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Lake Bled, Slovenia is truly a picture perfect location. Nestled amidst soaring mountains, the captivating body of water boasts a single island, which is appealingly occupied by a cute church with a wish-granting bell. The dramatic cliff-hanging castle high above the shoreline only enhances the striking scene. Pass the pixie dust, right?
We’ve made many trips to Lake Bled – and we think it would be difficult to find an unfavorable view. That said, there are two views of Lake Bled that rank supreme. To completely capture the beauty of the awe-inspiring scenic landscape, we are sharing the Best Lake Bled Viewpoints!
Where To Find the Best Lake Bled Viewpoints
Lake Bled is beautiful from nearly every angle. High, low, near or far, the enchanting area is like a fairytale. However, the most popular viewpoint of Lake Bled is from Ojstrica, an elevated vantage point on the west end of the lake. Not far from Ojstrica is another stellar lookout point, Mala Osojnica. These scenic vantage points can only be reached on foot via a short hike.
To help fellow travelers find their way, we are detailing how to get to Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica as well as highlighting four other sensational spots. Visitors can pinpoint each of the Best Lake Bled Scenic Viewpoints on the map below.
#1 Ojstrica Viewpoint
Often considered to be the best view of Lake Bled, Ojstrica provides an amazing overhead look at one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.
The Lake Bled Ojstrica Viewpoint is reached via a short hike from the west end of the paved circumference road. The well-marked Trail #6 leads visitors to the elevated outlook. The inclined trek first passes a small farm, then is quickly enveloped in forest.
Next, the trail steadily climbs the hillside. After about 10 minutes of hiking, the path splits to the right for the Ojstrica lookout point. To get to the top, trekkers need to climb up the short-but-steep switchbacks.
Lake Bled, Slovenia Views from Ojstrica
As hikers make the final steps up to the natural platform, the grand view is already in sight. The Ojstrica lookout point features zero barriers. There are no fences, no railings. Just a single bench where visitors can rest and soak it all in.
As the viewpoint faces the east, it is an ideal spot to watch the sunrise at Lake Bled. Although, sunsets can be pretty spectacular from Ojstrica, as well – as the area is beautifully backlit in the soft light of the setting sun.
On our hike up to the Ojstrica observation point, it was just us, the wind, rocks and the magnificent scene. Once we felt confident that we had snapped way too many pictures, we relaxed on the bench and simply stared out in utter amazement, muttering “Where are we?” over and over.
#2 Mala Osojnica Viewpoint
Further up the hill – and a bit tougher to reach than Ojstrica – Mala Osojnica also offers an astounding viewpoint of Bled. To get to Mala Osojnica, continue on Trail #6 from Ojstrica.
This slightly more challenging Lake Bled hike takes trekkers on a fairly steep trail higher above the tree line. The reward, however, is the Mala Osojnica Lookout, which is little more than a clearing at the edge of the cliff that offers dizzyingly panoramic views.
Lookout Point at Mala Osojnica
We were anticipating glorious views from Mala Osojnica, and it didn’t disappoint! While the trek to Mala Osojnica is one of the best Lake Bled, Slovenia hiking trails for active adventurers, the Ojstrica viewpoint may actually be better for photos that perfectly frame the lake, island, castle and mountains.
Still, we snapped a ridiculous amount pictures and lingered at the Mala Osojnica Bled viewpoint to take in the scene. It was almost as if someone deliberately created the hill just for the sake of the breathtaking views!
More Great Views of Lake Bled, Slovenia
While we believe the trails that lead to the Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica lookout points offer the premier view of Lake Bled, there are a few other places to get sensational looks at the landscape.
#3 Velika Osojnica Viewpoint
Ambitious explorers can get to Velika Osojnica from either Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica. The Lake Bled viewpoint hike to Velika Osojnica is even more challenging than the first two lookout points. From an elevation of nearly 2,500 feet, the view encompasses the entire lake – as well as the Karawanks and Kamnik-Savinja Alps ranges.
This Lake Bled walking trail, while well-trodden, is rated as moderately difficult and hiking boots are recommended. Trekkers can expect to spend about an hour hiking to Velika Osojnica from the Bled shoreline.
#4 Western Shore Lake Bled Viewpoint
Travelers not prepared for a trek don’t need to fret. There are plenty of excellent vantage points along the 3.75 mile walkway that hugs the lakeshore. Of the many Lake Bled walking path viewpoints at water level, the best are along the western shoreline.
Looking east, you can take in the view of the most scenic elements of the lake: Bled Island, Bled Castle, St. Martin’s Church and the towering peaks in the distance. The view also typically encompasses the iconic Pletna boats touting tourists to and from the shore to the island.
The best western lake viewpoint is not far from the trailhead for the elevated hikes to Ojstrica and Osojnica. Several benches are available to linger over the stellar landscapes.
