List of things to do in Lake Bled
Want to know where is the famous Lake Bled viewpoint? What else to do and where to go from Lake Bled? This is a comprehensive list of fun activities, relaxing times and something for everyone to do in Lake Bled. It is structured and grouped together in a manner to fill in a jam packed 3 day itinerary! I will also cover costs and while some activities are more expensive than others, you can pick and choose according to your budget!
Budget Breakdown
Taking all the activities mentioned in this blog post can set you back quite a bit but you can have a fantastic time by just experiencing the free things to do at Lake Bled. These include the walk around Lake Bled, hiking up to the Lake Bled viewpoint (maybe for sunrise or sunset) and going for a swim. The castle grounds are also free to visit.
Other must cheap things to do in Lake Bled include visiting Vintgar Gorge for €10, going to Lake Bohinj for a bus ride costing just €3 – €4 and eating Bled cake for €5
The more expensive things are the Vogel cable car at €28, kayaking for €15 (prices may vary), catching a boat to the island for €20 and ziplining at €75
Total Costs for this jam packed 3 day itinerary will set you back around €90 excluding zip-lining. This is calculated on going on every attraction and activity mentioned here, you can adjust the costs accordingly.
Table Of Contents
Day 1- Lake Bled
Start your first day by visiting the iconic sights in this lake, hiking to soak in the views and walking around the lake to see everything Bled has to offer.
1. Walk around Lake Bled
Lake Bled is the main attraction in of itself so why not take a leisurely stroll around the entire lake. The walk is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long and can take 1.5 to 2 hours. This depends on your pace but from my personal experience it will take around 2 hours as there are several places where once can stop and take in the spectacular views and snap a photo in one of the many spots this lake has to offer.
Where to Start
A good starting point is the main parking lot near Bled Castle or by the lakefront in front of the Grand Hotel Toplice. From here, you can begin your leisurely stroll either clockwise or counterclockwise around the lake.
Highlights of the Walk
There are several highlights on this leisurely stroll. The Heart at Lake Bled is about halfway along the path, a perfect spot to take a memorable picture with the lake and Bled Island in the background. Be prepared to queue up for a photo as many couples and groups tend to make this spot a must when visiting Lake Bled.
Another highlight of the walk include the Mala Zaka beach, a popular spot for swimming and soak in the sun (if visiting in the summer). Make sure not to miss the ice cream parlor right across the road!
There are other highlights of the walk but I will get into them in other points in this post such as Bled Castle, Mala Ostojnica viewpoints, and hidden spots on where you can swim in the lake.
If you prefer not to walk the entire 6 kilometers, or there’s a free shuttle bus that circles the lake and stops at various points of interest, including Bled Castle, Mala Zaka Beach, and the town center. If you don’t go all the way around I would walk from the town center to Mala Zaka Beach and go back to the town via bus. You can find the timetable for the shuttle bus here.
- Bring water: I would recommend having at least a refillable water bottle. Drinking water fountains are present around Lake Bled but it is only in the north side of the lake. There is also a mini market approximately half way to the beach as well as several cafes and kiosks.
2. Bled Castle
Visiting Bled Castle is another great attraction that Lake Bled offers. The castle which is viewable from anywhere around the lake, offers great views of the lake.
Bled Castle main attractions
Panoramic Views: The biggest highlight of Bled Castle is the panoramic view of Lake Bled, with its iconic island and the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect spot for photos, especially around sunset.
Castle Museum: Inside the castle, you’ll find a museum detailing the history of Bled and the castle itself, with artifacts from different time periods. The museum provides great insight on how the region has evolved through time.
Castle Chapel: A small but beautifully adorned chapel located within the castle grounds. It’s a peaceful spot that adds to the historical charm of the castle.
Wine Cellar: Bled Castle has a charming wine cellar where you can taste and purchase local Slovenian wines. There are even interactive wine-tasting experiences where you can bottle your own wine.
Castle Restaurant: After exploring, enjoy a meal at the castle’s restaurant, which offers traditional Slovenian cuisine along with breathtaking views.
How to get there
You can reach Bled Castle mainly by foot, car or bus. If you’re walking, the path is steep starting either from lakeside or near the church taking about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, there’s parking available at the castle for those driving. In summer the shuttle bus also stops at Bled castle. Make sure to check the timetable beforehand to plan accordingly.
