Things to Do in Ljubljana Slovenia and city guide

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital has rich history and beautiful architecture. It has fantastic food and wine, a castle, great museums, cathedral and churches. In summary, a beautifully preserved old town. Ljubljana is a very green city. Ljubljana has it all. Small town friendliness with big city efficiency rolled into one. With so many things to do in Ljubljana It makes perfect sense to base yourself in the capital.

Quick Index

• Why go to Ljubljana?
• Where is Ljubljana
• When to go?
• How to get there?
• Getting around Ljubljana
• Things to do in Ljubljana
• Where to eat?
• Where to stay in Ljubljana?

 

                                    

Why go to Ljubljana?

A Perfect base for Day Trips

Base yourself in the amazing capital city of Ljubljana. If you run out of things to do in Ljubljana, there are plenty of nearby attractions. Day trips to Bled, Kamnik, Moravske Toplice, Maribor and Celje are within easy driving distance.

Food Paradise

Ljubljana is fast becoming Europe’s next hot foodie destination.You will love the innovative and fresh local food. The city produces food with some sustainable practices. In fact, Slovenia is the only country in the European Union which has given its native honey bee, the carniolan, protected status! Good news for honey lovers and everyone with a sweet tooth. Ljubljana also has an up and coming wine scene. Slovenia is an up and coming wine region. It produces great tasting favourites, such as, Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling. In addition to these varieties, there is the sumptuous sounding Black Velvet and Puro, a sparkling wine.

 

A Green City

Ljubljana has held the prestigious title of European Green Capital, in 2016. It is also in the running for European Capital of Culture in 2025. Past winners like Athens, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin, Lisbon and Prague have seen their tourists numbers increase with this title.

Friendly Locals

Ljubljana is full of friendly, smiling locals going about their day. The locals all speak excellent English. Ljubljana has a population of 272,000 and the friendliness of a smaller destination. Ljubljana is a warm and welcoming city. Prices are generally lower than in most of Western Europe. The reasons to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia are endless! You will fall in love with Ljubljana. You’ll also learn how to pronounce it well!

                            

Where is Ljubljana?

Pronounced luu-blee-yah-nah, Slovenia’s capital city is located in central Europe. Ljubljana is located bang in the centre of the country. To be precise, Ljubljana is 46.05 latitude, and 14.51 longitude. Moreover, it is situated at an elevation of 295 metres above sea level. Slovenia itself is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Slovenia has a small strip of coastline, on the eastern side, jutting out into the Gulf of Trieste.

                                    

When to go to Ljubljana?

Ljubljana, Slovenia is a year round destination! Hurrah! Ljubljana experiences a temperate climate and so has 4 distinct seasons. There’s always some event or festival to join in with or admire.

Summer time is the most crowded time to visit, but it’s also the time of the most cultural events. Even in Winter, Ljubljana is great. Sipping your latte in one of the many cozy cafes along the banks of the river, will be a pleasure. Spring time in Ljubljana is blooming marvellous. The city’s largest park Tivoli (510 hectares to be precise) springs into a riot of colour. The ornamental garden beds and trees show off their beauty. In Autumn, you still get the long daylight hours and sunshine to explore. Prices begin to go down and there’s more pavement space.

                                    

How to get to Ljubljana?

Flying into Ljubljana Airport

Most people will probably fly into Ljubljana, Slovenia, the country’s capital city. The Joze Pucnik airport is 26kms to downtown. Connections through all major European hubs such as London, Frankfurt and Zurich from Asia and Australia. From North America, including Canada, your international connections include Vienna, Istanbul, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, London, Frankfurt and Zurich. Two low cost carriers fly directly from  England and Hungary. Easyjet from London and Wizz Air from Budapest. 

Train

If you happen to be in Vienna or Venice you can catch a train! The fastest route from Venice to Ljubljana is just over 4 hours with 1 change. Other major European cities offer connections to Ljubljana. Prague, Belgrade, Salzburg and Budapest are easy access points to Ljubljana. For more routes and destinations to and from Ljubljana, by train, click here.

