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12 Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Discover the best things to do in Lake Bled with this handy travel guide.

A tiny country that’s beginning to come into the spotlight, Slovenia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and underrated places in Europe. Just 45 minutes from the capital city of Ljubljana is a magical town called Bled.

Home to some of the most picturesque views in the world, Lake Bled is a gem of a place, despite its somewhat morbid-sounding name.

With its many kilometers of hiking trails, delicious food options, and proximity to some serious natural spectacles, there are an endless amount of things to do in Lake Bled and in Slovenia.

To help you create your itinerary (or inspire you to plan a trip!), here are 12 of the most interesting activities you can experience during a visit to this fairytale place.

Why Travel to Lake Bled, Slovenia?

You might recognize Lake Bled from pictures of its iconic island, which hosts a small, charming church steeple set against the backdrop of the Julian Alps. It’s an easy weekend getaway that’s easily accessible from most major European cities.

During your visit, you’ll find that there are so many fun and exciting things to do in Lake Bled – castles, boat rides, hikes and more await you. It’s worth sticking around for a day or two ( or four , if you’re feeling adventurous) to soak it all in.

Things to Do in Lake Bled: Highlights

Make a wish at the bled island church of the assumption.

Lake Bled Slovenia

If you’ve seen any photos of Lake Bled, you’ll probably recognize the tiny church on Bled Island. This is the Church of the Assumption, and it was built in 1465, with 99 steps leading to its entrance.

Tradition mandates that in weddings occurring in the chapel, grooms must carry their brides up all 99 steps (talk about a pre-wedding workout!). Although visiting the island is one of the most popular activities in Lake Bled, it’s definitely not something you should miss.

On the island, there’s also a famous wishing bell. Legend has it that there was a woman living in Bled Castle whose husband drowned in the lake. In her sadness, she took many of her gold and silver items and sent them to someone to create a bell for the small church on the island.

However, the boat carrying the bell also capsized, sending the bell to the bottom of the lake.

Upon hearing this, she sold all her belongings, donated all of the money to build a new church, and fled to Rome and became a nun. Sometime later, the Pope heard her story and created a new bell for the church in her honor.

Today, as the story goes, if you ring the Bled church bell three times and make a wish, it will come true.

To arrive at the island, you’ll need to rent a boat or take a traditional Pletna boat (€14 round trip).

Ride a Boat on Lake Bled

This one definitely overlaps with #1 because you have to ride a boat to get to Bled Island. However, you can also rent paddle boats and kayaks to explore the rest of the lake on your own.

If the weather is clear and sunny, I highly recommend doing this in the early morning before the swarms of day trippers arrive at the lake.

Renting a boat is a wonderful way to explore the lake and see some of the beautiful surroundings, like the island and Bled Castle. There’s a reason why this is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled.

Rentals typically cost ~€10 per hour for a kayak and ~€20 per hour for a rowboat, depending on the season.

Visit Bled Castle

Bled Castle

Situated atop a striking cliff, Bled Castle is another one of Lake Bled’s most stunning attractions.

Visitors can hike up to the castle, where they can explore the grounds or go inside for €11 per person. On Bled castle’s grounds, there’s a museum, several rooms and areas to explore, and a cafe.

Alternatively, take a look up at this magnificent building in the nighttime: it’s usually lit up in a really beautiful and eye-catching way.

If you love historic buildings and looking for other things to see around Lake Bled, you’re in luck – Slovenia is full of them! Check out these other gorgeous castles in Slovenia .

Explore Vintgar Gorge

Of all of the things to do in Lake Bled, this one is the best for outdoor enthusiasts. Vintgar Gorge is truly a treat for the senses.

Featuring cool, turquoise water, colorful wildflowers, and striking cliff-like rock walls, the paths here are a lovely way to spend an afternoon hiking and admiring the beautiful nature of Triglav National Park. 

Vintgar Gorge is a short drive (or a long walk) from the Lake Bled city center, and costs €5 to enter.

Sample Bled’s Traditional Cake

kremšnita

One of the most famous dishes in the area is  kremšnita, Lake Bled’s cream cake. Made of vanilla cream and moist butter cake, it’s a treat that’s absolutely to die for.

The original Bled cream cake was developed at Park Cafe, a riverside cafe in the town center, but can now be found in many cafes and restaurants around the area.

If you’re looking for things to eat in Lake Bled, you can’t leave Bled without trying this delightful Slovenian dessert.

Walk Around Lake Bled’s Perimeter

For a low-key way to spend an hour or two, take a stroll around the lake. Yes, all the way around!

In Bled, there’s a paved pathway that extends the entire perimeter of the lake. Here, you can catch a glimpse of Bled Island and Bled Castle from all kinds of different angles. It’s the perfect place to wander around early in the mornings or around sunset, when the trails are buzzing with life.

On the trail, which follows the lakeside, you’ll pass by the Bled Tennis Club, the Bled Campsite, and the entrance to Ojstrica/Osjonica trail.

Covered by trees, it’s also a great way for people-watching, as locals and tourists alike can be found chatting, exercising, or hanging out on the trail.

Go Swimming in Lake Bled

Lake Bled

In the summertime, there’s no better way to enjoy the lake than by taking a dip in it. Put on your swimsuit and jump right in, or simply sunbathe on a nearby shore.

While there is a trail that runs the entire perimeter of the lake (with several outlets to walk right up to the late), the only designated swimming area is  Grajsko kopališče , the castle bathing area.

Beware, this is one of the top things to do in Lake Bled in the Summer – this area gets super crowded!

Hike to a Postcard-Perfect View of Lake Bled

One would be remiss if they didn’t get a bird’s eye view of this stunning place. Lake Bled’s most postcard-perfect lookout point is called Ojstrica, and it is certainly spectacular.

About a 30-45 minute hike from the perimeter trail, a slim dirt trail leads you up a few switchbacks to a panoramic viewpoint of Lake Bled, perfect for an early-morning or sunset activity.

For more information on the Ojstrica hike, like how to get there and how long it takes, check out our guide here .

If you’re looking for an extra challenge, continue your hike up to Osjonica, another viewpoint that’s a bit higher up the mountain. Personally, I think the view of Lake Bled from Ojstrica is better, but it’s a fun activity to try out both viewpoints and decide for yourself.

Rent a Bike and Ride Through Bled

Vintgar Gorge Slovenia

There’s something so nice and charming about Bled’s windy, one-lane streets, and riding a bike is a great way to see them.

Biking is also a great way to get to the surrounding areas, like Vintgar Gorge and the nearby Radovna Valley. There are plenty of bike rental shops in the Bled township, and it’s definitely worth taking a spin around the nearby countryside, too.

Once you procure a bike, the beautiful Triglav National Park area and all of Bled is your oyster – explore it to your heart’s content.

Explore Triglav National Park

Although Bled often steals the spotlight, Triglav National Park, the surrounding area, is nothing to sneeze at.

Situated amidst the striking Julian Alps, the park is full of some incredible landscapes. And although it’s not  technically in the town, exploring the park definitely belongs on any list of things to do in Lake Bled.

If you have a car, drive up towards Kranjska Gora for some epic mountain views. Alternatively, head to Bohinj and Savica Waterfall to see some of the most beautiful lake areas in the country.

Do yourself a favor. Don’t skip Triglav National Park . It’s worth the time and effort to explore this incredibly beautiful Bled region fully.

Ski (or Slide) the Slopes of Bled

Lake Bled Ski Track

If you’re a fan of outdoor sports, one interesting thing about Bled is that you can hit the slopes year-round.

During wintertime, the nearby slopes at  Straža  are available and open to skiiers of all levels.

Perhaps one of the weirdest things to do in Lake Bled, in the summer, there’s a toboggan track where visitors can slide down those same slopes!

Either way, if you’re hoping to rush down a hill at lightning speed, Bled’s got you covered, no matter what time of year it is.

Taste Some Traditional Slovenian Dishes

At some point, when you finish all of the hiking, paddling, and biking, you might be hungry. This is the perfect time to enjoy a traditional Slovenian meal.

While I was in Slovenia, one of my favorite things about it was the wide variety of (cheap and delicious!) food. The Slovenian dishes here are flavorful and succulent… and are, of course, a fantastic way to round out an active day.

There are many restaurants in Bled’s town center that serve Slovenian food. While I was there, I ate at Spica and really enjoyed it, but there are many others like Park Cafe and  Oštarija Peglez’n . 

When you’ve chosen a restaurant, be sure to try some of my favorites –  zlikrofi , the traditional meat dumplings, or struklji , a Slovenian savory puff pastry. And, of course, wash it all down with some Slovenian wine – some of the best in the region – and a kremšnita , or Bled’s famous cream cake.

Extra Resources to Help You Plan Your Trip

Have we convinced you to visit Lake Bled yet? If so, here are some links to help you get started with planning your trip.

  • Looking for a place to stay? We highly recommend the Old Parish House , a cozy lakeside bed and breakfast (right next to Bled Castle!) that’s inside a renovated parish hall.
  • Skyscanner : The best resource for booking flights – you can compare multiple airlines and choose the one that suits you.
  • Traveling internationally? Don’t get caught without travel insurance – we recommend our favorite affordable and comprehensive provider,  World Nomads .

Read More Slovenia Travel Guides

  • Piran Travel Guide: Slovenia’s Most Charming Coastal Village
  • Four Days in Slovenia – The Perfect Slovenia Itinerary
  • 17 Things to do in Slovenia if You’re Looking for Adventure

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Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

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Holy Moly that is insanely gorgeous!! I want to go there immediately! Wonderful photos and great post!

Your pictures are amazing and this lake has so many amazing spots to enjoy. Thanks for sharing!

Ooh the info about the view points is great, thanks for sharing that! I’ll be there in August so cant wait to do these highlights and hidden gems!

Bled was so magical, as was the whole surrounding area! I was there in the summer and rode the toboggan and it was actually so fun.

Slovenia looks like a dream! Although I feel it’s colddddd. I’m from the Philippines so I’m scared of the cold. LOL PS. Amazing beautiful photos!

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Home » Travel Guides » Slovenia » 15 Best Things to Do in Bled (Slovenia)

15 Best Things to Do in Bled (Slovenia)

Though for much of the 20th century Slovenia wasn’t exactly a hotspot for international travelers, the small country is now becoming a premier destination.

It’s amazingly beautiful, full of friendly people, fascinating history, and natural wonders. Not surprisingly, it’s one of the continent’s most underrated attractions.

Bled is also a winter sports wonderland. During the warm spring and summer months, it’s about as full of old-world charm as most visitors are ever likely to see.

The food is top-notch, and the architecture is nothing short of stunning.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in Bled, Slovenia.

1. Bled Castle

Bled Castle

Castles, by their very nature, are remarkable and romantic places. Though some of them harbor dark Machiavellian pasts, they deserve a top spot on travelers’ itineraries.

Bled Castle is the town’s most noted attraction, and during the peak tourist season, it can get downright crowded.

That being said, it’s so stunning and full of history that it probably won’t matter.

Plenty of tours of varying lengths are available, but past visitors tend to agree that it’s wise to block out at least half a day to experience it in all its splendor.

Consider an evening visit, when it’s lit up.

Included in : Bled: All-Inclusive E-bike Tour

2. Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge

For such an impressive mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, it’s tough to beat Bled.

The Vintgar Gorge is another of the town’s gems. It was carved from the surrounding rock over countless eons of water erosion from the Radovna River.

It’s a great place to spend a spring morning or afternoon enjoying Mother Nature at its most majestic.

The river features stunningly blue water, and during the spring bloom, the shores are often awash in vibrant wildflowers, making it a great place for a romantic picnic or an afternoon with a good book and bottle of local wine.

Available tour : Self-Guided E-Bike Tour of Vintgar Gorge

3. Lake Bled

Lake Bled

Bled is so jam-packed with amazing attractions that for visitors with limited time, it can be tough deciding what to see.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that whatever you choose, you’ll likely be blown away.

From most vantage points, Lake Bled looks like it leaped from the pages of a Fairy Tale, and it’s an easy walk from the town’s center.

It’s ringed by mountains and castles, and there’s a stunning church on an island in the center.

Kayaks and paddleboats are available to rent and are perfect for energetic visitors looking to see things from a truly memorable perspective.

Recommended tour : Lake Bled & Postojna Cave Day Trip

4. Church of the Assumption of Maria

Church of the Assumption of Maria

Located in on an island in the middle of the aforementioned Lake Bled, the Church of the Assumption was built in the mid-15th century and looks pretty much the way it did back then.

It’s so magnificent that it draws young lovers from all over the country who prefer to tie the proverbial knot in a truly unique and remarkable setting.

The church features impressive Baroque-style architecture and 99 steps, up which the groom must carry the bride before the official ceremony gets underway.

Professionally guided and self-led tours of the church are available, and it’s a great place to take in a sunset.

5. Eat Like a Slov

dumplings

Bled is the perfect town for activity minded travelers who prefer hiking, biking, and kayaking to guided tours in air-conditioned vans.

Those activities tend to cause big pangs of hunger, and though it’s not so well-known outside the area, Slovenian cuisine is hearty, unique, and brimming with flavor.

Bled’s restaurants run the gamut from cheap and comfy to expensive and trendy – and a little bit of everything in between.

That means lots of great options for hungry travelers.

A few local favorites include meat-stuffed dumplings, mouthwatering puff pastries, and a number of local wines that come in a variety of colors and flavor profiles.

6. Pokljuka Plateau

Pokljuka Plateau

It’s definitely not the easiest of Bled’s attractions to pronounce, but the Pokljuka Plateau is one of the area’s most amazing natural attractions.

In the winter, the plateau features a variety of cold-weather sports, as well as a biathlon that draws participants from all over the world.

Don’t worry if strenuous activities aren’t your thing, because the plateau is noted for stark beauty that offers visitors amazing sights year-round.

If the winter weather becomes inhospitable, which is often the case, it’s quite all right to retreat to a cozy café for a hot meal, coffee, or a nip of the local liquor.

Suggested tour : Half-Day Pokljuka Gorge Trail Hike

7. Straža Ski Resort

Straža Ski Resort

Though Bled’s Straža Ski Resort doesn’t rival its bigger mountain counterparts in the Alps of Italy, France, and Switzerland, it’s the perfect place for a winter escape, especially for those whose alpine skills aren’t exactly up to snuff.

The resort’s mountain stretches a few thousand feet over the town below. Though it’s not high by European standards, it still offers fun runs, amazing scenery, and powdery snow.

A variety of instruction programs are offered for beginners, and there are a number of restaurants and bars in the lodge that serve great food and tasty drinks.

Lift tickets are inexpensive, and toboggan rides are popular too.

8. Treat Yourself to Bled’s Traditional Cake

kremšnita

There’s just something about the idyllic alpine setting in Bled that makes locals and visitors want to eat gobs of sweet cake.

The traditional local cake of choice is called kremšnita.

It’s moist, creamy, and buttery, but not exactly low-cal.

The good news is you’ll probably expend lots of unwanted calories walking and biking around town, so a little indulgence probably won’t hurt the waistline too much.

Apparently kremšnita pairs well with coffee and local wine, so consider stopping at one of the town’s many cafes for a bite, or getting a slice or two to enjoy by the lake in the afternoon.

9. Hike to the Lake Bled Overlook

Ojstrica

Hiking is a great way to take in Bled’s abundant attractions, and one of the most popular destinations is the bluff overlooking the lake referred to as Ojstrica.

It’s accessible to those of moderate physical fitness, but during periods of cold and wet weather, parts of the trail can get a bit treacherous.

From the main trail below, the hike takes less than an hour and is a favorite point from which to catch a spectacular sunrise or sunset.

There’s another vista point a little farther up, but most hikers agree that the extra effort required to reach it isn’t necessarily worth it.

10. Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park

Bled’s Triglav National Park contains the country’s highest peak and is a premier attraction for hikers, nature lovers, and those looking to distance themselves from the crowds often found at tourist sites closer to town.

The park is located in the Julian Alps and is full of well-marked hiking trails, incredible vistas, and local vendors selling everything from produce to jewelry

Many outdoorsy types choose to see the park on their own, but for those interested in getting historical insight into the area, a variety of tours are available.

The park is accessible by car, bike, and on foot, and Savica Waterfall is worth checking out too.

Recommended tour : Triglav National Park Tour from Bled

11. Church of St. Martin

Church of St. Martin

Per capita, Bled’s got more than its fair share of churches, and they’re all impressive in their own right.

The Church of St. Martin was built in the first decade of the 20th century, but for generations before that, other churches stood on the same site.

It features impressive gothic architecture that’s well worth a photo or two, and the inside is just as spectacular.

The church’s sanctuary is adorned with statues, frescoes, and intricate woodwork, and the best part is it’s a free attraction to visit.

The Church of St. Martin is close to other area attractions and lodging, so it’s convenient to visit by bike or on foot.

12. Bled Island Gallery

Bled Island

For those who’ve experienced the natural and humanmade wonders of Bled, it’ll probably come as no surprise that it’s always been a great inspiration to artists.

From majestic churches and shimmering lakes to towering castles and idyllic pastures, it’s really a sight to behold, and many of the works in the Bled Island Gallery depict these very things.

The Bled Island Gallery contains both historic and contemporary pieces, many of which you may recognize from the scenery you’ve already taken in.

Most visitors spend about an hour checking out the gallery’s paintings and sculptures before heading off to explore the other treasures found there.

13. The Working Farm Experience

The Working Farm Experience

There’s really no better way to experience Slovenia like a Slovenian than by getting your hands dirty right alongside them.

Though you could sign on as a volunteer trash collector, a better way to go about it would be to stay on a working farm for a day or two.

Don’t worry if you’re not up to speed on planting seasons and animal husbandry, because it’s a learn-as-you-go deal.

Fun for those of all ages, it is a truly memorable way to learn, experience cultural immersion, and possibly make a few lifelong friends.

There are a number of area farms open to visitors.

14. Ride the Bohinj Steam Railway

Bohinj Steam Railway

Visitors who’ve taken advantage of the Bohinj Steam Railway in Bled tend to agree that it was one of the most memorable experiences of their trip.

Trains are just downright fun; they instill in riders a sense of the old days that you just won’t find in a mini-van.

The Bohinj Steam Railway winds its way through forests and mountains and offers guests unobstructed views of many of the area’s most noted features and attractions.

Looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon with someone special?

Look no further, because the train tour is consistently ranked as one of Bled’s most romantic activities.

15. Postojna Caves

Postojna Caves

The Postojna Caves are located just outside Bled, making them a perfect escape destination for those looking to convene with nature.

The subterranean caves are brimming with stalactites and stalagmites, and are especially popular with those traveling with children.

Like most caves, they’re a bit dark and primordial, but they’re also magical places that tend to make a big impression for those who’ve never before ventured below the earth’s surface.

Many visitors spend a few hours at the caves before heading off to Predjama castle, which is only a few miles away.

Many locals and visitors consider it even more impressive than Bled Castle.

15 Best Things to Do in Bled (Slovenia):

  • Bled Castle
  • Vintgar Gorge
  • Church of the Assumption of Maria
  • Eat Like a Slov
  • Pokljuka Plateau
  • Straža Ski Resort
  • Treat Yourself to Bled’s Traditional Cake
  • Hike to the Lake Bled Overlook
  • Triglav National Park
  • Church of St. Martin
  • Bled Island Gallery
  • The Working Farm Experience
  • Ride the Bohinj Steam Railway
  • Postojna Caves

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Home > 18 Best Things To Do In Lake Bled, Slovenia

18 Best Things To Do In Lake Bled, Slovenia

Post author Ana

Written by our local expert Ana

Croatian born Ana is an avid traveler who is always looking for the next travel story from the Balkans to share. Her passion is creating travel itineraries and in-depth guides.

Slovenia is packed with sights to see and experience, but one of the most popular places to visit, without a doubt, is Lake Bled. Here are the best things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia, that I love – so I am sure you will too.

Slovenia Travel Blog_Best Things To Do In Lake Bled

Slovenia is a tiny country that boasts some spectacular sights waiting to be discovered. One of Slovenia’s most famous sights is the stunningly beautiful Lake Bled .

This natural wonder is packed with experiences and picturesque scenery and is home to curative, wonderfully warm waters, which benefit those with aches and pains.

My first trip to Lake Bled had me standing in awe and looking around, wondering how this place could be real. I was also chased by some ducks, which then had me screaming like an idiot…but that is a different story.

Here is our guide to everything fantastic to do in Lake Bled .

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Things To Do In Lake Bled

BEST BALKAN CITIES_Holidays In The Balkans - LAKE BLED

Getting out into the countryside is not to be missed, probably more than anywhere else you’ll visit in Slovenia . In summer or winter, there are countless activities to enjoy in the Lake Bled area, and most are outdoors in nature. Check out these killer ideas on things to do on your Lake Bled holidays.

1. Bled Castle

Best Castles In Slovenia - Bled Castle At Night

For the best view of Lake Bled, the surrounding towns of Bled, and the region, head up to Bled Castle. Bled Castle was built on a cliff overlooking the Lake in 1011.

