°C. SUP boards and canoes are available for hire. In winter, the lake freezes and the landscape is blanketed in snow – a different but equally striking scene, with the nearby ski resort drawing visitors.

The north shore hosts Jasna Chalet Resort (8 apartments) with a lakeside bar and restaurant. Boutique Hotel Milka sits 200 m away, featuring a restaurant that belongs to Les Grandes Tables du Monde. There are no grocery shops at the lake – the nearest Mercator supermarket is in Kranjska Gora centre, a 30-minute walk.

Elevation and size – 933 m above sea level, 2.2 hectares of water surface, two interconnected lakes

Mountain backdrop – Razor (2,601 m) and Prisank (2,547 m) reflected in the water on calm mornings

Goldhorn statue – bronze ibex on a boulder by sculptor Stojan Batič, 1986–1988

Observation tower – three-level wooden platform on the eastern shore

Accessibility – 20-minute walk from Kranjska Gora centre, free admission

Activities – swimming, SUP, canoeing in summer; lake freezes in winter with ski resort nearby

Lake Jasna is an artificial lake created for tourism at the confluence of the Mala and Velika Pišnica streams. A small natural canyon and a hidden hydroelectric power plant remain at the junction. Between 1986 and 1988, sculptor Stojan Batič created the bronze Goldhorn (Zlatorog) statue – a mythical alpine ibex from Slovenian legend – which became the lake's symbol.

In 2015, the lake underwent a major renovation: beach areas were improved, water access points redesigned, a three-level diving and viewing platform installed, and a lakeside bar opened. Jasna Chalet Resort was built on the north shore in 2019. The upgrades dramatically increased visitor numbers, making Lake Jasna one of the most visited natural attractions in the Kranjska Gora area.

From Ljubljana (85 km, ~1 hour):

– By car via the A2 motorway through Jesenice. An eVinjeta road toll sticker is required (from €15/week)

– Arriva bus to Kranjska Gora – €9–11, ~2 hours, up to 5 daily. From the bus stop, walk 2 km (20 min) along Vršiška cesta

From Bled (40 km, ~40 min):

– By car via Jesenice

– Bus to Kranjska Gora – ~€5, 40–50 min

From Jesenice (20 km):

– Train from Ljubljana runs to Jesenice (€8–10), then bus or taxi to Kranjska Gora

From Austria / Italy:

– Villach (30 min), Tarvisio (24 min) by car

On the ground:

From Kranjska Gora centre, walk 20 minutes along the road toward Vršič Pass, following the Pišnica stream. By bike – 5–7 minutes on a dedicated cycling path.

Season: June–September for swimming; warm weather (20–25°C daytime). October brings vivid autumn foliage with fewer visitors. Winter – the lake freezes, snow-covered scenery, ski resort operating nearby.

Time of day: Early morning (before 9:00 AM) for mirror reflections of peaks in the water and minimal crowds. Sunset for warm light on the mountains.

Duration: 30–60 minutes for a stroll around the lake. With swimming and a picnic – 2–3 hours.

Avoid: Weekends in July–August – car parks fill by 10:00 AM. Arrive early or walk from town.