Lake Bled in Slovenia is a real natural jewel and is one of the absolute highlights of the famous town of Bled. The fairytale setting surrounding this lake is like beautiful and unique like out of a travel magazine, and famous far beyond the borders of the country. One of the most amazing things you can do is take a boat ride in Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, located on a tiny island in the emerald green glacial lake and is the landmark in fact the landmark of the resort. In addition, there are many other spectacular sights and destinations around Lake Bled, which make visiting Bled an unforgettable experience.
In this travel guide, we will give you all the important information and tips about Lake Bled in Slovenia. We show you amazing photos, the best things to do and see, and where you can find great places to stay in Bled.
Lake Bled
Good to know!
If you are still looking for one very special accommodationthen we can recommend it Grand Hotel Toplice in a privileged location on the lake, with swimming pool and in-house lido.
Really famous in Bled is the Bled Cream Cake, a delicious dessert not to be missed. Café Park, where the Original Bled Creme Cake served, it’s fantastic.
Lake Bled is a great place to enjoy one swimming in summer. In June, the Grajsko Kopališče lido opens and the Velika Zaka beach on the north bank also invites you to swim in the lake.
Excursion to Lake Bled are also popular from Ljubljana. Really brilliant day trips can be found online at Get YourGuide.
Lake Bled
General information about Lake Bled
Lake Bledor Blejsko jezero, is a famous lake in Gorenjska region in western Slovenia. It is located right near Bled, a beautiful spa town from which the lake takes its name and which is also famous for its numerous hot springs. With a length of about 2.1 km and a width of up to 1.4 km, the lake is not very big and can even be walked through a 6 km path. Thanks to the underground hot springs, the emerald color glacial lake it even has 23°C to 25°C in summer, which promises pleasant water temperatures for swimming.
The most important attraction, and why Bled became so famous internationally as a tourist destination, is the picturesque island in the lake in which the pilgrimage church of the Dormition of the Virgin is located. The setting with the islet is almost kitschy beautiful and makes this attraction one of the most photographed in Slovenia. Another attraction is Bled Castle, which is enthroned on a rock above the lake and inspires with a magnificent view. In addition, you can also get long hikes around Bled as well numerous excursions.
Lake Bled
The best thing to do in Lake Bled
On a visit to Lake Bled you can expect beautiful sights, many exciting activities and fantastic excursion destinations. Highlights include a visit to the romantic church island, Bled Castle, spectacular viewpoints and picturesque lakeside promenade. We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Lake Bled here at a glance:
Bled Castle
Bled Castle it is definitely one of the most beautiful sights on Lake Bled. Built on a rock 139 meters high, this fortress dominates the landscape and, together with the lake, creates a picturesque scenery. The history of Bled Castle dates back to 1011, which makes it the oldest castle in Slovenia. The short climb to the fort is worth it because once you reach the top, several interesting sights await you. They are worth seeing castle museum, the castle chapel, the blacksmith’s workshop and the castle’s printing press, where you can even print your own souvenir. The absolute highlight, however, is the terrace of the castle, from which you can enjoy one of the best views of Lake Bled with the church island. In addition, a warm cafe invites you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Bled Castle
Bleder See – Castle View
Isle of Bled
Bled’s most famous landmark is the pilgrimage church of the Dormition of the Virgin, which is also called the Church of the Virgin Mary. It is located on the tiny island of Bled called Blejski otok and can be reached by one of the beautiful traditional wooden Pletna boats. But to be able to visit the church, you have to climb 99 steps. If you like, you can also climb the 52-meter-high bell tower and enjoy the picturesque view of Lake Bled. In any case, you should call wish bell there, which, according to legend, makes all wishes come true.
Suggestion: At the island’s “Poticnica” restaurant you can try Potica, a traditional Slovenian festive pastry!
Church of the Dormition of the Virgin
Hiking around Lake Bled
A short one hike, a walk or a bike tour around Lake Bled is probably the best way to explore the most beautiful parts of the area. Total circular path it is about 6 kilometers long, and for a leisurely tour, you can plan to walk for about 2 hours. Along the boardwalk, there are always romantic spots to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Lake Bled. Also great are the many small cafes around the lake, which invite you to stop and enjoy a piece of homemade cream slices. Regardless of the time of year, be it spring or summer, Bled in autumn or in winter, a walk around the lake is definitely one of the best things you can do!
