Circumventing Slovenia's ten largest lakes leads you through strikingly diverse landscapes—from crystal-clear alpine waters like Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled to the fascinating, unpredictable karst phenomenon of Lake Cerknica. Step by step, you experience untouched nature up close, majestic mountain panoramas, protected bird havens, and cultural sights. Meanwhile, the constant proximity of refreshing water turns every lap into a soothing natural delight for endurance enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Rules
Rules for Iron Lake Challenge Slovenija are very simple. However, we would still like to clearly define them here once again:
- Sign up for the Iron Lake Challenge Slovenia!
- To conquer the Iron Lake Challenge Slovenia and earn the wonderful collector's medal, you must complete a circuit on foot around the ten largest lakes in Slovenia after registering. Lakes that lie partially in the territory of other countries are not included in this challenge.
- Bicycles, rollerblades, etc. are not allowed, but you are more than welcome to walk or run.
- You can, of course, spread out the ten lakes over several different days. Do just one lake per day, since you want to enjoy yourself during this time as well!
- The Iron Lake Challenge Slovenija has no time limit. This means you can also complete the loop around the ten lakes over a period of several years.
- We trust that you have truly gone around the lakes. However, if you wish to be included in the timed ranking, we need a copy of your tracking. We don't mind what you use (which watch, smartphone, or app).
General PLEASE NOTE!
- Please note that traffic rules apply in public transport as well as along roads and cycle paths. Therefore, please move with consideration.
- You encompass or walk around the lakes at your own responsibility and at your own risk. The operator of this website accepts no liability whatsoever.
- If necessary, follow medical advice or undergo a medical examination before starting the challenge. You are solely responsible for your health condition, equipment, and fitness level. Aborting the tour is nothing to be ashamed of—your health always comes first!
Some important rules for respecting nature during your lake walk:
- Please observe the local nature conservation guidelines.
- Please do not walk off the designated paths.
- Please do not make noise.
- Please do not collect stones or minerals.
- Please do not pick mushrooms.
- Please do not leave litter. On the contrary – many of us even pick it up.
- Please do not feed the animals.
- Please do not light open fires.
- Please do not pick the plants.
This should actually be clear to all of us, but it doesn't hurt to remind ourselves of it from time to time.
Registration and Scope of Services
The registration for Iron Lake Challenge Slovenija costs you 24,- EUR.
Our collector's medal is included. Iron Lake Challenge “Slovenia Edition” and the marble of the Timeless Challenge (16 mm).
![]() | ![]() |
However, to do this, you first need to cycle around the ten largest Slovenian lakes! Only then will we send you your well-deserved medal and pin! After all, you want to earn it, not receive it as a gift.
Here's how you can sign up:
- Please click on the logo to be redirected to the login page of our partner Digistore24.
- Now you will receive a registration confirmation.
- Now you have to walk around the ten largest Slovenian lakes on foot (see below). Once you have completed all ten lakes, please send us an extract of your tracking as proof. We will also believe you without tracking, but in that case, you will not be included in the hall of fame.
- Once we verify this, you'll receive your well-deserved medal and coin. Simple, right?
YOUR MEDAL AND YOUR MARBLE
When you complete the loop on foot around the ten largest lakes in Slovenia, you earn the wonderful Iron Lake Challenge "Slovenia Edition" medal. This could become the very first in your upcoming collection of Iron Lake Challenge achievements.
In addition, you also get a marble from the Timeless Challenge.
LIFE SCORE POINTS
The Iron Lake Challenge is part of our Timeless Challenge Timeless ChallengeThat's why, in addition to the collector's medal and the marble, you also receive Life-Score PointsThese will be automatically credited to you in our hall of fame. This service is free of charge for you.
The ten largest lakes in Slovenia
Here are the ten most important and surface-area-largest lakes in Slovenia—ranging from Alpine natural beauties to extensive reservoir lakes and karst phenomena.
Cerkniško jezero
The largest lake in Slovenia is a fascinating intermittent karst phenomenon: depending on the season, it transforms from a massive expanse of water into a lush meadow. A hike around the lake offers incomparable views of bird-friendly areas and rare flora.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 30 km
- Suggested route Bikemap
Ptujsko jezero
The largest artificial lake in the country lies on the Drava River near the historic town of Ptuj. On the circular trail, you can enjoy a barrier-free walk along the water, observe numerous waterfowl in the nature reserve, and take in the view of Slovenia's oldest town.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 12 km
- Suggested route Alltrails
Bohinjsko jezero
The most famous neighbor of Germany in Triglav National Park is the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia. The coastal path leads through peaceful mixed forests right along the crystal-clear water, surrounded by the mighty walls of the Julian Alps.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 12 km
- Suggested route AV Aktiv
Šmartinsko jezero
This diverse reservoir near Celje enchants visitors with its varied coastline and wooden staircase. The hike offers a diverse route through gentle hills, shady forest sections, and modern pedestrian bridges right by the water.
- Length of the circular route: approx. 10–12 km (depending on foothills)
- Suggested route Komoot
Velenjsko jezero
The lake, which formed as a result of mining, has transformed into a vibrant recreational oasis. The gentle, well-maintained trail around the lake is perfect for relaxing walks past art installations, modern beaches, and manicured green spaces.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 6 km
- Suggested route Google Maps
Bledsko jezero
The world-famous lake enchants with its fairytale island and the mighty castle presiding over it. The well-maintained walking trail around the lake offers picture-postcard views from every angle, pleasant places to stop for a break and refreshments, and small parks right by the deep blue alpine lake.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 6 km
- Suggested route Outdoor Active
Kočevsko jezero
A deep lake in the heart of the Kočevje forests was formed in a former open-pit brown coal mine. During a walk around it, you can enjoy complete peace, untouched nature, and shaded paths that also offer an insight into the rich birdlife of this region.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 7 km
- Suggested route Google Maps
Družmirsko jezero
As the deepest of the Šalek lakes, this body of water fascinates with its tranquil, somewhat wilder atmosphere. The hike mostly follows natural paths and offers beautiful views of the gently rolling hills of the Savinja region.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 7 km
- Suggested route Komoot
Perniško jezero
This double retention basin in northeastern Slovenia is an important protected area for rare waterfowl. A flat circular path leads along reeds and embankments—ideal for nature photographers and peace-seekers away from the beaten tourist tracks.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 8–9 km
- Suggested route Wikiloc
Jezero Kreda
An idyllic lake in the picturesque Radovna Valley, formed by chalk excavation. A walk around the turquoise-blue water enchants with its peaceful atmosphere in the heart of Triglav National Park, pairing wonderfully with relaxation on the tree-lined shore.
- Length of the circular route: ca. 2 bis 2,5 km
- Suggested route: Google Maps
Iron Lake Challenge Slovenia Hall of Fame
Here you can quickly and easily enter your results and upload proof (e.g., a screenshot of your tracking). We will verify and approve them. Afterwards, your result will be saved and will appear on the leader board.
Points
We recommend the following challenges for you!
![]() Iron Lake Challenge Austria | ![]() Summit Challenge – How many peaks can you conquer? | ![]() Lake Horizon Quest – Circle ten lakes at sunrise or sunset |