Bus

Don’t fancy changing? Happen to be in Austria? Hop on a bus from Vienna, Austria and you can reach Ljubljana in just under 5.5 hours, with no stopping! Other major bus destinations across Europe are mostly from Germany and Croatia. A great way to plan bus journeys, to and from Ljubljana, Slovenia, can be found here.

Car

Leasing or hiring a car really isn’t necessary if you stay in Ljubljana. The excellent and cheap public transport will get you to most tourist hot spots.

If however, you’re on a grand driving tour, then a car, is the way to go. You will need a sticker that you attach to the windscreen to allow you to drive on Slovenian roads. This is NOT included in your car hire. Current prices for the vignette is 15, 30 and 110 Euros. That’s weekly, monthly and annually. These vignettes are available to buy once you cross the border. Sold at major petrol stations. Having a car also enables you to base yourself further out from the old town, which of course means, cheaper accommodation costs.

                                    

Getting around Ljubljana

Ljubljana is easy to get around. It has fabulous public transport. The roads are not too busy. Best experienced on foot, SUP, kayak, canoe or bicycle. If you drive everywhere, in our humble opinion, you’ll miss little undiscovered gems. 

Rent a kayak or canoe. A different way to take in the sights of beautiful Ljubljana.

A great way to see the city is with the Ljubljana City Card. This card which can be bought at the tourist information centre, offers free entry to many attractions and free public transport. P.S city cards like this are available in many European cities. For more information on the Ljubljana card click here.

The Ljubljana card gives you a return journey to and from the airport. Also included is a free guided city tour. There’s more. Free travel on city buses and a free funicular ride up to Ljubljana castle. Hang on, you get more. 24 hour free access to WiFree Ljubljana. Get connected on the city’s free internet access at the STIC (Slovenian Tourist Information Centre). That’s not all! You’ll also get free admission to over 20 museums and galleries. Plus 4 hour bike hire and the zoo!

Still not convinced? You get a free boat cruise as well! If you can visit every attraction listed, the potential savings are 210 Euros. Ready to take that challenge? Like getting your money’s worth? Well, get a Ljubljana City Card. Online discounts apply too. Current adult prices are 31,39 and 45 Euros. You can buy the card for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The time starts from activation.

                                    

Explore the Amazing Capital of Ljubljana Slovenia

Who doesn’t like a 15^th Century castle? Ljubljana Castle is a must see attraction

The stunning Ljubljana Castle looks down on the city below.

High in the hills and visible from the city below. Ljubljana castle towers majestically over the Slovenian capital. You can take the easy way up, by funicular or the hard way, on foot. Easily takes the spot of number one things to do in Ljubljana. Built at different stages, LJubljana castle has a complicated history. Most of what you see today is from reconstruction work in the late 60s. If you look really carefully, you might see some ancient Roman stones in the walls.

For the hard core, like us, we prefer to walk up the paths from the old town to get to Ljubljana Castle!

For castle buffs, Ljubljana castle is a medieval marvel that you must see! Even if you don’t like castles, the view of the city below is breathtaking!

The Museum of Puppetry and the Museum of Slovenian History awaits. You can also dine in style at Ljubljana castle in the two restaurants, Streleca and Na Gradu. Both have fantastic ambience. Prices are high and portions are small. However, the food is first class yumminess.

Don’t miss out on a top nosh meal at Na Gradu restaurant inside Ljubljana Castle. Great views, history and amazing food. A perfect way to finish a day’s sightseeing!

The wine list is equally fantastic.

It’s easy to walk around Ljubljana Castle as it’s nice and flat. 

In the Summer months, there is an open air cinema at Ljubljana castle. There’s even a nightclub! Ljubljana castle is often used for cultural events and dance evenings. Over 500 events a year are held here. Ljubljana castle is rightly the most visited attraction, this fantastic city has to offer.

