Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
There is no question, no doubt as to the most beautiful place in all of Slovenia. Lake Bled is about as picturesque as any mountainous region can be, and it really is just as magical in person as it is in a picture rain or shine, summer or winter, making for one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country!
Located just a mere 45 minute drive from the capital of Slovenia, a visit to Lake Bled is the perfect day trip from Ljubljana, it is a must-see destination as it is set against the backdrop of the Julian Alps in the northwest of Slovenia with emerald-green waters and the Castle of Bled perched high upon the rocky cliffs which has been overlooking this must-see lake since the 11th Century!
This is one of the most Instagrammable places in Slovenia, with tons to see and do, therefore, this is one place you do NOT want to skimp out on or rush through. Lake Bled deserves a full day’s visit so as to truly take it all in and appreciate Mother Nature’s handy work as its best! Words honestly can’t describe the beauty!
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What’s there to do at Lake Bled, you might ask? Well, I’m so glad you asked!
1. “Climb Every Mountain” (Sound of Music reference… I can’t help it!)
Ok, so maybe not EVVVVERY mountain, but you should most definitely hike up Ojstrica, one of the best hikes in Europe, for the most iconic viewpoint over the lake and the island located smack in the middle of the lake. There are tons of other hiking look out points, but this is the classic, it’s not strenuous at all and easy to navigate. However, finding the trail is a bit tricky. You’ll find a bench with a sign post pointing in two directions to the trail. We took the trail to the right as we saw others following this trail. The trail can be found near the camping ground southwest of the shore of Lake Bled.
The best time to hike the trail is in the morning before hordes of tourists arrive and before it gets too hot. The Ojstrica hill is 610 meters high and you’ll be hiking through a dirt path. Depending on the weather, the ground can get pretty slippery or muddy. You’ll definitely want to wear some good hiking shoes as the path was full of debris from tree work (yes, I had to dig mine out of the closet!), but I promise you it will be worth every step of the way!
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After nearly a 30 minute hike up, we were welcomed with the most breathtaking view over the lake, one that I simply did not want to leave! I could have sat there all day if I were not incredibly thirsty and hot and craving cake!
If you are feeling particularly adventurous and have the extra time, there is a second (Velika Osojinica), even higher peak (at 756 meters), that you can hike up to. The view might not be as good, but it’s worth the extra effort!
Cost: PRICELESS!
Time: Short path: 30 minutes up and roughly 15-20 down!
More info: Check out this info page about the hike, which includes a map! Zoom in on the map, and we took the shorter route (luckily!) which was more direct!
2. Walk the Shoreline
After you come back down from you’re hike, you’ll want to “walk it off” by casually strolling the shoreline and catching glimpses of the island from every vantage point in an easy 2 hour walk. The northern end of the lake is a bit less photogenic than the western end as it’s a bit covered in trees, but as you near the western end, the view dramatically improves as the island comes into view. Go past the rowing club, where you’ll find several piers extending out into the lake, making for some awesome photo opportunities!
On the eastern side, you’ll find rows of wooden boats waiting to ferry people across the lake to the island.
Cost: PRICELESS!
3. Row, Row, Row Your Boat Gently to Bled Island
Since the Renaissance, people have made a pilgrimage to the Bled Island, the major attraction at Lake Bled. On the island, you’ll find the 17th century Assumption of Mary Church. It is tradition for a newly married groom to carry his new bride up the 98 steps to the top of the tower and ring the bell. If he does this, they will enjoy a happy marriage and make the couple’s dreams come true. Unfortunately, the tower is now closed to the public.
No motor boats allowed on Lake Bled, however, you can rent a wooden paddle boat and row, row, row yourself across the lake to the island, or you can take one of the traditional boats, called a Pletna, over to Bled Island and back.
The Plenta Boat is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation since 1590 and are made by locals. To be an oarsmen is considered to be a highly respectable profession at the lake. Each boat can hold up to 20 people and looked a bit crowded.
You can find these boats waiting to take you across the lake at the Spa Park, under the Park Hotel Bled, in Mlino and in the Rowing center Bled or near the B&B Accommodations Plenta.
If there’s ever a chance to avoid large packs of tourists, we take it, so we decided to row, row, row our own boat across the lake. And because our relationship is all about being equal, we both took turns rowing…although I struggled a bit more at the beginning before I managed to get the hang of things. Until then, we were going in circles. It was honestly one of the coolest things to do in Lake Bled!
