If you have ever been on Instagram, and followed ANY travel photo account, then you have no doubt seen photos of the incredibly panoramic Lake Bled in Slovenia. Many people have no idea where it is, or even where the little country of Slovenia is, for that matter. Yet thousands of people seek out the little lakeside town of Bled every year, searching for an experience that can be only described as truly unique. But how do you get to Lake Bled, and how long do you need there? We take a look at these questions and more in my Complete Guide to Lake Bled.
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Table of Contents
- What to expect
- Where is Lake Bled?
- Best time to visit Lake Bled
- How to get to Lake Bled
- Daytrips to Lake Bled
- Things to do in Lake Bled
- Places to stay
- Summary
What to expect
Arriving at Lake Bled, you will be greeted with a splendid view of a picture perfect lake. Especially if you arrive in the early morning. The surface can be like a mirror at this time of day, reflecting perfectly the surrounding mountains and forests, and the brilliant blue sky above.
Most visitors to Lake Bled are there for one reason though, and that is the iconic and picturesque sight of the small island that sits in the lake. On this island is a church, along with several other small buildings. Leading up to it is a staircase of 99 steps, often with a boat or two moored at the base. Upon arriving at Lake Bled, depending upon where your arrival meets the lake, the Island may or may not be immediately visible.
I remember on my first visit, that was the case. I wandered down from the bus stop and could not immediately see the island. My heart began to race as I hurried down to the lake’s edge, scanning the still, reflective waters in search for the errant sliver of Earth that I KNEW had to be in the lake somewhere. Even though I had caught the bus, not speaking the language, and navigating totally from Google Maps, I knew I was in the right place. I could even spy the beautiful Bled Castle, perched on the cliff top high above the opposite shoreline. This was definitely the right place!
As it turned out, the spot that I stood on the shoreline was probably one of the ONLY spots I could have found that the island was not visible. As I moved around the lake shore, it slowly emerged from behind the trees, and despite the cold winter morning chill, my heart rate began to quicken. After a long, long journey from the other side of the world, I was actually there!
I spent hours on the Lake shore that day, simply admiring the views. The 6 kilometer walk around the lake went by in a flash, and I hardly took my eyes off the island the entire time. My camera SD card was filling up fast!
Lake Bled is simply a beautiful place. The island is just the start of it though, as I found out later that day as I tore myself away from the lake’s edge to explore further afield. Bled Castle is almost as iconic itself, and offers some of the best views of the lake, the township and entire region. The town of Bled itself reminded me of a Ski Resort, and in a way it sort of is. Despite being on the lakeside, there are some very famous ski resorts located only a short distance away. So in a way, Bled is a bit like Jindabyne, the local “ski town” in Australia, and very close to my heart. It also resides beside a lake.
Lake Bled is a place you just HAVE to visit when you are in, or passing through Slovenia. It has a character and physical presence that you will not find in many other places, and will have you leaving Slovenia with a warm heart and the feeling of knowing that you discovered something really special.
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Where is Lake Bled?
Lake Bled can be found in the north western corner of Slovenia. It is about 55 kilometers from the Slovenian Capital City of Ljubljana.
Described as a Sub Alpine lake, Lake Bled is nestled at the base of the Julian Alps. The Lake itself is a 30 meter deep Glacial Lake, with almost crystal clear blue water.
Best time to visit Lake Bled
The Guide to Lake Bled choice of best time to visit is, well, anytime!
Lake Bled is an all year round location. It all depends on what you actually want to do, but if you are in the area and think it is “out of season” you couldn’t be more wrong! I have been there in the dead of Winter and found that the snowy landscape offers a fairy tale feel that is incredible.
If you are planning a trip though, then here is the Guide to Lake Bled run down of what to expect.
- Summer – May to September are classified as Summer at Lake Bled. You will find the most crowds around this period, but with temps sitting between 25° and 30°C, it is a nice time to be enjoying the lake. Unfortunately, July and August are not only the hottest months but also the wettest.