Check the website for the latest events, such as concerts and non-permanent exhibitions. Some are free, whilst others require a fee.

Exploring the Old Town of Ljubljana

Walking around the old town and soaking up all the blends of architecture is one of the pleasures of Ljubljana. The Franciscan church in the Presernov trg Square is a good starting point. It’s right in the historic city centre. The bright pink church is a blend of Secession, Baroque and Joze Plecnik architectre.

 The pink Franciscan church is hard to miss! A unique blend of architecture in Ljubljana’s Old Town.

 

Move onto the ornately decorated cathedral. Also called the church of Saint Nicholas. This is also Ljubljana’s most important Baroque church.

Ljubljana Old Town is full of interesting styles of architecture and colourful facades.

Meander on down to the Town Hall with its beautiful Roman baroque fountains. Various exhibitions are held in the Town Hall. Continue walking until you get to the now famous Jakopic Promenade in Tivoli Park. This is a popular outdoor gallery which is the place to see huge photographs. Open all year round!

Take up the Bridge Challenge

Walk along the Ljubjanica (the name of the river) in old town and see if you can name all the bridges. There’s Triple Bridge and Butcher’s Bridge. Next, Hradecky Bridge and Trnovo Bridge. Finally Cobbler’s Bridge and the famous Dragon Bridge! Ljubjanica’s embankments have wonderful architecture and romanticism. Stroll along, noting the interesting bridges and stop as much as you like in the many lively cafes.

Tick off the famous Dragon Bridge. Walking around the Old Town is one of the top things to do in Ljubljana.

Ljubljana has a mostly pedestrianised river area in the old town district. If you need to be on water though, you can also cruise along in a boat or do it with a stand up paddle board!

ARTS AND CULTURE Museums and Galleries

Ljubljana has museums and galleries galore. You won’t be thinking of things to do in Ljubljana! It hasn’t won the European Capital of Culture award yet. Ljubljana is a candidate for 2025. Don’t miss, the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova. There are constantly changing art installations and interactive art projects. The National Gallery is for lovers of fine art during the middle ages to the 20^th century. There are of course, many temporary exhibitions, some of which are outdoors and for free.

Then of course, there’s the Museum of Modern Art and the Tivoli Mansion. Also the International Centre of Graphic Arts, City Art Gallery and Dobra Vaga. Dobra Vaga is a place where you might lose some money. It’s a gallery where you can buy artists’ work. They have a unique pricing concept. It is called ‘art by the kilo’.  Works are sold in physical kilos, but, by the artistic ‘weight’ and power of the exhibit! It is very subjective. Agree with it or not, it’s definitely a unique place to see young Slovenian artists at work.

For photography lovers, there are two place to visit. The Galerija Fotografija and Photon Gallery. Galerija Fotografija specialises in photographic art. Photon Gallery is for modern photography.

Festivals take place outside, particularly in Summer. From films under the stars to classical symphony orchestras and jazz. Festivals equals fun. The Ljubljana Summer festival is a highlight. Don’t miss it! A mix of dance, theatre, soloists, orchestra and ballet companies from around the world. Visitors in Winter need not miss out either. A shorter duration, but no less jam packed line up of events happening.

Shopping

Ljubljana provides all the shopping experiences you can expect from a capital city. Major hyper centres which will have supermarkets and malls. There are outdoor fairs and shops selling traditional Slovenian foods. You will even find socially responsible shopping experiences. Locals are using fair trade coffee and recyclable cups. Up-cycled pre- loved items, are available to buy too. You will find the usual global fashion brands when clothes shopping. Hand made souvenirs are particularly popular. Get your hands on some fleur de sel, to rival the French! Of course, a good bottle of wine is never a wrong choice. Plecnik’s Market is on every Saturday. Ljubljana locals gather here to buy and sell fresh produce from all over Slovenia. 

Shopping at outdoor markets in Old Town, Ljubljana, the amazing capital of Slovenia.