Rowing your own boat is incredibly romantic and intimate, yet there was one thing missing….my husband didn’t serenade me!
Cost: PLENTA: 12€ per person no matter the age! ROW BOAT: 15€
4.Visit the Bled Castle
Although the view from the castle is not as amazing as from your hike up Ojstrica, it’s still worth going up to the castle simply for another vantage point. Perched on a hill overlooking the lake, you’ll be able to take in the magnificent view.
Depending on the weather, you can either hike up to the Bled Castle, one of the main sights to see at Lake Bled, which should take about 20 minutes or you can drive up which takes about 10 minutes. Once up at the castle, the path to the castle is quite steep and is not very friendly for strollers or elderly, although I did see plenty of families and elderly attempting it.
You can visit this fairy tale castle which dates back to 1004, making it one of the oldest castles in Slovenia! Once inside, you can visit a museum to learn all about the history and there is even honey store, a printing press and a blacksmith shop. You can even walk the castle walls and enjoy even more wonderful views!! Also, with the purchase of your ticket, a coupon is include so you can even find a restaurant and café up at the castle.
Also at the castle, you’ll find the Castle Chapel which is one of the most famous parts of Bled Castle which dates back to the 16th century and has some beautiful frescoes.
Cost: 5 € per person and up
Tips:
- The castle is open every day November-May from 8:00-6:00pm and April-October from 8:00-8:00pm.
- The castle is not really suitable for handicapped,elderly or people with strollers who might have a hard time climbing the steep hill.
5. Devour Some YUMMY Cream Cake
A trip to Lake Bled isn’t complete without devouring a slice of Lake Bled’s famous cream cake. Almost every restaurant in and around Lake Bled serves this delicious cake, but only the original Lake Bled cream cake can be found at Hotel Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐. Soon after the end of the Second World War, the pastry chef Ištvan Lukačević arrived at Hotel Park created this lip-smacking d-e-licious dessert which has since sold over 12 million slices!
Characterized by a delicate puff pastry which has been folded seven times and left to sit over night, atop layers of light vanilla cream and custard makes for the perfect cherry topping to an amazing day! After the work out we had climbing the mountain and rowing a boat, I had no qualms with not sharing my piece of cake!
What makes this cake so special, besides how delicious it is, is that everything about this cake must be 7 cm – 7 cm tall, 7 cm wide and 7 layers of puff pastry. Otherwise it’s not a true Cream Cake!
Cost: 2 cakes, 1 large water 10,30 €
Tips for visiting Lake Bled, Slovenia:
- You will also need to buy a Slovenia vignette. You can buy either a 7 day or 30 day. We bought a 7 day vignette for 15 €.
- When driving into Lake Bled, you’ll likely approach the lake from the HWY 209 on the north eastern side of the lake. There is lots of parking over here, but more crowded. If you plan to hike or take a row boat, head to the south western end of the lake and you’ll find less crowded parking for 5 € all day.
Other unique things to do in & around Lake Bled:
- Hit the ski slopes in the winter and the Tobboganing hill in the summer for some more panoramic views over the lake all year round!
- Visit the Vintgar Gorge – just a few miles away from Lake Bled and has a wooden path to take you the Sum Fall.
- Check out Lake Bohinj in the Triglav National Park and of course enjoy the Savica waterfall, Mostnica Gorge and Mount Vogel.
- Head to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana for a few days and check out the castle there, take a boat ride and eat a a Ljubljana Schnitzel!
- If you’re looking for other top attractions in Slovenia to visit, then consider a visit to Predjama Castle, the perfect day trip from Lake Bled!
Looking for more practical information on Balkan Travel? Grab a copy the following travel guides which we found incredibly useful on our trip and has something for everyone from outdoor activities to historical sites!
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
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I was so tempted to go to Bled when I was in Ljubljana but we didn’t quite have time. It looks so stunning though – and great ideas on how to get the most from a visit. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Aw then you definitely have to go back!! It was our second visit bc our first visit was rainy and gloomy! It’s much prettier when the weather is nice!
done them all:))
Then you had a great visit! 🙂
Oh my gosh Lorelei, I am going to Slovenia in a few months and you are making me SO EXCITED!!!!!!! I can’t wait to do all of these things!! I just really need to find gluten free cream cake, though 😉
Ooh have fun! Good luck finding gluten free! Hopefully you can somewhere!
