Discover Lake Bled Slovenia in two days

Vacation at Lake Bled in Slovenia

Imagine waking up in the morning and looking out the window at the sparkling Lake Bled in Slovenia. The turquoise water and the surrounding landscape will take your breath away. You immediately feel how the stress of everyday life falls away. These were our most beautiful impressions of Lake Bled.

 

 

Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia

We already knew before we arrived that Bled on Lake Bled is a beautiful place. No wonder! adorns himself Slovenia but in almost every advertising brochure there are photos of the beautiful surroundings of Bled. You don't exaggerate. Lake Bled is just as beautiful as we know it from photos. Bled is a place for Slow Traveler. Even if the place is the destination of bus tours and day trippers even in summer and consists almost exclusively of hotels. Lake Bled and its surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful. We love the view of the lake from the balcony of our hotel. We stay in Hotel Rikli Balance* (advertisement), which is located on a hill in the upper part of the city.

Lake Bled map

 

Slovenia Bled Lake

The first hours after arrival we enjoy from our balcony. We watch the sun as it sinks behind the mountains. We observe the boats that are on the lake. Most are rowing boats, which transport visitors across the lake. Even from up here we can watch the oarsmen propel the boats with steady rudders. There is something reassuring about watching them, something nostalgic.

 

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Bled is located on Lake Bled below the Julian Alps. The place is not far from the Austrian-Slovenian border. This means that the place can be reached quickly and easily from both Bavaria and Austria. In addition, Slovenia's highest mountain, Triglav, is not far away. The sun was shining during our stay. So we can see him well behind the mountains. We need for the arrival of Ljubljana about an hour by car. There is also the airport that is closest to Bled.

“Many visitors only make a stopover at Lake Bled. She is drawn to the Adriatic Sea as quickly as possible,” explains Erika Marolt from the Sava Hotels. Despite its surroundings, the place struggles to fill its hotels. It's difficult for us to understand. Because the place and its surroundings immediately cast a spell over us. What we experience in the one and a half days at Lake Bled Slovenia, we present to you here:

 

 

 

The history of Lake Bled

Lake Bled, also known as Lake Bled Slovenia, is not only scenically impressive but also extremely interesting from a historical point of view. Did you know that the lake is closely related to the development of tourism in Slovenia? In the 19th century, Lake Bled became a popular tourist destination for nobles and wealthy families from all over Europe. The Grand Hotel Toplice, which opened in 1854 and is one of the oldest hotels in Slovenia, is particularly striking. It offered visitors luxurious accommodation and stunning views of the lake. Another milestone in the history of Lake Bled was the opening of the railway line in 1906, connecting Bled with the capital Ljubljana. This connection made the region easier to access and helped tourism continue to thrive.

During World War I, Lake Bled served as a military hospital for wounded soldiers. In the 1930s, the region developed into a popular meeting place for athletes and active vacationers. Rowing competitions, sailing regattas and tennis competitions were organized. During World War II, Lake Bled became the scene of secret service operations. In the vicinity there was an important partisan base, which was repeatedly attacked by the German occupiers.

Today, Lake Bled has lost none of its appeal. With its historic castle, charming island with church and clear water, it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The lake also plays host to various events such as the annual Bled Regatta and the spectacular New Year's Swim.

 

 

Bled sights

• Bled Castle

Bled Castle is perched on a rocky outcrop above the lake. We leave our car in the parking lot below the castle. There we join the caravan of visitors going up the steep slope in front of us. High heels are out of place here. Because the path is paved with pebbles. I even find it difficult to walk in my hiking boots. If you wear shoes with heels, you can hardly get up the mountain.

Nevertheless, the climb is worth it. From the top you have a view of Lake Bled, the city on one side and the island on the other. The castle from the Middle Ages now houses a museum about the history of the region. We look at it, but it quickly pulls us back out into the sun. The view of the lake and the mountains of Triglav are breathtaking from above.

Bled castle

Grajska cesta
4260 Bled
Slovenia

Admission to Bled Castle:

Adults EUR 13,00
Students EUR 8,50
Children up to and including 14 years 5,00 EUR

Parking at Bled Castle:

You can drive your car to the parking lot under the castle. There is also the bus parking lot. Parking fees are EUR 3,00 for a parking period of up to 2 hours.

