Lake Bled is probably Slovenia's most famous postcard. It's best known for its island, inhabited by a small church. But there are many other interesting sites in the area, so here's what to do around Lake Bled.
1. Walk around the lake
The circumference of Lake Bled is just 6 km. So one of the most popular and enjoyable activities is to walk around one of Slovenia's most beautiful spots. Allow 1 h 30 to 2 h for this. However, don't expect to do it by bike, as the path around the lake is not equipped for it. Instead, you'll have to walk around the lake, making a few stops and detours along the way. For example, you can take the Mala Osojnica trail, which starts right by the lake. A 20-minute walk will take you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the lake, even better than the one from Bled Castle, and above all, it's free. You can also climb up to the Belvedere, a café perched on stilts high above the lake, offering a bird's-eye view of the lake. It's an excellent place to try the famous kremšnita, a typical Bled cream cake.
To book: We recommend booking this excursion to Lake Bled and Bled Castle from Ljubljana.
2. Traditional boat trip to the island of
Where Venice has its gondolas, Bled has its pletnas. These are the traditional boats that take tourists to the island. You can then stay a few minutes to explore every nook and cranny, including a pleasant little café.
Alternatively, embark on an extraordinary summer adventure in the heart of Lake Bled's natural beauty by booking this unique stand-up paddle excursion around Lake Bled. As you paddle along the shoreline, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Bled's iconic landmarks, including the picturesque island of Bled and the majestic Julian Alps in the distance.
3. Stroll through the village of Radovljica
Radovljica is a small medieval village about ten minutes' drive from Bled, or twenty minutes by bike. It is built around a main square surrounded by old buildings. One of these is home to one of Slovenia's finest restaurants, Hiša Linhart, which has been awarded a Michelin star. The other restaurants on the square are equally renowned. Take a leisurely stroll for an hour or two through the village's pretty alleyways.
Article to read: if you want to travel by soft mobility, don't forget to read our article onorganizing a train itinerary in Europe.
4. Take an excursion to Kranjska Gora
If you're looking for something to do around Lake Bled, Kranjska Gora is a great idea for a day trip. It's a charming, typical Slovenian village built around its church. On the outskirts of the village lies Lake Jasna. In summer, it's a refreshing swim, but in winter, the lake freezes over, making it ideal for ice skating. That's why Kranjska Gora is an excellent destination in February. Not far from Kranjska Gora is the Zelenci Reserve, a protected area with an impressive turquoise-blue pond.
5. Visit the Vintgar Gorge
The Vintgar Gorge is one of the favorite activities of those looking for something to do around Lake Bled. It's a canyon carved out by a crystal-blue torrent. The gorge is lined with pretty wooden paths that run along the rock faces and make for impressive photo opportunities. You'll see why Slovenia is called "the green jewel of Europe". You then leave the river to return to your starting point on a loop trail. There are two trails to choose from, the prettier Sv. Katarina. It crosses pastures and passes a beautiful little church and a mountain inn.
6. Explore Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is Slovenia's second most famous lake after Lake Bled. It is, however, much wilder, making it a true eco-destination. It's also Slovenia's largest permanent lake. You can sunbathe on its shores, take a non-polluting boat trip to the other side and then return on foot, or why not try your hand at paddling. Bohinj is surrounded by forests and mountains offering excellent hiking opportunities, such as Planina Zajamniki, an authentic shepherds' village lost in the mountains, which is also a destination with very few tourists.
7. Climbing up to the Vršič Pass
The Vršič Pass is Slovenia's highest mountain pass. This green destination is a good solution for those wondering what to do around Lake Bled, as it can be reached in just an hour's drive. Once you've climbed to the top, which the more courageous can reach by bike, there are several hikes, the most famous of which takes you around the Vršič summit in just one hour. There are also several inns at the summit where you can eat. On the way to the pass, don't miss the Russian Chapel, an authentic little wooden church built by Russian prisoners during the Second World War. The Vršič Pass is also the perfect destination in September or October, when it is surrounded by forests and takes on shimmering colors.
8. See the church of Jamnik
Jamnik Church is one of the thousands of small country churches in Slovenia. This one is particularly beautiful, however, as it is perched on the top of a hill. It's only a 30-minute drive from Bled, on the road to Ljubljana.
9. A trip to Ljubljana
Slovenia's capital is a perfect day out for those wondering what to do around Lake Bled. It's only 40 minutes away. There's plenty to do in Ljubljana, including the thousand-year-old castle, the National Gallery, an art museum, a stroll through the historic center or a boat trip. Ljubljana is a pedestrian city, full of charm and inviting to stroll around. It also boasts a particularly dynamic culinary scene, with trendy and creative restaurants.
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Where to stay around Lake Bled? Our selection of the best hotels
There are many hotels around Lake Bled, but they are mostly luxury hotels, and many of them are quite expensive, although there are some good options for a more affordable price. However, the ideal solution is to move a little further away from the shores of the lake, to benefit from a more natural and authentic setting and less inflated prices, provided you have a car, as public transport does not connect the immediate countryside to the lake. Our three favorite addresses around the lake are:
- Vila Bled: this is the former pavilion where Yugoslav leader Tito used to rest and occasionally invited royalty from all over the world. It's easy to see why: both the villa and the view are breathtaking. This hotel, which you can book right here, is located directly on the lake and boasts an excellent restaurant serving the best kremšnita (Bled cake) on the lake.
- Pr' Matjon Pension: this authentic guesthouse, which you can book here, is ideally located in a quiet village two kilometers from the lake. What's more, it'sa family-run pension where you'll always receive a warm welcome. The rooms are very cosy and you'll have all the comforts you need: television, parking space, bike rental service... The establishment also has a restaurant.
- Mulej Farm in Slovenia, it's always a good idea to sleep on a farm by booking here. You'll enjoy an authentic atmosphere, and be able to taste Slovenian specialities homemade by your hosts, sometimes even using ingredients from the farm. Mulej Farm has its own animals, including cows, geese and a dog, and since it's far from the hustle and bustle of the lake, it's also possible to come across wild animals, such as deer.
