Lake Bled is one of the top places to visit in Slovenia for a reason: It’s magnificent. The sapphire lake is surrounded by the soaring peaks of some of the most impressive mountain ranges in Europe.
Overlooked by the cliff-clinging Medieval castle, the lake has one lone island, which is occupied by a charming church and its rising steeple.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Visiting Lake Bled on a day trip from Ljubljana is a highlight of any Slovenia vacation. Travelers can opt to join one of the popular organized tours or plan a DIY adventure.
Either way, visitors will make the most of the day by using our list of the Best Things To Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia!
What To Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia
There is no doubt that Lake Bled is a Slovenia must-see. The postcard-perfect pictures of Lake Bled are what initially summoned us to Slovenia.
Since that first visit, we’ve made multiple return trips to Slovenia and Lake Bled, discovering more incredible attractions on each time.
The most spectacular things to do in Bled feature the natural beauty of the lake and it’s immediate surroundings. The scenic vantage points around Lake Bled offer absolutely mesmerizing views.
That said, visitors will not want to miss a few of the iconic experiences – like taking a boat to Bled Island, seeing the mighty Lake Bled Castle and indulging in Kremsnita (a famous Slovenian cake).
7 Best Things To Do at Lake Bled, Slovenia
In addition to these highlighted Lake Bled activities, we also share tips on how to plan your visit. Plus, we provide a Lake Bled Map at the end of the article that is marked with all the top attractions you won’t want to miss!
#1 Walk around Lake Bled
We are kicking off our list of Lake Bled things to do with an essential activity: Walk the lake circumference trail. Whether you are on a Lake Bled day trip or a week-long vacation, it’s a must-do!
Edging the shoreline, the flat, paved path offers exquisite vistas of the most famous lake in Slovenia. Better yet, there is no cost to walk the trail; it’s one of the best free things to do at Lake Bled!
The distance around the waterline is 3.75 miles and Lake Bled walks can be completed in as little as an hour. How long it takes really depends on how frequently you stop to take photos, and we can assure you that will likely be very often!
Top Travel Tip: The Lake Bled trail is not only for walking, but for cycling, too! Circling the water on two wheels is a fun way to explore. Bike rentals are available in Bled Town.
#2 Visit Bled Castle
More than 11,000 castles dot the Slovenia landscape – and the Lake Bled Castle is one of the prettiest. Perched atop the craggy cliff, it overlooks the lake from its haughty position.
Combining both history and beauty, Bled Castle is one of the must-see places in Slovenia. Dating to the year 1011, it’s the oldest castle in the country.
You are welcome to navigate the halls, visit the museum that details the history of Bled and step out onto the terraces to take in the panoramic views, including a look across Triglav National Park.
The castle also boasts and on-site restaurant and wine cellar. Enjoying a glass of fine Slovenian wine or a complete meal at the castle is one of the memorable and unique things to do at Lake Bled.
Bled Castle, Slovenia Information
The castle is open from 8:00am until 8:00pm April through October, and closes at 6:00pm other months of the year.
The Bled Castle ticket price is €17 for adults, however, there are discounted Bled Castle entrance fees for seniors, students and children.
Pro Travel Tip: Looking for more castles in Slovenia? There’s about 500! Two of our favorites are Predjama Cave Castle (which can be combined with a trip to Postojna Cave) and the historic Celje Castle.
#3 Eat Famous Bled Cake
Kremsnita (also spelled Cremeschnitte) is a special cream cake – and eating a piece is one of the top Bled things to do! Variations of the cream cake are found throughout the region, but the bakers in Bled are said to have perfected the recipe.
Bled cream cake is made of two layers of cream – vanilla and whipped – that are sandwiched between thin and flaky crusts and topped with powdered sugar. Trips to Lake Bled are not complete without eating the popular cake!
Where To Eat Bled Cake: Many cafes and confectionaries here serve Kremsnita. While it is hard to resist the allure of the lakeside cafes that offer al fresco dining, we believe the best place to taste the sweet treat is at Slaščičarna Zima.
#4 Hop Aboard a Lake Bled Boat
Visitors can hire a Lake Bled boat rental and paddle around on their own or leave the rowing to a professional. Outside of winter, Paddle Boats and Stand Up Paddleboards are available along the shore.
Traditional Lake Bled Boat
While a Bled boat rental can be a lot of fun, it’s also a lot of work! Rather than renting their own, visitors can opt to hop on board a traditional wooden Bled boat, called a Pletna, and let the oarsman navigate the waters to Bled Island.