Bled Castle opening hours:

May - September: daily 8.00 a.m. - 20.00 p.m
January - April and October - December: daily 8.00 a.m. - 18.00 p.m

 

 

• The island of Blejski Otok in Lake Bled

Slovenia's only island is in Lake Bled. St. Mary's Church is located on Blejski Otok, which is a popular lakeside destination. Wooden boats sail from the lake shore across to the island. The pletnas resemble the boats we see in the Salzkammergut know. There they are called plates. Archaeological sites from the Early and High Middle Ages can also be found on the island.

Pletna boats wait for their passengers in the spa park, below the Hotel Park, in Mlini and in Velika Zaka. In total there are 23 pletna boats on Lake Bled. Each of these boats can accommodate 18 passengers. The pletnar - that's the name of the boatman - steers the boat with a special technique. He moves the boat forward while standing with two oars. Pletnarji are highly respected. When Empress Maria Theresa ruled here, she gave the rights to operate such boats to farmers whose land was not good enough to live on. Since then, this profession has been passed on within families.

 

 

• Grimschitz Castle on Lake Bled

Between the two world wars, Lake Bled was Slovenia's most sophisticated health resort. The royal family Karadjordjević also had their summer residence here. In the summer months, the place was the scene of numerous visits from politics and diplomacy from all over the world. After 1945, Slovenia nationalized these institutions. From then on, Grimschitz Castle served as the summer residence of President Tito. Bled's importance as a host to politicians, statesmen and artists continued. Today Grimschitz Castle is Bled's finest hotel. Today, as Vila Bled, it accommodates guests who like to stay in luxury. The view of the lake from the hotel's terrace is also beautiful.

• Bled center and old town of Bled

If you stroll through the Bled center you won't find any big sights. Instead, cafés and restaurants invite you to linger. In these you can taste the Slovenian cuisine. Enjoy local specialties such as the Bled cream cake or traditional cheeses. If you are looking for souvenirs, you will surely find them in the center of Bled. Discover handicrafts, local products and typical souvenirs that will remind you of your visit. The Bled center is also a starting point for various outdoor activities. Rent a bike and explore the area or venture out on a hike to the nearby Triglav National Park.

 

 

Activities at Lake Bled

• Bled hiking – circular hiking trail around Lake Bled

You can hike around the lake on a six-kilometer circular hiking trail. The path is paved. Therefore, it can also be used with a stroller. If you have trouble walking, you can always find a bench to rest on along the way. There are also cafés and bathing spots distributed around the lake. If you are looking for vantage points, there are several of them on the lake.

How long does it take to walk around Lake Bled?

The circular route around the lake is six kilometers long. This takes about 1 - 1,5 hours, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the view. The path is easy to walk.

• Explore the forested hiking trails at Lake Bled.

Take a leisurely walk or hike along Lake Bled's forested paths. As you hike, you will spot some wildlife along the way, including deer, birds and foxes. The paths that line Lake Bled offer spectacular views of the nearby mountains and the calm waters below. So take your camera and explore an untouched corner of Europe!

Lake Bled offers these hiking trails

• • Mala Osojnica If you are good on foot and don't mind steep, rocky, narrow and sometimes slippery paths, you can climb this path to this vantage point. However, good footwear is essential.
  • Velica Osojnica You can reach this vantage point in two ways: the steeper and more difficult one starts at the campsite. You can then take the path back via the stairs, but they are also demanding. Definitely worth the view.
  • An oyster From the road, the ascent takes about 25 minutes. The path is rocky and not recommended for children or people with walking difficulties. The last piece is secured with a rope. However, the view of the lake is worth the effort.
  • The Heart of Bled (Heart of Bled) The red heart on the lake shore is definitely a photo motif for selfies. The views of Lake Bled, the island, the church and the castle are worth a stop. We are not selfie fans. Nevertheless, a stop is worthwhile because the view is very nice.
  • Views from the castle There are also good views of Lake Bled from Bled Castle. From above you can see the island, Grimschitz Castle and the old town of Bled.

