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Perched in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia, Lake Bled is a breathtaking destination that looks like a scene from a fairy tale. With its emerald-blue waters, idyllic island showcasing a medieval church, and the majestic Bled Castle perched high on a cliff overlooking the famous lake, this location has enchanted visitors for centuries. This area has become the postcard image of Slovenia, and although the country has so much to offer outside of Lake Bled, there’s a reason why this area has become so popular.

Boat on Lake Bled with Bled Castle in the background

Lake Bled is the perfect base for exploration – discover serene hiking trails, rowing adventures, gorges, and waterfalls, Lake Bled is a haven for adventure seekers who appreciate the sheer beauty of nature’s displays. And whether you’re more into soaking in the panoramic views or discovering the local delicacy of Bled Cream Cake (Kremna Rezina), Lake Bled won’t disappoint.

Where is Lake Bled?

View of Lake Bled
Jošt Gantar, Blejsko Jezero, Slovenija

Located in northwestern Slovenia is the picturesque town of Bled. Renowned for its stunning beauty, this fairytale-like destination is less than 45 minutes from the capital of Ljubljana and situated in the heart of the Julian Alps.  

When to visit?

With my visit in mid-to-late Spring, I ran into some rain but still managed to see many of the area’s highlights. Frankly, perfect weather doesn’t exist in any season and I try to stay as positive as possible when I  hit unfavorable conditions since I still have the privilege of visiting such incredible destinations. It’s not every day you hit a torrential downpour while rowing back to shore from Bled Island!

My favorite time to visit Europe is during shoulder season – May or September since school is in session and the number of travelers drops off but the perks of mild weather remain.

Bled Island
Franci Ferjan, Blejski Otok, Slovenija

How to get to Lake Bled?

I rented a car once I landed in Ljubljana, which I highly recommend for traveling in Slovenia. Public transportation is not as readily available and does not run as frequently. Roads are easy to navigate and well-maintained. And yes, you drive on the ‘right’ side of the road!

I used GreenMotion car rental and had no problems. The vignette, needed for highways in Slovenia, is an additional charge of approximately €2.46 per day and because I drove into Croatia, there was an additional cross-border fee of €32.79. In all, my 11-day car rental for a Peugeot 208 Automatic cost me less than $260. 

How long should I visit Lake Bled for?

As I’ve previously admitted on my blog, I’m a non-stop traveler – I love moving around from place to place. For Lake Bled, I stayed 2 nights and would recommend this as a minimum. There is so much to do in the area that a day trip to the area would only be scratching the surface!

What is there to do? What are the best stops?

Bled Castle

Bled Castle, perched on a steep cliff overlooking Lake Bled in Slovenia, is one of the country’s oldest and most picturesque fortresses. Dating back to at least 1011 AD, it was originally a medieval stronghold granted by Emperor Henry II to the Bishops of Brixen. Over the centuries, the castle has served various purposes, including as a noble residence and a defensive fortification. Its strategic location provided protection and control over the surrounding region. Today, Bled Castle is a popular tourist destination, offering panoramic views of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, while showcasing Slovenia’s history.

There is a paid parking lot at the entrance that can fill up quickly. Otherwise, there are additional paid lots further down the steep hill. A hiking trail is also available and surprisingly only takes about 10 minutes. The trail begins at Grajsko kopališče public lido and is well-lit for evening walks, too.

Entry to Bled Castle is €17 per Adult for 2024 and will increase to €18 for 2025.

Bled Castle

Walk the Full Lake Bled Loop

Walking the full loop around Lake Bled is one of the most relaxing and peaceful activities, offering stunning views throughout. The Lake Bled Loop Trail is 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Along the path is the opportunity to stop at viewpoints and pop into cafes and shops.

The loop is free to walk.

Lake Bled

Try Bled Cream Cake

Bled Cream Cake, known locally as kremšnita, is a beloved dessert that has become an iconic symbol of Lake Bled. First made in 1953 at the Park Hotel, this decadent treat consists of a delicate puff pastry layered with rich vanilla custard and whipped cream, topped with another layer of golden, crispy pastry and a dusting of powdered sugar. The cake is famous for its light, airy texture and is a must-try for visitors. Almost every cafe and restaurant around the lake has this iconic cake on the menu!