Various cultural events are held in its courtyards overlooking the Lake during the summer months. During the summer months. These days, the castle is on display, and you can learn about its history and the town’s history and view some exciting exhibits.

2. Assumption Of Mary Church

The Assumption of Mary Church is located on a tiny island in the middle of Lake Bled. Take a ride on one of the traditional wooden boats, which have been used for centuries, to the island and climb the 99 steps up to the church. Legend has it that your wish will come true if you make a wish while listening to the church bells on the island. Legends aside, the island is beautiful and gives you great views over the Lake .

3. Sport Climbing

There are many steep walls around Lake Bled, and climbing is seriously popular. This climbing area’s starting point is around an hour’s drive from the Lake itself, so it’s always a good idea to employ a guide. The Julian Alps are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to test their climbing abilities.

4. Kayaking

fun tourist bled

Anywhere with a large body of water is fantastic for enjoying water sports, and kayaking is very popular around the Gorenjska region .

5. Beach Volleyball

Many beach volleyball courts are around the lake area, which is an excellent way to enjoy family time or perhaps some exercise in the most natural settings.

6. Ballooning

on floating over lake with mountains on the background. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Is there any better view than soaring high over the Lake and the surrounding area in a hot air balloon ? Sunrise or sunset is a fantastic time; however, you will see the best of the area from the sky, even during the day.

Be aware that it is illegal to cycle off-road or track in Slovenia anywhere, but there are many tracks to enjoy, and you can easily rent a bike to explore the area . Traffic around the Lake itself is not that heavy, so cycling is a healthy activity for everyone, especially traveling families .

8. Golf Courses

Bled has the most extensive course in the country, and from March to December, you will see countless people enjoying the scenic golfing opportunities around the Lake. The backdrop of the forest and water is, quite frankly, impressive.

9. Sky Diving

Adrenaline! If you have always wanted to jump out of a plane and go back down to earth, this is the sport for you. There is a diving center around 4km from the Lake, and here you can do tandem skydiving and glider flights. You will be given expert training, so no worries about that!

10. Swimming And Beach Time In Lake Bled

Grajska Beach is a designated beach area on the shores of Lake Bled, and it is packed with facilities for your day to enjoy the scenery. The Lake is known for its reputed health benefits, so bathing is enjoyable and possibly very healthy, too! There are many changing rooms and lockers to keep your belongings safe and kiosks selling snacks and drinks.

11. Lake Bled Summer Tobogganing

The Straza ski slope has a summer tobogganing chute, which is fantastic fun for adults and children . You will whizz past the trees and countryside, with incredible views from the top of the castle, the Lake, and the area overall.

12. Visit Bohinjska Bela

Bohinjska Bela_Slovenia

This picturesque and lovely village is great to visit any time of the year, but it looks extra magical during the winter when the snow is on the ground. There are fishing and nature walk activities here, and check out the area’s authentic architecture and history.

While Lake Bled is not known for having the best visibility in the world, it has been cleaned up considerably. The chance to check out some unusual underwater plants and flowers is an excellent opportunity for divers. You’ll also find resident fish, around 18 species, and shellfish.

Without a doubt, one of the most popular activities to enjoy in the Lake Bled area is hiking. The mountains provide landscapes for different abilities, and the woods around the Pokljuka and Jelovica areas are ideal for nature walks.

15. Skiing And Snowboarding

What to do in Slovenia_Bled Ski Resort | Slovenia Travel Blog

Outdoor activities are not just for the summer months, as the considerable snowfall during the winter months means skiing and snowboarding are more than possible.

Straza is the most popular ski area, and nighttime skiing is super fun under the floodlights. This is only a short walk away from Bled itself, and there are many facilities for your ski fun day and artificial snow machines for those slightly warmer winter months.

16. Ice Climbing

Hiking up a frozen waterfall body is a thrilling and fun activity to enjoy. During  the winter months, you can hire a guide to take you out to enjoy this pastime, especially around the Mojstrana and Bohinj areas.

17. Sledding

Can you imagine a more fun activity than whizzing past frozen landscapes on a sled? This is an iconic winter activity; if you travel with kids, they will love it.

18. Enjoy The Scenery By Steam Train

The Bohinj Railway is very close to Lake Bled, and this historic steam train is 110 years old. Slowly meander your way through high hills and mountains across forests and stunning natural landscapes, all with the old-world feel of a steam train. All age groups will love this particular activity.

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Where to eat & drink in bled.

Bled is a tourist resort, and that means plentiful restaurants to enjoy. The nightlife in the area will never be raucous and loud because that wouldn’t fit in with the chilled-out vibe of Bled, but there are many fantastic eateries and gastronomical delights to try.

Fine Food Penzion Berc

If you are looking for somewhere classy to try a traditional meal or an old favorite, this is the place to go. The menu is extensive, and the prices are reasonable too.

ZaZiv Vegan Bar Bled

It’s not always easy to find food to suit your diet, especially if you are vegan , but this particular bar has a vast range of delights for you to try; vegan burgers are very popular.

Bled Castle

bled_castle_restaurant-slovenia_travel_blog

Stunning views, top service, and fantastic food . This is a perfect place to head to for special occasions.

Grajska Plaza

This is perhaps one of the best places to go for views, and the food on offer is fine dining in style, so you can indeed find something special here.

Pizzeria Rustika

As the name would suggest, this is the place to go in Bled for fantastic pizzas!

Ostarija Peglez’n

Italian food is world-famous for being delicious, and as you are pretty close to Italy when visiting Bled, check out some authentic dishes from over the border.

Slascicara Smon

slascicara_smon_bled-slovenia_travel_blog

Slovenian-style puddings and pastries are delicious, and while they may not be that good for the waistline, this place is packed with different ones to try.

This is a top choice for vegetarians, as the menu is packed with meat-free options. It’s not  the cheapest restaurant in the Bled area, but it’s well worth it.

A La Carte Restaurant 1906 Bled

If you want to sit outside during the warmer months and gaze over the Lake while enjoying a fine dining experience, this is the place for you.

Gostilna Batist

Seafood lovers flock to this restaurant; however, be aware that the portions are enormous! Meat platters are also available, so if you are hungry, give this one a go.

Where Is Lake Bled?

Best Castles In Slovenia - Alamy Church Of The Assumption

Lake Bled is an Alpine lake set in some of the most breathtaking countryside scenery you’re ever likely to set your eyes on. The mild climate makes outdoor activities a must, while photographers will love the boundless opportunities for a great shot.

The Lake is located just outside the town of Bled, which is situated in northwestern Slovenia .

The Lake is surrounded by majestic and towering mountains, namely the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range. The average temperature here is around 18 degrees during the summer and -2 degrees during the winter, meaning there are activities to enjoy no matter the time of year.

You’ll find a small island on the Lake, and the surrounding mountains shelter the town from cold winds during the winter months, which means it is often milder than other alpine lakes and resorts. Lake Bled is, therefore, well known for health breaks or those seeking peace and tranquility while also being an excellent choice for adrenaline sports.

The History Of Bled And Its Famous Lake

As you can see, you’re looking at a seriously historic area. The history of Lake Bled goes back centuries, right back to Medieval times. Bled’s appearance was noted in 1004; however, settlement history was evident around Mesolithic times.

The land is green, lush, and fertile while being sheltered from the adverse weather by the hill on which a castle is perched . Because of this, settlers as far back as the Stone Age have flocked to the Bled area. Settlements also increased during the Iron Age, when iron mining increased. Many archaeological digs have taken place around the site and have found around 80 gravesites in this region dating back to the Iron Age.

You will find fascinating historical stories throughout the Bled area, with much of the old architecture still in place today.

How Long Should You Stay At Lake Bled?

This depends on what you plan to do once you are there. If you are heading to the area in the wintertime and enjoy the skiing opportunities, then around five days to one week should be enough for you to get to grips with the great outdoors. If, however, you are visiting during the summer months, then perhaps four to five days is enough.

Many people visit Lake Bled as a passing-through destination. They visit the capital, Ljubljana ( check out this guide on traveling between the two destinations ), or move around the country itself. Having said that, Bled does have more than enough to keep visitors occupied for a week’s holiday, with many places to stay and restaurants to try.

Where To Stay In Bled

Here are a few top choices of hotels and B&Bs to stay in when you visit the Lake Bled area:

Grand Hotel Toplice

This is a trendy hotel choice with stunning views over the water from its lakeside position and is decorated in an old, traditional style. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Garni Hotel Berc

Again, top views across Lake Bled will greet you in this mid-sized hotel. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

This is actually an old-style villa, and its décor and style have been kept the same as years gone by. If you enjoy history and want to explore how things used to be, this comfortable hotel with stunning scenery is for you. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Hotel Astoria Bled

A modern choice with many different dining options, including half board, greet visitors to this up-to-date base. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Park Hotel Bled

This is another modern hotel that almost resembles a business hotel. Despite that, the contemporary feel is exceptional for couples and groups who want a more up-to-date place to stay . Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Hotel Triglav Bled

This hotel’s authentic architecture is charming and fits in very well with the almost fairy-tale feel of the area. Again, you are very close to the water in this hotel, so views are guaranteed. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Savica Hotel

This is a large and very reasonably priced hotel, which is modern and located right on the edge of the water, with fantastic views. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Kompas Hotel Bled

A large and homely feel welcomes visitors to this hotel, with a great central location for exploring the area. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Pension Mlino

This hotel is also located on the edge of Lake Bled and offers a homely, family-run base. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

  • Complete Guide To Lake Bled Accommodation

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Fun Facts About Lake Bled

  • The Lake was formed after the last Ice Age, making it highly ancient! It was created after the Bohinj glacier deepened underground before the ice melted and filled with water – this is what is now Lake Bled
  • The Lake’s waters are renowned for their healing properties, thanks to the pleasantly warm temperature of the thermal springs that run into it. The Lake is around 26 degrees in temperature, making it one of the world’s warmest alpine lakes
  • You can swim in the Lake as far into the year, right up until September, thanks to the mild temperatures – wintertime, however, is not recommended!
  • The Lake Bled region is not just about the water, as the surrounding buildings are equally as fun and exciting. The main attraction is the Church of the Assumption of Mary, dating back to the 17th century
  • During a wedding, legend says that if the groom carries his bride up the 99 stone steps that lead to the church before ringing the bell and making a wish, they will be blessed with good luck and a long and happy marriage

How To Get To Lake Bled

Lake Bled is around 34 miles from the capital city, Ljubljana , and there are many road and public transport network links to get you to the heart of the outdoor action.

  • Train.  Lake Bled is accessible by the Lesce-Bled International Railway Station and line. The service runs long-distance between Illach-Jesenice-Ljubljana-Belgrade-Istanbul-Athens and stops at Lesce. To get to Lake Bled from there, you must grab a taxi or public bus for the remainder of the journey (4km).
  • Road. You can quickly drive to Bled and the Lake by car , depending on your starting point. The Lake is 45km from the Austrian and Italian borders and 50km from Ljubljana via the A2 Highway.
  • Bus. A bus station is a few minutes walk from the lake site , and coaches head to the capital from there on the hour, returning hourly at half-past the hour. The journey takes around 70 minutes in total and is indeed very picturesque.
  • Fly.  You can fly into Ljubljana Airport and grab a direct shuttle bus from there to Bled, which takes around 70 minutes, depending on traffic.

Why is Lake Bled recommended as a vacation spot in Europe?

Slovenia, and Lake Bled in particular, is recommended due to its affordable rates, stunning natural beauty, and a range of attractions and activities to enjoy.

How long should I stay in Lake Bled?

A typical holiday in Lake Bled should be planned for at least three nights, including additional options to visit the capital, Ljubljana.

What activities are available in Lake Bled?

Activities in Lake Bled vary by season and include horseback riding, wine tasting, glamping, canyoning, and river rafting.

Are there any notable historical tourism spots in Lake Bled?

Yes, visitors can explore historical sites like the 11th-century Bled Castle and the Gothic Bled Island church.

Are day trips to other regions from Lake Bled feasible?

Yes, day trips to other regions, even to Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes, are feasible and recommended.

What accommodation options are available in Lake Bled?

Lake Bled offers various accommodation options, ranging from boutique hotels to luxury hotels.

How can I travel from Lake Bled to Ljubljana?

The journey from Lake Bled to Ljubljana is straightforward and can be done by bus or rented car.

Lake Bled is an exciting, natural, and stunning area. Visitors are certainly spoiled for choice regarding things to see and do. Overall, this is a destination that is perfect no matter what month! Remember to pack accordingly, as the temperature can plummet during winter.

  • Where To Stay In Slovenia
  • Things To Do In Slovenia
  • Guide To Triglav National Park
  • Best Day Trips From Lake Bled
  • Lake Bohinj Or Lake Bled – Which To Visit
  • Best Hotels Near Lake Bohinj
  • 3-Day Slovenia Itinerary

Comments (6)

I admire the mace though, but I’m afraid of heighs so never dare to try

It’s a great place!!!

Great post. You mentioned almost all information needed to visit Bled. There is a lot of thing to do it in Bled. My company started with organizing wine tastings in Bled. Not many people know this but Slovenia is wine country, we made some of the best world wines. If you will come to Bled again, pay us with visit, wine tasting is on us! :-)

what about Koper? This place is much better than Bled

Is lake Bled safe for kids?

Totally! Lake Bled in Slovenia is a safe destination for families with children. Just hold onto their hands as you wander by the waters edge.

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17 Best Things To Do In Lake Bled Slovenia: Ultimate Guide [2024]

  • Post author: Nicoletta
  • Reading time: 53 mins read
  • Post last modified: February 7, 2024
  • Post comments: 0 Comments

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

Lake Bled, one of the most picturesque places in Europe, attracts thousands of visitors a year. But why is this Lake so unique? What’s the reason more and more people come to see it? Slovenia has long been a  hidden gem in Europe , and that’s changing now. And Lake Bled is one of its top attractions.

I visited Lake Bled when I was road-tripping through Slovenia. At first, I thought it would be overrated, but when I stayed a couple of days at the Lake, I must say it’s truly beautiful and unique . I loved walking alongside the Lake and hiking around with the breathtaking views of the Alps .

In this article, I’ll give you ideas on the best things to do. So let me  help you plan your visit  so that you can get the most out of it.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

List Of The 17 Best Things To Do In Lake Bled

I’ve selected various activities so each of you will find the perfect one. Choose some and enjoy it fully.

Here is a list of all the activities in Lake Bled and a map for your reference:

  • Bike & Walk Around Lake Bled
  • Explore Bled
  • Visit Bled Castle
  • Ride Traditional Pletna
  • Explore The Bled Island
  • Go Swimming
  • Go Paddle Boarding
  • Go Kayaking
  • Eat Kremšnita Cake
  • Enjoy Hiking
  • Watch Sunset & Sunrise
  • Go Canyoning
  • Hop On A Zipline
  • Visit Vintgar Gorge
  • Enjoy Lake Bohinj

Map Of The Best Things To Do In Lake Bled

To help you navigate to the spots, use this map for your visit to find all the activities I mention in this article:

1. Bike & Walk Around Lake Bled

The main reason why you come to Lake Bled is to enjoy its beauty and surroundings. So the first thing you should do is bike or walk around the Lake. The entire trail is 6 km long and will take about an hour and a half on foot or 40 minutes on a bike .

It’s a scenic road full of stunning views. Don’t forget to take your swimming suit as you’ll pass by several great swimming spots and beaches.

Exploring Lake Bled by foot or on a bike is my favorite activity and the perfect way to start your visit here.

➡ Rent an E-Bike here and ride around Lake Bled (or even further).

Slovenia Travel Voices of Travel

2. Explore Bled

Bled is a small town right next to the Lake. It wasn’t the most interesting place for me, but it has everything you need. It’s mainly a town full of hotels, a few supermarkets, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Don’t expect a lot from it. But it’s good for shopping if you like.

3. Visit Bled Castle

Bled Castle elevates the entire scenery of Lake Bled as it’s built on the rock overlooking the entire place. It’s one of my favorite views in Slovenia. This castle was built in 1011 and is the oldest in the country.

It has a chapel from the 16 century , a wine cellar , and a Guttenberg printing press , where you can still print your own souvenir. There is a museum about the first settlements and history of the region, so check it out.

Even if you don’t enter the castle, come here to soak up the breathtaking views of Lake Bled. It’s one of the best spots to take your photos from.

➡ Book this guided tour of Lake Bled with Bled Castle and explore it with a local guide.

best things to do in Lake Bled Bled Castle

4. Ride Traditional Pletna

Pletna is a traditional wooden boat in Slovenia . It’s one of the main attractions here, and you can take it to Bled Island . Pletna was invented in the 12th century by rowers, who developed a special rowing technique back then.

It was passed from generation to generation, and you can still experience a ride on the Pletna nowadays. Go to the Pletna Boat Cruise Spot on the side of the Lake and take one to the beautiful island.

➡ Join this guided tour of Lake Bled and explore it with a local guide ( incl. Pletna ride ).

best things to do in Lake Bled ride traditional Pletna boat

5. Explore The Bled Island

This island (called Blejski Otok in the local language) is the only natural island in Slovenia. And it’s one of the main reasons this Lake attracts many visitors. Bled Island is located in the middle of the Lake, and the way to reach it is by the traditional Pletna boat .

It hosts a few buildings and a church. Once you arrive, you’ll have to climb 99 steps to reach the church. Locals say that a groom should carry a bride through these steps to make their marriage happy.

The church has a famous bell , and your wishes will come true if you ring it 3 times. I haven’t done it yet, so I’ll have to return and see if it’s true. It worked for me with Trevi Fountain in Rome, so that it might work here on the Bled Island, too.

Bled Island Slovenia

👉 READ ALSO: Epic Slovenia Itinerary For 5 Days

6. Go Swimming

If you’re visiting Lake Bled in the summertime, it’s the perfect place to cool down and swim. You can walk around the Lake and find your perfect beach and swimming spot for yourself.

Or check out some of these swimming spots:

  • Next to the Pletna port
  • Velika Zaka

If you want to spend time on the beach and enjoy swimming for a day, go to Velika Zaka .

7. Go Paddle Boarding

If you want extra fun, paddle boarding is another great way to enjoy the Lake. Get one and try to get to the Bled Island or just enjoy a different scenery from the Lake. Test your body balance and enjoy it independently or as part of this group activity.

➡ Get on this paddle boarding tour and enjoy Lake Bled with a group.

8. Go Kayaking

Another great way to explore the Lake is on a kayak. It’s my favorite way to enjoy lakes. Don’t get me wrong, riding Pletna is a must to do here, but it’s very popular and crowded . I always try to avoid tourist crowds. And kayaking on Lake Bled was one of the options to do so. So, if you also don’t like crowds, go kayaking instead.

➡ You can join this organized tour on a transparent kayak and explore the Lake with a local guide.

9. Eat Kremšnita Cake

Any foodies out here? I’ve got a must-do activity for you here: try local Kremšnita Cake. Its origin is in Bled , and you would miss out if you didn’t try it. It’s not just for the foodies; everyone should try it.

I’m not the biggest fan of cakes, but this was super delicious. It has a custard cream with whipped cream in the middle and is covered in pastry layers .

If you want to try the most original one , go to the Park Restaurant and Cafe . It’s where it was invented and offers beautiful views of the Lake.

10. Enjoy Hiking

Lake Bled has two great trailheads that you can follow for breathtaking views: Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica Trailhead .

I recommend starting your walk at the Cafe Belvedere or Starkl Hotel. First, walk the Mala Osojnica trail and follow the signs to the viewpoint. Afterward, return to the Lake and walk along the coast through the Ojstrica trailhead. You’ll end at the Velika Zaka , the best beach spot for swimming.

It’s the perfect way to spend half a day at Lake Bled .

best day trips from Ljubljana Velika Planina

11. Watch Sunset & Sunrise

One of the most memorable things at Lake Bled is watching the sunrise or sunset. The best views are from Straza Hill , close to the tourist center in Bled. Even if you don’t make it for the sunset/sunrise, it’s worth walking up and enjoying the views.

It’ll take you about half an hour to get to the top of Straza Hill.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Slovenia Expensive To Visit? Ultimate Guide To Budget Your Trip

12. Go Canyoning

Lake Bled is on the edge of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s most beautiful nature place. Thanks to its location, you can do many outdoor and adventure activities . Canyoning is one of them.

It’s adrenaline and fun; if you’ve never done it, this is your time. You can join this guided tour and enjoy canyoning in the local rivers. They’ll give you equipment and organize everything for you.

➡ Book this canyoning tour with a guide in the Bohinj Valley from Lake Bled.

13. Go Rafting

More than canyoning, I always enjoy rafting. It’s more adventurous, and you don’t have to be afraid; the water is not so rough, and the guides know the best spots, so you’ll be safe.

If you want to try rafting, join this organized excursion that local organize from Bled. All the equipment is included.

