Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful natural treasures and a place that should not be missing on the list of any tourists traveling to Slovenia. The Ojstrica and Osojnica viewpoints, crystal clear water, a romantic island with a church, and a majestic castle perched on a rock create a fairytale scenery that you will fall in love with at first sight.
Whether you opt for a ride on a traditional boat (pletna), swimming in the clear water, or a leisurely walk around the lake, Bled offers endless possibilities to enjoy an active and relaxing vacation.
Bled – Slovenia
Lake Bled is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also a great destination for an active holiday. An unforgettable experience is a hike to one of the viewpoints, such as the top of Mala Osojnica, from where you can enjoy an iconic view of the lake from above. History buffs will appreciate a visit to Bled Castle, where they can immerse themselves in the past while enjoying breathtaking views of the entire surrounding area.
The lake has an area of approximately 1.45 km², a length of 2.1 km and a width of 1.4 km, with a maximum depth of around 30 meters. In the summer months, the water heats up to a pleasant 23–25 °C, making it an ideal place for swimming. We personally swam here in beautiful weather at the end of May, when there were a minimum of people and we had many places almost to ourselves.
Lake Bled / Slovenia
If you are looking for a gastronomic experience, then be sure to taste the famous Bled cream cake “kremšnita”, which is a local specialty. So far, it is not available in a gluten-free version, but from my own experience, the local cafe always had at least one version of some other gluten-free cake for us celiacs. This place is simply a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure and relaxation, thanks to which everyone can find their ideal way to fully enjoy their stay.
And if you already enjoy everything that Lake Bled in Slovenia has to offer, I am adding a few tips below on where to go for trips in the surrounding area.
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Accommodation in Bled
You can find a wide range of accommodation in Bled. From luxury hotels with wellness centers and lake views to cozy family-run guesthouses and affordable apartments. There are also hostels for backpackers and campsites in the vicinity for nature lovers. Prices vary according to the season – in the peak summer season (July and August), you will pay from €150 to €300 per night in a hotel, while in guesthouses or apartments you can find accommodation from €80 to €150 per night.
A cheaper alternative are hostels, where you can stay overnight from €30 to €60 per person. If you are looking for a quieter and cheaper option, I recommend accommodation in nearby villages such as Bohinjska Bela or Radovljica, where I have also personally tried accommodation and from where you can easily get to Bled by car, bus or bicycle.
- Compare available accommodation in Bled HERE
- View accommodation in Radovljica HERE
- View accommodation in Bohinjska Bela HERE
I have been to Bled many times, so it is difficult for me to recommend just one specific hotel. However, I like Hotel Park the most, which is opposite Bled Castle. I recommend paying extra for a lake view. A breathtaking experience also awaits you from the local wellness center. As for a gluten-free diet, there was never a problem for me to choose.
A few meters from the entrance, right by the lake, is the mentioned cafe – confectionery, where you can, among other things, taste the mentioned Slovenian dessert “Kremeš”, the production of which I once had the opportunity to participate in.
Hotel Park – Sava Hotels & Spa 4*
If you are going to Bled with a motorhome, or in a tent, from my own experience I recommend Camping Bled. You may have already gotten used to the fact that we like to stay in nice places and as far as campsites are concerned, it is no different. Camping Bled falls under the Sava Hotels brand, which guarantees quality. Here you will find both places for tents and luxuriously large plots for motorhomes. However, you can also book various sizes of cabins within Glamping.
We had a large plot ordered here for our rented “Obytňák z Podkletí”. There are also plenty of well-maintained bathrooms and perfect access to the lake. So we inflated the paddleboard at the motorhome and went straight to the water.
Camping Bled / Motorhome from Podkletí
Lake Bled – trips
1. Bled Island (Blejski otok)
Bled Island is perhaps the most famous attraction of this place, and the main attraction is certainly the Church of the Assumption of Mary, where you can ring the so-called “wishing bell”. There are three options for getting to the island. The first, most comfortable, is a paid ride on a traditional wooden boat, the so-called pletna. I recommend experiencing it at least once.
The second option is to rent your own wooden boat and enjoy a romantic ride not only to the island, but also on Lake Bled itself. This option is great in the summer months, when there are a lot of tourists and by renting a boat, you can explore the coast and maybe even find a piece of that local natural paradise just for yourself.
Well, the third option is to bring a paddleboard with you on vacation, or rent one on the shore. We chose this option last time. During our vacation, it was forbidden to leave the paddleboard attached to the pier, so we figured it out that Kája let me get off at the pier and as soon as I waved, he came for me again from the shore with the paddleboard.
2. Bled Castle (Blejski grad)
Bled Castle majestically rises on a rock 130 meters above the lake level and is considered the oldest castle in Slovenia. Its history is said to date back to 1011, when it was donated to the bishops of Brixen. Thanks to its location, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire lake, the picturesque island with the church and the distant peaks of the Julian Alps.
Inside the castle you will find a historical museum, a restaurant and a wine cellar where you can enjoy a glass of local wine. In 2025, the entrance fee is €18 for adults, €15 for seniors and €7 for children up to 15 years. I personally visited the castle a few years ago, during an early spring vacation, and even then the view of the surroundings was truly breathtaking, so I recommend not missing this trip.
3. Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica – the best views of Lake Bled
We set out on one trip to the two, in our opinion the most beautiful, viewpoints in the vicinity of Bled. If you follow the signs on the signs, you can easily find one and the other viewpoint. Camping Bled was an ideal starting position for us. We even looked directly at one of these viewpoints from our plot.
