10+ Incredible Things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia
Want to visit Slovenia’s fairytale lake and surrounds?
Our things to do in Bled guide has you covered, includes what to see, know and do, where to stay, and our Bled budget.
Most ‘must visit’ tourism attractions rarely live up to the hype, yet enchanting Lake Bled, Slovenia, with its picture-perfect church on an island, fairytale castle clinging to a cliffside set amongst a backdrop of dense forests, verdant meadows and snow-capped mountains, absolutely does.
There’s a tonne of exciting adventures to be had, from mountain biking to hiking in the nearby Julian Alps, to admiring that natural scenery from the lake’s edge.
Best of all, as Slovenia is so tiny, Lake Bled is easily accessible from Ljubljana, so for those stretched for time, it’s still possible to see this incredible place in 48 hours, or even just a day trip from Ljubljana.
A victim of its own beauty and tourism success, it’s not surprising to learn that the dreaded perils of over-tourism have affected this small town in Slovenia’s centre. It’s busier than ever, especially in the summer months, and more and more locals are starting to shun the influx of tourism money, keen to return to the glorious past where things were just a little quieter, and there was less impact of the fragile ecosystem.
When we visited recently in autumn, though, the town was quiet, the prices lower, the weather pristine, and the burnt orange hues of the season lit up the lake’s edge. We’re massive advocates of travel during shoulder seasons (either side of peak seasons), and this was just another example of why.
So here’s our guide to Lake Bled. This curated guide features the best things to see and do, where to eat, and when to visit, to help you enjoy the best of this Slovenian gem.
THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE BLED
When booking our accommodation in Bled, we were a little shocked at the prices throughout the town - it was at least 10-15% more than the rest of Slovenia, and quite a lot more than other places within Europe, such as Croatia or Italy.
For this reason, budget accordingly for Bled, or find cheaper options just outside of the town centre like we did (if you have access to a car).
GUESTHOUSE
APARTMA AMELIE | This beautiful collection of apartments is situated just 5-minutes from Lake Bled, with a peaceful garden and terrace perfect for relaxing. There’s free private parking on site (a must in Bled), and a fully equipped kitchen as well as comfy bedroom and mountain views!
BOOK | Apartma Amelie
HOTEL
VILLA BLED | A charming 4* boutique hotel that’s situated right on the edge of Lake Bled, Villa Bled is a longtime institution and perfect for those looking for a more comfortable stay in Bled.
BOOK | Villa Bled
GLAMPING
GLAMPING RIBNO | If you’re looking for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime stay in Lake Bled, Glamping Ribno is the one for you. This is glamping in the ‘luxurious wooden cabin in the woods’ sense of the word; each a-frame treehouse is furnished with a comfy bed, a front terrace, and best of all - hot tub!
BOOK | Glamping Ribno
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LAKE BLED
Bled and surrounds is teeming with things to do, and you could easily stay a week without touching the surface. For some, that might be awesome, but for others, exploring the rest of Slovenia will take priority. And seeing as this is a guide for 48 hours in Bled, we’ll keep it short and sweet.
Below, we’ve listed our personal favourite things to do in Bled - the things we did and loved, and think you’ll love too.
WATCH SUNRISE OVER LAKE BLED
Yeah yeah, getting up for sunrise is hard, we know. But trust us, this is one thing you need to do in Bled.
The lake looks its best during the early hours, as sunlight fills the lake and surrounding hills in a glorious golden glow, and church bells toll, echoing out over the lake. It’s pretty darn amazing.
The best place to watch the magic happen is high above at the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, 645m above the lake. It’s a tough 60min hike from the shores of Bled to the view point, at which point you’ll be greeted with the magnificent views over Lake Bled, Bled Castle and the Julian Alps in the distance.
Alternatively, for a more leisurely viewpoint, head to the eastern end of the lake, overlooking Blejski Otok.
ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT GENTLY ON LAKE BLED
Probably the most romantic thing to in Lake Bled is to paddle out and around the Blejski Otok (Church Island) and take in the pristine views from the lake (€20 per hour). The boats are easy to paddle (or to row in a never-ending circle!) and the paddle to Bled island takes around 10-15 mins.
If you’d prefer to leave the hard work to someone else, jump aboard a historic pletna boat for a relaxed ride to the island. Boats can be hired/caught from various points around the lake; the most popular departure point being Mlino Port at the south of Lake Bled (or book this Lake Bled tour here).
If you’re keen, we recommend stopping off and exploring the Church of the Mother of God (€6pp entry).
A temple has stood in place on the island for over 1000 years, while the current baroque church and surrounds was built in the 17th century. On the island you can climb the bell tower, and ring the bell for good luck (hence why you’ll hear the bell tolling a LOT during your time in Bled.
