Are you looking for ideas on things to see and do at Lake Bled ? In this post we give you all the information you need to fully enjoy this beautiful spot. Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia , and without a doubt, one of the best lakes in Europe. It is only 45 minutes from Ljubljana so it would be a real crime not to visit it…
This glacial lake is located in the Julian Alps at an altitude of 475 metres. In addition to its idyllic surroundings, there are three things that make it unique: its colour (it changes from green to blue depending on the weather), its castle (which dominates it from the top of a mountain) and obviously its island .
An island? Yes, the one on Lake Bled is the only natural island in Slovenia. It's not very big, but it's big enough to house a church (the Assumption Church), whose bell tower houses the famous bell that is said to bring good luck to whoever rings it... but before ringing the bell, you'll have to hit the 99 steps that separate it from the waters of the lake. The name of the church in Slovenian is so easy that it's worth remembering: Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja. Olé!
| The best views of Lake Bled
To get the best views of this wonder of Mother Nature there are three options:
- Climb up to Bled Castle, on top of a mountain that rises at the foot of the lake. We didn't go, the entrance costs 11€!!
- Visit the Belvedere Pavilion where you can take the best selfie with the lake in the background. Here you can also try the typical Bled cake: the cream cake, made with whipped cream and flan. Delicious!
- From the pier at the foot of the Belvedere Pavilion there are paths that surround the lake . We went to the left towards a small beach. We didn't get there but it looked very nice! Ideal for a swim.
The lake is worth visiting all year round: in summer it is ideal as its cold waters warm up (a little, don't think it turns into a jacuzzi) and you can swim like a free and happy red mullet. In autumn the surrounding forests turn yellow, red and orange, giving it a very interesting appearance. In winter the lake is covered in snow and ice, and there are even people who skate on it. And in spring the sun and flowers take centre stage.
| What to see and do at Lake Bled
We're not going to bore you with a list. Well, yes, we are very into lists:
– You should definitely take a walk around the lake: with each step you will be amazed more and more. If you want to go all the way around the lake, you can take a 1.5-hour walk. It is well worth it.
– Take a pletna (the typical boat on the lake) and go to the central island . It costs 12€ and it is a rowing boat! Motors are not allowed on the lake to protect the environment. After climbing the 99 steps you will reach the Church of the Assumption where you can make a wish and ring its bell. People usually ask for the 6€ they just paid for entry back.
– After your walk you will be hungry… try the cream cake , it is truly delicious (although it is a good idea to share it with your companion as it is not a light cake. It usually costs €3.6). In the village there is the restaurant that first created this cake, it will not be difficult to find it.
– Walk around the town, it doesn’t have much history but you can buy some souvenirs, try your luck at the casino, keep taking photos of the lake…
– Swimming: There are real “beach” areas where it is possible to enjoy a nice dip, although swimming is generally allowed throughout the lake, except in places where it is expressly prohibited by signs.
– Enjoy the best views from the castle and from the terrace of Café Belvedere, and visit Vila Bled, one of Tito’s former residences… the man did not live badly!
We, having only a few days to enjoy Slovenia, did not have much time to spend on the lake, but we are very sure that we will return: Lake Bled deserves to be visited at a leisurely pace! If you are more forward-thinking than us and have plenty of time, we suggest visiting two places near Bled that are very charming:
- Lake Bohiji: another wonderful alpine lake located just 15km from Bled. As a curiosity, it is the largest lake in Slovenia… yes, sometimes size matters!
- Vintgar Gorge : a canyon carved by the Rodovna River where you can walk for a kilometer and a half between green waters, impressive rocks and waterfalls. It is located just 11 km from Bled.
USEFUL INFO
We visited Bled on a tour that took us to discover several corners of Slovenia in one day . But we are going to leave you with the information you need to visit Lake Bled on your own.
How to get to Lake Bled on your own from Ljubljana :
The most effective way is by bus . The trip takes 75 minutes and costs around 6-8€. You can check the Ljubljana bus station website to check exact times and prices. Oh, and on weekends the prices are much lower (thanks Yudit for the tip!).
If you want to travel by train you have to consider that there are two different stations in Bled (Lesce-Bled international railway station, which is 4km from the town, and Bled Jezero railway station, which is 1.5km from the centre). The journey takes 1 hour, there are several throughout the day. From what we understand you have to change trains in Jesenice… it's better to go by bus!
Sailing on Lake Bled :
The most typical option is to take a trip around the lake (to the island) on a pletna , a traditional wooden boat. It usually costs €12.
We hope that you now know better how to visit Lake Bled and everything there is to see and do in one of the most beautiful corners of Slovenia.
