How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Lake Bled (+Best Things to Do)
Lake Bled is becoming the top mention on everyone’s lips. The serene beauty in the Julian Alps has gone from being a hidden gem to one of Europe’s biggest attractions.
I’ve been lucky to visit Lake Bled with my partner a few times, whether that has been for short weekends, day trips, or extended week breaks.
And in my experience, truthfully, you only really need one day in Lake Bled to see most of its highlights.
In this guide, we are sharing the best things to do in Lake Bled in one day, including a hike around the Lake, a trip to Vintgar Gorge and a taste of the delicious Bled Cream Cake with otherworldly viewpoints!
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Best things to do in a day in Lake Bled
With one day in Lake Bled, you will have enough time to do many fun day activities and adventures. Here is a list of the best things to do.
Walk around Lake Bled
Duration: 1.5 hours
To start your day at Lake Bled in the best way, go for a stroll around the lake. The circular route of Lake Bled is 6km and will take you 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk around.
You can find some beautiful viewpoints of the lake, particularly in the Mlino area and at the observation point The Heart of Bled.
The entire route is well-paved, with many cute walkways, including the wooden pathway pictured above.
If you don’t fancy walking the whole way, there are plenty of places to pop a towel down. Lake Bled is also a great place to go for a swim, so if you’re visiting during a warm sunny month, be sure to bring a towel.
Take a boat trip to Bled Island
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Heading to Bled Island is an absolute must-do activity in Lake Bled. The journey is 20 minutes each way and you’re allowed 40 minutes to explore the island.
To get to Bled Island, you can kayak, rent your own boat, or take the traditional route by Pletna Boat. Tickets cost €18 to go by Pletna Boat and you pay on your return.
You can board a Pletna Boat from 3 locations around the lake. I recommend heading to the Mlino Port which is right next to Hotel Starkl. This spot is my go-to for some lunch before or after your trip.
Note: When you arrive on Bled Island, you’ll need to climb 99 steps to reach the main courtyard.
At the top, there are a few small cafes, shops and the Church of the Assumption of Mary, the island’s famous 17th-century baroque church, which costs €12 to enter.
For money to value, there isn’t a whole lot to see in the church but if you do visit, legend says those who make a wish in the Church while ringing its bell three times will have their wish come true!
Try the Bled Cream Cake
Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Bled Cream Cake was created in 1953 by head pastry chef Ištvan Lukačević at the Park Hotel, just by Lake Bled.
Ever since then, the Bled Cream Cake has become a beloved sweet treat in the area and it would be almost criminal not to try it during your day in Lake Bled.
The cake is made of layers of crispy puffed pastry filled with whipped cream, rich vanilla custard, and powdered sugar on top.
You can purchase Bled Cream Cake at various kiosks, cafes or restaurants with picture-perfect views like Bled Castle Restaurant. Though for the most authentic experience, I recommend purchasing it at Kavarna Park, part of the Park Hotel where it was made.
The cafe features an outside deck with seats overlooking a beautiful view of Lake Bled. We couldn’t resist visiting and the Bled Cream Cake was just the bonus.
Hike around Vintgar Gorge
Entrance fee: €10
Duration: 1-2 hours
Hiking around Vintgar Gorge is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled. The hike follows a 1.6km trail through the natural beauty of the Radovana River along wooden suspension bridges.
To get there, either walk from Lake Bled to Vintgar Gorge which takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. Or take the bus from Bled Bus Station to Vintgar (with a 3-minute walk to the Gorge). You can drive here with parking available on-site.
Along the Gorge, there are many beautiful cascading waterfalls and rock formations. Vintgar Gorge takes 1 hour to walk around but take as much time as you can to appreciate it.
I recommend some good walking shoes for your hike as it can get narrow and slippery.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find Šum Waterfall, Slovenia’s highest river waterfall. Adjacent to the waterfall there is also a cafe, if you fancy a stop off at the end of your trip. We certainly did!
Note: Vintgar Gorge is closed during the Winter.
Visit Bled Castle
Entrance fee: €18
Duration: 1-2 hours
Bled Castle is Lake Bled’s medieval castle, perched above on a cliff face at 130 metres. I recommend heading up there in the evening just before sunset to finish your day in Lake Bled.
To get there, you can drive and park just outside or hike for 20 minutes from ground level, starting from Spica restaurant. If you choose to hike, you can use this route.