- Opening Hours:
- April to October: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- November to March: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults: €13
- Students: €8.50
- Children (6-14 years): €5
- Children under 6: Free
Note: The castle grounds however and the views of the lake are FREE. However one still needs to adhere to the opening hours.
3. Hike to Lake Bled viewpoint – Mala Osojnica vs Ojstrica
One of the best things to do in Lake Bled is choosing at least one of the viewpoints to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The two main viewpoints are Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica, both offering stunning photo opportunities but varying in difficulty and distance. You can either choose to hike to 1 but you can combine the two by keep on going up after the Ojstrica viewpoint.
How to Get There & Where to Start the Hike
The starting point for both hikes is on the western side of the lake near Camping Bled. You’ll find signs guiding you to each viewpoint from the lake’s walking path. If you’re coming from the town center, you can either walk or take the free shuttle bus to Camping Bled. I would recommend to incorporate this hike with the earlier activity I suggested of walking around Lake Bled. You can then finish off with a swim and relaxation time at the beach after a relatively long day of walking.
Ojstrica Viewpoint
Ojstrica is definitely easier to get to and as such the more popular of the two viewpoints. It’s a short but steep hike, taking about 20 minutes to reach the top. The last bit of the hike includes holding onto handrail to help you up to the viewpoint. This is manageable but I wouldn’t recommend going for those that have low fitness levels.
Mala Osojnica Viewpoint
Mala Osojnica is a more challenging hike, taking about 40 minutes to reach the summit. The trail is steeper and involves some narrow paths with handrails and a steep set of stairs but the effort is well rewarded with the best view of Lake Bled you can get. If you decide to take this comparatively more challenging route on I recommend to start with Mala Osojnica and then make your way down to Ojstrica as it is easier to ascend the narrow steps then to descend them.
Tips for Hiking to the Viewpoints
- Best Time to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and harsh midday sun.
- Wear sturdy shoes: Both trails can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring water: There are no facilities on the trails, so make sure to bring enough water.
- Watch the weather: The trails can become slippery when wet, so check the forecast before heading out.
- Start with Mala Osojnica: If you decide to take this comparatively more challenging route on I recommend to start with Mala Osojnica and then make your way down to Ojstrica as it is easier to ascend the narrow steps then to descend them.
4. Eat Bled Cake
One of the more iconic things to do in Lake Bled is to try the famous Bled Cream Cake (kremšnita). This dessert is specific to this region and you will have trouble finding it outside of Bled.
Its origin is at the famous lakeside Park Hotel. Although you will pay slightly more, costing around €5 for a slice, I would recommend to eat this dessert here for the history this place represents.
If you don’t have time you can easily get a slice to go from any bakery or sweet shop or get it for dessert after dinner maybe to share.
Day 2 – Lake Bohinj
In the second day I would recommend going for a day trip to one of the amazing attractions in the Triglav Natural Park. Here I suggested Lake Bohinj as it is the easiest to access by public transport. If you are renting a car there are several other spots such as Kranskja Gora.
5. Day trip to Lake Bohinj
A day trip to Lake Bohinj is one of the best things to do while in Lake Bled if you’re looking to explore more of Slovenia’s natural beauty. Located just 30 minutes from Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj is the largest natural lake in Slovenia and offers a quieter, more serene experience.
You can easily reach Lake Bohinj by car, shuttle bus, or public bus from Lake Bled. The drive takes around 30 minutes, while the bus journey is about 40-50 minutes. Buses run frequently between the two lakes, making it a convenient day trip option.
Things to Do at Lake Bohinj
- Swim or Paddle: The crystal-clear waters of Lake Bohinj are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
- Explore Savica Waterfall: A short hike takes you to the beautiful Savica Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most famous natural attractions.
- Hike or Cycle: There are numerous hiking and cycling trails around the lake, offering peaceful routes through alpine forests and meadows.
6. Mount Vogel
Whilst in the area, getting the cable car up to Mount Vogel is definitely an option worth considering especially for breathtaking mountain views in summer, or for skiing in the winter.
The Vogel Cable Car runs year-round and takes you up to Mount Vogel in just a few minutes. The round-trip fare is around €28 for adults and €14 for children. In winter, the cable car operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with frequent rides to accommodate skiers. In summer, it runs from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, depending on the weather.
Once up the cable car make sure to not exit it immediately but take a left, and you will be greeted by the best view of Lake Bohinj. There’s also a restaurant at the top, perfect for enjoying a meal or drink while taking in the stunning scenery.