➡ Go rafting with a progessional guide from Bled here .

best things to do in Slovenia go rafting

14. Hop On A Zipline

Zipline Dolinka is another great adventure activity you can join from Bled. Local guides will take you to where you can enjoy 4 km of ziplining over the forests and a crystal clear Soča River.

The entire excursion takes 2.5 hours , including a transfer. You’ll pass 7 ziplines and walk in beautiful Slovenian nature.

➡ Book your spot for Zipline Dolinka here .

longest zipline europe slovenia

15. Visit Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge is the perfect half-day excursion from Lake Bled. It’s 4.5 km away from Bled, and you can reach it by car (10 minutes), on foot (1 hour), or on a bike (30 minutes).

You can walk through the gorge and enjoy the stunning views of the Radovna River. It’s an easy 1.6 km long walk on the wooden trail, suitable for families with kids.

On the way, you’ll also see the stone bridge of the old Bohinj Railway . The end of the walk marks the Šum Waterfall .

➡ Rent a bike here and make a self-guided tour to Vintgar Gorge.

Vintar Gorge

16. Enjoy Lake Bohinj

As I mentioned above, Lake Bled is often full of tourists. So it might not be the perfect place to relax. To disconnect and enjoy more tranquility , visit the nearby Lake Bohinj. I loved it slightly more than Lake Bled, as it’s a hidden gem that only a few people visit.

Lake Bohinj is located 30 km from Bled , and it only takes 30 minutes to get there by car . You can go swimming , paddle boarding , and enjoy some time in nature.

I also recommend you to go hiking to the nearby Vogel Mountain . You can take a cable car to the top and then follow some hiking trails while enjoying breathtaking views of the region.

things to do in Slovenia Lake Bohinj

17. Go Camping

If you have a camper van or want to spend time in nature in your tent close to Lake Bled, go camping. There is a camping resort close to Ojstrica Hill , where you can stay.

The camping offers many activities, such as a picnic at Lake Bled or a wellness stay in a nearby hotel. One of the best things about camping here is waking up in the morning and being able to jump straight to the Lake and go swimming.

➡ Check out the Bled Camping and book your stay with extra activities.

What To Do In Bled When It Rains

You can do many activities in Bled even if it’s raining. Indeed, you can do almost everything if you don’t mind the rain. One of my favorite activities to do when it rains is to go swimming and do outdoor activities such as rafting and canyoning. The rain adds even more adrenaline to these activities, and I’m sure you’ll love it.

Here are my top recommendations for things to do when it rains at Lake Bled:

  • Go swimming
  • Go canyoning
  • Walk around the Lake
  • Take Pletna boat
  • Visit Bled Island

Things To Do In Lake Bled In Winter

Even though Lake Bled is at its best beauty in the summertime and fall, you can do many activities in winter, too. It’s just that it’s not so picturesque in the wintertime.

Yet, it shouldn’t put you off visiting Lake Bled if winter is the only time you can see it. So, if you happen to be here in winter, here are some of the things you can do:

  • Go hiking (Straza Hill, Mala Osojnica Trailhead)

best things to do in Lake Bled in winter

👉 READ ALSO: Is Slovenia Safe For Travel? Revealed!

Free Things To Do In Bled

You don’t have to necessarily spend a fortune if you want to enjoy Lake Bled fully. Some activities don’t require any cost. Here are a few of them:

  • Walk around Lake Bled
  • Visit Bled Island (if you swim there)
  • See Bled Castle from the outside

PRO TIP: You don’t have to spend extra money on accommodation if you rent a car . Sleep in the car and enjoy a free experience at the Lake.

best things to do in Lake Bled free things to do

What Is Special About Lake Bled?

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most iconic locations , attracting thousands of visitors every year. It’s mainly popular thanks to its beautiful island in the middle , the only natural island in Slovenia. You can reach it by taking a traditional Pletna boat unique to Slovenia.

The lake is an amazing place for outdoor activitie s and a relaxing holiday in nature . Kremšnita Cake originated in Bled, which is another special thing you must try while visiting.

It’s also a popular day trip from Ljubljana .

Can You Swim In Lake Bled?

Yes , you can swim in Lake Bled. There are several great spots from where you can jump into the water. The best beach and spot to access the lake for swimming is Velika Zaka . Another one is next to the Pletna pier .

How Do You Spend A Day At Lake Bled? Suggested Itinerary

Here is my suggested itinerary for a day at Lake Bled. To sum it up, here are the activities I recommend you do in a day in Lake Bled:

  • Start in Bled
  • Walk around the lake while visiting some attractions
  • Take traditional Pletna boat
  • Hike to Mala Osojnica
  • Relax at Velika Zaka
  • Eat Kremšnita Cake At Park Restaurant & Cafe
  • Explore Bled Castle
  • Enjoy sunset views from Straza Hill

Morning At Lake Bled

In the morning, I recommend exploring Lake Bled first. The best way is to walk around the Lake and enjoy the views. So start in Bled and walk towards the Pletna pier on the left side of the Lake.

While going around the entire Lake, you can stop for several attractions . The first one will be a traditional Pletna ride to Bled Island. So once you reach the Pletna pier, take a Pletna ride to Bled Island . Take some time to enjoy the island, and once you’re ready, come back to the shore.

Then, keep walking around Lake Bled. I suggest hiking up to the Mala Osojnica viewing point, just a 15-minute walk from the Lake. Enjoy the stunning views and come back to the shore.

Afterward, you can stop at Velika Zaka beach and swim for a while. Then just keep going around the Lake until you reach Bled.

Afternoon At Lake Bled

Have lunch in Bled , and treat yourself to a delicious Kremšnita Cake at the local Park Restaurant & Cafe.

In the afternoon, explore Bled Castle and take some time to walk around for more beautiful views. In the evening, I recommend walking up Straza Hill to enjoy the sunset over Lake Bled.

Best Tours To Lake Bled

If you don’t want to visit Lake Bled on your own, join one of the guided tours from nearby cities . All of them give you a specific meeting point and will take care of everything else throughout your visit.

So book one of these tours to Lake Bled if you want to explore it with a local guide and don’t want to plan anything:

↪ FROM LJUBLJANA: Guided Tour To Lake Bled

↪ FROM KOPER: Guided Tour To Lake Bled

↪ FROM TRIESTE: Guided Tour To Lake Bled

↪ FROM ZAGREB: Guided Tour To Lake Bled

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

Practical tips for visiting lake bled.

To help you plan your visit to Lake Bled even more, here are my tips to get the most out of this beautiful place. Learn when the best time is to visit, where to stay, and how to get around the Lake below.

Where Is Lake Bled Located?

Lake Bled is located in the northwestern part of Slovenia , next to the Bled town . It’s close to Austria (Villach) and Italy (Udine). You can easily reach it by car or a local bus.

You can visit Lake Bled from the following major European places:

  • Ljubljana: 55 km/34 miles (50 minutes drive)
  • Trieste (Italy): 144 km/89 miles (1 hours & 50 minutes drive)
  • Udine (Italy): 172 km/107 miles (2 hours & 10 minutes drive)
  • Maribor: 180 km/111 miles (2 hours drive)
  • Zagreb (Croatia): 200 km/124 miles (2 hours & 20 minutes drive)
  • Graz (Austria): 220 km/137 miles (2 hours & 40 minutes drive)
  • Venice (Italy): 290 km/180 miles (3 hours & 20 minutes drive)

traveling by car to Velika Planina

Best Time To Visit Lake Bled

The best time to visit Lake Bled is September . It’s because it gets less crowded than in the summertime. Lake Bled in September (fall) is at its best beauty – picture autumn colors and the crystal clear blue Lake with an island in the middle.

The scenery in September at Lake Bled is simply breathtaking . The weather is still beautiful, and temperatures are pleasant (around 20°C on average). You can still enjoy all the activities, yet with fewer tourists.

MY EXPERIENCE: I visited Lake Bled at the beginning of October . It was already a bit colder but less crowded, and the scenery was still beautiful. However, only some of the activities were operating. So September is the perfect time because everything is still in function, it’s warm, and you’ll also enjoy the place with fewer tourists.

How Many Days Do You Need In Lake Bled?

2 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Lake Bled. On the first day, you can enjoy the Lake, walk around, swim or hike, and relax. On the second day, you can relax or do some outdoor activities such as rafting, canyoning, ziplining, or visiting Vintgar Gorge.

What To Pack For Lake Bled

Lake Bled is mainly an outdoor destination . So the main type of clothes I recommend you bring is hiking clothes. You can pack a pair of jeans with a T-shirt for your time in the city. But other than that, think about it as an outdoor vacation.

Here is a brief packing list for your visit to Lake Bled:

  • trekking shoes/running shoes
  • hiking pants or shorts
  • sporty T-shirts
  • waterproof light jacket

NOTE: If you’re visiting in winter , bring a winter jacket with gloves, a cap, and warm shoes to keep you warm.

How To Get To Lake Bled

The best way to get to Lake Bled is by car . It’ll give you flexibility so you can create your own schedule. You can also visit other places such as Lake Bohinj or Vintgar Gorge with a car. Rent a car in Ljubljana or another major city nearby and drive to the Lake.

You can also visit Lake Bled with a local bus from Ljubljana called  Arriva . It’ll take you to Bled, right at the Lake.

Trains  also run to Lake Bled. A train runs between Jesenice and Sežana and stops by Lake Bled and Vintgar. To visit Lake Bled from Ljubljana by train, you must change once in Jesenice . So it’s easier to take a bus or a car.

➡ Rent a car here to drive to Lake Bled. ➡ Book a bus to Lake Bled with Arriva. ➡ Check out train connections to Lake Bled here .

How To Get Around Lake Bled

The best way to get around the Lake is on foot . Hiking and walking gives you extra time to enjoy the beauty of this place and soak in the views. You can walk around the entire Lake within an hour and a half .

Walking around will keep you right next to the Lake.

Alternatively, you can also rent a bike and ride around the Lake . It’s also possible to drive around by car , but you won’t always be the closest to the Lake.

Is Slovenia expensive Lake Bled

Where To Stay In Lake Bled

Lake Bled offers plenty of accommodation options. There are hotels and apartments with a traditional Slovenian style, from budget-friendly to luxury places.

I’ve selected the 10 best lake bled hotels for you, so check them out. Stay in one of them to have a great time in Lake Bled.

↪ Villa Mint&Lavender – budget-friendly apartment – book here ↪ Hotel Starkl Heritage & Unique – mid-range hotel – book here ↪ Adora Luxury Hotel – luxury hotel – book here

To sum it up, I’ve also answered the most frequently asked questions about this destination. So check them out below.

Is Lake Bled A Tourist Trap?

No , Lake Bled isn’t a tourist trap at all. It’s a natural lake full of beauty. While it’s a very touristy spot and often crowded in summer, you can still find spots to relax and enjoy the Lake with fewer people.

I’m sure you’ll love the place if you visit it one day as it offers activities for every type of traveler.

Is It Better To Stay In Lake Bled Or Ljubljana?

It’s better to stay in Lake Bled because it’s closer to Triglav National Park and more activities that Slovenia offers. You can explore more things from Bled, such as Velika Planina, and do outdoor activities around Bovec, which is closer to Lake Bled than Ljubljana.

How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Lake Bled?

Walking around the entire Lake takes about 1 hour and a half . The trail is 6 km (3.7 miles) , and it’s a beautiful, relaxing walk with many points of interest, including Pletna pier, viewing points, Velika Zaka Beach, and a tourist office in Bled.

Is It Free To Swim In Lake Bled?

Yes , it’s free to swim in Lake Bled. You don’t have to pay any fee and can jump into the Lake anywhere.

WRAP-UP: Best Things To Do In Lake Bled

I hope you’ll get the most out of your visit to Lake Bled, one of the most iconic locations in Europe. The advantage is that not many people know about it and its surroundings, so you’ll enjoy a unique vacation with the best outdoor things, such as rafting, canyoning, and ziplining.

If you have any more questions, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you or design a customized travel itinerary for your trip.

Happy Travels!

More Travel Tips For Slovenia

Looking to visit more places in Slovenia? Check out my related articles:

Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary 5 Days

27 Best Things To Do In Slovenia: Utimate Guide

21 Best Day Trips From Ljubljana

Is Slovenia Expensive? Ultimate Guide To Budget Your Trip To Slovenia

Is Slovenia Safe For Travel? Revealed + Safety Tips

Slovakia And Slovenia: How To Tell The Difference

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About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

SLOVENIA : Interested in more articles for Slovenia? Check out my Slovenia Travel Page .

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A Guide to the Best Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

By: Author Claire

Posted on Last updated: 21st August 2023

Categories Slovenia

Last Updated on 21st August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

As you look across a pool of impossibly blue water, to the historic church in the centre, and over to the Julian Alps, you’ll understand why Lake Bled is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Lake Bled , as well as travel tips and what to know

A Guide to the Best Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Why you need to go to Lake Bled

Should you go on a day trip or multi-day , hotel recommendations , lake bled day trip, how to get to lake bled from ljubljana, kayak to the island, bled castle, do a pletna boat trip, explore the island, walk around the lake, hike to a viewpoint, go scuba diving, find a swimming spot, try some local food.

Lake Bled is one of the best tourist destinations in all of former Yugoslavia, and although it is very popular, it’s still somewhere where you can get into nature and enjoy some of Slovenia’s best beautiful natural scenery. 

There’s something for everyone here. Take a boat across the lake, learn about the church’s unique history, hike around the water or just enjoy some local food and drink and take in the glorious views. Lake Bled has lots to offer in a small area, and it’s easy to access from Ljubljana. 

lake bled slovenia

There are quite a lot of things to do at Lake Bled – we’ll cover them later in this post! This means that if you want to stay in the area, you can by all means and you won’t get bored or run out of things to do.

Staying here will also give you the added benefit of enjoying Lake Bled before and after the day-trippers have left, meaning the opportunity to enjoy more of the place to yourself.

If you plan on staying in Lake Bled, it’s a good idea to reserve a hotel or hostel in advance, as the area isn’t big and accommodation may fill up. This is especially true during high seaso n (i.e. the summer months).

In order to enjoy all that Lake Bled and its surrounding have to offer, you’ll want to set aside three or four days. This will give you time to go boating on the lake, go for some hikes, and also allow you the time to simply relax and soak up the beauty of Slovenian nature.

sunrise lake bled

Adora Luxury Hotel is one of the most-loved accommodation options in the area. It has gorgeous views over the lake and elegant rooms with luxurious features. Check prices and availability here.

Panorama Apartments are perfect for groups or families, with comfortable bedrooms and kitchenettes. Check prices and availability here.

Bled Hostel is perfect for backpackers, with affordable dorms, some with their own bathroom. There’s also a kitchen, laundry facilities, a bar and BBQ area. Check prices and availability here.

If you don’t have the time to spend a couple of days or more at Lake Bled, don’t worry! It’s a very feasible day trip from Ljubljana , and you can see the highlights in a few hours. If you’re staying in Ljubljana itself, then be sure to check out how to spend one day in Ljubljana .

You could do a guided tour like this one that takes you to Bohinj and Vintgar Gorge as well. Alternatively, there are public transport options or car rental companies operating in Ljubljana.  Check car rental prices here.

If you have your own vehicle, it’s a short 45 minute drive between the two destinations. Or, direct buses take around an hour and depart regularly from Ljubljana Bus Station. Alternatively, you could take the train, which takes just over an hour and stops at Jezero Station.

This is on the western side of the lake, so you will need to transfer to another taxi, take a bus or walk for around an hour to reach the main attractions of Bled. If you would prefer to take part in an organised excursion where transport is taken care of for you, then you can book this guided tour.

lake bled aerial view

Things to do at Lake Bled

From adventure to gastronomy, there are so many things to do at Lake Bled! So whether you’re looking to sample some local Slovenian cuisine or would alternatively prefer to spend a day partaking in watersports, there truly is something for everyone at Lake Bled.

Possibly the most popular thing to do at Lake Bled is to hire a kayak and travel to the island in the middle of the lake. You can rent kayaks for around 15 euros, paddle across to the island and leave the kayaks as you explore! 

Truth be told, the history lovers out there should be sure to check out Bled Castle, which is perched high above Lake Bled and looks akin to something out of a fairytale. The medieval castle dates back to the 11th-century and can be visited for a fee.

On site, Bled Castle has a restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments, as well as a winery where it’s possible to sample local Slovenian wines. The castle is open every day of the week, including on Sundays and during Bank Holidays. You can find more details on the Bled Castle website .

bled castle

The Pletna boats are the traditional transportation that will take you from the lake’s shores to the central island. This costs 12 euros per person for a round trip; the boat waits for about half an hour at the island so you can have a look around. It’s pricier than renting kayaks if you’re travelling with at least one other person, but it’s a good option if you don’t want to paddle yourself.

boat trip lake bled

Most famous for its 15 th century gothic church called Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, Bled Island has been the muse for many postcards and watercolour paintings throughout the years. However you get to the island, it’s worth exploring for a while.

You can climb to the church and take in some lovely lake views and even ring the church bells. Apparently, if you make a wish while ringing, it will come true!  

Pull on your hiking boots and walk (or cycle) around the lake! It’s about six kilometres, and you’ll find some great vistas and swimming spots along the way. You can also rent a bike and cycle the distance.

lake bled walk

As Bled is nestled in the Julian Alps, there are lots of epic viewpoints that you can hike to and experience some of Slovenia’s best countryside views. Popular viewpoints include Mala Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica, both of which offer stunning vistas over the brilliantly blue lake and serene, historical church.

lake bled view

Lake Bled is a stunner from the top, but it’s even more interesting below the water. With Bled Diving, you can see multiple different species of fish and fascinating water plants. You’ll need to book your experience in advance, but if you’re a keen diver it’s definitely a unique Bled activity.

There are several designated swimming areas in Lake Bled. These are typically open from June to September each year, and some even feature floating platforms to relax on! Of all the things to do in Lake Bled, this is one of the most popular attractions.

You aren’t always guaranteed sunny weather in this part of Slovenia, but in the height of the summer, temperatures can reach the late twenties – which is perfect for a refreshing dip! 

Slovenian food isn’t that famous, but there’s plenty for you to try here – including some Bled specialties. The most famous is perhaps Bled Cream Cake or Kremsnita , which is made from puff pastry, cream and egg custard. Or, visit a nearby winery and sample some local Slovenian wine; check out wine tasting Bled for more information!

From nature to history to gastronomy, there’s so much to enjoy in beautiful Lake Bled! Whether you visit this part of Slovenia on a day trip from the capital or for a longer stay, you’re guaranteed to have an absolutely magical time.

slovenian cream cake

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A Guide to the Best Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Claire Martin is a travel blogger and freelance writer who specialises in overland adventures. She’s drove around Australia, travelled from Bali to London without flying, lived in Mexico and has spent many months exploring Europe. You can follow her adventures on her blog, Claire’s Footsteps . 

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TRAVELSLOVENIA.ORG – All You Need To Know To Visit Slovenia

TRAVELSLOVENIA.ORG – All You Need To Know To Visit Slovenia

Welcome to bled, the most remarkable alpine resort in slovenia and beyond, introducing bled.

With an incredibly beautiful glacial lake surrounded by the peaks of the Slovenian Alps, an iconic church nestled in a tiny island in the middle of the lake and a medieval Gothic castle built on a 100-meter cliff overlooking the lake, Bled is possibly the most beautiful and remarkable Alpine resort in Europe.

The town was first mentioned in writing a millennium ago in 1004. It prospered in the Middle Ages due to pilgrims coming to see the church on the island. The first true tourists began to visit Bled in the 19th century to benefit from the healthy climate and thermal springs, the curative powers of which had been discovered by the Swiss hydrologist Arnold Rikli. He spent more than fifty years in Bled and founded the Institute of natural healing. Guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and villas sprang up to cater for the needs of visitors. In the beginning of the 20th century, it was recognized as the most beautiful thermal resort of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, attracting the European aristocratic elite who appreciated the value of water, air and sunlight for health.

Collage of places to stay in Slovenia

Nowadays Bled represents the synthesis of natural, cultural and symbolic value. It’s a vacation hotspot for tourists from all over Europe and the world. It is an all year round resort with plenty to do in both summer and winter. Numerous spas and wellness facilities, hotels with pools, organized swimming areas and numerous other water-based activities, walking paths, excellent horse riding possibilities, the oldest and the largest Slovenian golf course, tennis and beach valley courts, an adrenaline park, a casino, a sports airport in Lesce, and other nearby natural and cultural sites provide plenty of reasons for a visit.

Winter offers skiing, skating on the frozen surface (if the winter is cold enough), sledding trails, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and more.

The glacial lake is definitely the centrepiece of Bled’s beauty. In the middle of the lake there is a charming little tear-shaped island, the only island in Slovenia. The largest building on the island is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. Sitting atop a cliff 130 meters above the lake is the iconic castle offering magnificent views of the lake, the lake and the surrounding countryside. Further attractions include the Vintgar Gorge and the Bled health spa.