Lake Bled Travel Tip: The 20-passenger Pletna Boats depart from the south shore. The iconic wooden vessels feature colorful, striped canopies – so you can’t miss them! Rides cost 18 euros per person.
#5 Ring the Bled Island Church Bell
The enchanting Assumption of Mary Church is the captivating centerpiece of Lake Bled in Slovenia. The 17th century Baroque building is a pilgrimage church, but today it mostly attracts tourists.
One of the top Lake Bled things to do is ring the church bell. According to legend, anyone who rings it three times will have their wishes granted.
The island itself is rather small, but the views are stellar. In addition to ringing the bell, you can visit the museum and clock tower. The small cafe is a nice place for an ice cream or potica (a traditional Slovenian pastry).
Top Tip: Unlike most churches in Slovenia, a fee is charged to enter the Bled Island church. It costs 12 euro for a combo ticket, which includes ringing the bell, entry to the museum exhibit and clock tower.
#6 Hike at Lake Bled
Hiking is one of the top Bled activities for explorers. There are multiple Lake Bled hiking trails in the region that pass through forests and into deep gorges providing a full dose of sublime nature.
However, one of the top reasons to go hiking here is the incredible viewpoints. Trail #6 to Ojstrica takes trekkers from the western lakeshore up the hillside to a panoramic viewpoint. In our opinion, it’s the best view of Lake Bled!
Energetic hikers can continue the trek up to Mala Osojnica. From this elevated viewpoint, the stunning Slovenia landscape and the distant mountains that border Austria look truly otherworldly.
Of course, don’t forget your camera – this is the spot to take iconic Lake Bled pictures from high above!
Top Lake Bled Tip: Before setting off on the trails, be sure to read our detailed advice about these Lake Bled Scenic Viewpoints.
#7 Swim at Lake Bled
Swimming and sunbathing on a Lake Bled beach is a summertime tradition. The area actually boasts several designated swimming areas.
Mala Zaka, Velika Zaka and the Grajsko Kopalisce Beach (which is also called the Castle Bathing Area) are the most popular
At Grajsko Kopalisce, located right under the castle, there is a fee to enter. However, the designated Blue Flag beach has water slides, a diving board, rafts and games. The shoreline fronting the Bled Olympic Center is also a good place to swim.
Top Tip: Confident swimmers can forego a boat ride to Bled Island and swim there instead. However, the closest distance is about 1000 feet from the island, so be certain you’re up for the roundtrip.
More Things To Do Lake Bled
Our list features our top picks of must-do Lake Bled activities. However, there are a few more Bled, Slovenia things to do that might interest fellow travelers.
Ride the Lake Bled Toboggan
Tobogganing at Lake Bled, Slovenia is a popular summertime activity. The adrenaline-inducing ride is said to be absolutely thrilling.
You can find the Straža Bled Toboggan ride on the southeast side of the lake. To get to the top of the hill, participants ride the scenic chairlift…and then slide back down to the lake!
Visit Vintgar Gorge
Visiting nearby Vintgar Gorge is one of the top things to do in Bled, Slovenia for nature lovers!
Carved by the Radovna River, the gorge is accessible by the wooden boardwalk that follows the flow through the gorge to a waterfall.
As one of the top Bled attractions, there is a public bus and organized tours to Vintgar Gorge – or you can take a self-guided bike ride! Read our advice for Vintgar Gorge and decide how to best plan your trip.
Attend a Lake Bled Festival
In addition to sightseeing, there are ample opportunities for fun experiences! Throughout the year, there are many festivals that take place in the area. Check online with the Bled Tourist Office.
One of our Lake Bled trips coincided with a Swing Dance Festival and joining in the outdoor dancing was one of the most memorable things we’ve done in Slovenia!
Lake Bled Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Map of Lake Bled Attractions below.
Things To Do Around Lake Bled
While the beauty of Lake Bled beckons visitors to its shores, there are several other gorgeous attractions in the region. We are highlighting a few of the best!
Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Nearby Lake Bohinj is situated within Triglav National Park – and it is sensational! The short distance between the two makes it easy for travelers to take a great day trip from Lake Bled to Bohinj.
Less commercialized than Bled, Bohinj is one of the best places for amazing Slovenia Hikes! Alternatively, visitors can opt to plan a Trip to Lake Bohinj – and take a day trip to Lake Bled.
