10 unforgettable things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

ByMiriam Hours Last Updated
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If you haven’t already picked up on it, Lake Bled Slovenia took me by storm and every time I think about it, my heart beats faster.

It was love at first sight, and the fact that the weather was perfect during the whole trip only added to my infatuation.

Read along as I share the best things to do in Lake Bled and hopefully convince you to visit.

Read next: 10 magical things to do in Lake Bled in winter

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Things to do in Lake Bled Slovenia

Until recently, I had never heard of Lake Bled. I’m not even sure how it came on my radar – all I know is that when it did, I made it an INSTANT priority to visit.

Some have described the lake as enchanting. Magical even. So I was pretty excited to see if it lived up to the hype. I have visited a few phenomenal lakes before and I hoped this one would be just as great.

The verdict?

It was mind-blowing. M-I-N-D-blo-wing! Like stepping right into a fairytale that you never want to leave.

Some people visit Lake Bled to relax and do nothing. It’s the perfect place for it! But if you’re looking for a more active vacation, there are lot of things to do in Lake Bled to keep you busy.

From swimming and kayaking to hiking and castle exploring – you won’t be bored.

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Things to do in Lake Bled Slovenia - Planning on visiting Slovenia and want to know the best things to do in Lake Bled? This beautiful lake town is absolutely breathtaking and deserves a visit. Lake Bled things to do. Lake bled photography. Lake Bled travel. Lake Bled Slovenia travel. Lake Bled day trip. Lake Bled summer. Lake bled itinerary. Europe.

How to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

By bus: 54 km – one-way ticket: 5 Euro

The easiest way to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled to Bled is by bus. I took the early morning bus and it was super easy.

There’s a direct bus departing from Tivoli and arriving at Bled 1 hour later. The bus departs every hour, every day of the week.

Read next: 3 ways to easily get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

Lake Bled

What to do in Lake Bled

1. Visit Bled Castle

Price: $11 (Bled Castle Website).

The top sight in Lake Bled is the castle, which is easily reached by car.

The medieval castle is perched atop a high hill, steep and long, from which it overlooks the scenic Lake Bled.

This medieval castle is over 1,000 years old and it’s the oldest in Slovenia. It’s also a great viewpoint for the lake, the romantic Bled Island, and the church on it.

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Here is the lower courtyard
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2. Wine tasting

Did you know that Slovenia has the most amazing wine? Yeah. They do. My favorite is muscat wine, which is a sweet white wine. But they also have plenty of amazing red wines.

One way to get acquainted with this deliciousness is to order a glass at a restaurant or cafe while you enjoy the beautiful lake view.

If you’d like a more thorough introduction (or just taste more wines), I’ve got the perfect wine tour for you. On this two-hour tour, you get to taste 7 different Slovenian wines in a 100-year-old wine cellar.

Book your ticket here: Wine Tasting Bled

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3. Hike to Osojnica Hill

There are lots of things to do at Lake Bled, and hiking is one of the main activities. The best hike is to the top of Osojnica hill where you’ll get a better view of the lake.

Ironically enough, I’ve never considered myself a hiker, but somehow I always end up hiking when I travel. 

Thank you, Self, for this torturing experience. It turned out to be worth all the struggle when I finally reached the summit.

I hiked this hill to get that view, and I recommend you do the same –>

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Me, trying to look graceful after sprinting up the mountain
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Ta daaa

4. Stroll along the boardwalk at Lake Bled

Lake Bled is surrounded by a 6 km wooden walkway, which is the perfect way to explore Bled from the lakeside. You can also rent a bike if you prefer that over walking.

During one of my walks there, I saw the most beautiful rainbow! The sky was full of gorgeous colors, and that gorgeous background just made it picture-perfect.

Lake Bled
All it lacks is a unicorn

5. Taste the famous Bled Cake

The most obvious symbol of Bled would be the iconic island, right? Or the beautiful view from the castle. But it’s not actually. It’s a cake.

The original Bled cream cake, also known affectionately as Kremsnita is a superdelicious dessert cake with rum and lemon rind.

You can get it at most cafes or restaurants in Lake Bled, and I highly recommend it. It’s kind of a must when you’re there.

Bled cake

6. Row to the Church of the Assumption

Bled Island is the only island in Slovenia. You can reach the island by a special boat with a roof, called pletna, or you can rent a boat.