Bled Pictures

Aerial view of the town of Bled in Slovenia

Location of Bled on the map

Address: Presernova cesta 1, 4260 Bled, Slovenia Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.36359, 14.09380 GPS coordinates: 46° 21′ 48.9528” N 14° 5′ 37.6980” E Region: Gorenjska (a.k.a Upper Carniola a.k.a Slovenian Alps a.k.a Oberkrain)

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21 thoughts on “welcome to bled, the most remarkable alpine resort in slovenia and beyond”.

My favourite place in the world. I love you, Slovenia ❤️

Slovenia is very beautiful. I have visited this place. ❤

Perfectly scenic place: there’s a church on a hill in the middle of a lake with an old castle up afar!!! Worth visiting again…BLED!!!

So many lovely pics of Bled. Reminds me of one week there over 20 years ago. Just the castle always seemed too high to climb up to. Until one night after a couple of drinks the walk to the castle looked like a brilliant idea. So we walked up in the middle of the night, knocked on the gate, no one opened, walked down for another drinks. Next morning it looked crazy high again. Whatever, funny night with funny people in a beautiful place to remember forever.

I came to Slovenia all the way from NZ, just to go to Bled. Just stunning it was.

I still can’t forget Bled after visiting there in 2007.

We went there twice, it is beautiful.

Thankful that we were able to visit this beautiful place.

Gorgeous place! So lucky to have spent some time there.

One of my fav destinations. Slovenia. Would love back again someday.

This entire area is one of the absolute best anywhere! Please, President Biden, can you make my wife or me Ambassador to this incredible country?!

Ahhh my favourite place, to be allowed to return… just dreams for now…

One of my favourite holiday resorts has a lot of memories.

Absolutely breathtaking…I LOVE Bled ☀️😊💕

My husband & I took our first tour in 1976,it was so beautiful,also my first time back since we left former Yugoslavia I was only 3 & my husband came to canada in 1971,also the first time I met my inlaws

I was first there in 1965 as a five year old and have been back a number of times since then Beautiful memories 😋

I love Bled! How I wish I could be there right now!

Slovenia is so underrated. I grew up just next door in Hungary and never visited! It is about time I change that! I am an avid fan on hiking, swimming and water sports, so Bled looks like the perfect destination!

Bled is absolutely wonderful. I have been there several times over the years when working and visiting friends in Slovenia.

I’m in Bled right now! Can’t think of too many places i’d rather be.

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The Ultimate Guide to Lake Bled, Slovenia

things to do in Lake Bled

Lake Bled is truly one of the most stunning and unique destinations to visit in Europe. Lake Bled is a beautiful glacial lake located in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia. It is a popular destination known for its picturesque scenery, including a castle perched on a hilltop overlooking the lake, a small island in the middle of the lake and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This ultimate guide to Lake Bled will provide an overview of the best things to do in Lake Bled, as well as information on how to get there, where to stay and what to eat and drink. If you are someone who loves beautiful views, outdoor activities and delicious food – Lake Bled will be the perfect place for you to visit!

We first heard about Lake Bled while backpacking in Vietnam and immediately added it to our bucket list! After spending a few days there, we can safely say that Lake Bled is a bucket list destination that is 100% worth the hype. If somewhere like Switzerland is on your list but the cost is a deterrent, consider visiting Lake Bled instead. It has all the same views but is much more affordable!

transportation in Lake Bled

How to get to Lake Bled

The nearest airport to Lake Bled is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, which is about an hour and a half drive away from Bled. There are multiple ways to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana.

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Do you need to rent a car to visit Lake Bled?

We managed to spend 3 days in Lake Bled without renting a car and had no issues because we stayed very walkable to restaurants, bars and the lake itself in Bled town. With that said, depending on your travel preference and itinerary, you may want to have one to drive yourself to surrounding areas of the Lake Bled and the Slovenian Alps.

Getting to Lake Bled by car

Many people opt to rent a car to go to Lake Bled and drive themselves around Slovenia. The drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled takes about an hour without any stops.

How to get to Lake Bled by bus

We personally opted to take a bus from Ljubljana center to Lake Bled. There are companies that offer bus routes but there is also a public bus available for only a few dollars. The bus took about an hour and a half and was very easy to locate in Ljubljana!

Train to Lake Bled

There is a train station in Lesce, which is about 4 miles from Lake Bled and the train journey from Ljubljana to Lesce takes about 30 minutes. Take into consideration that there are no Ubers available once you arrive in Lake Bled.

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The best time of year to visit Lake Bled

The best time to visit Lake Bled is during the cusp seasons in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. The summer months (June-August) can be very hot and crowded, while the winter months (November-March) can be cold and snowy.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the best time to visit Lake Bled depending on what you want to do in Bled.

For swimming: The best time to swim in Lake Bled is during the peak summer months, when it will be hot. We visited Lake Bled in May and it was not warm enough to go swimming.

For hiking and outdoor activities: The cusp months in the spring and fall will be best for outdoor activities at Lake Bled. The weather is mild during this time and it is less touristy!

For skiing and winter sports: The best time to visit Bled for skiing and other winter sports is during the winter months, when the snow conditions are best.

fun tourist bled

How many days do you need to visit Lake Bled

While many people choose to visit Lake Bled on a day trip from Ljubljana, we recommend staying for at least 2-3 days. This will give you enough time to experience all that Lake Bled has to offer, without feeling rushed. Read our 3 day Lake Bled itinerary here!

Of course, if you have more than 3 days to spare, you could also visit other nearby attractions, such as Triglav National Park or the Vintgar Gorge. But even if you only have a few days, there’s no doubt that Lake Bled is a destination that you will fall in love with.

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Are you still overwhelmed with travel planning? Consider using our travel consulting services to take the stress out of travel planning!

Where to stay in Lake Bled

There are a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments to choose from in Lake Bled. The best place to stay will depend on your budget and group’s housing preferences. If you are not renting a car, we recommend staying a short walking distance from Bled town because you will want to try the local bars and restaurants. Here are a few recommended hotel options in Lake Bled!

  • Hotel Park – Luxury hotel in the center of Bled town.
  • Old Bled House – A historic property known for its charm and service.
  • Old Parish House – A stunning and historic property right next to the church in Bled and the path to Bled Castle.
  • Apartments Vila Marjetica – A picturesque house with great reviews and in an ideal location.
  • Čarman House – A stunning property with epic lake views and walkable to Bled town.

The best things to do in Lake Bled

There are a variety of activity options for any type of traveler in Lake Bled! Lake Bled is the perfect travel destination for couples, families, solo travelers or a group of friends.

Take a boat trip to the island in the middle of the lake

One of the best things to do in Lake Bled is to take a boat to the island in the middle of the lake and visit the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary on the island. There are a variety of boat options to choose from to get to the island!

This is not an activity that you need to book in advance because there are multiple vendors available as you walk along the lake. We chose to hop on a rowboat with other people for ~€20 each. You can also opt to rent a private rowboat to row yourself around the lake or there is also a public motorboat that will be your fastest option back and forth to the island that runs regularly.

Once you get to the island, it will cost an additional fee of €12 to go inside the church, clock tower and museum. It is considered good luck to ring the bell three times inside the Church of the Assumption of Mary. There is also a small cafe and restaurant on the island.

Hike to the top of Ojstrica Mountain

This hike takes about 20-30 minutes and is absolutely worth it for the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains!

Visit the Bled Castle

Bled Castle is one of the most unique structures in the world. The hike to the top is a bit of a challenge and it costs €15 to enter the castle. The ticket is necessary because you do not see any of the views until you go through the castle entrance. There is a restaurant and museum to explore inside the castle but in our opinion, your ticket pays for the incredible views. If you are traveling on a budget, we recommend doing the free hike to the top of Ojstrica Mountain for the views instead of visiting Bled Castle.

Eat Bled Cake

Bled Cake

Bled Cake, also known as Blejska kremšnita, is a traditional Slovenian dessert and a local speciality in Lake Bled. It is made with a thin layer of puff pastry, a layer of vanilla custard and a layer of whipped cream. Bled Cake is often served as a dessert after a meal, but it can also be enjoyed as a snack. Bled Cake is served at almost every shop or restaurant in Lake Bled – you won’t miss it!

Go for a swim in the lake

The water in Lake Bled is some of the purest water we have ever seen. If visiting during the summer months when it is warm enough to swim, jump in and enjoy the refreshing crisp lake water!

Walk around the full circumference of Lake Bled

There is a path that goes around the entirety of Lake Bled. It is great to see the Lake from all of the different areas! The walk takes 1-2 hours depending on your walking pace and how often you stop to take pictures.

Where to eat in Lake Bled

where to eat in Lake Bled

We were shocked by the large variety of restaurant options in Lake Bled. Everywhere we ate was delicious and reasonably priced. Here are a few options of where to eat while in Lake Bled!

The Best Restaurants in Lake Bled

  • Central – A traditional restaurant with a variety of delicious menu items. We ate lunch here and it was one of our favorite meals in Lake Bled.
  • The Old Cellar – A cozy spot with indoor and outdoor dining options. The Old Cellar is one of the most famous places to eat in Bled!
  • Oštarija Peglez’n – This cute little restaurant was one of the best dining experiences we have ever had. We recommend ordering the gnocchi.
  • Pizzeria Rustika – A quaint lunch spot with amazing pizza and service.
  • Art Cafe – A lively restaurant for any meal. There is even live music a couple times a week!

Where to drink in Lake Bled

Where to drink in Lake Bled

If you know us as travelers, then you know we love a good pub and finding the best bars in every city. Similar to the restaurant options in Lake Bled, we were surprised by the bar options and how many fun places there were to drink! We even managed to meet some fellow digital nomads and make friends in the pub. A typical beer in Lake Bled cost around €3-4.

The Best Bars in Lake Bled

  • Pub Bled Troja – We spent most of our time at this pub in Lake Bled because it offers stunning views of the lake a low cost.
  • Devils Cafe & Bar – This is a lively pub in the center of Bled.
  • Bar, Špela Fürst s.p . – A lively hostel bar that is great for watching live sports.
  • Panorama Bled – A more upscale bar and restaurant with epic views of the lake.

The best day trips from Lake Bled

sites to see in Lake Bled

There are a variety of day trips to take from Lake Bled to see unique surrounding sites in the mountains. If you are renting a car, you may be able to drive to most of these sites. If you are not renting a car, there are tour companies that will take you there and back from Lake Bled. Here are a few of the most popular day trip options!

Vintgar Gorge

This is a beautiful gorge carved by the Radovna River. The gorge is about 1.6 kilometers long and is lined with towering cliffs. There is a walking trail that winds through the gorge. There are several viewing platforms where you can stop to take in the views.

Bohinj Lake

This is Slovenia’s largest lake and is located just a short drive from Lake Bled. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a popular destination for swimming, hiking and boating.

Triglav National Park

This is Slovenia’s only national park and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The park is home to mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls. There are many hiking trails in the park to walk through and explore!

Postojna Caves

These are the largest caves in Slovenia and are a popular tourist destination because of their unique features. The caves are home to a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a subterranean river. Even if you drive yourself to the caves, there is a guided tour that will take you through the caves.

Predjama Castle

This is a medieval castle that is built into the side of a cliff. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

What to pack for Lake Bled

Where to stay in Lake Bled

Since Lake Bled is a very outdoorsy destination so there is no need for any formal type clothes. It is very much a mountain town and we fit right in dining at the bars and restaurants in our hiking clothes. We recommend packing comfortable hiking shoes and clothes, and then a few outer layers in case it is chillier at night.

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adidas Relaxed Adjustable Cap

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Waffle Button Down Shirt

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Lululemon Align Leggings

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Reebok Women’s Classic Sneaker

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Lightweight Packable Rain Jacket

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Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Backpack

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iWalk Portable Charger

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Tips for planning a trip to Lake Bled

Book your housing early.

Lake Bled is a popular destination to visit in Europe with limited housing options since it is a small town. If you are planning a trip to Lake Bled, make sure to book your housing as soon as you know your travel dates!

Wear comfortable shoes

Lake Bled is an outdoorsy traveler’s dream destination! You will be doing lots of hiking and walking, it is essential to wear comfortable shoes during your visit to Lake Bled.

Be prepared to pay for some meals in cash

There are a few bars and restaurants that only accept cash as payment. Be prepared to have enough cash to pay for meals just in case they are only accepting cash!

Be respectful of the Lake

Lake Bled is truly one of the most stunning places in the world and we want to keep it that way. There are trash cans conveniently located all along the lake and town, always be respectful of its beauty and do not litter.

Read all of our favorite Europe travel tips here!

safety in Lake Bled

Additional Europe Resources

Europe travel tips you need to know, the best bags for international travel, the ultimate summer in europe packing list, our holy grail travel items, how to plan a trip to europe, how to survive and thrive after an overnight flight.

Lake Bled is a beautiful and charming destination that offers something for any type of traveler. We absolutely loved our time visiting Lake Bled and have no doubts that we will return again in our lifetime. We hope this ultimate Lake Bled guide helps plan your trip to this iconic destination! Let us know in the comments what you are most excited to experience in Lake Bled.

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THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Bled

Best bled hidden gem attractions.

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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

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2. Mala Osojnica

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Lake Bled (Slovenia): 10+ Unmissable Things to Do

Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful destinations in Slovenia and one of the most iconic places in Europe . A stunning lake nestled in the Julian Alps , surrounded by pristine ancient forests and valleys dotted with tiny traditional villages. A small island sits in the center of Lake Bled and is home to a picturesque church that was once one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Holy Roman Empire .

It is difficult to remain indifferent to such beauty. Bled has enchanted poets , writers and rulers : kings, queens and knights have lived here. Even Yugoslav leader Tito used to meet some of his most important guests here! Wonderful in the summer, enchanting in the winter, the town of Bled boasts excellent historic hotels , great restaurants and award-winning pastry shops . Whether it’s for a regenerating stay, or just a weekend getaway, Bled will surprise and delight you.

Tens of kilometers of trails , boat rides , lakeside walks and sensational views of the breath-taking scenery of Lake Bled await you. And you shouldn’t miss out on the fabulous surrounding region , which boasts some of Slovenia’s most astonishing and authentic gems. In this guide, you’ll discover all the best things to do in Lake Bled , the best day trips , the best attractions in the area , and a hand-picked selection with insider tips on places to eat and stay .

What you will find in this guide to visiting Bled and Lake Bled:

Discovering Bled: the most scenic destination in the Slovenian Alps

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Nestled in the enchanting landscape of the Julian Alps in Northwestern Slovenia , the pretty town of Bled is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia. Located just 50 km west of Ljubljana and 50 km from the Italian border , Bled is the ideal destination for a day trip, but also for a rejuvenating stay.

Its main attraction is its lake, Lake Bled , famous for its breathtaking landscapes and for the small island , located right in the middle of the lake and characterized by an ancient church with an iconic bell tower, which has become one of the most famous landmarks in Slovenia.

Lake Bled in Slovenia

Lake Bled is set in a fabulous natural landscape, surrounded by the Alps and lush forests. The surrounding area is full of excellent hiking and nature walking opportunities. The area is popular for mountain biking , rafting , canoeing and climbing . But if you just want to relax, Bled offers several great hotels and restaurants with sensational views. And in the surrounding area there are several beautiful family-run guesthouses and hotels, set among the peaceful forests not far from the lake.

The Lake Bled region, called Upper Carniola or Gorenjska , attracts travelers all year round: in summer the temperatures are pleasantly mild, perfect for hiking, nature walks around the lake, boat trips and sightseeing. In autumn you will be able to enjoy the autumn colors, which make Lake Bled very photogenic. In spring the meadows are in bloom, there are many birds and animals to be seen in the surroundings, and it is a great time to visit Bled without the crowds.

Lake Bled Slovenia - Things to Do and See in Bled

But, imho, the best season is winter. Lake Bled has a magical atmosphere in winter. Nestled in a fairytale snowy landscape , Bled is fabulous during the Christmas season. You will find Christmas markets , nativity scenes and an evocative and festive atmosphere. You will enjoy delicious slovenian cuisine , with tasty mountain specialties made with locally grown ingredients. You could treat yourself to a relaxing stay in a good spa hotel , indulging in a warm massage or even just a hot chocolate, while contemplating the view of the mind-blowing snowy landscape.

Lake Bled is Bled’s main attraction. This picturesque oval-shaped alpine lake takes its name from the town located on its northeastern shore. It is just 2 km long and 1.4 km wide, which means you can easily get around it on foot or by bike.

Depending on the season you will be able to appreciate the contrast between the deep blue and the turquoise of the lake , the shades of green of the surrounding forests and the blue of the sky that stands out above the surrounding mountains. In winter you will find a snowy landscape, with snow-covered mountains and forests , as well as the islet in the middle of the lake.

Lake Bled Slovenia Best Things to Do and See

Lake Bled is the ideal place for a nice stroll , for a swim in its cool waters or for a boat ride. But also just to admire its breathtaking views. The most iconic view is from the south-western shore, as the island is on the opposite side from the town of Bled.

The most famous viewpoint is located halfway between Straza Hill and Velika Zaka Beach , along the Kidričeva cesta road (GPS: 46.35847, 14.08741 ). You can get there on foot or by bicycle, but you will not be able to stop your car there because there are no parking spaces and it is strictly forbidden to stop, as well as dangerous, as the road is narrow. You will need to park at one of the paid car parks , there are some near Straza Hill and one right next to Velika Zaka Beach, next to Bled Campsite . Another nice viewpoint is the one near Velika Zaka (GPS: 46.36182, 14.08513 ).

Café Belvedere and Vila Bled (Formerly Tito’s Residence)

A hidden gem, located within easy reach of these vantage points, is Café Belvedere (Kavarna Belvedere) , which boasts fabulous views of the Bled Island and lake. Café Belvedere isn’t just a café – this was once Tito’s Tea Room . The Belvedere Pavilion , which now houses the café with the most beautiful view in Bled , is located a few steps from Vila Bled , the former presidential residence .

Here stood the summer residence of King Alexander of Yugoslavia , a large villa set in a lush garden, designed by Jože Plečnik , one of the most famous Yugoslav architects. The works began in the early 1930s, but when the king was assassinated – in 1934 – the villa was not yet finished.

Vila Bled Hotel Cafe Belvedere - Former Tito's Villa in Bled

However, the fabulous landscapes and mild climate of Bled entranced Tito , who was the very famous president of Yugoslavia from 1953 until his death in 1980. In the mid-1950s the villa was then completed, designed by Vinko Glanz – a disciple of Plečnik – who managed to make a perfect fusion between Plečnik’s style and the canons of modern socialist architecture .

Not far from the villa, a pavilion surrounded by greenery was built, intended to be a tea room suspended on high columns, with an elegant terrace with the most beautiful view of the Bled Island . The villa and the belvedere are a fabulous example of Yugoslav socialist architecture of the mid-1900s, and was intended to serve mainly as a summer residence and for official ceremonies. Its rooms have been preserved in their original appearance: you will still be able to see the mosaics, decorations and furniture of the time.

Cafe Belvedere Bled - Vila Bled Hotel in Bled Former Tito's Residence

The tea room was used as a waiting room for Tito’s official meetings : here he met some of the greatest heads of state and world leaders. They sat sipping a drink or a café, just like you could do nowadays sitting at one of the tables in the Café Belvedere . The terraces and the fabulous driveway now house the café seating. Café Belvedere also serves delicious slices of the famous Blejska Kremna Rezina , the Bled Cream Cake , or Cremeschnitte . Prices at Café Belvedere are high, but the view is unmatched.

The majestic presidential residence is now one of the best hotels in Bled , called Vila Bled . If you want to stay in the rooms once reserved for the highest elite of the party, you can book one of its comfortable rooms and suites. The interior has been beautifully preserved, you can still feel the charm of the old days.

Walking or Cycling Around Lake Bled

A 6-km long pedestrian and cycle loop runs along the lake, allowing you to enjoy the best views and stroll leisurely. Especially in summer, the shady paths that run along the lake are very popular: there are both paved roads, also suitable for bikes, and scenic walkways over the water.

Cycling around Lake Bled in Slovenia

Photo by Jošt Gantar – www.bled.si

You will be able to walk the entire loop in 1.5 – 2 hours , but allow some extra time, as you will definitely want to stop and admire the view and take some photos. Plus, you’ll encounter all the major attractions along the way, as well as trails to the best viewpoints .

You will also see several villas and wooden houses overlooking the lake, dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when Bled was a favorite place for local aristocracies and was a candidate to become the main royal residence.

In Bled Town there is a beautiful lakeside promenade , which is the perfect place for quiet walks at sunset or in the evening. There’s also a jetty here with The Heart of Bled , a heart-shaped installation that’s a popular photo spot. There is also a tourist train that goes around the lake. A complete loop around the lake takes 45 minutes.