EAT A BLED CAKE
When in Bled, do as the locals do… and try the ubiquitous Bled cake (kremna rezina), made of delicious flaky pastry layered with cream and custard.
The Bled Cake is sold just about everywhere in town, but some can be very bland, boring, and made for tourists - seek out Zima Cafe, just near the St. Martina Parish Church for the most delicious version we’ve found.
Mim’s not a huge fan, but Mark absolutely loves it.
WALK AROUND LAKE BLED
Morning, noon or night, a walk around the clear blue waters of Lake Bled is simply a 'must do’.
The 6km circular walk is super easy and provides the most beautiful vantage points at all hours of the day.
If you’re up early to watch the sunrise, we recommend continuing your walk around the lake - less crowds and better views!
ADMIRE THE VIEWS FROM BLED CASTLE
Standing perilously above Lake Bled is the medieval Bled castle (€11 entry per adult), which at 1000 years old, is the oldest castle in Slovenia.
As you can imagine, the views from the castle are spectacular, overlooking the deep blue waters of Lake Bled, the forested shores and valleys, and far in the distance the Triglav Mountains.
Inside the castle, there’s plenty to see, including the Romanesque tower, cellars, blacksmiths forge, and a museum which traces the history of Bled’s complete history, from the Middle Ages to its rise as a tourism destination.
To get there, we recommend hiking up from the base of the castle via one of the three trails (look out for ‘Grad’). Each is a steep incline, but with epic views awaiting, it’s worth it (that, and you’ll burn off all that Bled cake…)
BOOK | This one day Lake Bled and Bled Castle guided tour
GET AN ADRENALINE RUSH ABOVE BLED
We’re all young at heart (or maybe it’s just Mark?!), so a little adrenaline rush never goes astray. You can get your adrenaline fix at Straža Bled, the hill overlooking the main part of town.
From spring to autumn you can toboggan overlooking one of the most picturesque locations in the world.
Fly down the 500m run, dropping over 100m in elevation and reaching a top speed for 40km/h, then jump aboard the chairlift and do it all again (€8 per adult, per run).
If you come in winter, it’s possible to ski down the slope.
GO FOR A SWIM
With water so blue and so inviting, you could be mistaken for thinking Lake Bled’s waters were part of the Mediterranean - yet the lake sits right in the heart of Slovenia. Fortunately, these waters are made for swimming, with a number of well appointed and picturesque bathing locations dotted around the lake.
Apparently, the cool, mineral-rich waters of the lake have healing powers, hence the rise of health tourism in Bled during the early 20th century. A swim in the lake after a long hike or bike (or just to escape the hot summer temperatures) is the perfect remedy to heal those aching muscles.
Grajsko kopališče is the public beach, which sits right underneath Bled Castle. The bathing area is over 300m long, and has four swimming pools, while there are also over 100 change rooms and lockers; perfect to swim safe and sound.
It’s worth noting that each bathing location is compliant with strict environmental standards (we were a little worried swimming might negatively affect the pristine lake), however things may be changing, with the lakes ecosystem starting to show signs of strain (read more here).
It’s for this reason we recommend swimming only in the appointed swimming areas.
THINGS TO DO BEYOND BLED
EXPLORE VINTGAR GORGE
Just outside of Bled is Vintgar, Slovenia’s most spectacular gorge (entry €4 per adult). Situated in dense forest, the gorge was created over millennia as the Radovna River slowed eroded the rock.
It’s super easy to hike through, too - just follow the 2km boardwalk that hugs the rock face and crisscrosses through the fast-flowing turquoise waters of the gorge, ending at the rushing 13m tall Sum Waterfall. We recommend taking the circular route and ending with a hike through the beautiful woodlands, before arriving back at the starting point.
A visit to Vintgar Gorge is a super half-day trip from Lake Bled. We hired bikes in Bled to cycle to Vintgar, however you can take the public bus, or join a tour.
BOOK | This self guided e-bike tour of Vintgar Gorge and surrounds
HEAD TO LAKE BOHINJ
Sure, Lake Bled is beautiful, but Bohinj, just a short 30 minute drive away, is our favourite place is Slovenia.
Nestled in the foothills of the Triglav National Park, the crystal-clear expanse of water is primarily surrounded by nature, giving it a more authentic, untouched feel than its big sister. What it lacks in main tourist sites it makes up for in outdoor pursuits, with a huge array of hikes (both day and multi-day), cycling, kayaking, and swimming.
Bohinj really comes alive in Autumn, when the shores of the lake and surrounding hills are covered in a thick burnt-orange cloud of foliage - it’s honestly one of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen.
