7 Spectacular Things To Do At Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is one of the top places to visit in Slovenia for a reason: It’s magnificent. The sapphire lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps. Overlooked by the cliff-clinging Medieval Lake Bled Castle, the lake has one lone island, which is occupied by a charming church and its rising steeple. There is no doubt that the quintessential scene is a Slovenia must-see. The postcard-pictures of Lake Bled are what drew us to Slovenia several years ago. Since our first visit, we’ve made multiple return trips to Slovenia and Lake Bled, discovering more Bled attractions each time. To help other travelers, we have compiled a list of 7 spectacular things to do in Lake Bled that include scenic vantage points, unique experiences and a sweet treat that is a regional Slovenian specialty!

 

Visit Lake Bled, Slovenia

Many visitors associate Lake Bled holidays with the summer, but we can assure you the lake is absolutely beautiful year-round. Although the summer presents the exceptional opportunity for Lake Bled swimming (Yes, you can swim in Lake Bled!) and other outdoor activities, a Lake Bled winter visit has the benefit of fewer crowds and the possibility of pristine snow-covered landscapes. Whatever the season, there are ample things to do in Bled, Slovenia!

 

Best Things To Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Our list of things to do in Bled includes a range of Lake Bled activities, which are labeled on our Lake Bled Map link at the end of the post. 

 

#1 Walk Around Lake Bled

Whether you are on a Lake Bled day trip or a week-long vacation, if you do nothing else on our list of Lake Bled things to do, walk the lake circumference trail! Edging the shoreline, the level, paved path offers exquisite vistas of the most famous lake in Slovenia. The distance around the lake is 6km (3.75 miles). Circumference Lake Bled walks can be completed in as little as an hour – but how much time you will need really depends on how often you stop to take Lake Bled photos (and we can assure you that you will stop often!).

 

#2 Visit Lake Bled Castle

The Lake Bled Castle is one of the must-see places in Slovenia that combines history and beauty. The castle dates to the year 1011, making it the oldest castle in Slovenia. Visitors of the castle are welcome to step onto the lake-facing terraces to take in the panoramic views. Also included in admission is a museum detailing the history of Bled – and a restaurant and wine cellar are on site for visitors, as well.  

Bled Castle, Slovenia Information 2022

Bled Castle Opening Hours –

• January, February, March, November, December – 8:00am – 6:00pm
• April, May, June – 9:00am – 5:00pm
• July, August, September, October – 9:00am – 7:00pm

Bled Castle Price –

• Adult Bled Castle tickets – €13       
• Student Bled Castle tickets – €8.50
• Children (to 14 years old) Bled Castle tickets – €5

 

#3 Eat The Famous Bled Cake

Eating a piece of Bled cream cake, called Kremsnita (also spelled Cremeschnitte), 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 cake has two layers of cream – vanilla and whipped – sandwiched between two thin and flaky crusts and topped with powdered sugar. Trips to Lake Bled are not complete without eating the cake!

 

#4 Ride a Traditional Lake Bled Boat

While many Lake Bled activities take place along the shore (walking the circumference trail, dining al fresco, sunbathing on a Lake Bled beach), spending time on the water is a must-do. Visitors can hire a Lake Bled boat rental and paddle around the lake on their own or leave the rowing to a professional! Rather than a Bled boat rental, hop on board a traditional wooden Bled boat, called a Pletna Boat, and let the oarsman navigate the waters to Bled Island.

A Pletna Boat Lake Bled ride transports 20 passengers at a time from the shoreline to Bled Island, where passengers disembark to explore the island and Lake Bled church, called Assumption of Mary Church. One of the top Lake Bled things to do is ring the church bell, as according to legend, anyone who rings the church bell will have their wishes granted.

 

#5 Lake Bled Hiking

Bled hiking is one of the top Bled activities among active travelers. There are multiple trails in the region that pass through forests and into deep gorges. Hiking near Lake Bled can also lead to incredible viewpoints. For the best view of Lake Bled, follow Trail #6 to Ojstrica. And don’t forget your camera – this is the spot to take iconic Lake Bled pictures from above!

{Read more about Hiking at Lake Bled in our post on Lake Bled Scenic Viewpoints}

 

#6 Visit Vintgar Gorge

Visiting nearby Vintgar Gorge is one of the 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 river through the gorge to a waterfall. As one of the top Bled attractions, there is a public bus and organized Lake Bled tours to Vintgar Gorge – or you can take a self-guided bike ride!