The castle’s interior is relatively small and takes less than 1 hour to explore. It hosts a museum that has various artefacts and ornaments from Slovenia’s medieval history.
The real selling point of Bled Castle is the stunning panorama of Lake Bled, best seen from the castle’s restaurant on the outside terrace. With the views of the lake topped with sunset hues, there is no better way to finish off your Lake Bled itinerary!
More things to do in Lake Bled
If you find yourself having more time on your one-day itinerary in Bled, or fancy swapping activities, then here are a few more things to do in Lake Bled that I recommend doing:
Visit Lake Bohinj: A great alternative to Lake Bled, Bohinj is one of the most beautiful places in Triglav National Park and is only a 28-minute bus from Lake Bled.
As well as admiring the lake, it has many adventure fun activities to do in the area, including hiking to the Savica Waterfall or taking the cable car to the top of Mount Vogel for one of the most picturesque views of the Julian Alps.
Hike to Velika Osojnica Point: For the best view of Lake Bled, hike up to Velika Osojnica. The trail takes 1.5 – 2 hours to complete and involves climbing up a steep elevation of 865ft.
Be sure to stop off the vantage point Mala Osojnica and eventually finish at Velika Osojnica for the most picture-perfect views of the lake. At the top, there is a conveniently placed bench to sit down and rest.
Visit Adventure Park Straža Bled: The Adventure Park Straža Bled is Bled’s ultimate adrenaline junkie hideout, where you can take part in activities like zip lining and various obstacle courses.
In the summer, the tobogganing track is available to use, with a 520m track length reaching maximum speeds of 40mph.
The track begins just at the top of Straža Hill, starting at one of the best viewpoints of Lake Bled.
Map guide for Lake Bled
To help you navigate around, I’ve compiled all the best things to do in Lake Bled and other recommendations in an interactive map.
Select the icon on the left with an arrow to view all the attractions. You can also select the box icon on the right to view the map in Google Maps.
Best time to visit Lake Bled
Lake Bled is beautiful all year round, but I recommend visiting in the shoulder months, particularly May and June.
I visited in June, August and November and the busy tourist crowds in August made it a less enjoyable experience. There weren’t as many quiet spots to relax around the lake and my stay was a lot cheaper in the spring and autumn.
June also reaches average highs of 25°C, so it’s still perfect weather to sunbathe and swim in Lake Bled.
How to get to Lake Bled
As Lake Bled has grown in popularity, it has become more accessible by public transportation. There are many options for you to consider, depending on your budget and convenience.
Here are the options I recommend:
Getting to Lake Bled by car
Slovenia is a small country, so renting a car is the most convenient way to get to Lake Bled from places like Ljlubjana or other Slovenian cities.
You can find plenty of parking around Lake Bled, with average prices around €2.50 an hour. I recommend using Discover Cars, which I’ve used for a road trip around Slovenia.
I visited Lake Bled by car on the way to Triglav National Park and it cost me €33 to rent a day.
Getting to Lake Bled by bus
Travelling to Lake Bled by bus is the cheapest option. Lake Bled has a main bus and coach station, located just 200m away from the lake.
Buses are available from Ljubljana or other areas in Slovenia to Lake Bled. If you are coming from Ljubljana, it takes 1 hour and 25 minutes by bus and tickets cost €5.70 each way.
Tickets can be purchased at the station or online via coach companies like Flixbus. Check out the updated bus timetables.
Getting to Lake Bled by train
Lake Bled is well connected by train from most major cities in Slovenia, particularly Jesenice and Ljubljana.
The main train station by Lake Bled is called Bled Jezero. Don’t get off at Lesce-Bled, as this is a 50-minute walk away.
If you are coming from Ljubljana, most journeys will require you to catch 2 trains, getting off a connection change from Jesenice. Single tickets cost €6.60 from Ljubljana.
You can purchase your train tickets at the station or online. If you choose to purchase online, you’ll receive your ticket via email.
I recommend downloading the Slovenske železnice mobile app to purchase your ticket and you can show it as a QR code to the ticket inspector via the app.
Getting to Lake Bled by tour
If you plan on heading to Lake Bled through an organised tour, you can find many tours that include transport to and from Lake Bled from multiple cities.
Here are my recommendations for the best tours:
- From Ljubljana: Trip to Lake Bled and Bled Castle (6 hours): This explores Bled Castle and Bled Island. You’ll also have an extra 40 minutes to walk around the lake.