In winter, Mount Vogel operates as a ski resort, with ski lifts running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In summer, the ski lift is open for hikers and visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing access to the several mountain trails and viewpoints. Whether you are taking on the summit hike or just casually strolling around, climb up the ski lift it will give you amazing views in of itself as well as the chance to see some wild cows.
Day 3 – Activities to do in Lake Bled
There are several fun activities to do around Lake Bled. I have grouped them all in this day but feel free to reorder this itinerary around to make it work for you. For instance, you can go for a swim right after the hike to the viewpoints.
7. Vintgar Gorge
Located just 4 km from Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is one of the must things to do in Lake bled especially for nature lovers. This gorge is the nearest entry point to Triglav National Park, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls and emerald pools.
The entry fee to Vintgar Gorge is €10 for adults and €3 for children. It’s essential to arrive early, especially during the busy summer months, as the narrow walkways can get crowded. The gorge typically opens from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer, but hours may vary, so it’s best to check ahead. Make sure that you stick to your booking time as entry wouldn’t be permitted if you arrive late
How to Get There
You can reach Vintgar Gorge by car, bike, or shuttle bus from Lake Bled. The shuttle bus runs frequently during peak season and takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the gorge. There is also the dedicated free Vintgar Gorge shuttle bus that takes you to the gorge entry point. This runs every half hour on the hour and half past. For shuttle bus timetables, check the official Bled tourism website for the most up-to-date information.
Alternatively if you opt to go for the earliest possible time to beat the crowds, it is around a 50 minute walk from the town.
The walk through the gorge is about 1.6 km one way and takes roughly an hour to complete. At the end of the gorge, you can choose to take a shuttle back to Lake Bled or enjoy a scenic walk back through Bled village and the surrounding woods. The alternative route takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and offers a peaceful return journey through the forest. I would suggest this route as you still need to walk around 30 minutes just to go back to the shuttle bus.
8. Go on Bled Island and ring the bell
Visiting Bled Island and ringing the bell is one of the more ‘lucky’ things to do in Lake Bled. The island is home to the Church of the Assumption, where legend says ringing the church bell brings good luck. Luck however comes at a price of €6
To reach the island, you can take a traditional pletna boat or rent a kayak. A round-trip ride on a pletna boat costs around €15 per person, and the journey takes about 15 minutes each way depending on which point of the lake you get catch the boat. Once on the island, you’ll have around 30-45 minutes before heading back. In my opinion it is 30 minutes too many as there isn’t much to do here except visiting the church and ringing the bell
9. Rent a kayak
Renting a kayak is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Lake Bled, giving you the freedom to explore the lake at your own pace and from a unique perspective.
Where to Rent a Kayak
You can rent a kayak from several spots around the lake, with the most popular being Mala Zaka and Veslaški Center Bled. Both locations offer easy access to the water and are close to the island which you can kayak over there yourself.
The cost of renting a kayak is around €10 to €15 per hour, depending on the location and the season. Most rentals include all necessary equipment, making it a convenient and fun way to explore Bled Island or simply enjoy the tranquil waters.
10. Take a swim in Lake Bled
It would be rude not to dip in and take a relaxing swim in this cool lake. Temperatures are pleasant enough for swimming especially in summer. Most people swim at Mala Zaka beach, however there are a couple of different spots where you can setup shop and dip in. Beware of the signs where you can’t sit on the grass on the lakeside.
I have pinpointed a secret spot in the screenshot below where it is easy enough to dip in the water, have fantastic views of Bled Island and is not saturated with people. Another public spot where people gather to swim is next to the mini market. There is not a beach here but you can easily sit on the grass and then go swimming.
11. Ziplining
If you’re seeking a bit of adventure, ziplining is one of the most thrilling things to do in Lake Bled. It offers an exciting way to experience Slovenia’s natural beauty from the sky.
The zipline dolinka tour takes you across 7 rides and is home to the longest zipline in Europe. It costs around €75 per person, taking around 2-2.5 hours. The meeting point is near the bus station and includes transport to and from the Dolinca river valley, highlighting the spectacular views of the valley and the Slovenian mountains
Conclusion
Lake Bled is a magical destination filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring its historic sites, taking in the stunning views, or enjoying outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Lake Bled and discover the best it has to offer.
If you enjoyed this post make sure to check out our other related posts on Slovenia. Not quite sure how to get to Lake Bled? Check out this complete guide on how to get to this magical lake
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