Getting to know Lake Bled in Slovenia and the city of Bled

Vacation at Lake Bled in Slovenia

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

 

 

 

It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia

We already knew before we arrived that Bled is a beautiful place. No wonder! Slovenia but in almost every advertising brochure there are photos of the beautiful surroundings. They are not exaggerating. 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

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.

 

The town is located on Lake Bled below the Julian Alps. It is not far from the Austrian-Slovenian border. This means that the town can be reached quickly and easily from both Bavaria and Austria. Slovenia's highest mountain, Triglav, is also not far away. The sun is shining during our stay. Therefore, we can see it clearly behind the mountains. We need to travel from Ljubljana about an hour by car. There is also the airport that is closest to Bled.

"Many visitors are just stopping over. They want to get to the Adriatic as quickly as possible," explains Erika Marolt from the Sava Hotels. Despite its surroundings, the town has difficulty filling its hotels. We find this difficult to understand. The town and its surroundings immediately captivate us. We present to you here what we experience in the one and a half days in Slovenia:

 

 

 

The history of the lake

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

During the First World War, the lake served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. In the 1930s, the region became a popular meeting place for athletes and active holidaymakers. Rowing competitions, sailing regattas and tennis matches were organized. During the Second World War, Lake Bled became the scene of secret service operations. In the vicinity there was an important partisan base, which was attacked several times 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 hosts various events such as the annual rowing race "Bled Regatta" and the spectacular New Year's swim. The town now places great emphasis on sustainable tourism and is the proud bearer of the Golden Seal of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism

 

 

Bled sights

• Bled Castle

The castle sits 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 that is walking up the steep slope in front of us. High heels are out of place here. The path is paved with pebbles. I even find it difficult to walk on it in my hiking boots. If you wear shoes with heels, you will hardly be able to get up the mountain.

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

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.

Opening hours of the castle:

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

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

The Pletna boats wait for their passengers at the spa park, below the Park Hotel, in Mlini and in Velika Zaka. There are 23 Pletna boats in total. Each of these boats has space for 18 passengers. The Pletnar - that is the name of the boatman - steers the boat using a special technique. He moves the boat forwards while standing using two oars. Pletnarji are highly respected. When Empress Maria Theresa ruled here, she granted the rights to operate such boats to farmers whose land was not good enough to live off. Since then, this profession has been passed down within families.

 

 

• Grimschitz Castle

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.

• center and old town of Bled

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

 

Activities at Lake 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 do you run?

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 wooded hiking trails.

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

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.

• Try Stand up Paddling

Stand-up paddling on Lake Bled is a real highlight! The water is crystal clear, the backdrop with the small island and the castle is simply gorgeous. It's best to start early in the morning when the lake is still calm. There are several rental stations right on the shore, and you can often book guided tours. Be careful not to paddle too close to the island - nature conservation is very important here.

• 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 accommodation here

• Bled Hotels 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, the Villa Bled served as President Tito's summer residence. 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 reinforces this impression. 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 is worthwhile.

Vila Bled *
Cesta svobode 26
4260 Bled
Slovenia

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

 

 

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, we look for a place in the beach café of the Hotel Park. Here, for example, you can find the original cream slices. You can now find them in almost every patisserie and café in Slovenia. But nowhere does it taste as good as here, where it was invented. Today, it is even one of Slovenia's specialties. Since its invention in 1953, the Hotel Park's confectioners have set a record. They have produced more than 12 million of the cakes so far. We try one of the baked goods before we continue on to the castle.

Hotels Park*
Cesta Svobode 15
4260 Bled
Slovenia

The restaurant is recommended

Grand Hotel Toplice *
Cesta Svobode 12
4260 Bled

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

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 SloveniaThe Grand Hotel Toplice also has a long history. Kings, politicians and stars have stayed here. Today it is definitely the most elegant hotel in town. It is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is located right on the lake shore. This means that it is still popular with those who can afford to stay here. Most people today come for the thermal springs and the golf opportunities that the hotel offers.

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

A reservation is definitely recommended.

Other recommended restaurants

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.

For fish lovers, the “Vila Preseren” is ideal. Located right on the lakeshore, the restaurant serves fresh trout and other fish dishes. The view of the lake and the 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.

 

 

FAQs

Is Bled beautiful?

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

Blejsko Jezero – What's Bled in German?

Bled Slovenia is the place. The German name is Veldes or Feldes. That is why Lake Bled is also called Veldeser See. In Slovenian, however, it is called Bled Jezero or Blejsko jezero.

Can you swim in Bled?

Yes, that is possible. The water temperature is around 25°C in summer. There is a swimming pool and several beaches 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 do you get to the island?

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?

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

 

Best travel time for Lake Bled

The best time to visit the lake 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 for romantics and winter sports enthusiasts. From December to February the landscape turns into a winter wonderland. You can go ice skating or skiing in the nearby mountains. Ice skating on the frozen lake or winter hikes are also possible.

However, keep in mind that some restaurants and attractions may be closed during the off-season, so it's advisable to plan ahead. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, the place has its own charm in each month.

 

 

 

 

Attractions

 

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

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

Updated January 2025