Bled is a beautiful resort town renowned for its fairytale castle and stunning views of the Julian Alps. It's an ideal getaway for a day trip from Ljubljana, but you'll want to spend at least one night in this magical Slovenian town.
A stroll around the lake is a great way to take in all of the beauty of Bled and Bled Island. It's a six-kilometre loop that's easy on the legs and offers plenty of vantage points.
Walk around the lake
Lake Bled is one of Europe's most picturesque landscapes. A glistening blue lake with a picture-postcard church on its centrepiece island sits in the center, surrounded by snow-capped Alps.
There are a variety of ways to experience this magical place. From hiking and biking to water-sports and canyoning, it's sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
A 6 km long trail snakes around the lake, making it a popular option for hikers and cyclists alike. It's a great way to see Bled from a vantage point and it's perfect for travellers of all fitness levels.
There are also a number of trails to choose from that will lead you into the hills above the lake and into the surrounding forest. The most popular is the one to Mala Osjinica, a view point that's 645 meters above the lake. It's a moderate hike and can be challenging in the morning, but it's definitely worth it for the views!
Climb Bled Castle
If you’re a lover of castles, this is one place that you must see. Sitting on a cliff, Bled Castle offers you breathtaking views over Lake Bled and the surrounding area.
Aside from its beautiful view, the castle also features a medieval museum with an impressive collection of artifacts. It also has a smithy and a printing press, as well as a Knight’s Hall and a castle chapel.
You can climb Bled Castle by yourself or you can join a tour. You can also try a drink in the bar or buy some of the famous Bled cream cake.
Ride a horse-drawn carriage
A horse-drawn carriage ride is an opportunity to travel back in time and experience Bled like it used to be. Fijakers, the open carriages that once drove pilgrims to the cathedral on Lake Bled, are a must see for everyone visiting this Alpine lake.
They also provide a relaxing, stress-free way to get around the city. Enjoy a leisurely 2-hour combination tour with an expert guide.
The modern-day use of horse-drawn carriages is seen as a tourist attraction, but the reality is that this practice is detrimental to the welfare of the horses. Despite repeated claims that the industry is “horse friendly”, it is well known that carriage horses are exposed to loud noise, long hours of work, hard pavement, and little access to pasture.
Visit the church on Bled Island
Bled is a picturesque Alpine resort with a magnificent glacial lake, an iconic castle teetering on a cliff above the water and a church perched on a small island in the center of the lake. It’s no wonder that this town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia, attracting visitors from all over the world!
The church on Bled Island, also known as the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, is the most recognizable landmark in Bled. It has been visited by pilgrims since the Middle Ages, and it’s well worth a visit for its beautiful interior and the famous wishing bell (made by Francesco Patavino from Padova in 1534).
Take a boat trip
Bled is a small town in Slovenia and the surrounding area has so much to offer. Whether you’re on a budget or planning a big trip, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see here.
One of the best ways to see Lake Bled is on a boat trip. It’s something that has been around for centuries and is an important part of the culture.
During the summer, you can take a rowing boat around the lake or opt for a traditional pletna boat - these boats are reminiscent of the Venetian gondola. This is an excellent way to see the beauty of the emerald green lake and see Bled Island.