On the island, there’s a Baroque church called Church of the Assumption, where many couples come to pledge their eternal love to each other.

The stone staircase with 99 steps is especially famous in wedding rituals and according to tradition, it’s good luck if the groom carries his bride up all 99 steps.

Lake Bled

7. Kayaking and swimming in Lake Bled

Did I mention that the water is clear and turquoise? It is.

Just by my glamping site, there was a small beach area and a bathing jetty. Visit during the summer, and you’ll be longing to jump in that warm lake water.

You can also rent a kayak and explore the lake by water.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

8. Picnic at Lake Bled

Another magical thing to do in Lake Bled is a picnic.

Imagine sitting by the lake with a packed lunch, some fruit, and one of those delicious Slovenian wines.

Bled is the perfect place for that. If you’re staying at a glamping site, you can most likely order a picnic basket from there.

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Here I am, having a picnic
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and a healthy breakfast

9. Slovenia Camping or Glamping

I do love being in nature, and you know I love camping so when I found out that there was glamping in Lake Bled, I knew exactly where I was spending the night. If you’re not familiar with glamping, let me introduce you to this amazing type of accommodation:

Glamping is the glamorous kind of camping. It’s a luxurious way of getting back to nature. You’ll still stay at a camping site, but you live in a luxury tent, trailer, or hut, often with a private kitchen and bathroom. It’s the VIP of camping.

My glamping site included a private hut with an outdoor jacuzzi. A private bathroom with shower and towels. And a breakfast picnic in front of my forest hut. Amazing, I tell ya.

Read next: Glamping in Lake Bled: 5 Best Luxury Camping Sites

My glamping hut in Slovenia
My glamping hut

10. Watch the sunrise over Lake Bled

The most magical thing to do at Lake Bled is to watch the sunrise.

This might sound like a pretty basic thing to do, but trust me on this – it’s hypnotic with that mountain and Bled castle background.

You guys know how much I LUV sunsets and sunrises. I usually like to sleep in, but on this trip, I was up before sunrise almost every day. I didn’t mind, because THIS —>

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Worth getting up for at 4.30am? Definitely.

And this —->

Lake Bled

So, in short, Lake Bled was epic, and it’s one of those places I know I’ll return to again and again. It stole my heart. That’s for sure.

Where to stay in Lake Bled

So, my favorite accommodation in Lake Bled is definitely glamping. While you’ll find several decent hotels there as well, Bled is just made for staying in nature – so why not make it a premium experience?

I’ve handpicked these two glamping sites based on their location, facilities, and review rates.

Glamping Pibernik – Pr’ Hostar. A private hut with a flat-screen, a good location for biking, and a delicious huge breakfast that you can eat in your room or outside.  Click here to find the latest prices.

Garden Village Bled. This glamping site is entirely ecologically designed and has a river flowing right next to it. The tree houses are perfect for families and groups. Click here to find the latest prices.

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Day trips from Lake Bled

Lake Bled is not only a magical place to stay for a long weekend or even a week. It’s also a great base for exploring the rest of Slovenia.

LAKE BOHINJ

29 km from Bled

Just 30 30-minute (beautiful) drive away, you’ll find the lovely Lake Bohinj, which is similar to Bled.

The main difference between the two is that Bohinj is more adventure-packed with hiking and biking. Bohinj also has a waterfall and a cute little church by the water. It’s very photogenic.

Read my post about things to do in Bohinj.

Bohinj, Slovenia

LAKE JASNA

40 km from Bled

A little further away, you’ll find Lake Jasna.

Located just 2 km from Kranjska Gora, Jasna is smaller than Bohinj and Bled, but it’s still super beautiful.

This is a perfect place to stay at the beach, swimming and sunbathing on summer days.

VINTGAR GORGE

4 km from Bled

Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6-kilometer gorge, just a short walk or taxi drive from Lake Bled.  

It’s gorgeous, it’s easy to walk and it’s easy to get to. I highly recommend visiting.

SOCA VALLEY

86 km from Bled

Have you seen Narnia? One of the scenes from Prince Caspian was actually filmed right here in Soca Valley.

It’s a magical area and the perfect place for a road trip. You’ll pass waterfalls, gorges, mountain passes, and much more.

