Lake Bled Slovenia the Ultimate Fairytale Destination 1

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. 

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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.

where is lake bled map

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.

Bled-Lake-view

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

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!Bled Lake and Castle

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.Bled-Castle

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.traditional dancing Bled castle

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 Bled Lake

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 ducks

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.sup lake bled

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.Bled Lake rowing or kayaking

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, 16th 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.Lake Bled

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. Pletna Lake Bled

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

                                                                  

7. Sunbathing opportunities

Get your tan on around Lake Bled. Pack your swimming gear for some serious sun in Summer!
Get your tan on around Lake Bled. Pack your swimming gear for some serious sun in Summer!

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.

summer fun tobogganing in Lake BLed things to do in Lake BledNo 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!Lake Bled Post Card Views

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.Lake Bled Tobogganing

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

                                                                  

5. Walking

Lake Bled Tobogganing and Castle
Walking the perimeter of Lake Bled takes only 2 or 3 hours.

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.Bled Castle View

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.Lake Bled Cycling

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. Vintgar Gorge Lake Bled area

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.Bled Cream Cake

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. Pizzeria Rustika Lake Bled

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

Penzion Berc fine food

pension berc fine food
Can you tell which one is edible? Fine food indeed at Pension Berc.

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.Bled fine dining

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. Bled Castle Dining

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! Bled Lake from Cafe Belvedere

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 Lake Bled

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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