Ojstrica:
One of the most photogenic viewpoints on Lake Bled, Ojstrica, rises to a height of 611 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the turquoise surface with the iconic islet. A short but steep path, which measures less than a kilometer, starts on the western shore of the lake and leads through the forest directly to the top. You can manage the climb with normal fitness in about 30 minutes. At the top, an iconic view of the lake with the island of Bled in the middle, set against the backdrop of the Julian Alps, awaits you. The wooden bench that stands here is also a symbol of the place.
Lake Bled / Slovenia
Lake Bled / Slovenia
Mala Osojnica:
If you are looking for an even more impressive perspective, head to Mala Osojnica, which is located at an altitude of 685 meters above sea level. The ascent is longer and a little more difficult than to Ojstrica, but still accessible to ordinary tourists. The path can start on the same route as to Ojstrica, but continues further through the forest along steeper sections with several steps and secured passages. Stick to the local markings. The route measures about 1.5 kilometers and takes approximately 40 minutes.
At the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the entire lake, Bled Castle and the mountains in the background. The view from the viewpoint is one of the most beautiful in the Julian Alps. Lake Bled spreads out here as if in the palm of your hand, and surrounded by mountain peaks with green forests, it creates a perfect natural backdrop.
Lake Bled / Slovenia
Lake Bled / Slovenia
4. Circular trail around Lake Bled
The circular trail around Lake Bled is approximately 6 kilometers long and you can walk it at a leisurely pace in an hour and a half to two hours. The route leads mainly on the flat, so it is also ideal for less fit tourists or families with children. Along the way, you will find breathtaking views of the iconic island with a church, romantic nooks with swans and rest stops in cafes right by the water.
On a clear day, I recommend climbing to one of the viewpoints mentioned above, from where you will have the most photogenic view of the lake. If you feel like refreshing yourself, you will find several swimming spots along the trail with crystal clear water. And don’t forget to have a traditional Bled “Kremeš” (cream cake) in one of the confectioneries overlooking the surface. And if you are not unlucky with a tour of tourists in front of you, you will manage to grab a photo in the heart of the lake.
In our opinion, the most beautiful part of the circular trail around Bled is the wooden path leading directly above the surface of the water, from where there is also an unobstructed view of the island and the surrounding Julian Alps.
Lake Bled / Slovenia
Lake Bled / Slovenia
Lake Bled / Slovenia
5. Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj, hidden in the heart of the Triglav National Park, is literally synonymous with peace and untouched nature. Unlike the more famous Bled, you won’t find crowds of tourists here, so you can enjoy the true atmosphere of the Slovenian Alps. The crystal clear water invites you to swim, paddleboard or kayak, while the surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking.
The impressive Savica waterfall, which flows into the lake from a height of 78 meters, is also worth a visit. The romantic backdrop is complemented by a stone bridge and the Church of St. John the Baptist, whose interior hides unique frescoes. Whether you are looking for an active adventure, or just a place to relax in the embrace of nature, I believe that Bohinj and its surrounding area will enchant you with its authentic beauty.
My secret tip is a summer trip by cable car to Vogel. In winter, it is my favorite ski resort and in summer you will find a paradise for hiking and adventure tourism. However, I will write more about this in one of the following posts from Slovenia.
6. Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)
It would be a shame to leave Lake Bled and not visit one of the most beautiful Slovenian gorges. Vintgar Gorge, located near Slovenian Bled, is a natural gem that attracts all vacationers with its breathtaking beauty.
The path through this gorge measures approximately 1.6 kilometers and leads along wooden walkways and bridges fixed to the surrounding rocks, which allow safe passage above the wild rapids of the Radovna River. A walk through the gorge usually takes around 1.5-2 hours, depending on the pace and stops for taking photos or admiring the surrounding nature.
At the end of the route, you will find the impressive Šum waterfall, which, with a height of just over 15 meters, is one of the highest in Slovenia. During the journey, you can admire the emerald green pools, rapids and rich vegetation, which give the gorge a unique atmosphere. The opening hours of the gorge vary each year depending on weather conditions, but it usually opens to the public during April. I therefore recommend checking the latest information on the official website or local information centers before planning your visit.
Price list for 2025:
Adults: EUR 15 / Children: EUR 5 / Dogs on a leash: EUR 3
Opening hours for 2025:
VINTGAR GORGE REOPENS ON THURSDAY, APRIL 17
7. Radovljica
Radovljica is a picturesque Slovenian town located just 7 kilometers from Bled and is literally a hidden treasure for lovers of history, gastronomy and nature. Its old town boasts perfectly preserved Renaissance and Baroque houses that line the main square.
Radovljica is also the center of Slovenian beekeeping. In the Museum of Beekeeping you can discover the fascinating tradition of honey production and the beautifully painted beehives that are typical of the Slovenian landscape. When I visit a museum, it must be interesting in some way, and I really liked it here. If you are looking for a wet option for a trip near Bled, remember my tip.
Lovers of sweets will be delighted by the local gingerbread shop, which has a long tradition here, as well as the famous Chocolate Festival, which takes place here every year. And if you long for relaxation in nature, just head to the Sava River or the surrounding forests, where you will find peace and wonderful views of the Julian Alps.
Personal recommendations for accommodation and restaurant:
GOSTILNA KUNSTELJ / RADOVLJICA
Radovljica – Gostilna Lectar – a gingerbread shop that has been a tradition in the city since 1766
Slovenia, Radovljica / @visitRadolca
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