Atlantis Waterpark

If there’s a place with healing thermal waters, you can bet your bottom dollar that Only1invillage has been there! Vodno Mesto Waterpark is situated within the gigantic BTC City Ljubljana area. It’s a one stop place for fun, relaxation, entertainment and shopping. There’s even a hotel here, if you don’t want to stay down town. The water park has entertainment for all the family. Slides, swim through underground caves and a rapid river make a huge splash for the little ones. For the adults there’s the Thermal Temple and Sauna Land (read naked section!) Expect all the usual treats in Sauna Land. There are massage benches, jacuzzis, massaging waterfalls and steam rooms.

If you love thermal waters, like we do, head on down!  You can spend the entire day submerged in water until your skin goes wrinkly! Highly recommended.

                                    

EAT EAT EAT

It’s difficult not to be impressed by the food and wine in Ljubljana. Ljubljana has so much fabulous food! Touted as one of Europe’s best food destinations, when you eat here, you’ll agree. Ljubljana has fine dining, fast food and everything in between. Deciding where to eat is very difficult with such a choice before you!

Indulging in great food is definitely such an easy thing to do, in Ljubljana. It is unfair to recommend any particular place. However, the two restaurants at the castle are superb! Streleca and Na Gradu restaurants pull all the right punches. Location, atmosphere, service and of course, traditional Slovene food. Definitely a place for a special occasion.

The whole world’s cuisine is represented in the Slovenian capital. You can eat Japanese, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese etc. However, you have to sample Slovenian food in Ljubljana. Hunt out typical Slovene dishes of meat pockets and dumplings with various fillings. Vegetarians and pescatarians are well catered for.

Potica pictured above is a traditional Slovenian sweet treat. Warning, it contains nuts! Photo courtesy of Flickr.

OK, we’re going to make some suggestions! Head to Druga Violina for a taste of traditional Slovenian food at a very good price. We like that the produce is fresh and locally sourced. Druga Violina is at the start of the old town. It’s small, so in busy months make sure you make a reservation.

Want traditional dumplings decorated with micro greens and edible flowers?

Fancy some micro greens and micro veg? Eat well in Ljubljana. Modern dishes with excellent presentation.

Pri Skofu is a hidden gem, just outside the historic centre. Make the effort to get there. Sample the small, but, interesting menu at a fair price. Fresh local produce as always!

For a slightly more expensive option head to Spajza. Modern European cuisine, situated in an eighteenth century house. Spajza is also, the place to eat horse! Yes, not for the squeamish! The back courtyard is very romantic in the evening. Come for dinner and the waiters will light the table candles. This creates a beautiful atmosphere. The service is friendly and efficient. The servers have good knowledge of the menu. They make good local wine pairing suggestions too.

Need Italian food? Missing pasta? Head to Julija Restaurant on Stari Trg 9. Fabulous pasta and traditional dishes such as octopus. Also some Slovenian favourites too. Outside seating area and free wi-fi!

Mmmmmmm, Spaghetti al vongole. Italian food is delicious in Ljubljana. Spaghetti with clams.

For serious foodies, check out what’s hot and what’s not on the Ljubljana culinary scene on  gourmet-lj.si/si  (The site is also in English and Italian).

                                   

Where to Stay 

LUXURY:

For the ultimate in luxury the InterContinental opened in 2017. It has a rooftop restaurant with great views over the city and castle.

MID RANGE:

The excellently located sLOVEnian ART STORY  receives consistently great reviews. The hotel features artwork from local artists.

BUDGET:

The friendly Turn Hostel Ljubljana  is a great budget backpackers’ choice in the city centre.

InterContinental  

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Lake Bled Slovenia the Ultimate Fairytale Destination

Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Boasting postcard views from every angle of the stunning lake complete with a central island with a church and a clifftop castle. Definitely a must see when visiting Slovenia. 