#5 Bled Northshore View
Lake Bled walks on the northern shore provide another spectacular scene. What we like about the view from the northern shoreline is that the pretty island is backed by the forested hills of Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica and Veliki Osonjica.
The Northshore Viewpoint is fantastic for those who have just a short time. The spot is just a 20-minute flat walk from the east end of Bled. A bench marks the most popular spot – but all along the route there are pretty vistas (although, you may have to peek around the shoreline trees).
#6 The Heart of Bled Observation Deck
The Bled Heart – or Blejsko srce – is that not-to-be-missed Instagrammable view of the lake. As a bonus, it’s the easiest viewpoint of Lake Bled, Slovenia to reach!
Located on the eastern end of the Lake Bled circuit, the small wooden pier features a perfectly placed heart with a splendid background. Nearby, cafes offer magnificent looks at the lake – which provide a great opportunity to enjoy a glass of Slovenian Wine, local beer or the famous Kremsnita Bled Cake!
Best Lake Bled Viewpoint Map
Use this link to Google for an interactive version of our Lake Bled Map of Viewpoints below. Those who would prefer a paper Lake Bled map can stop by the TIC on the east end of the lake.
Essentials for Your Trip to Lake Bled
Before you set off in search of the best vantage points of Lake Bled, you will want to make sure you are prepared with the essentials!
Pack a Picnic Lunch
The Ojstrica Bled and Osojnica Bled viewpoints are incredible – and we suggest savoring the view as long as possible. In fact, we suggest bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy from the elevated point.
Wear the Right Footwear
Whether scrambling up the trail of the Ojstrica Bled hike and taking on the bigger challenge of the Velika Osojnica Bled hike, it is imperative to wear good walking shoes. Even those who are simply walking the lake circuit path need to wear comfortable footwear.
I made the hike to Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica lookouts in trainers and Kris wore trail shoes. Read our reviews to help you choose the Right Shoes for your Trip.
Travel Camera
To document out visit to Lake Bled, we took a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. We believe this setup takes excellent photos and the kit comes with loads of accessories, combining to make it one of the Best Cameras for Budget Travelers.
Weather Gear
If you’re traveling to Slovenia in the summertime, don’t forget sunscreen and your favorite sunglasses! Outside of the summer season, it’s a good idea to bring a proper winter jacket or at least a raincoat or windbreaker.
Day Pack
When trekking to the best viewpoints of Lake Bled, it is essential to carry the right day bag for your adventure. A small backpack – that is big enough for your camera, water bottle and other necessities – is ideal. We share more advice in our reviews for The Best Day Packs for Travelers.
Lake Bled Travel Tips
We’re certain by now you’re ready to book that vacation to Slovenia! After making several trips to Lake Bled, we want to share a few of our top travel tips.
Other Things To Do at Lake Bled
Travelers most interested in taking in the views over Lake Bled can spend an entire day seeking out the prime spots. That said, there is much more to see and do in the area! We’ve compiled them all in our guide to the Best Things To Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia.
More Lake Bled Hiking
Those mostly focused on Lake Bled hiking will find an array of trails at a range skill levels. In our opinion, the best hiking in Lake Bled, Slovenia is the three-viewpoint trek to Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica, and Velika Osojnica. Another one of the top hikes near Lake Bled is the looping trail around Vintgar Gorge.
How to Get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana
Travelers can reach Lake Bled from Ljubljana by car, tour or public transit. For public transportation options, there is both a bus and a train from Ljubljana to Bled.
The bus takes visitors to the convenient Lake Bled Bus Station, which is just a short stroll from the circular path around the water. The train from Ljubljana arrives at Lesce-Bled, which requires a taxi, bus or long walk into town. There is a Lake Bled train station on the west side of the lake, but services are infrequent and require a switch at Jesenice.
Lake Bled Tours from Ljubljana
Tours from Ljubljana to Lake Bled are one of the most popular day trips from the capital city. This small group day trip is a fantastic way to spend a half day exploring the area. Travelers who want Bled Castle admission included in their tour, should book this sightseeing excursion.
Slovenia Travel Guides
There’s just something about Slovenia, and we have spent months exploring the country from end to end and top to bottom. Read our free and honest guides and get ready for your vacation to Slovenia!
- Best Things To Do in Ljubljana
- Top Day Trips from Ljubljana
- Lake Bohinj Itinerary and Great Hikes
- Spend One Day in Ljubljana, discover secret Slovenia in Bela Krajina or go Glamping in Slovenia
- Visit historic Skofja Loka, marvelous Maribor, the castle in Celje and charming Kranj
- Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, UNESCO Skocjan Caves and the pleasant Piran Coast
- Get (and stay) organized for your European Vacation by using our Trip Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to Slovenia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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