This is one of those places that looks so scenic from every single angle! I love that you can take a rowboat out to the island, too. Very romantic. 🙂
Only thing missing was my husband didn’t serenade me! Haha
Ooh it looks stunning! I love the look of the mysterious island, and the cake too. Yum! #citytripping
I would happily do everything on this list! My kind of place!! I love the oarsmen tradition..that is a tradition with a serious amount of history, just love it. #citytripping
I could go back a hundred times and never get bored!
Lake Bled was going to be include in my European trip for this year but I got distracted by other places. I seriously need to start making plans to stop by (well, an entire Balkans trip). Love the view from the viewpoint and the castle. Gorgeous weather and I will remember to spend an entire day there! #citytripping
Anything less would a crime!
Just WOW. I don’t know why I was surprised that it took 30 minutes to climb that massive hill/small mountain – but I was! It must have been quite a hike, and then the view would have made it totally worthwhile. Such stunning scenery, and taking your own row boat seems like the most romantic solution for sure. Next time hopefully your husband will bring his guitar and harmonica. Did he not get the memo that this is required behaviour on lakes in row boats when on honeymoon? Also, I am really impressed about the prices! So cheap. #CityTripping
haha no I guess he didn’t get the memo! I will have to scold him now! haha
This is the sort of place everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime! I’m hoping to fit it in soon. #citytripping
such a pretty place. keeps popping up constantly in blog posts. maybe it’s a sign? 🙂
and that cake? looking super yummy!
#WanderfulWednesday
My sister went to Bled for a conference a while ago and hiked all the way to the castle, but she said there was a cable car or train to take up there as well – she just didn’t find it until she’d hiked up! Her pictures and yours definitely make me want to plan a stop out there! It’s gorgeous!
Im not sure if there is a cable car/train to the castle, but there is a cable car at Lake Bled. We also didnt have the time to do that! Hope you can go one day!
Lake Bled does look picture perfect. Although I don’t discriminate when bodies of water are involved. I love them all 😉 #wanderfulwednesday
You must be an Aquarius like me then! 🙂
Lake Bled is so on my bucket list! It looks pretty all year round! #wanderfulwednesday
Those views are so gorgeous, I would probably sit at the shoreline and admire the view all day long – especially if I visited on such a sunny day like you did! Absolutely stunning!
It was hard to leave!!
Lake Bled is sooo far up on my list, seriously! 🙂 I mean just look how beautiful it is!
Lake Bled is so pretty and I’ve loved following your updates on Instagram Lori. This is great information and being saved and shared for future reference. I do not think it is necessary to repeat the Australian name for the cake on this occassion! #farawayfiles
Haha no I don’t think so either haha Don’t want to turn people off!
We just visited and I wish I’d known about the peak to hike to! (Though the hike to the castle was enough with the warm weather). What a gorgeous place to visit! #FarawayFiles
Aw what a shame! But to be honest, my first visit I didn’t know about it either!
You’ve been to a lot of beautiful lakes this year, Lori! More stunning pictures here too. Lake Bled looks absolutely picture perfect and rowing, hiking and strolling followed by a cream cake makes for the perfect visit, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
As an Aquarius I’m easily drawn to water and lately I have been in desperate need of being by nature and water! 🙂
Lake Bled is utterly gorgeous, but we when visited Slovenia (twice) we found that we preferred the equally scenic but less-touristy Lake Bohinj just a few kilometres away. Bohinj is surrounded by even more dramatic mountains (with one hell of a cable car trip, if I remember correctly) but, I admit, lacks the magic dust created by Bled’s island. Anyway, I digress, Slovenia is wonderful and I really hope we get back there soon.
We definitely plan to explore more of Slovenia one day!
Not so sure about the rowing, maybe I could get the teens to do that, but the walking and cake sound wonderful. #CityTripping
It really is picture perfect. I really want to go to Slovenia, I have been hearing so many good things about it. I think you are right it definitely deserves a full day. #TheWeeklyPostcard.
You’d love it! It’s absolutely charming!
Wow, what a beautiful place for a honeymoon! What else can you do on the island? #citytripping
There’s only the church, a souvenir shop and ice cream.
