What to do in Lake Bled & surroundings β Tips from locals!
Lake Bled is the most famous postcard view of Slovenia, and it is easy to understand why. The lake has a fairy-tale vibe to it, with an impressive blue color and the picture-perfect island in the middle.
Since we live in Slovenia, our friends are always asking us for tips on what to do in Lake Bled when visiting, so we decided to put together this short travel guide.
Find out all you need to know before traveling to Bled: the best attractions and viewpoints. We added the tips of our favorite spots, besides the tourist places.
How to get to Lake Bled
Lake Bled is located in the Julian Alps, the most picturesque mountain region of Slovenia. Here are a few guidelines for reaching Lake Bled from different starting points:
How to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana?
If you go by car, the trip between Bled and Ljubljana will take you around 45min and you will drive on the highway most of the time. The road is beautiful, with the mountains on the side, but you should make sure you have a valid vignette before driving on the highway. Read our full guide about driving in Slovenia here.
If you will be going by bus, all you need to do is head to the Ljubljana Central Bus Station, located just outside the main train station. There are buses to Bled leaving every hour (or even shorter, depending on the month). The ride will take between 1h and 1h30, depending on whether you take the direct line or the local one with multiple stops. You canΒ buy your ticket onlineΒ or directly at the Bus Station, and the prices are usually around 12β¬ for a return trip.
Read the full guide: 6 ways to go from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
How to get to Lake Bled from Venice?
There are many people who go to Bled after landing at Veniceβs airport. If you will be renting a car, the trip from Marco Polo Airport to Bled will take you around 3h, passing just outside Ljubljana on the way. If you will be going by bus, the best option would be to come first to Ljubljana and then hop on another bus to Bled. Depending on the season and the companyβs schedule, Flixbus may operate on this route.
Read also: Best things to do in Venice if you’re traveling on a budget
How to get to Lake Bled from Vienna?
Alternatively, if you decide to land at Viennaβs airport, the trip by car to Bled will take you around 4h30. Unfortunately, there are no direct routes by bus on this route, so if you will be relying on the public system, we recommend first making your way to Ljubljana and then following the steps above on how to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana by bus.
Do you need to rent a car for your trip?
We always use DiscoverCars to rent our car. So far it has proved to be not only the cheapest option but also the most reliable one. We used DiscoverCars to rent our car for our trips through Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, and so many other countries, and we never had any issues. We even convinced all of our friends and family to use it. So that’s why we are also recommending it to you!
What to do in Lake Bled
Bled is a small city, but with a really rich nature, so there are quite a few options for things you can do in Bled and the surrounding towns. Here is a short list of our favorite things to do in Lake Bled.
PS: This list focuses on things to do in Bled in the summer and warmer months of the year. If you will be visiting during winter, please read our separate guide about what to do in Bled during the winter.
All of the places we list below have been added to our Slovenia Map! If you want the perfect pocket-sized guide for your trip to Slovenia, check out our map.
Swim in Lake Bled
The water of the lake is crystal clear, so one of the best things to do in Bled is go for a swim. During the summer months, when it gets really warm, a dip in the lake may be just the refreshment you need.
The best place to go into the water is what we call the Bled Beach, which is called “Velika Zaka”. You can find the exact location here. There is parking right by the beach (but get ready because it is pricy!)
You can also go into the water at several other points around the lake. I recommend walking around and picking the spot you like best!
Visit Bled Castle
One of the most remarkable constructions around Lake Bled is the castle located on top of a cliff, overlooking the lake.
Bled Castle is considered the oldest castle in Slovenia! Entrance costs β¬ 19 per person (they have discounts available for kids, groups, etc) and you can buy the ticket directly at the entrance.
With the ticket, you’ll get to visit the museum and some chambers of the castle, but the best thing about the visit is the view of the lake. Even if you don’t want to go in, I’d still recommend walking up to the castle because there are a couple of viewpoints in the area.
Pro tip: The restaurant in the castle is one of the best places to eat in Bled, and you’ll get to dine with an incredible view of the lake. For more tips on where to eat in Bled, continue reading.
Walk the perimeter of the lake
The trail around Lake Bled is only 6km long, completing a full circle around the lake.
