Inspiring Adventure

Tucked away in the Julian Alps of Slovenia is the stunning Lake Bled. It’s got everything—beautiful scenery, fun outdoor activities, and delicious food and drink. The lake has become my favourite thanks to its crystal-clear, cool water, and the blissful lack of weeds (my irrational fear!) —making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the views.

We spent a week here but friends and family who have since visited asked our advice for a three day itinerary. So here’s our personal take on how to make the most of your time in this gorgeous area.

Day 1: Scenic hikes and relaxation

Morning: Start your day with a leisurely walk around Lake Bled, a 6km (4 miles) loop.

If you fancy something more challenging, hike up to Mala Osojnica which offers stunning views of Lake Bled, Bled Island, and the surrounding Julian Alps. The hike starts near Camping Bled on the Western side of the lake, and takes about 1.5 hours (2.3 miles). The trail is steep in sections and can be slippery. There is also a sloping metal staircase so make sure you’re wearing decent shoes and bring plenty of water. The views from the top are worth the effort!

If you would prefer a shorter hike, then you can also go up to Ojstrica. This is just under a mile and takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the view point.  There are still some steep, rocky sections and you get stunning views across the lake, but we felt the views from Mala Osojnica were more spectacular, and rewarding.  

View from Mala Osojnica

Afternoon: After admiring the views, descend to the boardwalk along the lake and continue to Velika Zaka beach by Camping Bled. This is one of the best swimming spots with a restaurant, ice cream, and a small supermarket. The perfect place to relax after a morning hiking.

Continue your walk around the lake to Olimpijski Veslaski (Rowing Centre). This has another nice beach and a wooden platform extending into the lake to capture the perfect photo of Bled Island reflected into the water. If you swim from here just be aware that there are no steps out of the lake back onto the wooden platform – upper body strength (or limited dignity) is required!

Day 2: Culture and leisure

Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Bled Castle, accessible via a steep path near the lido. This medieval fortress perches dramatically on a cliff 130 metres above the lake. It is the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to 1011. The castle has various viewpoints across the lake, a museum, chapel, wine tasting, and souvenir shop. Bled Castle restaurant offers a sophisticated lunch and dinner option. If you book a table in advance you gain free entrance to the castle. For a more low key option the castle café provides a relaxing spot to enjoy the views.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Grajsko Kopališče (Lido Bled) on the northeast side of the lake, and just below the castle. The lido offers fenced pools with depths of 50, 120, and 180 cm, two waterslides, and a high diving board. There is an aqua adventure park, a children’s play area with a sandpit, and kayak rentals. Massage services, table tennis, and board games are available. Deckchairs and sunshades can be rented, and there is various food and drink options. The facility also includes changing rooms, lockers, toilets, and outdoor showers. The swimming area is accessible for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Day 3: Exploration and adventure

Morning: Take a boat to Bled Island – the only naturally occurring island in Solvenia. The traditional way to reach the island is by taking a Pletna boat, a large gondola-like rowboat with a canopy. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way. Alternatively you could rent a row boat, or like us paddleboard and kayak to the Island. Once ashore, explore the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, climb the 52 metre bell tower (for a small fee), and ring the wishing bell inside the church. The island has a café, souvenir shop and gallery. We recommend visiting early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Afternoon: Head to Straza Bled, a 10-minute walk from town. Take the chairlift up for more stunning views across the lake and mountains. From the top of the chairlift, there’s a well maintained trail leading up the hill with a loop at the top. For a fun descent, try the toboggan run. The track runs along the ski slope, following the route of the chairlift. The toboggan runs from spring to autumn, but specific opening hours can vary so it’s best to check the website.

If you require an extra adrenaline rush, visit the high ropes course at Straza Bled. The adventure park offers five different routes suitable for various skill levels. Before starting, you’ll practice on a training course with a guide. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore the courses independently. Our kids particularly loved the long zip lines.