Lake Bled Walking Path - Things to Do in Lake Bled

Lake Bled Beaches

A popular thing to do at Lake Bled is to take a dip in its cool water. In the summer, locals love spending time along the shore, swimming, canoeing or fishing. Near the city center of Bled is Grajsko Kopališče , a beach with a small water park with slides and trampolines. It is a safe place for swimming and family fun. It is open from June to September. Another popular beach is Velika Zaka , located near Bled Campsite. Here you can swim and sunbathe, there is also a diving center.

Mala Osojnica Viewpoint

Lake Bled is surrounded by forested hills, many of which are located just minutes from walking paths. From here dozens of trails start, perfect for a walk in nature.

The best view is from the Mala Osojnica Viewpoint , which can be reached in about 30 minutes by taking a path starting from the Kidričeva Cesta road (GPS: 46.35888, 14.08567 ). The path is bumpy and muddy, it is easy but it could be tiring for those not used to hiking. The last section is a staircase of 89 iron steps, with a chain handrail. It is not exposed, but it could be problematic for those with a fear of heights. Hiking shoes are recommended.

Mala Osojnica Viewpoint Lake Bled Slovenia

The view from the top is breathtaking! Bring your camera, as you can take great pictures here! The viewpoint offers a bird’s-eye view, but you are close enough to the lake to grasp every detail: the iconic Bled Island , its fabulous little church, the castle and the Alps in the background. Fabulous.

Ojstrica Viewpoint

The most famous viewpoint of Lake Bled is the one on the top of the hill called Ojstrica , located behind the Bled Campsite. An easy path, mostly rocky and muddy, takes you to the top in just 20 minutes. The route is slightly steep, but suitable for anyone. The effort will be rewarded by the beautiful view!

Ojstrica Viewpoint Lake Bled Slovenia

Follow path no. 6 which starts from Kidričeva Cesta (GPS: 46.36137, 14.08290 ). Better to go with hiking shoes. At the top you will have a sweeping view of the lake, Bled Island , the castle and the mountains. Behind the castle you can see the Veliki Stol , the highest mountain of the Karawanks , the main mountain range of the Julian Pre-Alps . Go there early in the morning or at sunset, as it is hugely popular and could get busy during the day!

Velika Osojnica Viewpoint

From the Ojstrica Viewpoint you can choose whether to return to the shore of Lake Bled or continue the hike towards Velika Osojnica , where there is another beautiful viewpoint. You can continue on the same trail for another 30 minutes, crossing a beautiful beech forest. It is quite steep and can be tiring for those not used to hiking. But if you have good shoes and are fit enough, it will be an easy walk.

Velika Osojnica Viewpoint Lake Bled Slovenia

Velika Osojnica is 756 meters above sea level: this is the highest viewpoint . You will have a suggestive view over the whole valley. And on Lake Bled , of course. There are also a couple of benches, one is heart shaped and very cool! Look for the right perspective: you will be able to see Bled Island framed by the heart.

From the top of Velika Osojnica you can go back along the same path, or you can continue along the path that descends towards Mala Osojnica . The duration of the route is similar, but the Mala Osojnica trail is a bit more challenging as it has some steep sections.

Bled Island

Located in the middle of Lake Bled , a few hundred meters from the western shore, Bled Island is the most famous landmark of the town, as well as one of the most iconic places in Slovenia.

On the island is the Church of the Assumption of Mary with its famous 52-meter high bell tower. The church overlooks a small square, which can be reached by means of a baroque staircase dating back to the mid-17th century, with 99 steps. The boats will drop you off right at the small dock at the base of the staircase.

Bled Island on Lake Bled, Slovenia

Around there are a couple of buildings that house some souvenir shops, a pre-Romanesque chapel and the Provost’s House , a small museum that hosts temporary exhibitions. There is also a bar famous for its homemade potica , a kind of traditional festive pastry. There are different types: pehtranova potica , which is served at Easter and is stuffed with tarragon; orehova potica , which is served at Christmas and is stuffed with nuts. There are also salty potica, such as ocvirkovka and špehovka , stuffed with cracklings or bacon. Potica with hazelnut filling and dried figs that grew on the island is worth trying. Don’t expect a sweet and fluffy cake, it’s more like a dry bundt cake.

Potica: a traditional slovenian cake baked in Bled

Photo by Boris Pretnar – www.bled.si

However, there is not much to do or see on the island: the only worthwhile attractions are the boat ride to get there and the visit to the church and its bell tower.

Church of the Assumption of Mary and the Wishing Bell

The main attraction of Bled Island is pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary , whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Damaged by an earthquake and rebuilt in its current form in the 17th century , this small church features modest interiors, which nevertheless allow you to see some remains of the original Gothic frescoes dating back to the mid-15th century.

Things to Do in Bled - Bled Church of the Assumption of Mary

Its magnificent gilded Baroque altar dates from the mid-1700s, and is finely carved and richly-decorated. The scenes represent the sitting Mother Divine, alongside the one who was the owner of the estates on which Bled stands, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II – also known as Saint Henry the Exuberant – and his wife Cunigunde of Luxembourg . The side altars are dedicated to St. Sebastian , St. Magdalene and St. Ana .

Right inside the church there is a rope: by pulling it you can ring the church bell . According to legend, those who manage to play it at least three times will see their wish fulfilled. So: think of a wish, make it in mind and ring the bell! For this reason, the bell is called the Wishing Bell . And that explains why you will often hear the bells ringing!

Church of the Assumption of Mary in Bled, Slovenia

This tradition is carried on today by many tourists, but the bell is also rung by the spouses on the occasion of weddings. The Church of the Assumption in Bled is considered to be one of the most prestigious places to celebrate a wedding in Slovenia.

You can also climb the fabulous 15th-century bell tower : a wooden staircase will take you to the top, where you can admire the authentic ancient pendulum mechanism of the clock. Every 15 minutes the bells chime to bring in the quarter, so you can easily see the pendulum clock and the mechanism in action.

Entrance to the church and bell tower costs € 12 per person.

How to get to Bled Island

The only way to get to Bled Island is by boat. Even if someone swims there from the shore, I wouldn’t recommend it. At most you could get there by canoe or kayak . However, the way most people get to Bled Island is by boat.

Pletna Traditional Boat on Lake Bled Slovenia

You can rent a rowboat from one of the many rentals located along the lake shore and paddle to the island. There are several rentals, especially along the western shore of the lake. Prices range between € 10 and € 20 per hour.

Otherwise you could take a ride on a Pletna , Bled’s traditional boat. These wooden boats, hand-built by local craftsmen, have been used in Bled since the 16th century. These ancient flat-bottomed boats , inspired by Venetian gondolas, can accommodate up to 18 people. The oarsman uses a special rowing technique called “stehrudder” , where the oarsman is standing and rowing with two oars.

Pletna Bled Slovenija

Oarsmans are called pletnar and this old craft has been handed down from father to son for centuries. No one else can do it! For this reason, there are only 23 pletna boats on the lake . The current pletnarji are descendants of the same families who in 1740 obtained exclusive rights from Queen Maria Theresa of Habsburg to ferry religious pilgrims across Lake Bled to worship on Bled Island. This profession is still strictly restricted today, so as to preserve its cultural and historical tradition .

Pletnarji with their pletna depart from some piers located in front of the Hotel Park and in Mlino , in front of the Starkl Heritage Hotel . Prices are around € 15 per person round trip. The pletna waits about 45 minutes on Bled Island before taking you back, more than enough to visit the island and its attractions.

Pletna Bled Traditional Boat

Bled Castle

Wonderfully overlooking the lake, on which it juts out from a steep cliff over 100 meters high, Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) is the oldest in Slovenia. The castle was built by the will of Emperor Henry II and donated to the Bishops of Brixen , one of the most important ecclesiastical principalities of the Holy Roman Empire , whose lands extended over much of the north-east of Italy.

Emperor Henry II was very fond of Bled, the cool waters of Lake Bled and the crisp air of the surrounding mountains. Once upon a time, this enchanting valley was a peaceful, bucolic place. Thus a large part of the lands of Bled became imperial estates, including the fabulous castle . This is a typically medieval looking fortress, dating from the early 11th century .

Bled Castle - Lake Bled Slovenia

It is enclosed within mighty defensive walls , with circular and square towers and bastions. Within the walls there are several buildings in Romanesque and Renaissance style. The Renaissance walls have a main gate with a drawbridge , which leads to a series of courtyards. The guardhouse, workshops and warehouses were located in the lower courtyard. From here there is access to a series of terraces and balconies with a fabulous view of Lake Bled.

A ramp leads up to the entrance of the palace , with a Renaissance-style portal that clashes with the medieval aspect of the castle. From here you enter the upper courtyard , where the residences were located, and the Gothic castle chapel , dating back to the 16th century. For over 800 years this was the primary residence of the Bishops of Brixen . From the courtyard you will have a beautiful view of the lake and the entire valley.

The castle is on two floors, accessible by a staircase. Several times over the centuries it has been attacked, damaged and rebuilt. Inside there are large renovated halls that house a museum on the history of Bled and its castle , with a permanent exhibition of artifacts, armor, weapons and ancient treasures.

Bled Castle Slovenia

In the lower courtyard is the old printing works , where you can learn more about the ancient art of printing. You can also get your own souvenir print. Castle beehouse is a shop that sells excellent honey produced by local beekeepers from autochthonous bee species, the carniolan honey bee . The towers instead host permanent and temporary exhibitions on local art and nature.

The castle wine cellar houses a shop selling good local wines and holds some selected wine tastings. You will be able to buy a bottle of castle’s wine : by doing so, you will be able to fill it directly from the oak barrel. Then you can cork and wax your bottle of wine, which will have a cool certificate and an official seal. It could be a nice gift idea.

The Knights’ Hall and Ceremonial Room are now used for ceremonies, conventions and events, as is the portico of the Lapidarium , which is a popular wedding venue. Indeed, Bled Castle today is not only one of the most visited castles in Slovenia, but also an exclusive location for luxury ceremonies. The nice Bled Castle Restaurant , located in the castle, serves fine contemporary Slovenian and Italian inspired cuisine. It offers a la carte menus and seasonal tasting menus starting from € 60.

Bled Castle - Things to Do in Bled Slovenia

In the first weekend of June, the castle hosts a beautiful medieval re-enactment , with musicians, knights, ladies in traditional dress, crafts and fencing and archery tournaments.

The castle is easily reachable on foot: there are three easy paths that start from the lakeside promenade. The two most popular start near Villa Rikli or St. Martina Parish Church , at the western end of Bled town. They are family-friendly trails, do not require specific shoes and will take you to the castle in 15-20 minutes. Along the way you will have a nice view of the lake. A third path starts near the Villa Goldenhorn or the lower castle parking , this is also an easy path with a view, which will take you to the castle in about 20-25 minutes.

You can also get to the castle by car or by bicycle , it is located a few minutes from Bled town. There is a small parking lot near the castle walls, but you will hardly find it free. A larger car park (for a fee) is located at the foot of the hill. From here you will have to walk up to the castle, it’s a ten minute walk on a paved road.

Things to Do in Bled - Bled Castle

The opening hours of the Bled Castle are from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM from May to September and from 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM in the remaining months. Go early in the morning to find less crowds, or at sunset for beautiful views. Tickets start from € 13 (children from € 5, students from € 8.50). Parking prices start at € 3 per hour or € 1 per hour in a slightly further parking lot, located near the football stadium.

The beautiful town of Bled was once an idyllic village, known as a pilgrimage destination and a summer estate for emperors, knights and kings. In the 19th century it became a pleasant village, a favorite holiday destination for the Austro-Hungarian aristocracies , so at the beginning of the 20th century even the kings of Yugoslavia decided to elect Bled as their summer residence.

Meanwhile, between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, Bled began to become a famous holiday destination. Nobles and wealthy people built fabulous villas along the shores of Lake Bled , many of which are still visible. Among these, one of the oldest is Vila Zora , located in the heart of the town, which houses the municipal administration. The beautiful Vila Zlatorog is now state owned and used for official ceremonies and events, it is located at the foot of the castle, on the shores of the lake. Some of the historic villas overlooking the lake are now home to some of the best hotels in Bled , such as the fabulous Adora Luxury Hotel .

Vila Zora Bled Town Hall

During these years Bled became a popular health resort , and wealthy people came here from all over Europe to enjoy its pleasant climate. There were spa hotels , conference centers and some of the best restaurants in Slovenia . In the first half of the 20th century, the wonderful Hotel Triglav , the Grand Hotel Toplice , the Hotel Starkl and the Hotel Park were inaugurated in Bled, which still today are among the best hotels in town .

Hotel Park is one of the most famous , especially for its sensational Spa Park , open only to hotel guests, which has swimming pools, saunas and treatments with a beautiful view of the lake. The hotel has been completely renovated and today has a modern and trendy look, but its most popular attraction is its café : here in 1953 the hotel pastry chef Ištvan Lukačević made the original recipe of the famous cremeschnitte – which the locals they also call kremna rezina or kremšnita – the original Bled cream cake . You can sit at the tables in the café and enjoy a slice of it, sipping a cup of coffee in complete calm. Since 1953, the café of the Hotel Park has served over 15 million cremeschnitte !

Bled Kremsnita - Blejska Kremna Rezina - Bled Cremeschnitte - Bled Cream Cake

The old charm of when Bled was one of the most renowned Austro-Hungarian spa towns is still evident when admiring the Grand Hotel Toplice , whose origins date back to the mid-19th century . Celebrities and statesmen from all over the world, such as Agatha Christie , Pablo Neruda , Paul McCartney and even Donald Trump , stayed here. Even today, after more than a century, its guests can enjoy its fabulous lake view , the fine spa and its Julijana Restaurant (recommended by the Michelin Guide ) serving fine contemporary regional cuisine (tasting menu from 65 €).

What were the royal estates of the House of Karađorđević were inherited by socialist Yugoslavia, whose leader Josip Broz Tito chose Bled as his summer residence and as a place for official meetings and parties . It is said that in his villa, which today houses the impressive Vila Bled Hotel , some of the most beautiful and famous actresses of the mid-1900s, artists, writers and political and military leaders were guests.

Hotel Vila Bled - Best Hotels in Bled Slovenia

In the setting of Vila Bled , official meetings were held with the leader of the USSR Nikita Khrushchev , with the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi , with the Egyptian President Gamal Abd el-Nasser and even the founder of North Korea Kim Il-sung . Bled is also the place where some important treaties governing Yugoslavia’s strategic, political and military alliances were signed.

One of the worthwhile things to see in Bled town is the St. Martina Parish Church dating back to the early 1900s and built in the Gothic Revival style. Its beautiful interior is richly decorated and frescoed and features several chapels with statues and sculptures by several prominent Slovenian sculptors and artists. The church can be visited for free.

A nice curiosity is hidden in one of its frescoes! Look for the Last Supper fresco , the Judas Iscariot – pictured on the left, with a bag of money in his hand – is actually a portrait of Vladimir Lenin ! This is one of the most famous works of the Slovenian painter Slavko Pengov , made in 1930. Pengov was known for his pacifist and anti-Bolshevik thinking, but he also made some of the most beautiful frescoes in Vila Bled : a huge mural that tells the story of Tito’s partisan army defeat of the German army from 1941 to 1945.

Bled Town Slovenia

Straža Bled Ski and Adventure Park

A stone’s throw from Bled is a 650-meter-high hill, which houses a popular ski resort with a crazy view of Lake Bled: Mount Straža . This is not just a popular winter destination, but also a good place for nature walks. There is also a family adventure park , the Straža Bled Adventure Park , a must-do if you are traveling with kids!

The view isn’t as great as the other viewpoints, but it’s easy to get: you can go up with a chairlift or an easy 20-minute walk. In the summer there is also an adrenaline-pumping summer toboggan run!

Vintgar Gorge

Just 4 km north of Bled you could visit the Vintgar Gorge , a scenic gorge carved by the Radovna River . The first explorers came here only at the end of the 19th century, but over time it became a popular attraction. Today it is easily accessible and can be quite crowded in summer.

The route winds through paths, walkways, bridges and tunnels that line and cross the scenic river with its emerald rushing waters . Very pleasant in summer and also suitable for families , you can enjoy a nice walk in nature. The temperatures in the gorge are pleasantly cool, and the wooden walkways and dirt and rock paths are wide, easy, and don’t require special shoes (normal trainers are fine). If you are traveling with a child, please note that strollers are not allowed.

Vintgar Gorge Waterfall Šum (Slap Šum) Bled

The Vintgar Gorge path is a loop: there is only one path that crosses the gorge , then to go back you can choose between two different paths. The Green Trail (Vintgar – Sv. Katarina) is approximately 6 km (2 hours) long, runs through a forest and offers beautiful views of the valley, while the Red Trail (Vintgar – Blejska Dobrava) is 4.3 km (1.5 hours) long and runs through some small villages and woods. Both routes are easy and well signposted. Imho, the Green Trail is the nicest. Distance and times are final, including the stretch in the Vintgar Gorge.

The Vintgar Gorge is about 1600 m long and up to 250 m deep, along the way you can see several waterfalls and scenic bridges, as well as natural pools, potholes and caves. The Radovna River has carved out this gorge over thousands of years, and at the mouth of the gorge it flows into the Sava Dolinka River as a right tributary.

At the end of the gorge you can see the beautiful Šum Waterfall (Slap Šum) , while a short distance away is the beautiful bridge of the Bohinj Railway : once traveled by steam trains, this bridge – dating back to 1906 – is over 33 meters high and 53 meters long.

Vintgar Gorge tour from Bled

Getting to the Vintgar Gorge can be a bit tricky, especially in the summer due to road closures. The car parks can be very far from the entrance to the gorge (20-45 minutes walk, approximately 2-3 km). The price of parking starts from € 5 for 4 hours. The entrance ticket to the gorges costs € 10 (children 6-15 years: € 3; children under 6: € 1; pets: € 3). Tickets must be purchased in advance online on the official website . Go there in the morning if you can, so it will be less crowded.

So, a wise choice is to cycle there from Bled : it’s just 4 km and the cycle paths are fabulous! You can rent a comfortable e-bike in Bled . The rental price includes the ticket and the reservation of the entrance to the gorges, so that you can happily enjoy your visit and an easy and beautiful ride through the countryside around Bled.

Lake Bohinj and Triglav National Park

Nestled between beautiful grasslands, mountains and small villages, Lake Bohinj is a hidden gem just 30 km southwest of Bled . Very popular with locals, this alpine lake is nestled among idyllic highlands, with old traditional huts, mountain pastures, flower meadows and unspoiled nature perfect for walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing. A paradise for lovers of outdoor activities!

An easy path – unpaved road on the northern shore and a paved road also open to cars on the southern shore – allows you to go around the lake . The entire loop around the lake is about 12 km long and can be easily covered in about 3-4 hours. The route is mostly flat and can be done with normal trainers. You can also do it on a mountain bike.

Lake Bohinj Slovenia Tour from Lake Bled

Along the way you will see some beautiful churches , such as the eighteenth-century Church of the Holy Spirit , in the village of Ribčev Laz and the fourteenth-century Church of St. John the Baptist , located in the town of Bohinj and overlooking the lake (admission € 3, visit to the bell tower € 2) . A short distance from Bohinj you will see the iconic Zlatorog or Goldenhorn scluture, depicting a golden-horned chamois that, according to popular legend, lives somewhere in the Triglav Mountains .

North of the town of Stara Fužina , on the northeastern shore of Lake Bohinj, you can visit the Mostnica Gorge , a beautiful gorge similar to the Vintgar Gorge, but much less touristy and crowded! It is a pleasant and easy walk in the nature of 12 km (round trip, about 4 hours), also suitable for families. At the end of the trail you will reach a nice waterfall and then go back. In spring, when the snows melt, it’s more spectacular! Admission costs € 3 . Strollers not allowed, hiking shoes or good trainers recommended.

Near the village of Ukanc , on the southwestern shore of Lake Bohinj , there is the lower station of the Vogel Cable Car which takes you to the top of the Vogel Sky Resort (1,535 meters above sea level), one of the most popular winter destinations in Slovenia. In winter people come here for skiing and to enjoy a plethora of winter activities, while in summer it is filled with hiking and mountain biking opportunities.

Vogel Sky Resort in Slovenia near Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled

From the top you will have a nice view of the Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj . A chairlift continues to Orlove Glave (1,682 meters above sea level), from where the view is even better. The ticket for the cable car + chairlift starts from € 28 (round trip) in summer. In winter, ski pass rates start from € 35 per day. On the top of Orlove Glave there is a kind of alpine hut serving good and simple regional cuisine.

Another popular and easy hike is to the Savica Waterfall (Slap Savica) , the waterfall that feeds Lake Bohinj. It can be reached with a walk through the forest and over 550 steps to do both on the way out and on the way back. From the parking lot to the waterfall it takes about 30-40 minutes. Admission from € 4, parking from € 5 .

