-Europe.Slovenia.Bled-
It is practically a no-brainer to decide to visit Bled if visiting Ljubljana or Slovenia. There is plenty to do especially in the summer , there are interesting hike trails around with possibilities of cycling or walking around the lake. Boating and swimming in the lake are common activities. Slovenia is where one comes when you want to be awed by nature – Lake Bled is no exception. It is a tectonic basin which was filled with melted ice from the nearby glacier – leaving an island in the middle. An art creation of nature , if you ask me. It is beautiful in all four seasons and many do a day trip from Ljubljana. There are also plenty of hotels and apartments for rent in Bled.
Check out the web cam for current conditions in Bled
Getting To Lake Bled
By car is the most convenient way , because you then have the flexibility to drive around the lake or decide to stop and park.
From Ljubljana, you can take the train that runs almost hourly to Lesce-Bled then with the bus to Ljulbjana castle. If you are new to Slovenia, I would not recommend it , – I took the train once but it was stressful as they had almost no announcements and I had to be very alert in order not to miss the stop.
From Ljubljana to Bled by Bus is the better way to go, as the stop is a 5-minute walk away from the Lake. There are hourly departures both ways and it is around a 75 minute ride. Ticket prices and schedules you find here . Just type in from LJUBLJANA AVTOBUSNA POSTAJA to BLED then the date of travel.
Seeing Bled
First of all , the Lake is an attraction by itself, it is backed by part of the Alps and therefore provide some impressive views. The island in the Lake is a bonus. It is very possible and nice to walk around the Lake, which will take around an hour and a half. Along the walk there are nice restaurants and bars that you can stop in to have nice coffee (there is always nice coffee in Slovenia! – it is cheap and good) and not forgetting the Creme Schnitte , a famous Bled cream cake. Its sinful yes – but worth a try (really!)
Bled Castle
There is no elevator up to the castle and you have to brave going uphill by lots of stairs ; there are cobblestone areas which could be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes! – the tickets are not cheap either. So I would say the decision to see it or not depends on your interest. If historical stories of the castles , gives you shivers of excitement plus the gorgeous views then go for it! In the castle there is a Gothic chapel inside but the castle is now mainly exhibition place in the rooms. There are displays of the castle through the ages and have special themes for exhibits in the summer months. For tickets and opening times check here.
A tip here is to know the Slovenian name for the castle (Grad) – so Blejski Grad – is the sign you should look for when finding your way to the castle.
Island on Lake Bled
Rowboats are available for rent – if you feel like building some biceps while on the way to the island. There is also the Pletna , similar to the Venetian Gondolas and no, you are not serenaded on the Pletna. Some tourists break into song – “The Hills are alive.. with the sound of Music.” when so in awe of the views. Wrong location for it though 😀 . Its easy to spot these wooden flat bottomed made-in-Bled boats with the colourful awnings, around the lake. Just head on there and talk to the oarsmen who will bring you there for a fee of course.
The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary stands renowed on the small island. To get into the church , there is a 99-step stair climb and an entrance fee. It is about 6 Euros (at the time of publishing) Inside the church there is a bell tower , legend has it that your one wish will be granted after ringing the bell 3 times. Due to the picturesque location , the church is used also for wedding ceremonies with the tradition the groom has to carry the bride 99-steps up, with the bride remaining silent the whole way.
Where to Stay on Lake Bled
Check out my stay at Hotel Triglav Bled
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A 45 second summary for things to do around Lake Bled
Day Trip Ideas from Bled:
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Fell in love with this place after watching Korean drama which was filmed here “Black Knight”
We’re such a short distance from Slovenia, and Lake Bled just looks incredible. I’d love to try that Creme Schnitte cake too, it sounds wonderful! I’ll also not make the mistake of taking the train, but the bus instead when we finally do visit. It sounds like it was a stressful ride!
I have been to Europe twice but I haven’t been in Slovenia yet. I wish I can visit Lake Bled. It looks so exciting. Blejski Grad seems to be a great choice to visit too. There’s so many places I really want to visit Slovenia despite being a small country. I really hope I’ll have that chance.
Does it get any more picture perfect?!!?!?! I haven’t made it to Slovenia, but it’s on my bucket list!! It looks so beautiful and I love that it isn’t overrun with tourists yet. And the boats look so charming!
I have always wanted to visit Slovenia and seeing this post on Bled I am even more tempted. The Bled castle looks so dreamy. The pictures make Bled look like a place straight out of a story book.
Lake Bled has been on my bucket list for many, many years. I would the intersection of architecture and pristine natural beauty. Lake Bled excels in both. I would spent many hours in the Bled Castle reminiscing about earlier times and admiring the impeccable architecture. How quaint that swans even call Lake Bled home. Definitely looks like a place out of a storybook!
An island with a castle in the middle of a gorgeous lake beneath the Alps…seriously, how does it get better than that! I have to say of all the places I’ve seen photos of, Slovenia really tops the list for being dreamy. Lake Bled is no exception. This is super high on my bucket list! Now, to make it happen… thanks for the inspiration–and for saving me from a train fiasco. I’d definitely miss my stop!
I have not heard of Bled in Slovenia. Renting a row boat on Bled Lake sounds like a wonderful adventure. The Assumption Church is the type of site I like to visit. Great to learn about this area I didn’t know about.
I knew about lake Bled and Slovenia but I never really went into reading about all the things that one could do around there. It was lovely learning about those picturesque views and the Assumption Church. Everything looks dreamy about it.
Lake Bled looks so serene and the castle in between in the island is extremely picturesque. I would love to take the row boat and head to the island. Thanks for the share.
It looks so romantic! My favorite part has to be the castle. Places like that are a must when traveling. I love the history they hold. I will say that I wouldn’t want to get married at the Pilgrimage Church though. Walking up those steps, carrying my bride is big undertaking!
I was there two years ago. How quick time flies. Unfortunately I was in spring when weather was not very good, and I always had rain in the second part of the day. I remember that the last day, I woke up early in the morning and quickly went to Lake Bled to have some sunny pictures and then took the boat to the monastery on the island. I have very good memories now.
Being a big fan out hiking, Lake Bled is one place I really want to see. Creme Schnitte sounds like a delicious treat after a day in the great outdoors. Bled Castle (or Blejski Grad) looks stunning, lots of tiring steps to get there but worth it for those views. Did you ring the bell 3 times at The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary?
Slovenia is a place still on our travel wish list. It looks we will definitely have to add Bled to the plans. I love that there are so many outdoor things to do. Although I am not sure I am swimming in a melted ice lake! It is great that you shared pictures from different seasons.
Bled looks extremely scenic, especially the walks around the lake. The views from the castle of the lake are very beautiful and I’d love to see another castle — I love exploring them. It’s good to know that the easiest way to visit is by driving and that Slovenia has great coffee! I agree, Bled seems like a really nice location for a weekend trip.
Whoa! That little fortress in the middle of the lake, on a tiny island looks so so amazing! Reminds me much of a similar castle in the middle of Rhine river in Germany.
Thanks for the heads-up about the Bled Castle stairs & about wearing sturdy shoes. But as a history buff I wouldn’t want to miss it!
Slovenia I have read earlier too that it’s truly a nature’s paradise and I could feel it here again. I would love going around the lake and visit the island. Then sit down at one of the nice restaurants to have a refreshing coffee with Creme Schnitte, the famous Bled cream cake.
The fortress, the lake and the mountains all look postcard perfect! Never read anywhere about this picturesque place. A trip to Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary on that island surely sounds exciting and promising. Bled looks like a perfect family destination in Slovenia!