The walk is very pleasant, I highly recommend it to anyone spending a day or more in Bled. The walk is mostly flat, quite easy to follow, and accessible also for wheelchairs or strollers.
If you complete the full circle around the lake, you’ll have views from every different angle.
Rent a rowing boat
Did you know you can rent a rowing boat where you get to row by yourself?
This is a really popular thing to do in Lake Bled! We often see couples on a romantic getaway on a rowing boat at the lake. I’ve even seen a woman being proposed to once.
There are a few spots where you can rent the rowing boat. I recommend this one. Most places will let you choose between renting a rowing boat by yourself (costs 10-18β¬ for 1 hour, depending on the size of the boat and the place you rent it from) or renting it with someone to do the rowing.
FYI – rowing from the shore to the island will take 10-15 min from Bled Beach, but it will take longer if you start near the other end of the lake.
Visit Bled Island
Another way of visiting Bled Island is by getting a return ticket with the “pletna boat”, the traditional wooden boat from Lake Bled.
The round trip costs 20 β¬, and it includes the Church of the Assumption, the Lookout Bell Tower, and the museum exhibition. The boats leave when they get full, so there is no need for a reservation.
We highly recommend going early in the morning if you want to visit Bled Island during the summer because the island is quite small, so it can get very busy during peak hours. Besides the church, you can go see the clock tower, have a snack at the cafΓ©, and walk around the island.
Have a coffee during sunset in CafΓ© Belvedere
This cafe is one of the best-kept secrets of Lake Bled (even though it is fairly well-known, it’s just way less popular than anywhere else in town).
CafΓ© Belvedere has the best view of Lake Bled. It’s located at the top of a hill, so it overlooks the lake with a unique view – you cannot find this anywhere else! This is a great place to stop for a coffee.
We highly recommend coming here at the end of the day so you can see the sunset colors on the lake. It’s simply magical.
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Visit Vintgar Gorge
Even though Vintgar Gorge is located a few minutes out of Bled, it is often mentioned within the same guide because it’s ideal to combine both destinations within the same day trip.
Vintgar Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges in Slovenia! In a one-way walk, you will follow the river downstream, passing through waterfalls, clear water pools, and incredible views.
We have a full guide about visiting Vintgar Gorge here:
Tobogganing with the view of the castle
One of the last on the list, but definitely one of the most fun things to do in Lake Bled: go tobogganing!
Honestly, I always thought this was a tourist scam kind of thing, and even though I have lived in Slovenia my whole life, I’ve never been there. But this year, Fe convinced me to go try it out, and it was actually so much fun!
We were super surprised to see that most people using the toboggan were adults! The car goes really fast, and you’ll have a view of the lake and Bled Castle right ahead.
Hike to a viewpoint to have the best view of the lake
I left this one for last, but this is actually my favorite thing to do in Lake Bled.
Lake Bled is beautiful from all angles, but the best way to fully capture this place is by seeing it from above. Continue reading to see my favorite viewpoints in Bled.
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Best viewpoints around Lake Bled
The whole region around Lake Bled is known for its nature and trails.
These are the 4 hiking paths around Lake Bled with easy/beginner level that we highly recommend, providing the best views of the lake.
Ojstrica Viewpoint
This is the viewpoint that gives you the most iconic picture, with a view of the entire lake and the church facing the front.
The hike to get to Ojstrica is short; it takes just around 20 min starting next to Velika Zaka (the Bled Beach). The path is easy to follow, with guidance plates along the way.
For better pictures, we recommend going early in the morning while it is still not busy. During the afternoon, you may need to wait in line for a picture alone with the view. Ojstrica is also a great place to watch the sunset (especially for photographers).
If you feel up for it, you can continue further on the path toward Mala and Velika Osojnica. The first one will lead you to views of the other side of the hill, and Velika Osojnica has a similar angle to Ojstrica, but it is usually emptier since it is located higher up on the hill.
Kuhovnica
A hike that starts on the other side of the beach, Kuhovnica, is probably the most underrated of all walking paths, but provides a quite nice view of Lake Bled. It is a short path, taking only 30 minutes to the top.
StraΕΎa
StraΕΎa is the hill where the summer toboggan is located. It’s also considered a hiking place and viewpoint because you can get to the top through one of their local hiking trails.