The surroundings of Triglav National Park are filled with excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking . For example, from the nearby village of Goreljek you can reach – with a 2-3 hour excursion (one way) or with a 4×4 car – the fabulous plateau of Planina Zajamniki , with its meadows and an idyllic village made up of tiny traditional huts . In Goreljek there are a couple of good hotels set amidst a fabulous landscape , the Hotel Jelka Pokljuka and the Hotel Pokljuka , as well as the wonderful Alpine Homestead , which offers rooms and apartments in a beautiful traditional house in the forest .

Planina Zajamniki mountain plateau in Slovenia, near the village of Goreljek. Famous for its traditional wooden house, forests and stunning views. Easy reachable from Lake Bled, Slovenia.

The best way to get to Bohinj is by car. If you don’t have your own car you could rent one in Bled or Ljubljana . You can find the best car rentals and the best rates on Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com . It is advisable to book well in advance , especially in summer and during the Christmas period.

There are also some trains from Ljubljana or Bled , the closest station to Bohinj Lake is Bohinjska Bistrica and is about 7 km from the lake. There are also some buses to and from Bohinj from Bled Bus Station . In Bohinj you could stay at the fabulous Hotel Bohinj , Hotel Majerca or Hotel Jezero .

A popular and great alternative is to book a comfortable guided day tour to Bohinj and Triglav National Park from Bled , which will allow you to easily enjoy all the main attractions in the area , including the three most popular hikes . It is definitely the best option for those without a car.

Just 6 km southeast of Bled you can visit the pretty town of Radovljica , which preserves a tiny and picturesque old town , which can be visited in a couple of hours at the most. The heart of Radovljica is a narrow pedestrian street, Linhartov trg , lined with beautiful buildings with pastel-colored facades, some adorned with Gothic frescoes, sculptures and ancient signs. Many of these buildings date from the period between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Old Town of Radovljica in Slovenia

The old medieval town of Radovljica was destroyed by an earthquake in 1511, after which the noble families who lived there rebuilt it in its current form, hence the Renaissance aspect and its beautiful stately homes. Today it has become quite popular, also thanks to the fame of nearby Lake Bled .

However, in addition to strolling through its streets you might want to take a look at its small museums . Do not miss the Museum of Apiculture , where you can look inside a transparent active hive and learn many things about the world of bees and beekeeping and the Municipal Museum , about local history and culture.

Also interesting are the Pharmacy and Alchemy Museum and the tiny Gingerbread Museum , located in the basement of the Pension Lectar , a fabulous family-run guesthouse set in a historic house and in activity since 1822. Its restaurant, Gostilna Lectar , is among the the best in town and serves excellent home-made regional cuisine based on locally grown ingredients.

Old Town of Radovljica in Slovenia, near Lake Bled

The town is famous for its gastronomic heritage and for its chocolate . The Radovljica Chocolate Festival , the most important in Slovenia, is held here every year in mid-April. An unmissable event for gourmands and chocolate lovers: hundreds of events, tastings and stalls selling delights of all shapes, colors and sizes.

The festival is an opportunity not to be missed for families, as well as for those who want to taste the best of the excellent Slovenian chocolate: every year dozens of the best chocolate factories in the country exhibit here. Why Radovljica? Well, the town is home to the largest Slovenian chocolate factory, the Gorenjka Factory of Chocolate , plus there are several artisan chocolatiers here who make fine handmade chocolates and truffles. Come in and have a look at Radolška Čokolada , an artisanal chocolate shop (čokoladnica) that sells delicious, high-quality pralines and chocolates, and also allows you to see how the chocolatier makes them.

Škofja Loka

Škofja Loka is a beautiful town located halfway between Bled (40 km) and Ljubljana (30 km) . Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its medieval appearance. As with Radovljica, here too the old town features stately homes dating back to the 16th century, with a well-preserved original appearance, pastel-colored facades and murals.

Škofja Loka Slovenia UNESCO World Heritage Site

The castle , whose current appearance is due to the reconstruction that took place in the 16th century after the earthquake of 1511, dominates the town and the valley. It has mighty towers and the appearance of a large, imposing palace. It now houses the Škofja Loka Museum , about local history and culture. In the surroundings of the old town it is possible to visit other historic houses and castles, such as the small 15th century Castle of Stara Loka , the Puštal Castle dating back to the early 1200s and the fabulous Gothic Town Hall .

The best attractions are around the Town Hall , in Mestni trg . At the end of the boulevard, a small pedestrian bridge offers a view of the Capuchin Bridge , one of the most popular views of Škofja Loka. This stone bridge over the Selška Sora River once connected the castle with the Capuchin Friars Convent , which can still be visited today on the opposite bank.

Kranjska Gora

About 40 km north of Bled lies one of the most beautiful Alpine landscapes in Slovenia: the mountainous area around Kranjska Gora . This is one of the most famous winter destinations in the country , in winter it offers excellent ski facilities and cozy mountain hotels , such as the Hotel Pino Alpino , the Triangel Boutique Hotel and the Jasna Chalet Resort .

In summer , the region is full of opportunities for hiking , cycling and mountain biking . Hikers will find dozens of beautiful nature walking trails and even multi-day treks to the peaks of the nearby Triglav National Park .

Kranjska Gora Triglav National Park Slovenia

Mountain enthusiasts and those traveling with kids should not miss the interesting Slovenian Alpine Museum located in the town of Mojstrana , 15 km from Kranjska Gora, dedicated to the mountains and local culture, as well as alpine wildlife. A little further north is the Zelenci Nature Reserve , with its small turquoise lakes and many opportunities for wildlife spotting.

If you are traveling with your own car, then you could drive along the scenic route towards the Vršič Pass (1611 m above sea level). This road – also nicknamed The Russian Road , as it is said to have been built during WWI by Russian prisoners of war – is about 50 km long and has over 50 hairpin bends .

It goes from Kranjska Gora to Bovec and offers breathtaking views, as well as traveling the scenic valley of the Soča River , famous for rafting and for its beautiful natural pools of emerald water . Along the way you will also see a beautiful wooden chapel, the Russian Chapel , in memory of the Russian prisoners of war who died in 1916 while building the road.

Russian Chapel Vršič Pass Slovenia

Postojna Cave

Most people who visit Bled also have Ljubljana or the world-famous Postojna Cave on their to-do list. The latter are located about 100 km from Bled and are among the largest caves in the world .

Known throughout the world for their beauty and majesty, the cave is crowded throughout the year, and especially in summer. The huge cave complex features over 24km of caves , underground lakes and halls covered with stalactites and stalagmites. Of these, only 5 km can be visited by joining one of the guided tours available in several languages.

Postojna Cave Tour Lake Bled Slovenia

Half of the route is covered with an electric train , you will be able to see some of the most beautiful halls, as well as some ingenious artificial works, such as an underground bridge built by prisoners of war. If you visit the Postojna Cave during the Christmas period you will be able to see the famous living nativity scene of Postojna , which takes place with figures inside some of the rooms of the cave, in particular the wonderful Concert Hall .

If you are traveling with your own car , you may want to drive there and stay in the area . The surroundings are very nice, dotted with traditional villages and great r estaurants serving tasty regional cuisine and the best local wines. Otherwise, there are comfortable day tours from Bled . Many people choose to visit Bled and Postojna on a day trip from Ljubljana , it’s a bit strenuous but doable, especially if you’re short on time or if you’re doing a Balkan interrail.

The most comprehensive from Ljubljana: Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj

From Ljubljana there are convenient and comfortable day tours that allow you to visit Lake Bled and its main attractions , including a pletna boat ride , a visit to Bled Island and Bled Castle . You will then be able to taste the famous Bled cream cake and visit the scenic Vintgar Gorges , then continue to Lake Bohinj . This is a popular excursion from Ljubljana and includes an English-speaking guide, professional driver, and round-trip transport from your Ljubljana hotel. The price is unbeatable! Book early, as it is very popular!

Gems of Slovenia: Day Trip to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Ljubljana

Another popular and affordable day trip from Ljubljana is the one to Lake Bled and to the famous Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle , with a visit to Bled Island and Bled Castle . You will spend the morning in Bled, strolling along the lake and taking in the beautiful views. You will be able to try the Bled cake and, after lunch, you will continue the tour to Postojna Cave . Here you can visit what are among the most beautiful and famous caves in the world. Finally, you can visit a scenic medieval castle with an exciting history, Predjama Castle , one of the most beautiful in Slovenia. Then, you will comfortably return to your hotel in Ljubljana. The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide and round-trip transport. Here, too, it is essential to book in advance!

Visit Bled from Zagreb: Day Trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana

Many people visiting the Croatian capital wonder how to visit Lake Bled from Zagreb . It’s pretty easy, as Zagreb and Bled are less than 200 km away and are easily accessible on convenient and popular day trips that include a stop in the beautiful Slovenian capital, Ljubljana .

You will leave in the morning from your hotel in Zagreb to go to Ljubljana : you will have all morning to visit its fabulous old town with its most iconic attractions. Then you will continue to Bled , where you can enjoy a guided tour of the lake, Bled Island and Bled Castle . In the evening you will return to your hotel in Zagreb. The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide and round-trip transport.

Best Restaurants in Bled - Lake Bled Slovenia

Bled boasts an important gastronomic heritage and being one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia has a wide choice of good restaurants serving the best of regional cuisine , made with fresh and locally grown ingredients. Prices in restaurants, pastry shops and bars are not cheap, due to the beauty and exclusivity of the location.

However, some of the best restaurants in Bled have an attractive value for money, and will allow you to taste the best of traditional and contemporary local cuisine, as well as good slovenian wines .

Fine Restaurants in Bled

Among the best restaurants is the Restavracija Julijana of the Grand Hotel Toplice , which is recommended by the Michelin Guide and serves fine contemporary regional cuisine. Very good and set in a location of unquestionable value is the Bled Castle Restaurant , which serves good tasting menus of regional cuisine at reasonable prices.

Mid-Range Restaurants in Bled

Other good addresses are Old Cellar Bled and Oštarija Peglez’n , located near Ljubljanska cesta street and Oštarija Babji zob , located along cesta Svobode street. A decent, inexpensive, lake-view restaurant is Restavracija Penzion Mlino , located near the pletna pier.

Those with a car could also try some good restaurants nearby. We really enjoyed Gostilna Lectar , which is the characteristic restaurant of Pension Lectar in Radovljica and serves great traditional cuisine, and Gostilna Zatrnik , located in Zgornje Gorje on the road to Bohinj , which serves good grilled and spit-roasted meat.

Lake Bled Road Slovenia

The best way to get to Bled is by car. The roads in Slovenia are generally good, and especially those in the mountainous areas around Bled are very scenic! You could rent a car in Ljubljana , but it is advisable to book it well in advance to secure it and get the best rates. To find the best car rentals and deals you can check Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com .

Getting to Bled by car from Ljubljana

Bled is about 60 km from Ljubljana and is easily accessible via the A2 – E61 highway , which leads to Austria. You will need to purchase the vignette before driving on Slovenian highways and freeways. However, there are some alternative toll-free routes , such as road 211 towards Kranj, from which you can continue on the 411 towards Lesce, which do not require a vignette, however travel times will double.

Getting to Bled by car from Zagreb

From Zagreb to Bled it is about 200 km , which means about 2.5 hours. The Croatian A3 – E70 highway merges with the Slovenian A2 highway . The Croatian A3 highway is paid with a barrier toll system, for the Slovenian one you will have to buy the vignette online before traveling, as the e-vignette is now mandatory. The A2 highway, passing through Ljubljana, will take you to Lesce, from here you can reach Bled in a few minutes.

A toll-free alternative from Bobovica (Croatia) is to cross the border at Bregana and continue along road 675 towards Čatež ob Savi. From here, take road 220 to Krško and then road 5 to Zidani Most. From there, roads 108 or 415 will take you near Ljubljana, from where you can continue to Kranj and then to Bled. It will take about 4.5 hours.

Getting to Bled by car from Italy

Bled is located about 50 km from the border of Fusine (Italy) , usually there are no border controls, so the journey takes just 1 hour. Fusine can be reached in a few minutes from Tarvisio . From there, road 202 leads towards Kranjska Gora and descends towards Lesce and then Bled . Avoid entering A2 , otherwise the e-vignette will be required.

Those coming from Udine or Gorizia – Nova Gorica could drive towards Kobarid and Bovec , so as to take the scenic road 206 that crosses the Soča Valley passing through the Triglav National Park and the Vršič Pass , until reaching Kranjska Gora . Vignette is not required.

Getting to Bled by Car from Austria

Getting to Bled from Austria is very easy. You can get there from Klagenfurt am Wörthersee by following the E652 to Podbrezje and from there continue north for about 20 km on the A2 highway (toll) or on the roads 411 and 452 (toll-free) to Lesce and from there to Bled.

From Villach the A11 merges directly into the A2, while the 109 road passes through the Wurzenpass and leads to Kranjska Gora (toll-free). Near the pass, be sure to visit the very interesting Bunkermuseum Wurzenpass : a complex of bunkers and fortifications dating back to the times of the Cold War, which until the early 2000s was top-secret.

Getting to Bled by Train from Ljubljana

Trains from Ljubljana to Bled stop at the Lesce – Bled Railway Station , located about 4 km from Lake Bled. There are about 14 trains a day (about one every 2 hours). They are local trains, along the route connecting Ljubljana to Munich and Belgrade . Tickets are available at the train station. Those traveling with an Interrail or Eurail Pass can travel for free from Ljubljana to Bled without reservations or supplements.

There are also 2-4 trains a day to Jesenice , from where you can change to Bled Jezero . The Bled Jezero Train Station is located 1.5 km from the city center, not far from the lake and the main hostels and hotels. For tickets, the above applies.

Getting to Bled by Train from Gorizia or Venice (Italy)

Getting to Bled from Italy by train is pretty easy . You can take a regional train from the Nova Gorica Railway Station (Slovenia). This is located just 4 km from the Gorizia Railway Station (Italy). There are no checkpoints on the border between Gorizia and Nova Gorica, so you can move easily. You can go there on foot (about 45 minutes) or by local bus, you will find some in front of the station.

Once Gorizia and Nova Gorica were divided by a wall and barbed wire barriers: here ran one of the strictest borders between Italy and Yugoslavia. With the entry of Slovenia into the Schengen Area , the border no longer exists. The Nova Gorica Railway Station is the only historic building in the town, dating back to the early 1900s. The Transalpina Railway leads to Bohinjska Bistrica and from there to Bled Jezero , the railway station not far from Lake Bled. There are 7 trains a day, approximately every 2 hours. From Nova Gorica to Bled it takes 1.5 – 2 hours.

You can get to Bled from Venice by taking a regional train to Gorizia and from there following the above. There are direct trains from Venice to Gorizia about every 2 hours (travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours), the same goes for trains from Trieste . Here too, those traveling with an Interrail or Eurail Pass can travel for free from Venice to Bled without the need for supplements or reservations. The ticket from Venice or Trieste to Gorizia can be purchased on Trainline or at the train station.

Getting to Bled by Bus

Getting from Ljubljana to Bled by bus is easy and cheap, you just need to know how. The preferred way for backpackers is with the good local buses that depart from the Ljubljana Bus Station , located next to the train station and a 10-minute walk from the city center.

Buses from Ljubljana to Bled depart approximately every hour and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Prices start from € 6.30 one way. Timetables and tickets are available at the station or on the official website of the Ljubljana Bus Station .

You can also reach the Ljubljana Bus Station from Venice , Trieste , Zagreb and the main Austrian cities, with frequent and inexpensive bus connections operated by Flixbus . As well as there are great direct buses from Trieste to Bled , as well as from the main cities of the Croatian coast and from Klagenfurt , Munich , Linz , Prague , Dresden and Berlin . Timetables and prices on the Flixbus official website.

The Bled Bus Station is located a stone’s throw from Lake Bled and the most popular hostels and hotels in Bled.

Getting to Bled by Plane

The closest airport to Bled is Ljubljana Airport , which is about 40 km from Bled. From here you could go to Ljubljana by bus or taxi and from there opt for one of the different transport options available. In summer there are direct buses from Ljubljana Airport to Bled , departing from the Letališče Brnik Bus Station , located next to Ljubljana Airport. Departures every hour, takes about 35 minutes. Timetables and prices on the Arriva Slovenia website.

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CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE. CHOOSE YOUR STORY. CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY.

If you dream of spending your holiday alongside rivers and enjoying breathtaking views from the top of the mountains near Bled, we provide unforgettable adventures and activities throughout the unspoiled wilderness of Slovenia .

adventures on land

Lake Bled paragliding

"Flying and seeing the magnificent scenery from the sky, is something you will never forget! " (Daniel)

Bled Rafting

Bled Rafting

»Got married yesterday, went rafting today – still trying to figure out which I enjoyed most! ;) Great fun and fab guides. A must do!« (Lisa)

Canyoning Bled

Canyoning Bled

"Canyoning was fantastic! We had loads of fun and it was an amazing way to see some of Slovenian nature. Afterwards we felt totaly invigorated & refreshed! Absolute hype!" (Ian & Babs)

Paragliding

Paragliding

"Paragliding is as close to flying as you can get and a tandem flight is the perfect way to enjoy safe flying experience." (Alex)

Bike Trips / Bike Rental

Bike Trips / Bike Rental

"Awesome, awesome day! We fall in love in Slovenia and hope to come back!" (Pokler family)

Paintball / Airsoft

Paintball / Airsoft

"was a blast – mainly because I won ;) !" (Eric)

Soča River Experience

Soča River Experience

"This tour was absolutely fantastic! It was lovely to see the places which are hard to get to as an independent traveller. I didn't stop uttering "wow" all morning." (Rachael)

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning

"Damn it was early but damn it was worth it! Just beautiful. Be sure to take camera with you." (Nathan family)

Horse Riding

Horse Riding

"Excellent ride, excellent guide definately recomend it to all our friends back in Jersey Channel Islands – don`t change a thing, it was perfect. Many thanks!" (Andy, Chris, Dave, Dan)

Skydiving

"Pure adrenalin rush! No other words to describe the..." (Marin)

Powered Paragliding

Powered Paragliding

Great views, great guide, great fun! Thanks (Kris)

Kayaking

"Fun, wet, freedom - wonderful experience. Thanks for the ride in beautiful country!" (Davidson family)

HAPPY ADVENTURERS

Funny, wet and wonderful experience! Thanks for the great ride in a beautiful nature.

“Canyoning was fantastic! We had loads of fun and it was an amazing way to see some of Slovenian nature. Afterwards we felt totaly invigorated & refreshed! Absolute hype!”

“This tour was absolutely fantastic! It was lovely to see the places which are hard to get to as an independent traveller. I didn’t stop uttering “wow” all morning.”

“It was my first time and definately not the last! The view, wind in your face, the rush.. Unforgettable!”

“Got married yesterday, went rafting today – still trying to figure out which I enjoyed most! 😉 Great fun and fab guides. A must do!”

“Awesome, awesome day!We fall in love in Slovenia and hope to come back!”

“Excellent ride, excellent guide definately recomend it to all our friends back in Jersey Channel Islands – don`t change a thing, it was perfect. Many thanks!”

“I will say right off the bat that zorbing is probably the most fun and funniest travel experience our family has ever shared.”

Great views, great guide, great fun! Thanks

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“Fun, wet, freedom – wonderful experience. Thanks for the ride in beautiful country!”

“Just a perfect day! Full of amazing scenery and adventures..Thank you guys, you have my recommendation!”

“Pure adrenalin rush! No other words to describe the…”

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Best Things to Do in Lake Bled: A True Gem in Slovenia’s Julian Alps

May 19, 2014 · In: Destinations , Europe , Slovenia , Travel Guides

Lake Bled delivers some of the most stunning scenery in all of Slovenia . From its picturesque island church , panoramic mountain views , and cliff-hugging medieval Castle , Lake Bled is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Lake Bled is a very special place and is one of the most beautiful places  I’ve ever visited.

The 99 steps leading up to Bled Church on an island in the middle of Lake Bled

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I personally use and have been essential for me as a travel blogger.

Traveling to Slovenia?  Don’t leave home without getting travel insurance! You never know when something could go wrong and you’ll definitely want to be covered by insurance! Click HERE to get a quote!

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A small island in the middle of Lake Bled with a church on it

Lake Bled is most well known for the  fairy-tale island church located in the middle of the emerald green lake. Overlooking it all is Bled Castle, which is perched atop the sheer cliff-face above Lake Bled.

A large, red roofed castle located on the top of a hill in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Surrounded by nature and gorgeous views, Lake Bled was easily one of my favorite weekend getaways while I was living in northern Italy.

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Where is Lake Bled, Slovenia Located?

Lake Bled is nestled in the Julian Alps in north west Slovenia. Located on the outskirts of Triglav National Park, this glacier lake is one of Slovenia’s most popular alpine resorts. Lake Bled was formed after the last Ice Age from the melted ice of nearby Lake Bohinj.

Lake Bled is located only 35 miles from Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana and is a quick 45 minutes drive.

How Many Days Should You Stay in Lake Bled?