Bled Cream Cake at a restaurant on the lake

Row to Bled Island

A must when visiting Lake Bled is renting a boat to row across Lake Bled to Bled Island! I rented from Pletna B&B at €25 for 1 hour. Unless you’re very good at rowing in circles, it’s not a long row to the island. 

If rowing isn’t really your thing, you can also opt for a ride on a pletna boat that can accommodate up to 20 people and has a local boatsman, known as Pletnar, who navigates the lake by rowing standing up. This option is €18 per person for a round-trip ride.

Row Boat at Bled Island

Hike to Ojstrica Viewpoint

One of the most breathtaking vantage points around Lake Bled is Ojstrica Viewpoint, with panoramic views of the entire lake and surrounding mountains. The hike is short, taking roughly 20 minutes from the lake’s shore. If you want a longer hike, there is one other viewpoint along this path, making a 2.3-mile loop clocking in at 1.5 hours. If doing this, Mala Osojnica followed by Ojstrica Viewpoint is recommended.

If on foot in the Lake Bled area, start your hike at the Mala Osojnica Trailhead. If traveling by car, park at Parkirišče Velika Zaka for €6 per hour and walk 7 minutes to the trailhead.

The trail itself is free to hike.

Lake Bled

Enjoy a Homemade Meal at Oštarija Peglez’n

While walking Lake Bled, I found the cutest mom-and-pop restaurant with a beautiful indoor and outdoor area. I had the fantastic vegetable rissoto. I lucked out with grabbing one of the last tables that was not reserved so even if you are popping in for a nice lunch, I recommend making a reservation by calling +386 4 574 42 18.

Remember, tipping is not required in Slovenia but 10% for great service is customary.

Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge, located only a few kilometers from Lake Bled, is a popular and stunning natural attraction carved by the Radovna River. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) long gorge cuts between the unforgiving rock walls of Hom and Boršt hills, showcasing stunning waterfalls, pools, and rapids. A scenic trail takes visitors along a wooden walkway and bridges, ending at a 43-foot (13-meter) high Šum waterfall, one of Slovenia’s three river waterfalls. 

Vintgar Gorge was discovered in 1891 by Benedikt Lergetporer and the mayor of Gorje, Jakob Žumer, and opened to the public in 1893. The gorge is considered by many to be the gateway to Triglav National Park and is steeped in history, with its name either derived from the German “Weingarten,” referencing local vineyards, or from the gorge’s wine-glass-like shape.

Visitors can purchase tickets online, which I highly recommend. If you aren’t sure what time you’ll arrive and want to purchase the day of, make sure to purchase more than 2 hours ahead because the timeslots do gray out on the website and you may be turned away at the parking lot.

Entry to Vintgar Gorge is €10 per Adult. Parking is €10 for 4 hours.

Pokljuka Gorge

Pokljuka Gorge is the perfect stop for a less crowded experience in Bled. Interestingly enough, this gorge was also formed by strong water currents over thousands of years, however, it is a dry fossil gorge today. This trail is roughly 3 miles long and leads visitors through Pokljuška luknja, a passable cave tunnel with a sunken ceiling, two entrances, and three natural windows along with a path through the narrowest part of the gorge, explored by a wooden walkway and stairs. I was the only one on the trial for the first 1-1.5 hours, which made the dark gorge crevices extra eerie! Parking and entry are free for Pokljuka Gorge.

Entry and parking is free for Pokljuka Gorge.

 Savica Waterfall

In the core of Triglav National Park, Savica Waterfall, also known as Slap Savica, is one of Slovenia’s most iconic natural wonders. The 256-foot (78-meter) waterfall cascades dramatically into a pristine pool below, fed by the subterranean waters of the Bohinj Valley. A 20-30 minute hike with 550 stairs leads through the forest to a panoramic viewpoint, with up-close views of the falls.

Entry to Savica Waterfall is €3 per Adult, cash only, and parking is €4, although I was not charged a parking fee on my visit.​

Savica Waterfall

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest natural lake, is a serene and unspoiled gem set within the Julian Alps. Much less crowded than its more famous neighbor, Lake Bled, Bohinj offers visitors a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the summer, while hiking trails around the lake lead to amazing viewpoints, including Mount Vogel and Savica Waterfall. In winter, the lake transforms into a wonderland, perfect for skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing.