Quick Index

• • • • Where is Lake Bled?
      • When to go?
      • Why go?
      • How to get there?
      • Getting around
      • 12 Things to do in Lake Bled
        • • 12 Explore and discover the castle
          • 11 Swim in Lake Bled
          • 10 Stand up paddle boarding (sup)
          • 9 Rowing or Kayaking
          • 8 Boat cruises around the lake
          • 7 Sunbathing Opportunities
          • 6 Tobogganing
          • 5 Walking
          • 4 Hiking around Lake Bled
          • 3 Get on your bike
          • 2 White water rafting or canyoning
          • 1 Eat Bled Cream Cake
    • • Eating out
      • Where to stay

                                                                                

WHERE IS LAKE BLED

Situated in the NW of Slovenia. Lake Bled is the most visited area in Slovenia. Slovenia itself  has borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia and has a small coastal strip, closest to Italy called the Slovene Riveria. You can call Slovenia central Europe. It really is in the middle.

Lake Bled is in Slovenia, a country bordered by Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Austria (map courtesy of  hikenow.net)

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

WHEN to go to lake bled

All the time! Magical in Winter and divine in Summer but most crowded and higher prices. Summer is particularly crowded for traffic and there’s only one road in and one road out! Slovenia has a typical temperate 4 season climate. A distinctive Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. If you dress correctly, Winter is a great time to visit and of course, if you’re a skier, there’s no better time to plan a trip to Slovenia.

Recent Summer weather has been a bit unpredictable like much of Europe, with August heatwaves and flash storms. For the least tourists and lowest prices, go in the so called shoulder seasons, that is, late Spring to early Summer and early Autumn. These times will have plenty of sunshine, so important for those unforgettable Lake Bled photographs.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

WHY GO to lake bled

Lake Bled and the immediate vicinity has history, hills, lakes, gorgeous gorges, monumental mountains, gushing canyons and rivers, yummy food, friendly locals and picture postcard views from every direction. Visitor numbers show that Slovenia is largely Europe’s best kept secret. So make Lake Bled your next holiday destination, before it becomes likes Venice! For many people, the only thing they might know about Slovenia is that Melania Trump hails from this ex- Yugoslavian country. 

There are so many things to do in and around Lake Bled. It is indeed beautiful and picturesque, with plenty of opportunities for being active, both, in and out of the glittering green water. Furthermore, if you just want to laze around with spectacular vistas in every direction, you can do this too. Of course, it has its own magnificent castle high up in the hills, which you can see easily from the lake. Prices are still a bit cheaper than France, Germany, Austria and Italy, but not as cheap as Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland.

Once you go to Lake Bled and Slovenia in general, you’ll be thinking of even more reasons to go back!

Lake Bled is the epitome of beautiful, especially in Spring and Summer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                

HOW TO GET to Lake Bled

Flying into Ljubljana Airport

The nearest airport  to Lake Bled is Ljubljana. Direct flights from London with Easyjet, a low cost carrier. Wizz Air flies direct to Ljubljana from Budapest. London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, Vienna and Rome will be your international connection hubs from Asia, Australasia and the Americas. The number of flights fluctuates dramatically for the Summer and Winter timetable. Many people do a day trip from the capital, Ljubljana. The distance from Ljubljana to the town of Lake Bled is only 35kms from the Joze Pucnik airport.

Drive 

We lease a car from Paris and drive! Of course, this is because Lake Bled is on our grand European tour, but you will rent a car from the airport. You will need a sticker that you attach to the windscreen to allow you to drive on Slovenian roads. This is NOT included in your car hire. Current prices for the vignette is 15, 30 and 110 Euros for weekly, monthly and annually.

Rail 

By train there are connections on the international routes (From Munich in the West and Athens in the East) where you change at Ljubljana and then get a local train. The train stations are either 4kms or 1.5kms from the centre of Lake Bled. It depends which train you take in Ljubljana.

Bus 

Private buses and local buses will drop you at the main station, a 3 minute walk from Lake Bled. The hard core can cycle the 50kms from Ljubljana! We don’t recommend it though!

Taxi 

Taxis are not cheap, but, depends on your itinerary and budget. This may be the option for you.

