9 Best Things to Do in Lake Bled | Bled, Slovenia Travel Guide

If you are heading to Slovenia, I’m sure Lake Bled is on your itinerary! If not, consider this your sign to add it to your itinerary! There are so many things to do in Lake Bled, it’s an adventure travel hotspot. Here are some of the best things to do in Lake Bled!

Best Things to Do in Lake Bled

1. Bled Castle
   • Bled Castle offers some of the most amazing views of the lake. It’s located on a cliff that overlooks Lake Bled. From here, you can see beautiful views of Bled Island and take in some history!
   • There’s also a cafe upon entering the castle that offers beer, wine, Slovenia cake, water, coffee, and small food items. I recommend treating yourself to something delicious and enjoying it at the tables there.
   • There is also a wine cellar at the Bled Castle. So you could try some Slovenian wines in this beautiful piece of history.
   • I explored the castle later in the day as the sun was starting to go down which gave me some beautiful views of the sun beginning to go down.
   • Whether you come at the beginning of the day or towards the end, I recommend choosing one because Bled Castle is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled so it can get very crowded!
2. Rope Swing
   • For those adventure travelers out there that need a little bit of speed and adrenaline sometimes, there’s a rope swing just off the side of the trail that goes around the lake. It would be an awesome place to hang out during the summer or when the water is warmer.
   • During the off-season, it’s a great place to sit close to the lake in solitude! Here’s the location on Google Maps.
3. Go for a Swim or Ride the Waterslide
   • During summer there are several water activities along the water, I saw a waterslide and several swimming areas roped off in the water.
   • These were closed for the season at my time of visit (the first week of October). But they look like a perfect way to spend a part of your day!
4. Have a glass of Slovenian Wine on the Water
   • Grab a glass of wine at one of the restaurants along the water. The wine in Slovenia is some of the best in the world. Take this time to try some of the wines this country has to offer with some pretty amazing views.
   • Or even grab a bottle of wine and find a nice spot to sit along the water and end your day that way!
5. Rent a boat or a SUP
   • There are tons of places along the water where you can rent a small boat you can paddle, a kayak, or a stand-up paddle board (SUP). These were still in operation in October when I was there too! So I’m not sure exactly when they shut these down, or if they do.
   • There aren’t many backdrops that can beat the views of Lake Bled. So this is a great way to get views of the lighthouse, and the castle up on the hill, while getting in some exercise.
   • OR you can sit in the back of the boat and watch someone else paddle for you if you can trick your friends or significant other ;). Then it just becomes a relaxing time on the lake for you.
6. Check out the Olympic Center
   • There are 3 docks down by the Olympic center. They give an amazing view of the Lake and the little island in the lake. It’s a great spot to ride a bike and enjoy a swim. Or just sit and enjoy the views!
   • There’s a little self-service food area and restaurant down by this area as well so you could grab some drinks and some food to bring over to the docks to enjoy the views with some food.
   • Or even bring a nice book and lay on the docks. I sat here for a while and saw people doing all the above. It was such a wonderful way to soak in some amazing views and just be. I’m already looking forward to the day I get to go back with a little warmer weather and swim.
   • Keep in mind, I am from Florida so our swimming water is essentially bath water…so this water is probably not too cold for a lot of people. I did see some people swimming while I was there, I’m still just working on channeling my inner Wim Hof (#iykyk).
7. Exercise of the trail around Lake Bled
   • There’s a beautiful paved trail that surrounds the lake. It’s perfect for a run, a walk, or renting a bike to ride around. This way you can get different views of the surrounding area. Cars don’t run on this trail, you will occasionally see the tourist trolley that transports people around the area but otherwise a very pedestrian-safe trail!
   • This trail will also lead you to different hikes which you’ll see on the side and the rope swing mentioned above!
8. Go to Bled Island
   • There are several ways to get to Bled Island: Pletna boat, rent your own boat, take a SUP, etc. This is one of the main things to do in Bled.
   • There is a little cafe on the island and a church. The church does cost to enter. The church is the main reason people visit Bled Island. It is said that walking to the top of the church and ringing the bell will make your wishes come true.
9. Hike to Ojstrica View Point
   • There is a hike that leads to an amazing view of Bled Island and Lake Bled. Unfortunately, I did not have time to do it but based on the pictures that I saw — you should totally fit this in.
   • I’ve heard it’s a moderate hike, so dress appropriately, but it is doable. I’m already looking forward to going back to hike the trail.

How to Get to Lake Bled from Ljublijana

Drive

• The drive is about 45 minutes — it’s pretty close! Be sure to get the Slovenian Vignette pass when entering Slovenia, or first thing after you start driving in the country. This will get you through the tolls throughout the country. If not, you have to pay a large fine!

Bus

• The bus costs 6 euros one way. You can book the return ticket at the bus office and pay 12 euros. If booking your return ticket, you can return at whatever time you want. So you don’t have to have that decided before you get to Lake Bled.
• The schedule is posted in the station. You can also find the schedule by day for all routes in Slovenia using this website.
• Important Bus Notes:
  • The bus ticket is payable by cash only. There is an ATM in the bus station so if you don’t have cash no worries.
  • The bus station does have luggage storage if you are checked out of your stay but want to check out Lake Bled before leaving Slovenia.
  • OR if you are just transferring to Lake Bled to stay, there is room for luggage underneath the bus and some overhanging for backpacks in the bus.

There are not many places more beautiful than Lake Bled. In fact, I’m shocked that it hasn’t become more of a hot spot. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s too much longer before it does. There are so many things to do in Lake Bled. To me, Bled is a must-see when visiting Slovenia!

If you want to figure out how to fit Lake Bled into your time in Slovenia, I laid out a perfect 4 days in Slovenia here!