From postcard-worthy hikes along its shores to underground kayaking, discover the best things to do in Lake Bled in this jam-packed guide.
Lake Bled: a haven of fun nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Slovenia. With its enchanting island crowned by a picturesque church, this is a destination that often flies under the radar of adventurous travellers.
The area is small but mighty, filled with stunning cycle routes and plenty of water-based fun. Here’s our pick of unmissable activities, plus some tips to help you make the most out of your stay.
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Best Things to Do in Lake Bled
Hike to One of (Many) Impressive Lookouts
You’re hardly short of incredible views in Lake Bled, but there are a couple of viewpoints you NEED to check out. The main spots are Mala Osojnica (our favourite), Ojstrica, and Velika Osojnica.
Mala Osojnica is the prettiest but it’s also the steepest hike, while Ojstrica is equally steep but a lot shorter. Both of these routes are popular, so you’ll likely be sharing the path with other hikers. Whichever hike you choose, you’re guaranteed incredible views over Lake Bled.
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Take a Dip in Lake Bled
If you’re visiting Lake Bled in the warmer months, you need to take a dip. There are multiple dedicated areas around the lake, plus ample lockers and changing areas.
Grajsko Kopališče (Castle Bathing Area) is the most popular place to swim in Lake Bled, especially between June and September. This blue flag area boasts plenty of amenities: waterslides, four outdoor swimming pools, a jumping board, and lots of shade to help you keep cool in the middle of summer.
Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Bled
Visiting Lake Bled without spending time on the lake is akin to visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. There are plenty of rental locations around the lake, but the most popular place is Grand Hotel Toplice. Boat rental costs around €20 per hour so it isn’t cheap, but it’s the most memorable thing to do in Bled.
Give yourself plenty of time to row over to the island that sits in the middle of the lake as there’s a couple of cafes where you can have a pit stop, as well as a pretty church. If you’re a little bit nervous, we recommend booking a transparent kayaking tour as you can follow a guide and these kayaks are SO easy to use.
Step Inside Bled Castle
Bled Castle is an iconic symbol of Lake Bled, perched atop rugged cliffs. This medieval fortress dates back over thousands of years and one of the best ways to learn about the region’s history is by heading inside for €17.
We promise it’s worth the steep walk up the hill. The views from outside Bled Castle are incredible; the azure lake sits below and you can even spot the Julian Alps in the distance.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Adventurous Things to do in Slovenia
Take a Thrilling Ride on a Toboggan
If you’re seeking an extra dose of excitement during your summer escapade to Lake Bled, a thrilling toboggan ride down the slopes of Straža is an absolute must. Situated along the ski slope and accessible via chairlift, this adrenaline-pumping experience promises adventure and awe-inspiring views.
With a track length spanning 520 metres, riders are propelled down the mountainside at speeds reaching up to 40 km/h. The journey is not for the faint of heart, as the average incline of 25.2% ensures a heart-racing descent from start to finish. It costs €12 to take the lift to the top and the toboggan down.
Go Underground Kayaking
Embarking on a subterranean kayaking adventure is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled. Paddle through the labyrinthine passages of a former mine, unravelling the history hidden beneath the surface.
Fair warning: this is an intense day trip that will take around eight hours and can feel claustrophobic in parts. That said, navigating through narrow passageways and expansive caverns is an incredibly unique experience.
Take a Stroll Around the Lake
One of the best things to do in Lake Bled, especially if you’re here on a day trip, is to wander the perimeter of the lake. This takes around two hours and is a seriously beautiful walk (not to mention that it’s pretty flat, too.)
The best part? There’s a path that goes all the way around, with plenty of restaurants and cafes along the way. Don’t forget to stop at the Park Cafe for a slice of Bled cream cake – it’s the tastiest spot in Slovenia.
Cycle to Vintgar Gorge
While not in Bled, visiting Vintgar Gorge is a must-do. This beautiful 1.6km boardwalk route circles through stunning Slovenian countryside on the fringes of Triglav National Park. Head here early in the morning (around 9am when it opens) to beat the crowds and get the best photos.
If you want to visit the gateway to Triglav, we recommend you hop on the free VINTGAR shuttle from the Bled Castle parking lot, which runs every hour. From there, you can opt for a guided tour of Vintgar Gorge. There’s also the option to cycle from Bled – the path is well marked and it takes around 20 minutes to reach Vintgar Gorge.
Read Next: 9 Best Activities in Triglav National Park
How to Get to Lake Bled
The best way to travel to Lake Bled is from Ljubljana. From the capital, you can get a bus or train (though the train takes you to Lesce-Bled station, where you can then get a taxi or tourist train in the summer.) The bus takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and costs €5.70 euros each way, or €1.60 on weekends.
We don’t recommend renting a car if you are just travelling from Ljubljana. Parking in Lake Bled is expensive and you’ll need to get there early to secure a spot close to the lake. Travel from Trieste and Zagreb is also possible by train and bus.
If you’re short on time, another option is to book a day trip from Ljubljana and transport will conveniently be included.
Where to Stay near Lake Bled
You have a couple of options when deciding where to stay in Lake Bled. There are a few hotels and hostels in and around Bled, though options are fairly limited in comparison to the capital. If you’re spending multiple days in Lake Bled, we recommend staying in Bled town.
Lake Bled Trip Costs
Transportation
Travelling around Slovenia is relatively inexpensive. If you’re travelling from Ljubljana, expect to pay between €6/$6 and €17/$18 depending on whether you choose to go by bus or train.
Accommodation
In our experience, the cost of accommodation is fairly high near Lake Bled thanks to a limited number of options. On average, hotel room rates cost around €140/$150 per night.
If you want to save some cash, consider booking a bed in a hostel. This costs approximately €20/$21 per person per night. We usually opt for a private room and found that this was significantly cheaper (and equally as comfortable as a hotel room.)
Food
Food is an average price in Slovenia, especially if you’re travelling from the UK or USA. Expect to pay around €28/$30 per person per day when dining out near Lake Bled – though it’s possible to keep costs down by grabbing food from the supermarket (Mercator or Spar) in Bled town.
Mobile Data
The WiFi around Lake Bled is usually pretty good but we always use Airalo’s e-sims as they are easy to install on your phone and work out very cost effective. You can choose between a Slovenia-only, Europe, or Global e-sim and top up as you go.
How Long to Spend Visiting Lake Bled
While Lake Bled is seriously beautiful, there’s not too much to do outside of activities on the lake. We think three nights is the perfect amount of time to spend some time on the water and explore the castle and gorge.
If you’re short on time, a day trip to Lake Bled should allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area and give yourself time to get out on the water.
Best Time to Visit Lake Bled
When to visit Lake Bled depends on what you want to do. Fancy hiking to the best viewpoints? Spring and autumn are great times as the weather is cooler and the crowds are thinner.
Summer is definitely the best time if you’re looking to get involved with swimming or kayaking/paddleboarding. It will be busier, but we think it’s worth it. Although, you don’t need to panic if you’re visiting in winter. It can be very beautiful – especially if it snows – but many nearby shops and restaurants will be closed.