                                                                                                                                                                                                

GETTING AROUND Lake Bled

When you arrive at the fabulous Lake Bled we recommend you get on your bike or walk. Car parking is severely limited in the centre and even on the outskirts, you will need to get there early to park in one of the car parks. Don’t even think about trying to use the supermarket car parks, they’re onto you!

                                                                                                                                                                                               

12 THINGS TO DO IN LAKE BLED

Lake Bled is an half hour to 45 minutes drive, from the capital Ljubljana. You can cover the lake itself in a day trip, but there is plenty to do in the surrounds of Lake Bled, if you want to base yourself in Bled. For example, Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge and the mountain treks of Trivglav National Park are perfectly accessible from Bled.

                                                                  

12. Explore and discover Lake Bled castle

You can see the fabulous Lake Bled Castle from the lake. What a position! Yes, we know a good castle is always built on a hill top, but, come on, this castle tops the charts for being part of an amazing landscape too. In addition, when it is lit up at night, you appreciate it even more. If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll know that if there’s a castle, we’ll go and see it! It is one of the best places to get spectacular shots of Lake Bled below, the island and the Karavanke mountains, plus the Julian Alps.

We think you’ll agree that Lake Bled Castle is both majestic and romantic.

Rich in history, Lake Bled Castle is Slovenia’s oldest castle. First written records of it date to the 11th century. The castle is open all year round. There’s so much to see, you need to make at least a half day trip to see and experience everything. Moreover, you’ll want to stay for a bite to eat, as the food is scrumptious at the Lake Bled Castle restaurants. 

There is plenty to do, once you reach Lake Bled Castle. You might even want to get married there! It has to be the ultimate fairytale venue! To keep you busy there is the castle museum, wine cellar, forge (where you can make your own money!) printing works, the knights’ hall, the castle chapel and the well. If you’re lucky, you might see some traditional dancing, where staff dress in resplendent costumes and move to the beat of times gone by.

Watch a performance of traditional dancing at Lake Bled Castle, a must for history and fashion lovers.

                                                                  

11. Swimming in Lake Bled

The lake itself is beautifully clean and provides a refreshing dip on those hot balmy days. There are various ‘beaches’ dotted around the lake, some of which are private (Guests of the Grand Hotel Toplice don’t need to worry though). You can also pay to use slides and a cordoned off area of the lake, weather permitting of course! Swimming is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled because it’s free!

Swimming in clean Lake Bled is a must in Summer. The temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees centigrade.

The ducks think it is a great idea too.

Lake Bled water is very clean for humans and ducks to go swimming!

                                                                  

10. Stand up paddle boarding

This craze that took off in Hawaii, of course has now infiltrated itself into water sports. Lake Bled is wonderfully calm, so good for beginners who are new to SUP. Supping is becoming one of the more popular things to do in Lake Bled. Prices start from 10 Euros an hour.

See the picturesque Lake Bled by hiring a stand up paddle board for an hour or two.

                                                                  

9. Rowing or Kayaking

If you want to row yourself, you can easily hire a small boat for 2 for an hour, from 10 euro. Rowing is one of the more energetic things to do in Lake Bled, depending on how seriously you take it! While less frequently for hire kayaking is also available around the lake.

Tour Lake Bled in a little rowing boat. So much better if someone else rows!

The little island in the middle is a working community. There’s the famous Mother of God, 16^th century church to visit, a tiny museum and cute shops. If you’re very lucky as you row up to the 99 stone steps up to the church, a wedding may be happening! The little Bled Island is so romantic.

The Lake Bled natural island is home to a medieval church, museum and artisan shops.

                                                                  

8. Boat cruises around Lake Bled 

For the less active, boat cruises depart at various points from around the lake. These boats are known as Pletna. They are traditional, flat bottomed boats powered only by oars. Maximum seating capacity is 20. They all have colourful awnings to protect you from the sun and rain as you glide across the peaceful lake.  Frequency varies in high and low season. Sometimes you have to wait until a boat is full before the cruise can begin. 