Suggestion: If you like hiking, you can additionally explore the Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica viewpoints or follow the path above the castle.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled
Boat ride on Lake Bled
An unforgettable experience and one of the best things you can do is a boat trip on Lake Bled. During a trip to traditional wooden boats, the so-called Pletna boats, you have the opportunity to visit the island of Bled and the church of St. Mary and get to know the lake from its most beautiful side. There is a saying that if you haven’t taken a pletna in Bled, you haven’t really visited this place! A romantic alternative is a tour rowing boat. You can rent it for a reasonable price at Pension Pletna and row to the church island.
Lake Bled
View of Mala Osojnica & Ojstrica
You can definitely enjoy the most beautiful view of Lake Bled View of Mala Osojnica. The view of the lake, the church and the mountains is truly breathtaking. However, this popular view is only accessible via circular hiking trail No. 6, and for the ascent you should plan about 30 – 40 minutes of walking. In any case, good shoes are recommended, as the path is quite steep and at the end you have to climb 80 metal steps.
Suggestion: A little shorter but still beautiful is the hike to View of Ojstrica. This view can be reached in about 20 minutes, and even from up there you have a fantastic panorama!
Lake Bled – View of Mala Osojnica
Excursions around Lake Bled
Not only is Lake Bled worth seeing, but the surrounding area is absolutely charming! Rushing waterfalls, imposing mountains and impressive canyons are just some of the nearby attractions. Here are the better tours you can make from Bled:
Vintgar Gorge
The Vintgar Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful things to see near Bled. The breathtaking canyon it is only about 4 kilometers from Lake Bled, and a hike along the wooden footbridges through the impressive gorge is a unique experience. Really special is the emerald rushing river, which together with the strong rocks and the big waterfall at the end of the gorge, brings to mind an almost surreal landscape.
Vintgar Gorge
Lake Bohinj
Beautiful and worth a trip it is Lake Bohinj. This picturesque natural attraction is located only 27 km from Bled and can be reached in a short time by car or bus. But it is not only the lake that is romantic, but also the mountains of this area that take your breath away. If you want, take the gondola up to the local mountain Vogel or take exciting hikes in Triglav National Park. Camping at Lake Bohinj is also very popular and a great option for those traveling with a motorhome or caravan!
Lake Bohinj
Savica waterfall
Savica waterfall it is located about 35 kilometers from Bled and is definitely one of the most worth a visit waterfalls in Slovenia. You can reach it from the parking lot by walking. After climbing over 500 steps, you will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama. Particularly impressive are the turquoise blue colors of the water, which give this natural jewel its special appearance.
Savica waterfall
Pericnik waterfall
The Pericnik waterfall is a real secret tip for an unforgettable excursion from Bled. This force of nature impresses with a height of over 50 meters and is an absolute highlight, especially in rainy weather. A special feature is that you can get very close to the rapids and even a narrow path leads behind the waterfall.
Pericnik waterfall
Where to stay in Lake Bled
For a holiday in Bled, on Lake Bled, you will find one wide variety of accommodation. Most of the accommodation is private apartments, but there are also nice guesthouses, really great hotels and campsites. If you’re looking for advice on where to stay in Bled, we can give you these suggestions…Worth a look!
- Dream Hotel next to the lake: THE Grand Hotel Toplice is one of the best hotels on Lake Bled. Guests love the great location right on the lake, the great pool and spa.
- B&B with breakfast: THE Penzion Mayer it is a beautiful B&B in a central location and, moreover, it inspires with a delicious breakfast. Parking and bicycles are free here.
- Apartment on the Lake: THE Lake Bled Apartments it’s a secret tip! The location right on the lake is unbeatable, plus rowing boats can be used for free.
- Glamping in style: THE Pension & Glamping Pibernik it is located about 2 km from the lake and scores with amazing facilities in the beautiful nature and a great pool to relax.
Find the best accommodation in Lake Bled:
Read more about Slovenia:
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you click on certain links and then purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