Travel Tips for getting around Bled

Day trips away from Lake Bled

Vintgar Gorge

Located about 4 km from Bled, Vintgar Gorge and can be reached by car, public transport, bike, or on foot. Parking is available and there’s also a shuttle service running to the gorge. The gorge is open from April to October and has admission fees. There are wooden walkways along the Radovna River to the Šum Waterfall,  the largest river waterfall in Slovenia.

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is accessible by car, train, or bus from Bled. Public transport options include regular buses and a scenic train route. The lake is open year-round, with activities varying by season. We parked on the Eastern side of the lake near to Stara Fuzina. Here this is a grass and beach area with direct access into the lake. There is also a restaurant called Kramar Bohinj on the edge of the water which serves meals, drinks and ice creams.

Other nearby points of Interest are:

Restaurants and bars

Oštarija Peglez’n is a lovely restaurant with a decking area hidden by vines from the road. It offers a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including seafood, meat, and pasta – and enormous portions. Try the seafood risotto or truffle pasta.

Gostilna Union Bled is a great place to experience local flavours. They have good BBQ meat platters at very reasonable prices. The ambiance is enhanced by a cozy fireplace (in cooler months), making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal

Monika Poklukar is unique spot for a drink and meat/cheese platter, open Friday to Sunday from 12-7 PM. Set slightly away from the lake along Mlinska cesta 28, the bar is known for its delicious home-brewed beer, cider, and wine.  Monika runs it with her mother and daughter. They are very welcoming, giving our kids garden games to play with.

They also showed us their black kitchen, a fascinating feature that adds a unique touch to the bar. Traditionally, a black kitchen is an old-style kitchen where food is prepared over an open fire, and the walls are blackened by smoke. This setup provides an authentic and rustic cooking experience, reminiscent of historical Slovenian culinary practices.  At Monika Poklukar, the black kitchen is used to prepare various traditional dishes, adding a distinctive flavour to the food. It’s a great way to experience a piece of Slovenian heritage while enjoying a drink or meal.

Starkl offers a fusion of Mediterranean flavours mixed with traditional Slovenian cuisine. They strive to use fresh, local, and seasonal products, preparing their food from scratch to ensure authenticity and quality. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.  The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and outdoor terrace, which provides stunning views of Lake Bled. 

Sova is a popular dining spot located in the heart of Bled. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Mediterranean, European, and Slovenian cuisine, with a touch of fusion, and a wide variety of premium wines.

Wine Bar & Restaurant Čarman has a second floor terrace with views overlooking the lake. The menu features a range of European and Slovenian dishes, with a focus on lunch and dinner. Highlights include pasta with truffle and tortellini with trout. We recommend booking early as the best tables fill up quickly

Food and Drink

Beljska kremna rezina or kremšnita: The traditional Bled cream cake, is a famous Slovenian dessert originating from Bled. It consists of layers of crispy puff pastry, a rich vanilla custard, and a generous topping of whipped cream . The cake is then dusted with powdered sugar – yummy and a must try! 

Ice Cream: While the Bled cream cake is the most famous dessert from Lake Bled, traditional ice cream in the area is also popular. One notable spot is Bletska Sladoglednica, a beachside shack known for serving some of the best ice cream in the region.

Supermarket Bakery: Supermarkets in Bled, such as Mercator, Lidl, and Hofer, feature well-stocked bakery sections offering a variety of fresh bread, pastries, and other baked goods. These sections often include local Slovenian specialties, perfect for sampling the regional flavours.  For the freshest items, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning.

Local Beer: Lake Bled offers a variety of local beers that reflect Slovenia’s rich brewing tradition. One popular choice is Union beer, known for its refreshing taste and quality.  Another favourite is Laško, which is often enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. For craft beer enthusiasts, The Lock-In bar in Bled is a great spot to explore Slovenian craft beers. Additionally, Lectar Pub is renowned for serving the famous Radenska beer, a local specialty.