13 BEST Things To Do In Lake Bled, Slovenia in 2024
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Lake Bled, I’ve got you covered!
Looking at colorful pictures of the turquoise water, tree lined mountains, and blue sky, you might think the pictures of Lake Bled are edited to look perfect, but I can assure you they are not. It truly is that picturesque there. This enchanting town offers visitors breathtaking views and leisure activities for a perfect weekend or even a day trip from Ljubljana.
I loved my trips to Lake Bled so much that I had my wedding here in 2024! My husband and I had 70 guests from around the world attend our wedding here and they all commented how much they loved the town! Many of our guests were not familiar with Slovenia before our wedding but now they say they can’t wait to come back!
Best Things To Do In Lake Bled
Here are some highlights to check out during your trip to Lake Bled.
1. Stroll around Lake Bled
Enjoy a walk on the gravel path around the lake with serene views of the Julian Alps, the lake, and Bled Castle. At average walking speed, it takes about an hour and half to get around the whole lake.
Be sure to stop for an Instagram worthy picture at the heart cut out on the shore.
2. Visit Bled Castle
This medieval castle is built on a hill overlooking the lake and the town of Bled. The stunning panorama views from the 11th century castle grounds are well worth the fee of admission.
I got married at Bled Castle! You can have small wedding/elopement or large wedding at the castle. It’s a beautiful wedding venue!
3. Eat Bled Cream Cake
Enjoy a classic Lake Bled dessert. The original is only available at specific hotels and restaurants. The sweet treat consists of a crisp crust, vanilla cream, whipped cream, more buttery dough and topped with yet another layer of powdered sugar.
You can get a slice from the restaurant at Bled Castle to enjoy beautiful views with your sweet treat!
4. Enjoy a boat ride
Ride on a traditional wooden boat, known as a Pletna boat out on the water. The Pletna boats seat about 20 people and are captained by an oarsman who stands and rows from the back of the boat. It is 18 euro for a round trip ride (cash only!). It takes about 30 minutes (depending on the strength of the rower and the winds) to get to the island, they drop you at the island for about 45 minutes, and then another 30 minutes on the boat back.
There are a couple places you can catch a Pletna boat from. There’s dock near Grand Hotel Toplice that’s pretty center to town.
5. Visit Bled Island
You can reach Bled Island in either Pletna boat or a rowboat. On this small charming island you can enjoy a coffee or ice cream at the cafe or explore the church (for an entry fee) before you take the boat back.
You can can climb the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption. If you pay to enter the church, you can ring the famous wishing bell.
6. Walk through Vintgar Gorge
This beautiful canyon is only 4km from Bled. You can even rent a bike in town and cycle over or there’s a bus that can take you if you don’t have your own car.
Walk through the gorge along wooden paths and bridges over the river to the reward that awaits you at the end: a 52 meter drop waterfall. The well-maintained wooden walkways that wind through the gorge make it an accessible and enjoyable journey for all types of travelers.
Keep in mind that the gorge can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons, so planning your visit for early morning or later in the afternoon might offer a quieter experience. Tickets are timed so they can control how many people enter the gorge at once. You may need to wait a bit for your time slot.
7. Hike to Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica Viewpoint
There are forested hills nearby that provide gorgeous sweeping views of Lake Bled and only take about 45 minutes to hike up on a moderately challenging trail. Be careful on your way back down because the rocky trail gets slippery in places with the loose stones.
The Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica hike starts at the Velika Zaka car park on the west side of Lake Bled. Or if you don’t have a car, you can walk along the Lake Bled circuit trail on the south shore to the trailhead.
8. Royal Bled Golf Club
Royal Bled Golf Club is said to be one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe. The course’s 18-hole design takes advantage of the picturesque landscape, with fairways winding through meadows and forests, complete with great views of the mountains, which are snow-capped in spring and autumn. The well-maintained greens offer a satisfying challenge for both beginners and seasoned players.
9. Swim in Lake Bled
Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Bled (in certain designated areas)! It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day and enjoy the picturesque lake. Vila Bled has a great swimming spot, if you opt to stay there during your time in Lake Bled.