{Read Our Tips For Visiting Vintgar Gorge}

 

#7 Attend a Lake Bled Festival

In addition to Bled sightseeing, there are ample opportunities for fun experiences! Throughout the year, there are many festivals and events that take place at the lake. When you visit Lake Bled, check the calendar of events at the Bled Tourist Office. One of our Lake Bled trips coincided with a Swing Dance Festival and joining in the lakeside dancing was one of the most memorable things we did at the lake!

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Lake Bled Map

Click here for a link to Google Maps

 

More Bled, Slovenia Things To Do

Our list highlights our pick of the top things to do in Lake Bled, but it’s not all-inclusive! Here are a few more ideas of things to do around Lake Bled.

 

Lake Bled Tours

Let a guide lead the way to Lake Bled sights! There are many guided tours to Lake Bled attractions, such as: 

• Bled Castle and Vintgar Gorge – Book Now on Viator! 
• Bled Castle, Vintgar Gorge, Bled Island – Book Now on Viator! 

 

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Nearby Lake Bohinj makes a great day trip from Lake Bled. Less commercialized than Bled, Bohinj is one of the best places for amazing Slovenia hikes!

 {Read More About Visiting Lake Bohinj}

 

Canyoning Slovenia

Adventure-seekers interested in canyoning Bled can join organized tours for half-day or full-day canyoning adventures. Find tours for canyoning Lake Bled region on Viator.

 

Caves Near Lake Bled

Postojna and Skocjan Caves are two of the top places to see in Slovenia – and both can be reached on day trips from Lake Bled.

 

Lake Bled Tours from Ljubljana

If you are short on time or looking for a guide to lead the way, there are ample options for day tours from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Check out these highly-rated tours on Viator: Bled Fairytale, Bled Sightseeing with Region Creme Cake Tasting, and Bled region with Lunch.

{For things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia, see our list of the top 17 Ljubljana sights!}

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How To Get To Lake Bled, Slovenia

Getting to Lake Bled can be done via train, bus or rental car.

Getting from Ljubljana to Bled: For public transportation options, there is both a bus and a train from Ljubljana to Bled. The bus takes visitors to the Lake Bled bus station, which is just a short stroll to the lake. The train takes passengers to the town of Lesce Bled, which requires a taxi, bus or hike to get to the lake. Check the Ljubljana to Bled bus schedule and Bled to Ljubljana train schedule on Rome2Rio to plan your trip to Lake Bled.

Note: It is possible to take a day trip to Bled from Ljubljana using public transportation, but with all the things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia, you will probably want to stay longer than a day!

{For more ideas on Ljubljana day trips, read our Day Trips from Ljubljana guide. }

 

Where To Stay in Lake Bled, Slovenia

There are many options of places to stay in Lake Bled – from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels.

Vila Bled (the former summer residence of Yugoslavia President Tito), Grand Hotel Toplice and Hotel Park all offer great Lake Bled views and receive superb reviews! 

Budget travelers might want to consider Jazz Hostel Bled, Back Hostel or Castle Hostel 1004, all of which are within a short walk from Lake Bled. 

 

What You Need for Your Lake Bled Trip

• If you are heading to Lake Bled in the summer, don’t forget the essentials, like sunscreen, a swimsuit and a travel hat. If you are making a Lake Bled winter visit, bring your winter cap and scarf! 
• Regardless of time of year, bring your camera! We suggest bringing an actual camera that can truly capture the undeniable beauty of Lake Bled! We use a Canon Rebel, which takes great photos! 
• If you plan on hiking to the viewpoint, make sure you have appropriate travel shoes! Hiking boots aren’t necessary, but you need something better than flip flops; I hiked in Skechers and Kris hiked in Merrells.
• It’s always a good idea to have a guide book before visiting any destination. Get the Lonely Planet Slovenia guidebook for your Slovenia trip and great day bag to organize all of your everyday essential travel items! 
• Travel insurance is essential!! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel protected with World Nomads.

 

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 planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!

 

Visiting Other Destinations In Slovenia? Excellent choice! We’ve got you covered with our detailed guides to the seaside town of Piran, wine tasting in Maribor, the cute town of Kranj and well as the best castles of Slovenia and amazing Slovenian caves!

 

We want to know: What would you add to our list of what to do in Lake Bled? Any Bled, Slovenia activities that we left off our list? Give us your tips and advice for the best things to do in Lake Bled in the comments.

 

 

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