The traditional pletna boats of Lake Bled provide an alternative mode of taking in the magnificent scenery.

                                                                  

7. Sunbathing opportunities

Wherever you lay your towel, around the edges of Lake Bled you can sunbathe. When it all gets a bit too hot, jump into the clean, refreshing lake. Pack a picnic or position yourself opposite the small supermarket, so you can nip in for those essential refreshments, whilst enjoying the beautiful Lake Bled scenery.

                                                                  

6. Tobogganing

You don’t need snow to go tobogganing in Lake Bled! It is so much fun for big and small kids.

No snow necessary to go tobogganing in Lake Bled! Summer fun by the lake.

Catch a ski lift up the hill and as you wait, take some silly photos in the giant wooden frame, which gets you and Lake Bled in the background!

Strike a pose in the giant photo frame above Lake Bled as you wait for your ride down on the toboggan!

The ride down in the one person toboggan is exhilarating. If you have a small child, he or she can ride in the front. The best thing about it, is you can go in Summer.

An exhilarating ride down the slope in Summer is a must do activity in Lake Bled!

                                                                  

5. Walking

At the top of the tobogganing site you get great views looking down on Lake Bled. There’s even outdoor gym equipment if you’re feeling energetic! Of course the lake itself, is a flat, gentle walk which most people can manage easily in 3 hours, with stops for photos and food!

                                                                  

4. Hiking around Lake Bled

The hiking opportunities in and around Lake Bled and its hills are a must. Just getting to the castle is a bit of a hike! But, the reward is fabulous Lake Bled views! Luckily, you can also get fed at the castle on certain days too! Lake Bled is at the bottom of the Triglav National Park where you can do guided or non guided walks, depending on your level of experience and fitness.

Hiking up to the castle walls at Lake Bled is a big achievement!

                                                                  

3. Get on your bike

People often ask if you can cycle around Lake Bled. Of course you can! Once you have done a few circuits of the lake, head to Vintgar Gorge. As you cycle through cute little villages, the friendly Slovene people will wave and point the way to Vintgar Gorge, if you get lost. Head towards Podhom and look out for the small signs for Vintgar Gorge as you cycle along. It’s not all paved road, at some spots you will have to get off your bike and push it over gravel paths.

Biking is very popular in and around Lake Bled. Plenty of bikes to hire by the hour or per day.

Closed from December to May, Vintgar Gorge is an easy bike ride away. When you get there, your reward is spectacular rock formations with refreshing clear water flowing over boulders and rock pools. It is all pretty flat. The hues of calming green are all around you, from the plants clinging to the rocks to the changing water below you. 

Mesmerising Vintgar Gorge is just a mere bike ride away from Lake Bled. Go and see it!

                                                                  

2. White water rafting, ziplining or canyoning

If you need a bit more of adrenaline style action then book a day trip. Book online or in Bled itself. If action and adventure are on your list of things to do, areas very near to Lake Bled will fulfill your requirements. You will be taken to sites near Bled and Bohinj by experienced guides. The health and safety requirements for these activities meet European standards. You are provided with helmets, wetsuits, life jackets, harnesses and ropes.

                                                                  

1. Eat Bled cream cake

You know the old saying, you can have your cake and eat it? Yes, eating this cake is one of the things you have to do when you come to Bled! Decide which eatery is best! This is more like a custard slice than a cake. When you look at a Bled cream cake, it is similar to a millefeuille without the layers, topped with whipped cream. There is a story behind this cake, which some say is best sampled at the Park Hotel.

Make your own choice and don’t just try one! Apparently, everything is prepared under the guidance of the lucky number seven. The puff pastry is folded seven times and then left to rest overnight before baking and cooling again. The egg custard is cooked for seven minutes. Cooled, coated in a delicately sweetened layer of whipped cream, and dusted with powdered sugar, each cake is then cut into a perfect seven-by-seven centimetre square.