It’s definitely worth visiting – plus the views on your way there are incredible.

Many thanks to Spirit Slovenia for generously hosting me in Slovenia, and thanks to Grega from Hike & Bike for a super fun and active day. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own, regardless of who is footing the bill.

FAQ – Slovenia Lake Bled

Is Bled Slovenia worth visiting?

Yes! Bled is totally worth the trip. Picture this: a stunning lake, an old castle perched up high, and a cute little island right in the middle.

It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, perfect for anyone who loves a good view or a bit of history.

How much time do you need in Lake Bled?

You’ll want at least a day at Lake Bled to really get the feel of the place.

That’s enough time to check out the island, and the castle, and take a nice walk around the lake.

If you’re into longer hikes or want to dig deeper, give yourself a bit more time.

Is there much to do at Lake Bled?

As for things to do, Lake Bled has plenty.

Besides the must-do boat ride to the island and the castle visit, you can hike, try some local dishes, and even get out on the water with a paddleboard or a rowboat.

Should you stay in Ljubljana or Lake Bled?

Now, deciding between staying in Ljubljana or Lake Bled?

If you love waking up to a lake view and prefer a quieter spot, Lake Bled is your pick.

But if you want more of a city buzz and easy trips to other places, Ljubljana is a great base. Both spots have their own vibe and are worth experiencing.

Before you go – don’t miss these posts:

Miriam Risager is the founder of Adventurous Miriam. She has traveled to 62 countries in the past 18 years and has done most of it solo. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their travel adventures across the world.

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66 Comments

  1. This is the first I’ve heard of Lake Bled and it looks absolutely gorgeous! It definitely looks like something out of a fairytale. One for the bucket list I think. Great pictures 🙂 x

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  2. I really find your article useful. It presents something different and adds value to the reader.The images are very HQ and nice colours.
    P.S. The eggs and ham look so delicious … Got immediately hungry 🙂

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  3. Just…swoon. Perfection much?! The words “fairytale” and “magical” really apply here… You should make a calendar with those sunset pictures!

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  6. Wow-truly beautiful! I could see unicorns & pixies flying about the castle like Disney land (almost!) :-), but seriously, the tranquil beauty, the glamping, hike & bike and gorgeous views all made me want to put myself in the scenery & just “close the book” -thank you for sharing Miriam-it’s just gorgeous! ❤️ And your post are always a fun escape!

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    1. Thank you, sweetness <3 Lake Bled is the perfect getaway and such a romatic spot as well. Loved my time there, but next time I'm bringing Thomas 🙂

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  8. I’ve been kinda saving Slovenia on my travel list because, like you, I just know I’ll be a goner after that. Instead, I’ve just gone to all the countries surrounding it. Because that totally makes sense! Anyway, now Lake Bled MUST be added to the list which originally just consisted of the capital, which means probably going during decent weather, etc. You’ve convinced me 🙂

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    1. Julie, you will LOVE Lake Bled. And Slovenia has so much more to offer. I have posts coming up about Lake Bohinj, Vrsic Pass and Soca Valley that might inspire you to see more of this beautiful country.

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  9. Wow! We were there a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it, wish we could have had the same experience you had, glamping in such place must be very special 🙂

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    1. It was absolutely amazing, Franca. I have the weather to thank for this experience, but I would love to revisit in the winter. I bet the snow would make the lake look even more fairytale-like.

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  11. Wow this place is so magical, I’m surprised it isn’t more popular. Definitely worth a visit to Slovenia just for this!

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  15. Your photos are gorgeous! I’ve been to Slovenia few times and always enjoyed it a lot. Mostly rafting and biking in Triglavski national park and Bovec. But you made me put this lake on my list for future visit!

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  16. Its nice to hear u had nice time in my country. I would recommend u more places to visit here, but if i tell u the truth, where ever u will go u will find something wonderful. Bovec and Soča river is a nice way to start. Rafting there, will blow u away. If u like active vacations u cant miss with Slovenia.

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    1. Stane, I absolutely agree. There’s beauty all around Slovenia! I have posts coming up about my trip to Bovec, Vrsic Pass, Kobarid and Dreznica. They are all amazing places.