- Autumn – September to November – Less crowds and temps around 18°C , tending to be more around 12°C in November. Still a pleasant time of year for hiking, but not so much swimming.
- Winter – December to February – Temperatures range from about 7°C to below 0. Although it’s cold, it can also be very picturesque with snow a regular occurrence. You will have no problems with crowds, and prices are less. Sometimes the Lake actually freezes over, so ice skating is possible!
- Spring – March to May – Things begin to warm up a little in Spring at Lake Bled, and as the snow melts in the surrounding hills, hiking becomes more possible. Temperatures start off early in Spring at around 12°C, but heading into May you can expect it to be more around 23°C.
Guide to Lake Bled tip – The very best time to visit is in April – May or September – October. The daytime Temperatures are the best at this time of year, and offer a good all round experience for lakeside activities, Hiking and exploring. The crowds are also less, and prices at better rates.
How to get to Lake Bled
This wouldn’t be a guide to Lake Bled without mentioning how to actually GET there. I wrote an entire article on it, so if you after some more comprehensive information, head on over to THIS link.
Lake Bled is only about 55 kilometers from Ljubljana. It is handy to public transport and major arterial roads, so accessing the area is really easy.
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Here are the guide to Lake Bled options for getting to Lake Bled.
- Car – If you are traveling around Europe by car, or are just driving through the area, then the township of Bled is only just off the motorway. In particular, if you are heading by road from Ljubljana toward Salzburg, Austria, then it is worth stopping off! From Ljubljana, Lake Bled is only a 45 minute drive.
- Train – You can catch the train to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. It is a cheap option to travel, and trains are quite regular. If catching the train to Lake Bled, be aware there are two stations in the area. You want to go to Jezero Bled Station which is only about 1.5 kilometers from the center. The other station is more like 4 kilometers and requires bus or taxi into town. Click HERE for online train tickets and prices.
- Bus – The local bus is the way I get to Lake Bled. From Ljubljana, buses run regularly and take just over an hour or so, depending if you get the local or express service that runs via the airport. For more information on catching the bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, check out THIS article.
- Plane – Ljubljana airport is 31 kilometers from Lake Bled, so you can certainly fly to Lake Bled, but you will have to organize a shuttle to get to your hotel. Alternatively there is the local bus that stops by in the airport and can be found right out front of the terminal. I’m not sure of the times they run though, so you will have to check that when you arrive.
Guide to Lake Bled Tip – Catching the Bus from Ljubljana is the best way to get there, especially in summer when parking is at a premium. If you catch the bus on Sundays, they are half price!
Daytrips to Lake Bled
If you want to visit Lake Bled, and are pushed for time, then sometimes a simple day trip from another city would be the best option. I have visited the Lake myself on a day trip from Ljubljana, just by catching the bus.
If you don’t want to organize it yourself though, or would rather be part of a guided tour, then there are several highly rated and affordable options. Personally, I always use GetYourGuide when it comes to booking tours, as they are the best, safest and most reliable tour guides that operate all around the world.
I will drop a few links in this article, but basically you have a few options for getting to Lake Bled. Two of them stand out from the rest though.
First, there is the tour from Ljubljana to visit Lake Bled. This is really popular as a lot of visitors to Slovenia visit the capital, and then move on. If you are there for a few days though, taking one day to visit Lake Bled is an unmissable experience. Click the Button below to check it out.
Next up is another really popular option for those that are visiting Croatia. Zagreb is not that far away from Lake Bled, as it is only just across the Slovenia/Croatia border. With Croatia having just joined the Schengen Region, you don’t even have to worry about a border crossing! So if you are visiting Croatia, then why not spend a day doing a quick tour across to Lake Bled? They even stop in and show you around Ljubljana on the way. It couldn’t be easier!
Things to do in Lake Bled
Lake Bled is an amazing place, and even though you will come for the scenery and the iconic view of the island, it’s not until you arrive that you realize there is just SO MUCH more to the place. There are so many things to see and do, that unless you are pressed for time, I would really urge you to spend a couple of days.