10. Take a ride on an Alpine Slide
Go summer tobogganing on Straža Hill! From spring to autumn you can take a ride on the sledding track on a ski slope with great views of the lake. In the spring it’s only open on Saturday and Sunday, but peak summer season from June through September it’s open every day.
11. Enjoy a delicious meal
My top recommendations for places to eat include:
Spica: I ate multiple meals here because the food is classic comfort food and the atmosphere is casual and fun. Inside it feels like a cozy pub restaurant and they also have a patio that’s perfect for enjoying a drink with their delicious pizza on a hot day.
Vila Preseren: This hotel restaurant has a lovely large terrace with lake views. It’s the perfect spot to rest your feet after a walk around the lake and enjoy a cold beer with your meal.
Ostarija Peglezn: Cute Italian restaurant that tends to be busy so go early. I ate here with a small group and everyone enjoyed their dishes from seafood to pasta.
Old Cellar: Make reservations here if you’re looking for a nice dinner or a date night spot.
12. Go for a Panoramic Boat Ride at Lake Bohinj
If you have a rental car, it’s definitely worth the 25-30 minute drive from Lake Bled to neighboring Lake Bohinj. There’s an electric Panoramic Boat that operates from the end of March through the beginning of November.
I recommend booking tickets online ahead of time, as space is limited. You can take it one way across the lake or get a round trip ticket.
13. Hike to Slap Savica in Bohinj
This short hike in the neighboring town of Bohinj is not far in distance but the path has lots of stairs so be prepared to use your leg muscles. You are rewarded with pretty waterfall views where you can stretch out your legs before descending again.
Where to Stay in Lake Bled
Book your hotel as early as possible, rooms fill up in this small lake town and can get quite pricey. Also, if you’re visiting during the peak of summer, be aware that not all hotels have air conditioning.
📍Mid Range: Hotel Savica is a nice 4-star hotel option that is centrally located and just a short easy walk away from the lake. I had an enjoyable 2 night stay here in 2022.
📍Mid-range: Bled Rose Hotel. This modern 4-star hotel is newer than a lot of other hotels in the area. I also had a wedding ceremony here! They have a delicious breakfast buffet with a nice bright restaurant and terrace to enjoy it at.
We stayed in a few different rooms over the 8 days we stayed here. The lake view rooms don’t have much of lake view if you aren’t on the top floor, so mountain side works just as well.
📍Luxury: Grand Hotel Toplice. This 5-star hotel’s location can’t be beat in Lake Bled. Right on the water it offers stunning views of the lake, the Julian Alps, and Bled Castle perched on the cliffs across the lake. Although I classified it as luxury, be aware it is a bit dated – but that can be part of the charm.
Best Time To Visit Lake Bled
The small town gets very busy with the number of tourists so be prepared to deal with crowds during peak season, which is the summer months of June through September. The weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and the scenery comes to life with lush greenery.
However, if you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the off-season can also be a great option. From October to April the crowds thin out and the winter scenery of the snowcapped Julian Alps can be breathtaking.
I personally think May is the best month to visit Lake Bled because it’s warm enough to enjoy all the outdoor activities. Plus all the greenery and flowers are in bloom for pretty scenery without the summer crowds. That’s why I chose late May to get married in Lake Bled 😊.
Things To Do In Lake Bled FAQs
Here’s some more helpful information for planning your itinerary in Lake Bled.
What are the best things to do in one day in Lake Bled?
If you only have one day, my top recommendations are Bled Castle, walking around the lake, taking a Pletna boat to the Island, and enjoying a piece of Bled Cream cake with lakeside views.
How many days is enough for Lake Bled?
You can absolutely do a day trip to Lake Bled. If you are passing through the area on your travels or want to visit for a day from Ljubljana you certainly can spend just one day to see the highlights. However, I recommend 2-3 days to visit this amazing lake. You can easily spend a day around Lake Bled itself and then another day checking out nearby attractions.
I’ve spent over 10 days there in total between my trips and still have more I want to see and do in the area!
TL;DR: Best Things To Do In Lake Bled
Lake Bled should be on everyone’s travel bucket list for at least one day. It’s an amazing European destination for outdoor activities and relaxation in picturesque landscapes. Don’t miss spending time near the lake and the views from Bled Castle. Experience the magic of Lake Bled for yourself!
Another magical European travel destination is Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, read travel tips for planning your visit here.