This is a great option for local walks to do in the summer. It takes about 1h to get to the top starting from the city, and you will have signs leading you along the way. As a bonus, you can take the fast way down with the toboggan instead of walking.
Read also: Best hikes in Slovenia
What to visit near Lake Bled
When planning your visit to Lake Bled, you might also want to check out these other spots located just nearby:
- Lake Bohinj: Located only 20 min away from Lake Bled, Bohinj is usually fairly emptier and offers more options for hiking trails and outdoor activities. The lake has more than 4km of extension and is a great place to go paddling or swimming.
- Vintgar Gorge: I already mentioned it above, but it doesn’t hurt to add it again because this place is definitely worth it!
- Pokljuka Gorge: This small gorge is a great place to go for a trail. The hike is short, easy, and has a lot of interesting features like a suspended walkway and a massive cave.
- Seven Lakes Hike: This is one of the most beautiful hikes in Slovenia, and the starting point is just near Lake Bohinj, so if you are staying in Bled, this is worth checking out.
How many days do you need in Bled?
If you decide to get accommodation in Bled, we recommend saving at least 2 days, so you have enough time to also visit Vintgar or Bohinj, as suggested above.
If you plan on going hiking in the area of Lake Bled and Bohinj, this trip could easily be extended to 3 or more days, since this region is full of alternatives for hiking. Bled is a good starting point for exploring the Julian Alps.
What is the best season for visiting Lake Bled?
Even though Lake Bled looks magical with the snow in the winter, you will be limited on the activities available if traveling during this season, since some attractions close during winter.
We definitely prefer visiting Lake Bled during the warmer months of the year, but I’d say the sweet spot is the shoulder months. May, June, September, and October are our favorite months for visiting Lake Bled.
If you will be visiting Lake Bled during the months of July and August, I think it’s important for me to mention that this is the busiest time of the year, and the town gets really, really busy. There is always traffic coming in and out of town, so transport around this area is always slow. Please have this in mind when booking your trip. If you plan on traveling around, I would recommend using another town as a base instead of Bled and just visiting Lake Bled as a day trip.
Where to stay in Bled
If you decide to stay in Bled, we definitely recommend looking for a place with a parking spot since finding parking places around town can be a nightmare, especially during high season (and it’s also really expensive).
Ideally, you should also try to find a place where you could reach Lake Bled on foot to avoid the traffic and parking all the time. The town of Bled is actually quite small, and you can easily do everything around on foot, including going to the market or going out to dinner.
To help you out, we selected a few options we recommend:
- Hotel Park: We stayed in this hotel last October, and we had an amazing experience. Our balcony had a view of Bled Castle, which was magical! We had half-pension, which means we also had a dinner buffet, and they had a wine fountain during dinner service! I cannot recommend this property enough.
- Garden Village Lake Bled: This is one of the best glamping properties in Slovenia. They took glamping to another level, building incredible tree houses and a structure perfect for couples or families.
- Old Bled House: This is one of the most unique places to stay in Bled. The owners renovated a 300-year-old farmhouse into a charming and rustic hotel. They also have an amazing restaurant on site.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Read our complete guide about the best places to stay in Bled
Where to eat in Bled
If I can be completely honest, I have always struggled to find places to eat in Bled that were worth the price (which is normal for every touristy place). Recently, we have been visiting Bled more often so we have a few favorites:
- Old Cellar Bled: This is the restaurant located in the same place as the hotel Old Bled House I recommended above. We had lunch there this year, and the food was amazing! Highly recommend it.
- Bled Castle Restaurant: If you are looking for a unique fine dining experience, this is the place. During the summer, it’s best to book in advance.
- Gostilna pri Planincu: Considered one of Bled’s finest local restaurants, Gostilna pri Planincu offers authentic Slovenian cuisine.
- Kavarna Park: You should come here to try the famous kremΕ‘nita, the traditional Bled cream cake. This famous dessert is said to be invented here, so there’s no better place to try it out.
Read also: Typical Slovenian foods you need to try
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Slovenia, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Check out our page with curated Slovenia experiences
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
- Slovenia Map: Check out our custom-made Map with 290+ must-see spots!
- Slovenia itineraries: Check out our pre-made Slovenian itineraries!
- Recommended hiking gear: Check our recommendations on Amazon if you will be hiking in Slovenia!
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