Lake Bled ended up on my list of destinations somewhat by chance, amazed by the magical charm of this place that emanates from the images of well-known photographers. The dreamlike landscapes with the slender silhouette of the church mirrored in the azure waters of the lake, with the mountains shrouded in fog or snow, with the multicolored autumn forests surrounding the lake made me choose Slovenia as a destination for a short vacation of a few days. The only negative aspect was the period chosen or rather imposed by the only free weekends in the tourist season, namely the beginning of August.
Along with us, tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world, but especially Italy, Austria or Germany, have chosen Lake Bled as their holiday destination. But beyond the crowds and the time lost in queues at the entrance to the resort or in search of a parking space, Bled has become one of the few places where I decided to return once, preferably in another period and for a longer time. I discovered in the 3 short visits a magical place, which offers infinitely more experiences, beyond the fascinating attraction of the lake, being an excellent starting point for exploring the region or the entire country.
Location and Access
Like any other destination in Slovenia, Lake Bled is extremely accessible from wherever you are, being located just a few minutes from the highway connecting to Ljubljana. Located in the northwestern part of Slovenia, the lake is only 60 km (45 minutes) from the capital. However, at the peak of the tourist season (July-August), you can wait even for hours to get near the lake, sometimes queues form on the highway. Once you enter the road surrounding the lake, it is often almost impossible to find a parking space. The best idea would be to book accommodation at Lake Bled or in the immediate vicinity, enough to be able to visit it on foot.
Sights of Lake Bled
Lake Bled itself is a fascinating attraction, offering an experience and landscape that seem to be taken from storybooks. Travelers arriving on its shores are enchanted by the emerald or sapphire mirror, the waters changing their hue according to the weather and season. All around, mountains rise dizzyingly above the lake, offering unforgettable panoramas. Bled is a complete and complex destination, both in itself and through the numerous attractions located nearby.
A tourist trail of about 6 km surrounds Lake Bled, offering always new and exciting panoramas. Here and there, small beaches or pontoons allow visitors to swim or rent pleasure boats to spend unique moments. In the middle of Lake Bled and visible from almost anywhere, is Bled Island. Its presence and the church inside greatly enhance the beauty of the lake. Legends say that on the island there was a pagan sanctuary of a goddess of love. Currently, the slender silhouette of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary stands out on the island, which can be reached by traditional boats that make this route regularly.
On the eastern side of the lake rises a rock from which the imposing Bled Castle dominates the surroundings. From its ramparts, which are over 130 meters high, the panorama of the lower lake and the mountains in the distance takes your breath away. With a history spanning over a millennium, the castle above Lake Bled also offers a glimpse into the past of these places. Once inside, you can visit several interesting buildings that house museums and exhibitions.
For the more adventurous who want to combine a visit to the lake with physical activity, there are several hiking trails to the surrounding hills, two of which offer the most famous panoramas of the lake. The trail up Ojstrica Hill takes about 20 minutes, while a more difficult trail climbs Osojnica Hill, taking 45 minutes to the first viewpoint and another 20 minutes to the highest peak.
Nearby Trips from Lake Bled
Vintgar Canyon
Just 4 km from Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful and spectacular canyons in Europe. Vintgar Canyon can be visited during the tourist season, the route offering a fascinating experience. An incursion into a special world, where the emerald waters of the river pass through the steep and narrow walls of the mountains. The route arranged on wooden bridges or on the riverbank is approximately 1 and a half km long and must be covered and returned if you arrive by car. At the end of it, you will be able to admire the magnificent Šum waterfall.
Lake Bohinj
About 20 km west of Lake Bled, you can visit Lake Bohinj. It is located in a spectacular natural setting, surrounded on all sides by plateaus and high peaks. In addition to the recreational opportunities on the lake and its unique beauty, you can also visit several special attractions nearby: Savica Waterfall, Vogel Peak, Mostnica Canyon and others. From Bohinj, you can start exploring the Triglav National Park, with its spectacular mountain landscapes.
Pokljuka Plateau
Part of the Triglav National Park, the Pokljuka Plateau is located at an altitude of 1,300 meters and is about 20 km long. This authentic destination offers both opportunities for hiking and other activities, as well as an insight into the rural mountain traditions of Slovenia. Located in the middle of the bear migration routes, the Pokljuka Plateau has authentic landscapes, with mountain pastures and hamlets with simple traditional houses. Here you can also try authentic Slovenian cuisine.
Accommodation around Lake Bled
Rating 9.3 from 1.349 reviews!
Accommodation in an exceptional atmosphere, just 100 meters from the lake and 300 meters from the castle. It offers all the necessary facilities for a luxurious stay.
Rating 9.1 from 694 reviews!
Formerly known as Vila Istra, the hotel offers unique views of the lake and mountains. The rooms feature luxurious amenities.
Rating 9.2 from 2.502 reviews!
Located 1.5 km from Lake Bled, the villa offers accommodation in modern rooms and has a shared lounge, a garden and two terraces.