• Go swimming in Lake Bled

The azure hue of Lake Bled offers the ultimate retreat for sunbathers and swimmers alike. The breathtakingly clear waters put even some of the clearest lakes in Europe to shame, certainly ideal for a refreshing dip or sunbathing in the summer heat.

• Discover the native wildlife at Lake Bled.

Lake Bled is home to a wide variety of native bird and fish species. Keep an eye out for rare marsh birds like the redshank, which have found refuge in the shallow waters around the lake. Besides rare birds, Lake Bled also has a unique species of freshwater fish called Bleac Dace, which can only be found on this special lake! So if you're looking for a chance to spot some truly unique wildlife, there's no better place than Lake Bled.

 

 

 

 

Hotel in Bled for connoisseurs – Discover your Bled accommodation here

• Bled Hoteli at Lake Bled for connoisseurs you find here

This 5-star hotel is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It is right on the lake shore.:

Grand Hotel Toplice *
Cesta Svobode 12
4260 Bled
Slovenia

 

 

• Tito's villa on Lake Bled

When Bled in Slovenia was still part of Yugoslavia, Villa Bled served as the summer residence of President Tito. The villa is located just outside the town of Bled. Today it is used as a hotel. We therefore only make a flying visit to the park. The building is more reminiscent of a mansion than a hotel. The park in which it is located only reinforces this impression. In any case, the view of the lake from the park is magnificent. For this reason alone, a detour to the end of the lake from the old town of Bled is worthwhile.

Vila Bled *
Cesta svobode 26
4260 Bled
Slovenia

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Local specialties at Lake Bled

An absolute must is the famous Bled Cremeschnitte, also called “Kremsnita”. This treat consists of a layer of vanilla pudding and a layer of whipped cream sandwiched between two sheets of puff pastry. You can enjoy this sweet in many cafes around the lake.

If you prefer more hearty dishes, try the Slovenian stew “Jota”. It consists of sauerkraut, beans and potatoes and is often served with a slice of bread. For fish lovers there is fresh fish straight from the lake. Trout is particularly popular here and is usually offered grilled or smoked.

The Slovenian wines should not be missed either. The white wine “Rebula” and the red wine “Teran” are particularly excellent. You can find them in almost every restaurant on the lake.

Finally, we recommend a schnapps called “Borovničke”. This blueberry schnapps is very popular in the region and rounds off the culinary experience perfectly.

 

 

Recommended restaurants on Lake Bled

Try the original cream cakes in the Bled Old Town in the restaurant of the Hotel Park

In the old town of Bled we look for a seat in the beach café of the Hotel Park. Here, for example, there are the original cream cakes from Bled. You can now find them in almost every pastry shop and café in Slovenia. However, nowhere does it taste as good as here, where it was invented. Today it even belongs to the specialties of Slovenia. Since its invention in 1953, Hotel Park's pastry chefs have set a record. They have produced more than 12 million of the cakes so far. We therefore try one of the pastries before we continue to the castle.

Hotel Park*
Cesta Svobode 15
4260 Bled
Slovenia

The restaurant is recommended

Grand Hotel Toplice *
Cesta Svobode 12
4260 Bled

It is the last evening of ours Travel through Slovenia. That's why we treat ourselves to a dinner at the Grand Hotel on Lake Bled for the evening. That is Pure enjoyment in Slovenia. The Grand Hotel Toplice also looks back on a long history. Kings, politicians and stars have stayed here. Today it is definitely the most elegant hotel in Bled. It belongs to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is located directly on the shore of the lake. It's still popular with those who can afford to stay overnight. Today, however, most come for the hot springs and golfing opportunities offered by the hotel.

We are here to learn Chef Bertoncelj's cooking skills. He is among the elite of Slovenian culinary artists. That's why we visit his restaurant Julijana, where we eat with a view of the lake. After Amuse Guele appetizers, he serves a salad with salmon pralines, pumpkin soup, meats with vegetables and pea puree. At the end we get a fruit mousse as a highlight.

This is a restaurant with a view

Restaurant at Bled Castle
Grajska basket 61
4260 Bled
Tel. +386 4 620 34 44

A reservation is definitely recommended.