- From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bohinj Trip (9 hours): This day trip includes visits to Vintgar Gorge, Lake Bohinj and all the best highlights in Bled.
If you’re not travelling from Ljubljana, you can find a day tour to Lake Bled from other cities nearby. I don’t recommend an organised tour if you plan to stay the whole day. Most of these tours only visit Lake Bled for a few hours.
Where to stay in Lake Bled
Lake Bled is incredibly expensive for accommodation, with average prices for a stay during peak season costing $200. You will also pay a premium to stay right next to the lake.
Here are my recommendations for budget, mid-range and luxury hotels:
- Luxury Hotel: Vila Bled – Formerly a summer residence of Yugoslav President Tito, this stunning 4-star hotel sits on the bank of Lake Bled with incredible views of the lake. The hotel has a private beach, spa and everything you need for a comfortable stay, including free parking.
- Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Triglav Bled – Located on the cusp of the lake, this beautiful 4-star hotel offers luxury at a cheaper cost. It includes an indoor pool and a fine dining restaurant with an open terrace that has one of the most beautiful viewing points of Lake Bled.
- Budget Hotel: Penzion Mayer – This 3-star hotel has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. The rooms are simple and the hotel is located next to one of Bled’s main areas for restaurants and just minutes walking distance away from Lake Bled.
Recommendation: For a much cheaper option, stay in Jesenice and travel down to Bled by train or car.
Lake Bled: Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Lake Bled?
You only need one day to explore Lake Bled’s main highlights. However, if you plan to hike to Velika Osojnica Point or explore nearby areas like Triglav National Park, I recommend at least 2 to 3 days.
Can you swim in Lake Bled?
Yes, you can swim anywhere in Lake Bled. It is a popular activity to do during the summer.
Can you walk around Lake Bled?
Yes, you can walk around Lake Bled. There are allocated walking paths for a circular route around the lake which is 6 km long and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What is the nearest airport to Lake Bled?
The nearest airport to Lake Bled is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport located just a 30-minute drive from Lake Bled.
How do I get to Lake Bled from the airport?
You can get from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport to Lake Bled by either taxi or bus. A taxi from the airport to Bled costs around €40–€50 one way, whereas buses are much cheaper, with a one-way ticket costing €4.10.
There is a bus station at the airport and the bus line to Lake Bled is run by Arriva buses. Check out the latest Arrive Bus schedule by searching for Brnik/airport Ljubljana to Bled Union or Bled (Main bus station).
Final thoughts on a day in Lake Bled
From serene walks to beautiful viewpoints, Lake Bled is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.
If you are visiting Ljubljana or hopping from city to city during an interrail trip, be sure to consider visiting Lake Bled for a day trip; you won’t regret it.
This Lake Bled guide should give you all the know-how for a wonderful trip there. If you visit, let us know your experience or feel free to ask any questions.
Looking more for inspiration for your Slovenia holiday? Check out:
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Day Trip From Ljubljana
What You Must Know Before Visiting Slovenia
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SLOVENIA
Slovenia Flights – Looking for cheap flights to Slovenia? I’ve used Skyscanner more times than I can remember. It will scan the entire internet for prices on flights from all airlines, so you can find the best deal on your flight!
Slovenia Travel Insurance – Do I need travel insurance for Slovenia? Yes of course! I always get travel insurance in case anything happens during my travels. I highly recommend SafetyWing as your go-to, for the best travel insurance.
Slovenia Rental Cars – Should I rent a car in Slovenia? Absolutely! I’ve rented a car to travel around Slovenia multiple times. With many remote areas in Slovenia, it definitely the best way to get around. Discover Cars is my go-to rental agency and offers the best rates wherever you travel.
Slovenia Hotels – Need to find accommodation in Slovenia? I’ve been booking all my hotels through Booking.com for years. Their large range of flexible accommodation options can suit all travel styles. Plus, their loyalty discounts are a huge bonus!
Slovenia Tours/Activities – For your tours or activities in Slovenia, I couldn’t recommend GetYourGuide enough! I use it everywhere I go, and it is brilliant for thinking of ideas for activities to do.
Slovenia Phone Plans – If you need phone data for your travels around Slovenia, I recommend getting an eSim using Airalo. It’s been my saviour! It offers affordable roaming with great coverage. You can download the sim straight from their app and top it up whenever you want.