Here are the best things to do around Bohinj:
Hiking | Some of Slovenia’s best hikes start right here in Bohinj. Try the multi-day Seven Lakes hike, or head up into the hills to Dom na Komni mountain hut for the perfect day hike
Historical church and bridge | Visit the 700 year old church of St. John the Baptist located next to the historical stone bridge in Stara Fužina
Savica Falls | Take the short 20 min walk to the beautiful Slap Savica (€3pp entry), enjoying the beautiful natural environment while you’re at it
Lake Bohinj boat tour | Jump aboard one of the pretty wooden boats for a tour of the lake
Sunset | Bohinj has some epic sunsets, but for the best views hike to the viewpoint at Hill Peč to enjoy panoramic views over Lake Bohinj
PLANINI ZAJAMNIKI
Situated in the dense forests of the Triglav National Park about 45mins outside of Bled, lies the idyllic alpine village of Planina Zajamniki.
Made up of beautiful wooden alpine cabins and farmland (planina means pasture land in Slovenian), the village is extremely picturesque, with the towering Julian Alps visible in the distance.
It’s nigh on impossible to access the area by car (believe us, we tried), so we recommend hiking for 1.5 hours into the village from Rudno Polje (here’s a map of its location).
It’s a tough walk, but well worth it. Remember to take food and water as there are no restaurants in the area.
the best of Slovenia | top things to do in Slovenia
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LAKE BLED + FAQS
WHERE IS BLED, SLOVENIA?
We all know Bled is in Slovenia, but where exactly?
Bled, and its most famous attraction, Lake Bled, is located in the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia.
A town that has grown from its massive tourism industry, it’s located in the picturesque Julian Alps, around 50 km from the capital Ljubljana.
We’ve got all the information on how to get to Bled in our guide further below.
HOW TO GET TO LAKE BLED
Depending on how you’re travelling in Slovenia, there are a number of transport options to Lake Bled.
For those on a budget, the bus is an efficient and cheap option. For those exploring Slovenia by car, it’s a very easy drive.
For more information, see below:
CAR RENTAL
Car rental in Slovenia is very cheap (read our road trip guide here). As a result, we highly recommend hiring a car for the duration of your stay in Slovenia.
Cars can be rented from Ljubljana train station easily, at which point you can drive directly to Lake Bled which takes around 45 mins (56kms).
From Ljubljana, follow the signs to the main highway A2. Drive west on the A2 for around 30 minutes, before taking the Bled turn off and making your way through several roundabouts, before finally arriving in Bled.
BOOK | Check prices for car hire in Slovenia here
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The easiest and cheapest way to visit Bled via public transport is by Arriva Bus.
Due to Bled’s popularity, buses leave every 30 minutes from the main bus station outside Ljubljana train station (located here). The bus ride takes around an hour and you can find the timetable here.
Ticket desks are located inside the bus station, which is in the centre of the parking lot outside the train station. If you’re running late, you can buy tickets on the bus. At the time of writing, the ticket is €12pp return.
A DAY TRIP FROM LJUBLJANA
If you’ve only got a short amount of time in Slovenia, it’s possible to do a day trip to Bled from Ljubljana (Mark actually did this over 15 years ago - he’s old!).
Here are a few great tour options to make life easier for you guys, which start from €60 and take 7-12 hours depending on which tour you choose.
BOOK | This tour from Ljubljana takes in all the major Bled attractions and Vintgar Gorge
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE BLED
Quite simply, it would be a mistake to visit Bled during July - August. Unfortunately, like most of Europe, it’s just too busy at this time to enjoy yourself.
Instead of contributing to the problem of over-tourism, plan your visit to Bled during the shoulder seasons of spring/early summer, or autumn.
We last visited Bled in autumn, which we found was perfect. Over this period, the autumnal colours were breathtaking, the crowds thin, and the accommodation slightly cheaper.
We’ve also visited Bled in spring and found this to be highly agreeable, as the meadows are covered in wildflowers, the mountain peaks in snow, and the weather is comfortable (just a little chilly at night).
road trippin’ | our complete slovenia road trip guide
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SLOVENIA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
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CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO SLOVENIA SOON?
Check our these essential posts to help you have the best Slovenia trip ever
THE BEST OF SLOVENIA | 14 incredible things to see and do in Slovenia, the best things to do in Lake Bled, How to visit the Logar Valley
SLOVENIA ROAD TRIP | Our essential 7-day Slovenia road trip itinerary
VRSIC PASS | Our guide to Slovenia’s highest mountain pass
ZELENCI NATURE RESERVE | A quick guide to beautiful Zelenci
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR SLOVENIA TRIP WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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