The famous Lake Bled cream cake! Got to try one or two when you come to Lake Bled!

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

WHERE TO EAT iN LAKE BLED

Lake Bled and its surrounds are full of restaurants, cafes and snack bars. The food served in Lake Bled is first class and quite international. Prices are rising, due to its popularity, but Lake Bled is still cheaper than London or Melbourne as an overall destination for foodies. Deciding where to eat in Lake Bled is a difficult decision! We will help you decide with a selection of our favourite restaurants.

FAVE RESTAURANTS IN BLED

Pizzeria Rustika  

A pizza and pasta restaurant with an open air roof top or cozy indoor dining. Service is great and friendly. This is our favourite hangout, when deciding where to eat Italian food. Specialty pizzas have buffalo mozzarella, C’s favourite pizza topping. Yes, you can have better and she has lived in Milan, home of the best pizzas after Napoli, so C is a pretty good judge. Generous toppings and they don’t cook the proscuitto or rucola. Not such a cheap eat anymore. Two speciality pizzas, one dessert, half a litre of wine, a juice and a cappuccino, cost 45 euros. 

Fabulous speciality pizzas with buffalo mozzarella at Pizzeria Rustika, Lake Bled.

Penzion Berc fine food

This place is a bed and breakfast with an attached restaurant. You don’t need to decide where to eat if you’re staying here, as the breakfast is superb! The food is very fresh and uses local ingredients and the servings are generous. Not cheap, because it is very popular. One road behind the main road off the lake. The service is friendly and the suggestions are not just the most expensive items on the menu. Book a table in advance to avoid disappointment. The outside dining area is very attractive too!

The restaurant at Vila Bled

Used to do a fabulous 7 course degustation for 65 euros. Just thought we would throw that in there to make you guys jealous, since we have been to Lake Bled three times! Again, due to Bled’s rising popularity, prices are now more expensive  and unfortunately the degustation menu is off the books. A la carte though is still fine food, Slovenian style.

Portions are on the smaller side, more akin to the current trend of charging a lot for a little. So, eat the bread that comes gratis! Make sure you get an outside table with a view of the castle as the lights switch on, every night. Very romantic. The car park driveway is also pretty impressive, as you feel like a visiting dignitary when you pull in.

Gourmet food and great presentation at the restaurant at Vila Bled.

Lake Bled Castle restaurant

Struggling to decide where to eat, to get stunning views and delicious food? Need a special place to impress a date? Always imagined yourself dining like a king or queen in your own castle? Head on up to the castle restaurant. Check which days and the opening times as you don’t want to be turned away. The trek up is worth it, just to get a view of Lake Bled below. There’s an entrance fee of 11 Euros, but this gets struck off, if you book a table at the restaurant. The food is not cheap, but, top notch! A four course tasting menu will set you back 50 Euros. We recommend you book in advance. 

Here we are having a pre -dinner drink in the castle whilst waiting for a fabulous gourmet dinner at the castle restaurant.

Bonus place to get a great picture whilst sipping on a latte or licking an ice cream is Café Belvedere. Also good for trying the famous Lake Bled cream cake. Google it! Come on we’re not giving you everything on a plate! 

Cafe Belvedere is a great place to take pictures of the iconic Lake Bled!

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

WHERE TO STAY iN LAKE BLED

LUXURY:

For the ultimate in location and luxury, right on the lake with private sunbeds and bathing, you can’t go past Grand Hotel Toplice if your budget stretches that far!  

MID RANGE:

The family run excellently located Penzion Kaps receives consistently great reviews. The breakfast is a particular delight.

BUDGET:

The friendly Central Hostel Bled  is a great budget backpackers’ choice for those with limited funds. 

Grand Hotel Toplice

Still not convinced?

We challenge you, not to fall in love with Lake Bled. Our first time was in 2012! Two subsequent visits later in 2016 and 2018 and we still rank it as one of our best central European destinations. Love it like we do? Do you intend to go? Planning a trip? Do you agree? We want to hear your comments below.

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