Canyoning Slovenia
The deep valleys and gorges in Slovenia are ideal for canyoning and rafting. Adventure-seekers interested in canyoning Bled can join organized tours for half-day or full-day excursions.
Caves near Lake Bled
Slovenia is home to an astounding number of caves; there are said to be more than 11,000 in the country! Both Postojna Caves and Skocjan Cave are top places to see in Slovenia that can be reached on day trips from Bled.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lake Bled
We are sharing a few top travel tips for planning a visit to Lake Bled, Slovenia – such as how to get there, where to stay and for how long.
When to Visit Lake Bled, Slovenia
Many visitors associate Lake Bled holidays with the summer, but we can assure you it’s splendid year-round.
Although summer presents the exceptional opportunity for Lake Bled swimming and other outdoor activities, a winter visit has the benefit of fewer crowds and the possibility of pristine snow-covered landscapes.
Where To Stay
Those who decide to spend more than one day in Bled will need to find accommodation. No worries; there are many options of places to stay in Lake Bled – from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels.
Travelers looking for hotels with the best Lake Bled views should check availability at one of these posh resorts. Vila Bled (the former summer residence of Yugoslav President Tito), Grand Hotel Toplice and Hotel Park all receive superb reviews!
How To Get to Lake Bled
Travelers have a lot of options for getting to Lake Bled. It’s possible to reach the lake via tour, train, bus or rental car.
Joining a tour from Ljubljana is a popular option and we highlight a few of the best in the next section. But, getting from Ljubljana to Bled by public transportation is much cheaper than taking a tour.
The bus departs from the main Ljubljana Bus Station and arrives at the Lake Bled Bus Station, which is conveniently located near the center of town.
The train from Ljubljana, on the other hand, takes passengers to the town of Lesce Bled. From Lesce, you’ll need to take a taxi or ride a bus into Bled Town.
There is also Bled Jezero Train Station on the west end of the lake, but the service is infrequent and usually requires a switch in Jesenice.
Lake Bled Tours from Ljubljana
For a hassle-free trip, visitors can join one of the top-rated organized day tours from Ljubljana to Lake Bled.
Lake Bled and Castle Tour
Embark on this half day adventure to Lake Bled. Enjoy a guided tour and then explore the castle grounds (admission fee included) on your own. With extra time, take a boat trip or hike to viewpoints.
Small Group Half Day Trip
On this affordable half-day tour, participants have just enough time to explore the top Lake Bled sights. However, castle entry and the boat tour are not included. Get the details!
Full Day Tour to Bled, Bohinj and Vintgar Gorge
See three of Slovenia’s best sights on this full day trip from Ljubljana. The highly rated (and well priced) tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and allows plenty of time at each destination.
What To Bring on a Lake Bled Trip
Ready to take your Slovenia trip? Okay, before you set off, we want to make sure you have everything you will need!
Summertime Essentials
If you are traveling to Lake Bled in the summer, remember these warm weather essentials; sunscreen, a swimsuit and a travel hat.
Proper Travel Camera
We suggest bringing an actual travel camera that can truly capture the undeniable beauty of Lake Bled. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens.
Durable Travel Shoes
If you plan on hiking to Bled viewpoints, make sure you have appropriate travel shoes. I hiked in these NB Trainers and Kris prefers trail shoes by Merrell.
Versatile Day Pack
You will want to carry a good day bag for your Bled, Slovenia trip. We like to wear these small backpacks with zippered compartments so that we can safely stow away everything we’ll need for the day.
European Trip Insurance
No matter how well your prepare, travel sometimes goes sideways. Lost luggage, canceled flights and injury or illness can come at a cost. If you haven’t already, check rates and coverage with World Nomads.
More Slovenia Travel Guides
Over the years Slovenia has beckoned us back several times. We can say with confidence that we truly know the country from end to end. With our detailed guides and honest advice you can begin planning your amazing European Vacation!
- Top Things To See in Ljubljana
- Best Ljubljana Day Trips
- One Day in Ljubljana
- Visit historic Kranj, lovely Skofja Loka and marvelous Maribor
- Check out coastal Piran, charming Bela Krajina and tour top Slovenian Wineries
- Go Glamping in Slovenia and Taking A Scenic Slovenia Train Ride
Organize Your Trip to Slovenia
As you start making reservations and bookings, organization is key. Use our Travel Planning Printables to prepare for your vacation to Slovenia!
Start planning your trip to Slovenia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