At least 2-3 days in Lake Bled is ideal since there are many things to do and see around the area. If you have more time and you’d like to explore the surrounding areas such as Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge or Radovljica then I recommend spending 4-5 days in Lake Bled.

Three wooden row boats tied up on shore with views of an island and church on Lake Bled in Slovenia

While Bled is well known for its’ tranquility, the neighboring Julian Alps and Triglav National Park provide adrenaline junkies with exciting adventures such as white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and more.

You can visit either 3glav Advenures or Lifetrek Adventures in Lake Bled if you’d like to find out more information on the fun, outdoorsy adventures these companies have to offer.

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Top Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is the perfect getaway if you are looking to leave behind the bustling city life and escape into nature for a few days. There are many things to do in and around Lake Bled with the focus being on enjoying the outdoors. I’ve compiled all the top things to do in Lake Bled from my many visits there over the course of 6 years while living in northern Italy .

1. Take a Walk Around Lake Bled

The perfect way to get acquainted with Lake Bled and the surrounding town is to take a leisurely walk around the 6 kilometer (3.7 mile) paved path around the lake. The walk is stunning with varying views of Lake Bled, Bled Castle and the small island Church in the middle of the lake.

The walking path around Lake Bled with row boats to rend and restaurants lining the path

During your walk around the lake you’ll pass by many small shops, cafes and traditional style architecture. There is a small section of the path which turns into a wooden boardwalk with some of the best unobstructed views of Lake Bled.

There are no vehicles allowed along the 6 kilometer path so the only people you’ll have to share the path with are fellow walkers, runners, cyclists and roller bladers!

2. Visit the Island in the Middle of Lake Bled

The fairy-tale island church is not just a beautiful sight, it’s also fun to visit! There are various ways to reach it, the most common being the pletna boat or a row boat. The traditional pletna boats are still hand built using centuries old craftsmanship and remain an important symbol in Lake Bled.

Wooden boats with a canvas awning called a pletna boat on Lake Bled in Slovenia

The oarsman profession is well respected in Bled and is passed down through families from generation to generation. The oarsmen steer the flat-bottomed boat with skilled strokes creating a smooth ride for up to 20 passengers to the island.

The pletna boats cost €12 per person and includes the round trip journey to the island and a 30 min stay before heading back to shore. The pletna boats are easy to spot gliding across the lake with their colorful awnings.

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If you are the more adventurous type, row boats can be rented from various rental spots around the lake. The row boats are an enjoyable way to leisurely float around the lake at your own pace.

We have taken a ride in the pletna and rowed our own boat, enjoying both options.

The small island in the middle of Lake Bled with a church in the center

Once you arrive at the island, hike up the 99 stone steps that lead to the Church of the Assumption at the top. If you choose to enter the church, find the rope for the church bell and ring it. While Bled Island is free to visit there is a €6 entry fee for the bell tower and church.

Superstition claims that if you get the bell to ring three times with just one tug, your dreams will come true!

Also on the island is a small cafe, gift shop and a restroom. There is also a gelato stand with many flavors, perfect for those hot summer days!

» Must Read: A Complete Guide to Piran, Slovenia

3. Visit Lake Bled Castle Up on the Hill

Dramatically clinging to the steep cliffs over-looking the lake, the red and white Bled Castle is the epitome of picturesque architecture.

View of Bled Castle located up on the hill on Lake Bled in Slovenia

Dating back over 1,000 years, Lake Bled Castle is now a popular tourist attraction and since 1957 has provided visitors a look into the history and culture of Bled.

Gorgeous panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains can be seen from the castle’s terrace and outdoor cafe.

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A visit to the castle wouldn’t be complete without checking out the original printing methods in the printing shop where you can print your own custom made souvenir picture or admiring the craftsmanship in the family run blacksmith forge.

Intricate, hand made wrought-iron works can be purchased in the forge downstairs below the gift shop.

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Additionally, you should visit the wine cellar where Andrej, or another vintner, will explain the different types of Slovenian wine. You can also pour, cork and seal your own bottle to take home with you!

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You can reach the Lake Bled Castle by car, tourist bus or by foot. If you decide to go by foot, the steep trail to the castle starts at the lake’s paved path and takes about 20-30 min to climb the steps to the top.

There is a parking lot at the top of the hill located at the foot of Bled Castle. Be sure to visit early in the morning while it’s less crowded to secure a parking spot.

Entrance to the castle costs €13 for adults and €5 for children 14 and under.

4. Hike to Ojstrica for Incredible Views of Lake Bled

One of the best hiking trails in Lake Bled is Ojstrica. The moderate climb takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the top. You can find the start of the trail head by typing Mala Osojnica Trailhead into your GPS. At the start of the trailhead you will find the directions for two additional hiking paths. The Velika Osojnica trail takes about 35 minutes and the Mala Osojnica path takes around 30 minutes to reach the top.

View of a large lake with a small island in the middle with a church. This spot can be seen from the Ojstrica hike in Lake Bled, Slovenia

The view from the top of the Ojstrica hike is incredible and is one of the best hikes around the area.

All of the hiking paths can become quite crowded in the middle of the day due to the incredible views at the top. Therefore, it is recommended to begin your hike fairly early in the day.

5. Go on a Toboggan Ride on the Straža Ski Slope

During the warmer months, when the snow has melted, Lake Bled’s luge ride along the Straža ski slope is a fun activity for all ages!

Flying down the 570-yard-long track in a small plastic sled is sure to thrill as you twist and turn down the steep, metal rail track. The ride to the top in the chair lift provides more spectacular views of the lake, just make sure to turn around and have a look!

A row of chair lifts heading up the hill in the summer for the toboggan run at Lake Bled in Slovenia

The chairlift plus one toboggan ride costs €8 but is cheaper if you want to do multiple rides. However, if you don’t want to partake in the summer toboggan ride on Lake Bled you can take the chairlift up and down for €4.

6. Kayak, SUP or Swim in Lake Bled

Also during the warmer months you can rent stand up paddle boards and kayaks to cruise around the lake. The rentals for the stand up paddle boards can be found directly across from the Camping Bled area of the lake.

A guy and a girl swimming in Lake Bled, Slovenia with views of the Bled Castle in the background

We’ve also had a lot of fun swimming in the lake during the summer, although it can still be pretty cold!

7. Eat the Famous Bled Cake (kremna rezina)

The small town of Bled, Slovenia is well known for their dessert specialty, the kremna rezina, or cream cake. This delicious cake is made with a decadent vanilla custard topped with whipped cream and layered between a buttery, flaky pastry. Dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar, this delightful treat is my favorite in Slovenia!

The famous Bled Cream Cake which is made of flaky dough layers on top, a thick cream layered on top of a creamy custard

You can easily find slices of kremna rezina at many of the cafes around town including the cafe Panorama.

Best Lake Bled Restaurants

One of my favorite restaurants in Lake Bled is the family run restaurant at Penzion Berc . Located directly across from Hotel Berc, this is the hotel run by the other Berc brother, Miha.

The restaurant has cozy, outside seating, perfect during those cool summer nights when the sun sets late in the evenings. The local chef deliciously grills up tender meat and fish on the outside barbecue while fresh herbs and greens are perfectly picked from their very own garden.

A walking path around a large lake in Slovenia with a massive castle perched atop a hill

The restaurant also whips up an array of delicious homemade desserts including the traditional Bled cream cake and their own specialty tiramisu.

Another  favorite restaurant in Lake Bled is Oštarija Peglez’n and is conveniently located along the lake.

The restaurant has a sweet, Slovenian country style decor on the inside and a lovely terraced patio out front. Cooking up traditional Slovenian and Mediterranean cusine, the extensive menu appeals to all taste buds.

The Best Lake Bled Hotels

There are many options of hotels and guesthouses in Lake Bled. Ideally you will want to find a place walking distance to the lake with free parking. Luckily, I’ve been to Lake Bled many times and can recommend quite a few places where you can stay that fulfills both of those requirements.

1. Hotel Berc

Hotel Berc and Penzion Berc are neighboring hotels run by two brothers. We stayed at Hotel Berc, run by Luka and is the newer of the two. Luka welcomed us as if we were guests in his home.

The hand carved wood interior and pleasant atmosphere only add to the charm of being at Lake Bled. The 15 beautiful and spacious rooms, with an impressively large bathroom, all come complete with your own personal balcony.

A large continental breakfast is included in the room rate and offers a wide variety of breakfast treats to start your day off right. Slightly tucked away, in a more residential area, the lake is only a few minutes walk down the hill.  Hotel Berc is one of the best Lake Bled hotels and fills up fast in the peak seasons so make sure to reserve ahead!

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2. Čarman Guest House

The Čarman Guest House is a friendly family-run bed and breakfast located right on Lake Bled with stunning views of the the island church.

Their 5 rooms (each room can accommodate 2-3 persons) are comfortable, adorably decorated and come with an en-suite bathroom. Their adjacent store fronts are a gift shop, restaurant/pizzeria, and row boat rental.

For an extra €5 per person, their room-delivered continental style breakfast will give you the energy you need for a day of outdoor fun on the lake! Look for Čarman Guest House Lake Bled on booking.com or airbnb.com.

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3. Camping in Lake Bled

Camping Bled , located right on the shores of Lake Bled, is a perfect alternative for those wanting to sleep under the stars.

From €18.80 a plot (for 2 people per night) Camping Bled provides a comfortable space, including necessary facilities and equipment, for visitors to enjoy during their stay in Bled.

The camp grounds are pet friendly and even offer glamping, a more luxurious way to camp! Camping here isn’t just for summer months either, winter camping is available as well!

I’ve also used AirBnB during quite a few of my stays in Lake Bled and have found some other amazing places.

» For $40 off your first booking on AirBnB use this link!

The small island in the middle of Lake Bled with a church in the center

Driving Tips for Visiting Slovenia

  • You absolutely need to purchase a Slovenian vignette before you drive through the country. This is Slovenia’s road tax and without it you could get a hefty fine . Currently the cost for a 7 day vignette is €15 euro. You can also purchase vignette’s for longer lengths of time for an additional fee.
  • You can purchase your vignette just outside the border at any gas station or rest stop. There will be signs for the vignette so you’ll know if they have them for sale or not.
  • The vignette must be displayed on your car’s windshield in the upper left hand corner .
  • Driving in Slovenia is super easy as the roads are all very well maintained and the signs are easy to understand.

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World of Wanderlust

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lake Bled

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in the Julien Alps, Lake Bled is as serene as it looks in photos and a visit to this romantic lake is as surreal as you would be led to believe. Below is the ultimate guide to visiting Lake Bled which will help you plan your stay.

Lake Bled Things to Do | World of Wanderlust

Introduction to Lake Bled

This Lake Bled travel blog will give you all the information you need to plan your visit to Lake Bled. Whether you are visiting for just a day visit or are planning a week or more of adventures in summer, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to visit Lake Bled.

How to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

The best things to do in lake bled, the best time of year to visit lake bled, recommended hotels, restaurants and tours in lake bled, things to do near lake bled.

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Lake Bled is a popular day trip from Ljubljana. There are a few ways to arrive in Lake Bled including public transport and self-drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Depending on your travel plans for Slovenia, these are your options:

Ljubljana to Lake Bled by Bus

It will take you 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by bus. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to arrive in Lake Bled, costing just 7 euros. This is the best option if you are visiting Lake Bled as a day trip from Ljubljana.

Ljubljana to Lake Bled by Train

There are two train stations in Lake Bled: Lesce train station and Jezero Bled train station. Neither of them are extremely central but if you don’t mind a bit of swapping transport, the system works easily enough.

If you arrive to Lesce train station you will need to switch to a bus for the further 4.5 kilometres to reach Lake Bled.

If you arrive at Lesce train station you will be around 3 kilometres from the town of Bled, on the Western side of the lake.

Ljubljana to Lake Bled by Car

Driving from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is very easy and well sign posted. The journey will take approximately 45 minutes without traffic. Kranj and Skofja Loka are beautiful towns to stop in if you’d like to see more of Slovenia and are both located on the way to Lake Bled.

Lake Bled Slovenia | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

The activities on offer in Lake Bled are plentiful, however the timing of your visit will play a large role in determining what you can do while in Lake Bled.

The best way to start your time in Lake Bled is of course to walk around the lake . To walk the entire lake in a circuit will take between 1-2 hours. You may need extra time to stop and take photos because believe me, this is one photogenic location!

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If you would like to get a view of the lake from above, the best viewpoint is from Mala Osojnica . The hike will take around 1 hour to complete, allowing for some time at the top to enjoy the view.

Another great way to experience the lake is to be on it by boat, pletna, paddle board or kayak. In the summer months there is no end to the amount of activities on offer!

Swimming in the lake almost feels like an essential in the warmer months. It was an impressive 30 degrees celsius during my time in Lake Bled and I’m happy to report the lake is beautifully warm!

Lake Bled Slovenia | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

I first visited Lake Bled back in 2015 during autumn when the weather was much, much colder. This year I returned in the summer time and it is safe to say it was a very different experience. The lake is beautiful to visit any time of year, however if you have your heart set on a certain way of experiencing it, there are better times to visit than others.

Summer (June, July, August) in Bled is hot, sunny and beautiful. This is the best time of year to experience all the lake has to offer as everything will be open during this time and for longer hours. This is the best time to swim in the lake as it is beautiful and warm.

Spring (March, April, May) is arguably the next best time to visit. Some people prefer to visit in this season as there are fewer crowds, however it is still popular during this time.

Winter and Fall (September-February) are much colder but it is still a beautiful time of year to see the lake. Fall is beautiful as the leaves change colour and winter can sometimes mean a light layer of snow and skiing nearby. It is important to note, however, that a great number of restaurants, cafes and activities are closed over the colder months.

Vila Bled Slovenia | World of Wanderlust

There are so hotels, restaurants and tours to choose from in Lake Bled that it can often be a little overwhelming. As someone who has visited in both the off season and busy season, these are my top recommendations for Lake Bled:

Vila Bled is the best located hotel on the lake. It overlooks Bled Island and has direct access to the lake from the stairway at the front of the villa. It is however one of the more expensive options in Lake Bled at around 250 euros per night.

Cafe Belvedere is the cafe that overlooks Bled Island with an incredible (in my opinion the best) view of the lake. You absolutely must try the Bled Cream cake here! It is to die for.

Bled Castle Restaurant is actually a really great option in Bled and has a magnificent view over the lake. Surprisingly, the menu is reasonably priced and offers a great introduction to Slovenian cuisine.

Public & Vegan Kitchen Bled is the best place for vegetarian and vegan food in Bled. It came as a surprise to me to find such great vegan food here in Lake Bled! The vegan burgers are huge and really tasty.

Pr1mo Tours is the best tour company for outdoors adventure sports. They rent out mountain bikes, e-bikes and organise activities like kayaking in the black hole or joining a tour to Triglav national park. If you have your own car I would recommend taking yourself to locations in Triglav, however if you are relying on public transport or travelling solo, joining a tour for the day is always a fun idea.

Vintgar Gorge Slovenia | World of Wanderlust

If you are staying in Lake Bled for more than two days you will eventually tire of lake activities and be looking to venture elsewhere (and even if you don’t, you should!) There is so much to see in the area beyond Lake Bled, a few are the top highlights:

Vintgar Gorge can be reached in just 10 minutes by car. The gorge is a 1.6 kilometre stretch of water and boardwalks that criss cross their way through the gorge. It is a beautiful place to visit and costs 10 euros.

Triglav National Park is full of great day hikes if you’re feeling up for something a little more adventurous. You can self-drive and take your own hike or join a tour like those offered by pr1mo tours (above).

Lake Bohinj is a great alternative to Lake Bled and a much quieter experience. Here you can enjoy al the same lake activities a little further off the beaten path.

Enjoy your visit to Lake Bled!

Brooke Saward

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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15 Things to do in Lake Bled in Summer: A Complete Guide to this Fairy-Tale Town

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The startling blue water of Lake Bled surrounded by mountains and complete with a castle is the perfect European destination. This incredible place is a popular destination, but less crowded then many of the mountain towns in neighboring Italy. We spent several days in Lake Bled in summer of 2022 and the area exceeded our expectation in everyway – it truly feels like you’ve walked into a fairytale.

Located just a short distance to the northwest of Ljubljana, Lake Bled should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Slovenia. Below you can find 15 things to do in Lake Bled in summer as well as some things to know to help you place your holiday in lake bled.

We visited Lake Bled as part of our 7 Day Slovenia Itinerary . If you want to get a printable and downloadable Slovenia Itinerary, you can find our Slovenia Itinerary on our Etsy Shop .

As an Affiliate, I may receive compensation at no cost to you when you purchase something through a link on this page.

Lake Bled in Summer

Overview of Lake Bled in Summer

Below you can find more details on some of the best things to do at Lake Bled in summer. You can get a free printable list of things to do by clicking on the image below. Save this on your phone when you travel to Lake Bled.

Vintgar Gorge

  • Walk Around the Lake

Visit Lake Bohinj

Hike in triglav national park, row out to the island and ring the bell, visit the bled castle, taste bled cream cake, take the train around town, go wine tasting, visit slap savica waterfall, try the alpine slide, go mini golfing, go swimming, go ziplining.

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15 Things to do in Lake Bled

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Located just a short drive or bike ride from town, Vintgar gorge is a several mile walk that winds through a stunning narrow gorge with a striking blue river and finishes with a loop back up into the hills with views across the valley back towards Bled.

The walk follows a series of boardwalks and bridges through the gorge with views of the incredible river around every turn. This is one of the most popular activities in the area and you will need to purchase a ticket to enter the gorge. If you are visiting Lake Bled in summer, you should book your tickets in advance .

See more about visiting Vintgar Goge: Vintgar Kloof/Gorge, Slovenia: One of the Best Walks in Slovenia .

Lake Bled in Summer

Walk Around Lake Bled

The walk around Lake Bled is well laid out with an easy to follow and mostly paved path. The entire distance around the lake is about 4 miles and offers stunning views of the lake, mountains and castle. This is a well traveled, easy path that gets use with runners, walkers and bikers.

We walked around the lake every day we spent in Lake Bled and not only enjoyed the walk but stopped along the way to swim and relax. There is no fee to walk around the lake and the path barely gains elevation.

Lake Bled in Summer

Lake Bled is a great place to ride a bike – whether you are heading out for a casual bike around the lake or looking to get into the mountains on a long road ride. There a lots of small roads and bike paths through the area.

You can find a few places in town that will rent bikes and we got a bike for about 6 EUR/hour to ride around town. Another popular route is to bike from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj .

Lake Bled in Summer

Lake Bohinj is located about 30 minutes from Lake Bled. It is a beautiful drive between the two lakes and Bohinj feels more remote and quieter compared to Lake Bled. There are several beach areas and hiking trails in the area worth exploring.

You could easily spend a full day relaxing and exploring Lake Bohinj.

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Triglav National Park is an incredible mountain region in northwest Slovenia right near Lak Bled. Lake Bled is one of the best towns to stay in if you are looking to explore Triglav. You can find many hiking trails and if you are up for an overnight, you should consider staying in one of the mountain huts.

See more about Hiking the 7 Lakes Valley – this is an incredible hike that can be done as a long day hike or an overnight.

If you aren’t up for hiking in Triglav, there are some excellent Lake Bled hiking hiking trails closer to the lake: hike around the lake, hike Vintgar Gorge, or hike to Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica Viewpoints.

Hiking in Triglav National Park

If you are visiting Lake Bled in summer, you need to plan time out on the water. There are many ways to get on the lake (kayak, paddleboard, etc) but the best way is to rent one of the small rowboats for a few euros and take a row out to the island to visit Assumption of Maria Church. You can rent these boats by the hour. The best places to rent these rowboats are close to the island if you walk along the southern part of the lake – we rented a rowboat across the street from Restavracija Sova Bled.

Rowing on Lake Bled in Summer

Once you row out to the island, you can tie up your rowboat and walk around the island. There is a bell at the church that brings luck if you ring it, and you will here the frequent ringing of the bell from around the lake. It is free to visit the island, but there is a fee if you want to climb the stairs and ring the bell.

Perched above Lake Bled on the north side of the lake, the Bled Castle. This is the oldest Slovenian Castle and is a popular place to visit. Dating back to about 1000 AD, and rebuilt in the early 1500s, Bled Castle can be reached by road or you can walk the steep trail up from the lake.

This is an incredible castle whether you view it from the lake perched on the precipice or visit the castle. In 2022, the fee to enter that castle was 13 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for kids.

If you don’t want to pay to visit the castle, you can walk around the outside and some of the trails surrounding the castle.

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If you’re visiting Lake Bled, you have to try the Bled cream cake. We weren’t too taken with the description, but we truly loved this cake. There is something to be said about eating this classic Slovenian treat while looking out across the lake.

Most restaurants in Bled serve this dessert and you might also see it called sweet queen of Bled or Blejska kremšnita.