Lake Bled seriously looks like a fairytale destination. Every time I read about it or look through pictures, it creeps up a little higher on my bucket list. These look like some great activities to do there as well 😀
Oh it’s definitely a place you have to see at least once!
Lake Bled is indeed one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever visited. We only had a few hours there, but I could have stayed at least a week without getting bored. Beautiful pictures! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Oh so very very gorgeous!! I reckon I would enjoy the hike to the vantage point but I don’t trust myself to row the boat (am afraid will fall into the water haha), so may opt for the traditional boat instead. And yes, I would love to have that cake as a reward for the exercise and hard work! 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
The view from the top of the hill looking down on the lake is fantastic. I’ll have to keep that in mind when I visit and get tired of hiking upwards. I like that you can row out to the island. I guess my husband will probably be happy that the tower is off limits, ha ha. And I’d definitely be topping off my visit with a slice of that yummy cake.
Slovenia looks amazing and is one place I’d like to visit before it starts getting too crowded!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Oh my my, it looks sooooo beautiful! I want to visit Slovenia soon and a trip to Lake Bled is a must! I’m curious though, how much did you have to wait for a photo on that bench? 😉
Um, the viewpoint isn’t so big for a lot of people – I’d say at any one given there was always 10-15 people. There’s only the one bench, and after we took our pictures we snagged a spot on the bench. I’d say we only had to wait 10 minutes!
Lake Bled has been on my travel list for a loong time now! I love the idea of climbing the mountains to get that incredible view! Looks like you have a lovely time, your pctures are stunning #farawayfiles
Thank you! Yes the hike is definitely worth the view!! Do it!!
Oh my gosh – gorgeous! We want to do all of those things! Of course, we have to get there first. Have to work on that plan to tour the Balkans – the more we see, the more we want to go! We’ve pinned this one for later reference. Thanks for all the good info, Lolo! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I’ll be turning our two week Balkans honeymoon road trip into a guide so keep a look out for that!
Really glad you enjoyed Lake Bled. It truly is a magical place. I’ve wanted to go up Ojstrica but managed to miss out both times. That shot of you two up there is perfect. For that view, definitely next time. Those Bled Cream Cakes are delicious but one is certainly more than enough!
It was our second visit and we knew we had to go back because our first visit was gloomy and rainy. Didn’t have the same awe I had on this visit!
The views from the top of Ojstrica are classic. I agree with you and taking the row boat over to Bled Island is the best way to go.
if i did all that hiking and rowing I would have dug into that cake, too! It looks delicious and the scenery is amazing. Nice find!
This looks like the perfect weekend getaway! I love lakes (prefer them over beaches) and Lake Bled is gorgeous! Love the picture of you two on the bench, just perfect!
Thank you! It’s going straight on my wall!
I highly recommend the restaurant at the castle for dinner. The food is excellent and the view is beautiful! Thanks for linking in to #wkendtravelinspiration
Thanks for the tip! Our first time we enjoyed a coffee!
This is a dream of ours, to spend time at Lake Bled. Your photos are incredible, have pinned for when we do eventually visit! Great post. #feetdotravel
Thank you! It’s definitely worth a visit!
Wow! Lake Bled has been on my list for a few years now. You captured it beautifully and your post is perfect! Thanks for all the info and great pictures. Saving this for later!
This IS picture perfect! I’d love to visit Slovenia one day. The Bled castle looks like something from the fairy tales!
Lake Bled is simply lovely. Your photos inspire me! My daughter loved Lake Bled when she visited last summer (and she didn’t love everything about the area around it so that’s saying something!).
Every time I see Lake Bled I have a wanderlust attack! lol Your pictures are the most beautiful ones ever… I´ve never heard about the cake before! That would be the next well-deserved step after hiking and rowing! #FeetDoTravel
Thanks so much! Hope you can go one day!
I love that tiny little island! I would love to live in a little house there!
Lake Bled is seriously beautiful and I would do every one of these suggestions! I love the true meaning of a cream cake, and would devour one after a row across the lake AND after walking up the mountain for that fabulous view, AND after visiting the castle haha. Great post , pinned! #feetdotravel
Perfect timing. I’m researching Slovenia to visit in May. I’ll be taking this info with me. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Oh then enjoy!! ?