Lake Bohinj
Tomo Jeseničnik, Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenija

Canyon Adventure Lake Bled

For thrill-seekers visiting Lake Bled, the Canyon Adventure offers an exhilarating way to explore the region’s rugged and unforgiving landscapes. This guided canyoning experience takes adventurers through narrow gorges, cascading waterfalls, and natural rock slides, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Bled area. Descend waterfalls, swim in crystal-clear pools, and explore hidden canyons on this unforgettable Lake Bled experience.

Canyoning is available from $95 per Adult for a 3.5-hour-long excursion and can be booked here.

OUTdoor Slovenia Adventure

Lake Bled Tandem Paragliding

Soaring high above Lake Bled is an experience that’s hard to match, and tandem paragliding offers the perfect opportunity to take in the stunning scenery from a unique perspective. As you gently lift off the ground with an experienced pilot, the breathtaking views of the emerald lake, the iconic island church, and the surrounding Julian Alps unfold beneath you.

Paragliding is available from $145 per Adult and can be booked here.

Lake Bled Paragliding

Mostnica Gorge

Embark on a scenic hike through the lush forest of Triglav National Park, leading to the mesmerizing turquoise waters and striking rock formations of Mostnica Gorge. Considered a rival of Vintgar Gorge, this gorge has the perks of fewer crowds making it easier to slow your pace and take in the beautiful scenery. There is a circular loop option to explore the area that takes approximately 1.5 hours, with the option to extend the hike into the Voje Valley, visiting Mostnica Waterfall and an alpine hut for a homemade meal. The extended hike will take approximately 2.5-3 hours.

Entry is €3 per person, cash-only, however, if you arrive outside of hours (before 9 AM) you may find an empty ticket booth and therefore free entry. Parking nearby is paid only at €3-5 per hour.

Mostnica Gorge
Gregor Skoberne Photography

Planina Zajamniki

Planina Zajamniki is a hidden treasure in Slovenia, perfect for those seeking an authentic alpine experience. Tucked away in the Julian Alps, this charming mountain pasture is a blend of breathtaking views and rustic charm. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque landscape dotted with traditional wooden huts and vibrant green meadows, all set against a backdrop of towering peaks. Hiking trails weave through the area, offering stunning panoramas at every turn. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely picnic or savoring locally made cheese and other treats at a nearby hut, Planina Zajamniki is the perfect escape into Slovenia’s enchanting countryside.

It does take some effort to get here. Expect a 1 to 1.5-hour walk from the car park at Rudno Polje to Planina Zajamniki. Biking is also a fantastic option for the area.

There is no entry fee for Planina Zajamniki. however, parking at Rudno Polje is €7 per day.

Planina Zajamniki

Waterfall Pericnik

This two-tiered waterfall in the stunning Triglav National Park tumbles nearly 223 feet and is my favorite in Slovenia! What’s so unique about this waterfall is you can actually walk behind it, as long as you don’t mind getting a little wet. The path is short, taking about 15 minutes to reach the falls. Although the path can walked via a circular trail, I recommend taking the path to the left for a great view of the falls to begin with. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes because the path can be slippery.

The falls are free to visit, however, the small hut near the trail entrance, Koča pri Peričniku, may charge for parking depending on what time you arrive. If visiting during hut open hours, you may be able to find free parking about 50 meters past on the left. During my visit, the hut was closed and all parking was free.

Planina Zajamniki
Tomo Jeseničnik, Bohinjsko jezero, Slovenija

Where should I stay?

Lake Bled will most likely be the most expensive area to stay in during your Slovenian adventure. I stayed just outside of Bled’s city center, at Pension B&B Bled. The owner, Nejc, and his family are extremely welcoming and happy to give tips about things to do in the area.

For a stay right in the town, I recommend Old Parish House. Only a few minutes walk away from Bled Castle and Lake Bled, this location is perfect for exploring the area on foot. This would be the ideal location for a stroll around the lake, too!

For a hotel right on the lake, consider Vila Bled. This hotel has an interesting history being President Tito’s former summer residence.

Vila Bled

Map of Stops