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If you are visiting Bled with kids, then make sure you take a ride on this fun little train that runs around town. The train offers a nice break from walking and is so cute. The train drives right around the lake and costs just a few euros to ride.

You can see more about this fun tourist ride .

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Slovenia has a long and proud history of making wine and a few activity to try in town is to join a food or wine tasting tour. Slovenian food is delicious and simple and at least in Bled we found similar far to neighboring northern Italy with slightly more meat.

Pairing a wine tasting and food tour is a fun way to experience this side of Slovenia.

This wine tasting tour look incredible although we didn’t have time to do any wine tasting when we were in Lake Bled.

Located close to Lake Bohinj, Slap Savica is a beautiful waterfall right at the edge of Triglav National Park. The waterfall flows out of a karst spring (similar to Slap Boka ) in a cave and travels down some small rapids before dropping vertically into for about 80 meters.

To reach the waterfall, you will need to hike uphill up a series of stairs. You will need to climb over 500 stairs to reach the view of the waterfall. This trail is well maintained and steep and will take you about an hour total.

There is a small fee to visit Slap Savica that you can pay right at the gate.

Just over Lake Bled on one of the nearby hills, the summer tobogganing route is a fun and exhilarating ride with views across Lake Bled to the islands and the castle. If you’re looking for a high adrenaline-inducing activity in Lake Bled in summer, this is a fun one for kids and adults.

The track is 520 meters long and you can also visit the Adventure Park. See more about this fun attraction and a complete price list .

If you are looking for a fun and simple activity in Lake Bled in summer – you will find several mini-golf spots. We let our kids pick one activity and this was what they chose. We ended up having a great time and it was a perfect break in our site seeing activity.

Mini golfing in Lake Bled in Summer

If you are wondering whether you can swim in Lake Bled, not only is it allowed, but it is one of the best things to do in the area.

If you enjoy swimming, Lake Bled a dream come true. The water is gorgeous, accessible and a comfortable temperature. We spent plenty of our time simply walking around the lake and swimming when we felt like it.

There are a few beach areas as you walk around the lake but you can swim from most of the shoreside. You will also see people swimming distance for exercise.

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Not far from Bled, Dolinka Zipline is the longest zip line in Europe and covers 4 km and 7 zip lines. This is a fun activity and gives you a unique perspective of the Lake Bled area.

Learn more about visiting Dolinka Zipline.

What to Know About Visiting Lake Bled

Lake Bled is surprisingly easy to visit. We rented a car in Italy and drove into Slovenia for the week, but you can also rent a car in Ljubliana or take the train to Bled. If you are traveling by car from Italy, you will need to buy sticker to cover tolls in Slovenia – you can simply do this at a travel stop once you cross the border.

How to Get to Lake Bled

Driving is the easiest way to get to Lake Bled and will give you the most flexibility for visiting the best things to do in Lake Bled in summer. Below are some of the driving times from nearby destinations.

  • Ljubljana to Lake Bled: 1 hour
  • Vienna to Lake Bled: 4.5 hours
  • Trieste to Lake Bled: 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Bovec to Lake Bled: 1.5 hours

You can also get to Lake Bled by train from Ljubljana. The train takes about 1.5 hours and connects you to the western side of the lake. Since the area is easy to walk, this can be a great option if you don’t plan to do some of the activities outside of town.

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How many Days do you Need in Bled?

We recommend at least 2 days in Lake Bled and the surrounding area. With 2 days you can visit Triglav National Park, Vintgar Gorge, walk around the lake, and take a boat ride out to the island. If you have more time you could easily keep busy for 3 or 4 days or even a full week. We spent 2 and a half days in the Bled area and an additional 2 days hiking in Triglav National Park hiking the 7 Lakes Valley .

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Lake Bled?

Lake Bled is a wonderful year round destination, but since we haven’t spent time in Lake Bled in the winter we can’t recommend specific activities, but we highly recommend visiting Lake Bled in summer. See recommendations for visiting Lake Bled in winter .

In the summer, Lake Bled is a comfortable temperature. High temperatures hover around in 80 in the summer with lows around 60. We visited in early July and highly recommend this time as summer is in full swing, but it’s not as crowded as August. September can also be an excellent time to visit Lake Bled.

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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Lake Bled?

One of the best things about Lake Bled is that you can find a range of lodging options for every price. We staying in Apartments Kapus Center – this was an incredible location close to everything and had all the basics for our family of 5.

Below are a few options based on our visit to the area.

  • Camping Lake Bled : This is a cute looking campground right near the Lake and if you’re visiting Lake Bled in summer, camping is a great option.

High Budget

  • Adora Luxury Hotel : This is a stunning hotel in a beautiful location.

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The Best Restaurants Lake Bled

There are plenty of great places to eat in Lake Bled, although we found food to be slightly more expensive compared to Ljubliana and Bovec. Most of the restaurants are located right in town, so it’s easy to wander around and find a place to eat. Several places overlook the lake, and you can find more spots is you walk up to the east from the lake.

Below are a few restaurants we enjoyed:

  • Old Cellar Bled
  • Mega Burger Bled
  • Arroi Restaurant
  • Tavci Kuhna

Common Questions about Visiting Lake Bled

Can you swim in lake bled.

You can swim in Lake Bled and it’s one of the best things to do in the area. The water is a beautiful color and a comfortable temperature. One of our favorite thing to do in Lake Bled is to walk around the lake and jump in along the way.

Is Visiting Lake Bled in Summer worth it?

Lake Bled is a gorgeous destination in Slovenia and is one place we would love to return to for even longer. We highly recommend visiting Lake Bled in summer or winter!

Why is Lake Bled so Famous?

Lake Bled is a fairy-tale like lake and castle that if you believe the legends was created by fairies. Lake Bled is a tremendous destination for a Slovenian vacation with a gorgeous lake, nearby mountains and plenty of activities for everyone.

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Is Lake Bled a day trip from Ljubljana?

You can easily visit Lake Bled from Ljubliana on a day trip. Ideally you will want more days in Lake Bled, but if you are short on time, you can visit and walk around the lake, stop at Vintgar Gorge, and take a boat ride out to the island.

See more on visiting Ljubljana .

About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

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A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

View all post by Gretchen Stuppy Carlson | Website

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The irony of Steve Martin’s life isn’t lost on him

Comedian Steve Martin holds the Grammy Award which he won for Best Comedy Recording for the album 'A Wild And Crazy Guy,' in Los Angeles on Feb. 15, 1979.

NEW YORK (AP) — Steve Martin has long marveled at the many phases of his life. There’s his youth as a Disneyland performer, surrounded by vaudeville performers and magicians. A decade as a stand-up before the sudden onset of stadium-sized popularity. An abrupt shift to movies. Later, a new chapter as a banjo player, a father and, a comedy act, once again, with Martin Short.

It’s such a confounding string of chapters that Martin has typically only approached his life piecemeal or schizophrenically. He titled an audiobook “So Many Steves.” His memoir, “Born Standing Up,” covered only his stand-up years. In it, he wrote that it was really a biography “because I am writing about someone I used to know.”

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“My life has many octopus arms,” Martin says, speaking from his New York apartment.

People participate in documentaries for all kinds of reasons. But Martin may be unique in making a film about his life with the instruction of: “See if you can make sense of all THAT.” Morgan Neville, the documentary filmmaker of the Fred Rogers film “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” and the posthumous Anthony Bourdain portrait “Roadrunner,” took up the challenge.

Yet Neville, too, was hesitant about any holistic view of Martin. The resulting film is really two. “STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces,” premiering Friday on Apple TV+, splits Martin’s story in two halves. One depicts Martin’s stand-up as it unfolded, with copious contributions from journal entries and old photographs. The other captures Martin’s life as it is today — riding electric bikes with Short, practicing the banjo — with reflections on the career that followed.

It’s an attempt to synthesize all the Steve Martins, or at least line them up next to each other. The “King Tut” guy with the arrow through his head. The “wild and crazy guy.” The “Jerk.” The Grammy-winner. The novel writer. And the self-lacerating comic who says in the film: “I guarantee I had no talent. None.”

“I’m going to say something very immodest: I have a modesty about my career,” Martin says, chuckling. “Just because you do a lot of things doesn’t mean they’re good. I know that time evaluates things. So there’s nothing for me to stand on to evaluate my efforts. But an outsider can make sense of it.”

Neville, who joined the video call from his home in Pasadena, California, didn’t set out to make two films about Martin. But six months into the process, it crystalized for him as the right structure. Through lines emerged.

“When I look at the things Steve’s done in his life — playing banjo, magic, stand-up — these are things that take great effort to master,” Neville says. “But in a way, it’s the constant working at it. Even seeing Steve pick up a banjo, it’s never, ‘I nailed it.’ It’s always: ‘I could do that a little better.’”

Looking back hasn’t come naturally to Martin. He’s long resisted the kind of life-story treatment of a film like “STEVE!” But Martin, 78, grants he’s now at that time of life where you can’t help it. Even if reliving some things smarts.

“The first part, that’s what I really have a hard time watching,” Martin says. “When I’m on black-and-white homemade video being so not funny.”

Martin grew up in Orange County in awe of Jerry Lewis, Laurel and Hardy and Nichols and May. His first job, as an 11-year-old, was selling guide books at Disneyland. He drifted toward the Main Street Magic Shop. Stage performers like Wally Boag became his idols.

When Martin, after studying philosophy in college and writing for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” began stand-up, he drew copiously from Boag and others, filtering the showmanship of vaudeville into an avantgarde act, just with balloon animals and an arrow through his head. Donning the persona of, as he says in the film, “a comedian who thinks he’s funny but isn’t,” his routine moved away from punchlines and toward an absurd irony with “free-form laughter.”

Martin’s act was groundbreaking and, in the 1970s, when most comics were doing political material, it became wildly popular. “He’s up there with the most idolized comedians ever,” Jerry Seinfeld says in the film. Now, Martin doesn’t see much from those years that makes him laugh.

“Then there are these moments that I think of as performance glory, but they last a minute or two minutes. It was all so new. It was exciting because it was new to the audience and to me.”

Martin tends to be hard on himself. In one late scene in “STEVE!” he and Short are going over possible jokes, but most don’t make the cut for Martin.

It’s tempting to assign some of this nature to Martin’s famously critical father, Glenn, a real-estate salesman who had his own unrealized ambitions in show business. At dinner after the premiere of “The Jerk,” he pronounced his son “no Charlie Chaplin.” But Martin disagrees.

“I don’t think so,” says Martin. “It’s good to be hard on yourself. It’s just the way I do it. I just want to go over it and go over it. I realize it’s all in the details. It’s all in the timing.”

That makes Martin think of a joke that he and Short have considered for their act but thus far deemed too esoteric.

“I say, ‘You know, Marty, some comedians say funny things. And some comedians say things funny. And you just say … things,’” says Martin, laughing. “But there’s a truth in saying funny things and saying things funny. You walk the line. Our lives now are saying funny things and it used to be saying things funny.”

It’s a line, typically exact in its wording, that perfectly represents the irony of Martin’s own life. In 1981, Martin quit stand-up, he thought for good. The act had run its course and he was happy to transition to movies. It wasn’t until decades later, when Martin prepared to tour as a banjo player, that a friend convinced him audiences were going to want a little banter in between songs.

“So I had this terror and I started working on material,” Martin says. “Eventually I became what I grew up with, which is a folk music act with a funny monologist, making funny intros to songs.”

That’s bled into Martin’s unexpected return to stand-up. Martin and Short, friends since the 1986 comedy “Three Amigos!” have become the premier double act of today, starring on the acclaimed Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” and performing on the road. They cuttingly but affectionately volley quip after quip with the finesse of Grand Slam champions.

The irony isn’t lost on Martin. The no-punchline comedian has become a lover of punchlines.

“I’ve morphed into a person who really appreciates the joy of telling jokes,” shrugs Martin. “Marty and I in our show is joke after joke after joke.”

It’s not the only reversal Martin never expected. After spending most of his life not wanting children, Martin and his wife of 17 years, Anne Stringfield, have an 11-year-old daughter. She’s seen only as a cartoon in “STEVE!” to protect her privacy.

Even more confounding for Martin: After a life riddled by anxiety he’s strangely content. Maybe even happy. “Yes, I hate to say it,” Martin says shaking his head.

Martin likes to say he has a “relaxed mind” now. He’s peeled away a lot — competitiveness, people or situations who brought him grief — and has narrowed his life down to things that matter most to him.

“I have this thing that I’ve noticed,” Martin says. “As we age, we either become our best selves or our worst selves. I’ve seen people become their worst selves and I’ve seen people who were tough, difficult people early on become better selves.”

In the film, Martin puts it: “I look back and go, ‘What an odd life.’ My whole life was backwards.”

IMAGES

  1. Destination of the Year: Bled Slovenia

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  2. Top Things to Do & See in Bled, Slovenia

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  3. 15 Best Things to Do in Bled (Slovenia)

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  4. 15 Best Things to Do in Bled (Slovenia)

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  5. 8 Amazing Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

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  6. 30 Beautiful Bled Castle Photos To Inspire You To Visit Lake Bled, Slovenia

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  1. Lake Bled:🇸🇮 A Day Trip from Ljubljana's Charming Capital

  2. JE PARIE QUE VOUS N’AVEZ JAMAIS VU CE ROBOT !

  3. BETTER than LAKE BLED?

COMMENTS

  1. FUN activities in Bled, Slovenia

    Some of the fun activities to do in Bled are: Rafting, Canyoning, Skydiving, bike trips and more. We here at Fun Turist provide unforgettable adventures. Activities; ... "I will say right off the bat that zorbing is probably the most fun and funniest travel experience our family has ever shared." Devon family "Excellent ride, excellent ...

  2. Skydiving Bled

    Experience The Thrill of a Lifetime! The Tandem jump is by far the most popular way to make your first skydiving experience. Before you start, you will learn everything about flight, experience, and safety with the help of our experienced instructors. In just 20 minutes you will ascend by plane to an altitude of 4000 meters.

  3. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bled

    The most beautiful views of Lake Bled and its surroundings, the Karavanke, Kamniško-Savinjske Alpe mountain ranges and the Ljubljana basin await you. 5. Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia and stands proudly on the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. 6.

  4. 8 Amazing Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

    Rowboats | Best Things to do in Lake Bled. There are several shops located around the lake that will rent paddleboats by the hour. We rented our rowboat from a small shop called Pletna B&B (location on Google Maps: 46°21'37.5″N 14°05'58.7″E).It costs approximately €20 per hour to rent a rowboat.

  5. 15 Fun Things to Do at Lake Bled

    Ring The Bled Church Bell. A traditional thing to do at Lake Bled is to ring the wishing bell of the church on Bled Island. This sound fills the air all day, or as long as there are tourists visiting Bled. Bled Church, The Church of the Assumption, puts 99 steps in front of you before you can ring that bell though.

  6. 12 Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

    Things to Do in Lake Bled: Highlights. Make a Wish at the Bled Island Church of the Assumption. Ride a Boat on Lake Bled. Visit Bled Castle. Explore Vintgar Gorge. Sample Bled's Traditional Cake. Walk Around Lake Bled's Perimeter. Go Swimming in Lake Bled. Hike to a Postcard-Perfect View of Lake Bled.

  7. 12 BEST Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia!

    If you prefer being driven around to walking, a tourist train goes around the lake every 45 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June until September. In May and October, the train runs on good weather weekends. #5 Visit Bled Castle. Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) is both picturesque and historic: it's the oldest castle in all of Slovenia.

  8. 15 Best Things to Do in Bled (Slovenia)

    10. Triglav National Park. Source: Foto Matevz Lavric / shutterstock. Triglav National Park. Bled's Triglav National Park contains the country's highest peak and is a premier attraction for hikers, nature lovers, and those looking to distance themselves from the crowds often found at tourist sites closer to town.

  9. 18 Best Things To Do In Lake Bled, Slovenia

    There are many steep walls around Lake Bled, and climbing is seriously popular. This climbing area's starting point is around an hour's drive from the Lake itself, so it's always a good idea to employ a guide. The Julian Alps are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to test their climbing abilities. 4. Kayaking.

  10. 12 Fun Things to Do in Bled, Slovenia

    Assumption of Maria Church. Nestled on Bled Island, the Assumption of Mary Church oozes fairytale charm. Dating back to the 17th century, the church is a popular pilgrimage site and a must-visit for history buffs. Take a traditional wooden pletna boat to reach the little island and spend a few hours exploring the church.

  11. 17 Best Things To Do In Lake Bled Slovenia: Ultimate Guide [2024]

    5. Explore The Bled Island. This island (called Blejski Otok in the local language) is the only natural island in Slovenia. And it's one of the main reasons this Lake attracts many visitors. Bled Island is located in the middle of the Lake, and the way to reach it is by the traditional Pletna boat.

  12. A Guide to the Best Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

    Last Updated on 21st August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau. As you look across a pool of impossibly blue water, to the historic church in the centre, and over to the Julian Alps, you'll understand why Lake Bled is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia. Here's a guide to the best things to do in Lake Bled, as well as travel tips and what to know

  13. About us

    A HAPPY STORY. Fun Tourist Company l. l. c., located at Bled, specializes in entertainment and fun. It is led by sports fans, animators, instructors, guides and, above all, nature lovers. With great passion we have been discovering and upgrading adventures in unspoiled nature for more than 20 years, and they will not leave you disappointed.

  14. Welcome to Bled, the most popular tourist destination in Slovenia

    BLED CASTLE - the oldest castle in Slovenia perched high above Lake Bled. Overall Rating: 10/10 (Must-See) Above the incredibly beautiful glacial Lake Bled, on a mighty steep cliff rising 130 meters high, is the iconic Bled Castle. It is one of the most visited Slovene sights with over 300.000 annual guests.

  15. The Ultimate Guide to Lake Bled, Slovenia

    Train to Lake Bled. There is a train station in Lesce, which is about 4 miles from Lake Bled and the train journey from Ljubljana to Lesce takes about 30 minutes. Take into consideration that there are no Ubers available once you arrive in Lake Bled. Use code JLJ10 for 10% off all eSIM purchases.

  16. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Bled (Updated 2024)

    8. Straza Bled. Straza is a smaller hill most suitable for a relaxing walk and summer or winter sport activities. It is considered to be the most beautiful viewpoint in the area that offers incredible view of the city of Bled, lake Bled, castle and surrounding mountains.

  17. Fun Turist

    Fun Turist, Bled, Slovenia. 1,292 likes · 56 were here. Creating happy stories - is what drives us to lead with service. Providing opportunities to make every adventure a unique experience. Every...

  18. THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Bled (Updated 2024)

    By DavidNemes. ... - were great and would recommend to anyone, who love to have outdoor advantures and activities in the nature. 2023. 8. SUP Bled. 114. Stand Up Paddleboarding. By 701AnitaS. We had an amazing morning on the water, supping to the island on the lake and back.

  19. Lake Bled (Slovenia): 10+ Unmissable Things to Do

    Lake Bled is the ideal place for a nice stroll, for a swim in its cool waters or for a boat ride.But also just to admire its breathtaking views. The most iconic view is from the south-western shore, as the island is on the opposite side from the town of Bled.. The most famous viewpoint is located halfway between Straza Hill and Velika Zaka Beach, along the Kidričeva cesta road (GPS: 46.35847 ...

  20. Activities Bled

    If you dream of spending your holiday alongside rivers and enjoying breathtaking views from the top of the mountains near Bled, we provide unforgettable adventures and activities throughout the unspoiled wilderness of Slovenia. LAND. SKY. WATER.

  21. Lake Bled: A True Gem in Slovenia's Julian Alps

    Dating back over 1,000 years, Lake Bled Castle is now a popular tourist attraction and since 1957 has provided visitors a look into the history and culture of Bled. ... We've also had a lot of fun swimming in the lake during the summer, although it can still be pretty cold! 7. Eat the Famous Bled Cake (kremna rezina)

  22. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lake Bled

    Lake Bled is a popular day trip from Ljubljana. There are a few ways to arrive in Lake Bled including public transport and self-drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Depending on your travel plans for Slovenia, these are your options: Ljubljana to Lake Bled by Bus. It will take you 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by bus.

  23. 15 Things to do in Lake Bled in Summer: A Complete Guide to this Fairy

    The startling blue water of Lake Bled surrounded by mountains and complete with a castle is the perfect European destination. This incredible place is a popular destination, but less crowded then many of the mountain towns in neighboring Italy. We spent several days in Lake Bled in summer of 2022 and the area exceeded our expectation in everyway - it truly feels like you've walked into a ...

  24. 'Dragon's Dogma 2' Hates Its Players, But In A Fun Way

    Dragon's Dogma 2. Capcom. Camping cures health but your camp can be attacked and destroyed, so the next time you go to camp (if that max health bar gets low) you may realize you don't have a ...

  25. The irony of Steve Martin's life isn't lost on him

    Yet Neville, too, was hesitant about any holistic view of Martin. The resulting film is really two. "STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces," premiering Friday on Apple TV+, splits Martin ...