Lake Bled: A Serene Slovenian Getaway
Upon arriving at Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most famous sight, the first thing you’ll notice is the breathtaking view. Whether on a cloudy or sunny day, the landscape feels straight out of a storybook. The lake is surrounded by the Julian Alps, with Bled Castle on a steep cliff and Bled Island’s church sitting serenely in the middle.
Even though it’s Slovenia’s most popular tourist destination, the atmosphere remains peaceful, especially outside of peak tourist months. With a wide array of activities, ranging from boat rides to hikes, Lake Bled is a must-see destination that offers both tranquillity and adventure.
Getting to Lake Bled
Lake Bled is a convenient hour-long bus ride from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. Once at the bus station, it’s just a short walk to the lake. Outside of the high season you don’t need to book the bus in advance, though you do need to buy a ticket in cash. If you’re only visiting for the day, private transfer day-trips from Ljubljana to Lake Bled are possible.
Things To Do at Lake Bled
Though a popular spot, the town of Bled itself remains relatively small, with a modest selection of restaurants and shops. The town is, unfortunately, not too pretty. That, however, doesn’t matter too much with glorious Lake Bled to explore!
1. Walk Around the Lake
A well maintained trail circles the lake, offering picturesque views from all angles. The path is flat and easy to walk, with several diversions leading to higher viewpoints if you’re up for more of a challenge. If you choose to hike up for a better view, note that some of the paths can be steep and scrambly. We personally loved the Mala Osojnica viewpoint. For a safer ascent, opt for trails with steps and use a trail-finding app like Komoot.
2. Visit Bled Island by Boat
One of the lake’s key attractions is Bled Island, home to the Church of the Assumption. You can reach the island via a traditional boat called a pletna, which costs around €18. Once there, you can explore the church (for an additional €12), enjoy a cup of coffee at the island café, and try potica, a local pastry. Renting a rowboat is a less expensive alternative, providing a peaceful, independent way to explore the island.
3. Bled Castle
Perched high above the lake, Bled Castle offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The mediaeval fortress is worth a visit, with historical exhibits, a wine cellar, and a restaurant. It’s a great spot to learn about the region’s history while enjoying breathtaking vistas.
4. Swimming in Lake Bled
While you can swim in designated areas of the lake, swimming to the island itself is not allowed. There are both free and paid swimming areas. The paid one, near the town, offers amenities like a shallow pool for children. However, a popular free spot is near the rowing club on the far side of the lake, where the water is shallow and inviting. We visited in September and it was already too chilly to swim at this time of year, so it’s really a peak summer activity.
5. Try Bled Cake
No visit to Bled is complete without trying its famous kremšnita, or Bled cake. This local dessert consists of two layers of crispy pastry surrounding a thick, creamy filling. It’s widely available at cafés and restaurants around the lake, with lakeside locations offering pricier options but with a stunning view.
6. Wellness and Spas
Slovenia is known for its wellness culture. There are a few spas in town but we chose the lesser known (and quieter) Wellness Essence Spa. Just a 20-minute walk away from the lake, this spa features traditional saunas in charming wooden huts and offers Thai massages. This spa is both mixed gender and nude, though they do allow swimsuits if you feel more comfortable wearing one.
7. Hikes and Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Lake Bled offers several hiking opportunities. The Julian Alps provide numerous trails, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. We highly recommend this 3-day hiking route on the Juliana Trail which can be accessed from Lake Bled. You can also take day trips to nearby attractions, such as Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge, or even try your hand at via ferrata climbing in good weather.
Best Time to Visit Lake Bled
September is a wonderful time to visit Lake Bled if you want to avoid the summer crowds. While there is a chance of rain and cloudy skies, the reduced tourist numbers create a more serene experience. However, for better weather reliability, consider visiting in June or July. September visitors should be aware that the last weeks of the month may start to feel cooler, so pack accordingly.
Where to Stay in Lake Bled
Bled offers a variety of accommodation options. For a quieter, more traditional experience, Penzion Kaps is a highly recommended guesthouse. It’s a little set back from the lake, offering tranquillity, friendly hosts, and an excellent breakfast.
If you prefer staying right by the lake with a view, be prepared to pay a premium — rooms with lake views at larger hotels can cost between €250 and €350 per night.
Lake Bled is an enchanting destination that perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural and historical significance. Whether you spend your time walking around the lake, rowing to the island, or indulging in local delicacies, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired by Slovenia’s alpine charm. Read our full Slovenia travel itinerary and plan for two to three days to fully enjoy Lake Bled.