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  18. Wow, incredible sunrise pics! Lake Bled looks amazing, we’re hoping to get there sometime next year, glamping also sounds like a great idea 🙂

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  19. Well, you have unicorns quite near. In Lipica Stud farm in Karst region. They are magnificent Lipizzaner horses, native to Slovenia. 😉

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  20. Hi Miriam, I was in Lake Bled last year and absolutely loved it. The castle is very interesting, with the drunk monk and those views of the lake are really worth the trip. I also stayed at Camping Bled, and what an experience! That hot tub was the cherry on top of the cake!

    Great pictures, by the way!

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  21. Im just eating all of your posts up! So, do you need advance tickets for the castle or the trip to the island? And do you remember how much it cost? Love, love, love all of your pictures! We have 3 1/2 weeks in Europe this summer and the more I read of your blogs, the more I want to extend the 8 days that we have in Slovenia! I feel like we could happily spend the whole time there!

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    1. I’m very glad to hear that, Allison 🙂

      I didn’t buy tickets for Bled castle in advance, and the price was 10 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for children up to 14 years. Slovenia is an amazing country and still quite uncrowded. You could spend 3 days in Bled with a day trip to Bohinj to do some biking and other activities. And then maybe spend 5 days in Soca Valley and 1-2 days in Ljubljana. You will still get to see a lot! Which other countries are you planning to visit in Europe?

      Reply

  22. Thanks Miriam! We will be in Switzerland 4 days (Grindlewald/interlaken), then Italy for 4-5 days, Slovenia for 8 nights, Croatia (Pula) for 3 nights, and then back to Italy for another 5 nights. It would be so easy to nix Croatia and add those nights to Slovenia, but my son is teaching himself Croatian and really wants to make it there. So much to do, so little time!

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    1. It sounds like a great itinerary! If you get time, I highly recommend visiting Lauterbrunnen, which is very close to Grindelwald and Interlaken (and is the most beautiful town of the three). It’s a stunning valley with 72 waterfalls.

      Also if you ask me, Croatia is definitely worth visiting and it has some of the best European food and wine. Rovinj, Labin, Porec and Motovun are particularly charming, and they’re in close range of Pula. Let me know if you need any tips for Croatia. I have lots of recommendations and you’ll also find tips in my Croatia archive here: https://adventurousmiriam.com/croatia/

      Reply

      1. Yes, I agree that Lauterbrunnen is a must. We stayed there 3 nights.
        We hiked 12 miles one day. Absolutely beautiful! Miriam, thank you for such wonderful tips on Lake Bled. We are heading there next month. Your information is very helpful and your photos are gorgeous!

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  24. So here’s a question. We plan to rent a car for Slovenia and quite possibly Croatia, too. Should we rent in Italy or take a train into Slovenia and get one locally? Do you know if we could use the same one in Croatia or if we should have a Slovenian car rental, train ride into Croatia and then pick up a Croatian car rental? I welcome any advice!

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    1. I’m afraid I don’t have much experience with renting cars in either Slovenia, Italy or Croatia. However, a friend of mine rented a car in Slovenia last summer and drove it all the way to south Croatia. It was the cheapest and easiest choice and their rental company let them deliver the car in another country. If you find a company that lets you do this (I suspect it’s pretty common), I would pick this option.

      Reply

  26. Hi Miriam,

    Your website is very insightful. Your Blog and vivid travelers like you inspires me a lot! I need some help and hoping some advice from you. I live in U.S. We are planning a 10-day road trip in July starting from Vienna and ending at Zurich. I planning to spend one night in Vienna, 1 night in Slovenia, 3 nights in Croatia. 1-2 nights in Venice and rest in Swiss. I know the trip sounds very rushed. Can you suggest few good places in Slovenia, Croatia and Swiss to optimize my travel. Thanks, a bunch!

    Reply

  28. Thanks a lot for your suggestions Miriam ! I used your website as my tour food. I even dined at the restaurant recommended by you are Vrsar. I think safely say that this is one of the best vacations I ever had.

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  29. Hello Mirian,
    Thanks fir great review and pictures of my country. I am living 20min ftom Bled (by car) . i was soooo many times, but I still love vibration in this place. Soča valley, Vršič, Kras. …all is beautiful . And as you say Croatia coast and sea is also beautiful . Almost half of Slovenian people spend summer holidays in Croatia.
    all the best from Bojan.

    Reply

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