So let’s take a look at the Guide to Lake Bled list of things to do at Lake Bled.
- Walk around the entire Lake – The Hike around the lake is about 6 kilometers long, but is completely flat, and for the most part totally paved/concreted. The walk is really pleasant, and offers wonderful views of the island from all different angles. You will also find regular places to stop off and either enjoy the views, or have a coffee and some Bled Cake.
- Take a boat to the island – You can easily hire a boat to take you out to island and visit the church. Ringing the bell is a local tradition, and is believed to bring good luck. Boats can be hired at several spots around the lake’s edge.
- Hire a rowboat – If you want to visit the island and hiring a boat is a little out of your price range, then you can actually hire a row boat and row yourself out there!
- Climb up to Bled Castle – The views from the castle are incredible, and worth the climb up the steep path from the lake’s edge. There is also a museum inside the castle, plenty of history, and a wonderful restaurant!
- Try some local Hikes – Hiking around Lake Bled is amazing, with wonderful surrounding forests, mountains and viewpoints. The most common and popular hike is to Mala Osojnica, which is where the iconic views of Lake Bled can be found.
- Ride the toboggan – During warmer months there is a really fun toboggan down the side of the hill for the thrill seekers. The views are also pretty amazing, and would rival any such toboggans anywhere else in the world!
- Go swimming – In Summer the weather is perfect for a dip in the lake. Beware that you can’t just swim anywhere though, as there are always boats plying back and forth to and from the island.
- Enjoy some Bled Cake – This is really a Custard cake and is unique to the Bled area. It’s absolutely delicious, and can be found in nearly any shop or restaurant in the Bled area. Best served with a hot coffee!
- Canyoning, Ziplining and more! – Further afield from Bled you will find some amazing canyons, gorges and other amazing places. Vintgar Gorge is not too far away, and is one of the most incredible gorges that you will ever visit. If you are staying in Bled for a few days, consider a canyoning and rafting daytrip! Click HERE for prices.
Guide to Lake Bled tip – If you are only at Lake Bled for a day, take a stroll around the lake, hire a boat to the island, then hike up to the castle. These three things are almost a must for a short visit!
Places to stay
For places to stay in Lake Bled, there are plenty of options for all budgets. Mostly, you will find accommodation in the township of Bled itself. In reality, Bled and Lake Bled are pretty much the same place.
So let’s take a look at the guide to Lake Bled choices of places to stay.
Luxury
Grand Hotel Toplice
The Grand Hotel Toplice enjoys the only 5 star rating in the entire area. It boasts its very own beach area, amazing views of both the lake and the mountains, and is about as luxurious as they come!
Vila Bled
With Stunning views, surrounds and its very own beach and boat dock, Vila Bled pretty much has it all. This was also the Summer Palace of the former President, so definitely comes highly recommended!
Mid Range
Hotel Park
Hotel Park is one of the most popular places to stay at Lake Bled. It has one of the most highly rated breakfasts, very spacious rooms, and wonderful views out over the lake. Hotel Park also features its own Wellness Centre, Indoor pool and gym.
Hotel Klasika
Hotel Klasika is actually a Guest House that is very highly rated. It is nice and quiet in its location a couple of kilometers from the lake. Beware though that this place is for Adults Only.
Budget
Pension Zaka Bled
With not many budget options available around the Lake Bled area, Pension Zaka stands pretty much alone. Right across the road from the lake and the rowing club, it is well positioned for the easy and cheaper overnight stay. Rooms are warm and comfortable too.
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For a more comprehensive list of places to stay in Lake Bled, check out THIS ARTICLE.
Summary
Thank you for reading the Complete Guide to Lake Bled. I hope the information I have packed in here has been helpful, and will assist you to organize your stay. It truly is an unmissable experience, and I would urge anyone that is thinking of visiting, to just do it!
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