Other recommended restaurants on Lake Bled

If you are looking for traditional Slovenian cuisine, the restaurant “Gostilna Pri Planincu” is a good choice. Here you can try dishes like “Jota” or “Kranjska Klobasa”, a Slovenian sausage specialty.

“Vila Preseren” is ideal for fish lovers. Located directly on the lakeshore, the restaurant serves fresh trout and other fish dishes. The view of the lake and Bled Castle is an added bonus.

If you like pizza and pasta, you should visit “Pizzeria Rustika”. The pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven and the pasta is homemade. The atmosphere is cozy and the prices are moderate.

For an upscale culinary experience, the “Restaurant 1906” in the Hotel Triglav is the right address. Modern interpretations of Slovenian cuisine are served here, accompanied by a selection of first-class wines.

Finally, if you want to end the day with a sweet highlight, stop by the “Café Belvedere”. They are known for their Bled cream cakes.

 

 

Questions and answers about Lake Bled and Lake Bled

Is Bled beautiful?

Bled and Lake Bled are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia. The reason for this is certainly the grandiose landscape in which the lake and the city are located. In summer, Bled Slovenia attracts countless day trippers and bus tourists. We were there in the fall. In the off-season there is less hustle and you can also find places that are quieter.

Blejsko Jezero – What's Bled in German?

Bled Slovenia is the place on Lake Bled. The German name is Veldes or Feldes. This is why Lake Bled is also known as Lake Veldes. However, in Slovenian it is called Bled Jezero or Blejsko jezero.

Can you swim in Bled?

Yes, that is possible. The water temperature of Lake Bled is around 25°C in summer. There is a swimming pool as well as several beaches on the lake where this is possible. Some hotels also offer private beaches. You can find detailed information here.

Can you shop in Bled?

Bled Slovenia is too small for a shopping mile. There are a few shops. However, you will look in vain for boutiques and a shopping mile. In the souvenir shops you will find handicrafts from Slovenia. These are, for example, bobbin lace, crystal glass from Rogaška, wood carvings, pottery and wines and brandies from Slovenia.

How to get to the island of Bled?

From the lake shore, the pletna boats, which are typical for Bled, take their passengers across the lake to the island of Blejski Otok.

Where and how high is Lake Bled? How long does it take to drive from Ljubljana to Bled?

The lake is located at an altitude of 475 meters in inland Slovenia and is about an hour's drive from Ljubljana. It is a good 26 kilometers to the border with Austria via the autobahn.

How deep is Lake Bled?

Lake Bled is 31 meters deep.

Does Bled have a train station?

Yes, Bled has a train station called Bled Jezero. It is about 4 km from the center.

 

Best time to travel to Lake Bled

The best time to visit Lake Bled depends on what you want to experience. If you love water sports and swimming, the summer months of June to August are ideal. The weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming. However, this is also the busiest time as many tourists visit the area.

Spring and autumn are best for hiking and cycling tours. In the months of April, May, September and October the temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its best. In addition, the flow of tourists is lower, which ensures more peace and quiet.

Winter at Lake Bled is something for romantics and winter sports enthusiasts. From December to February the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland. You can ice skate or ski in the nearby mountains.

However, note that some restaurants and attractions may be closed during the off-season. Therefore, it is advisable to plan in advance. No matter which season you choose, Lake Bled has its own charm every month.

 

 

 

 

Bled destinations

 

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Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival to Lake Bled

Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) By car, you can reach the old town of Bled from Munich in three hours and 45 minutes (without traffic). From Salzburg, however, it takes about two and a half hours and from Vienna about four hours. The nearest airport is definitely Ljubljana.

Car Rentals:

Rent a car - book quickly and easily!

Hotels on Lake Bled:

Accommodations in and around Bled * you can also book through our partner booking.com.

If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

 

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Slow Travel Destinations you can also find it here. Also discover these Cities in Slovenia. Vacation destinations for a beach vacation you can find it here, for example.

Source: On-site research. We definitely want to thank Best Press Story for supporting this trip to Slovenia at Lake Bled. However, as always, our opinion remains our own.

Text Bled Old Town : © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

Updated on 31.08.2024