Slovenia Travel Guide: 9 Incredible Things To See And Do At The Beautiful Lake Bled

Slovenia, , 92 Comments

Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025

Last year took us to places we never thought we would go, and one of those was Slovenia, a country in Central Europe, about which we both knew very little.

After a week of exploring it, where we hiked and biked our way through its beautiful valleys and gorges, Slovenia became one of our biggest surprise trips.

One-third of our time was devoted to Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most recognisable tourist attraction, and its subtle physical appearance drew us in deeply.

The rest of my time was dedicated to a photography workshop and various hikes in Triglav National Park.

When we visited in late September, it was too cold to dip in the clear waters, yet the setting of the lake with the evening sun’s golden light taking over the scene made it an extraordinary place to blissfully spend our first hours in Slovenia.

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Colourful pletna boats waiting for passengers

Slovenia Travel Guide: 9 Incredible Things To See And Do at the Beautiful Lake Bled

How would you prefer to spend your days at the lake? Would you go hiking, wine tasting, or sledge down Straža Hill on a toboggan, or would you prefer chilling on its inviting shores?

Lake Bled has everything you need for a perfect getaway; there’s a castle ensconced high on a hillside, plenty of hiking trails, swimming spots and a cute little island worth rowing a boat to.

You can also take a trip around the lake with a traditional coach known as a Fijaker, take a ride on the Bohinj Railway, spend your holiday in the self-sufficient eco-village Garden Village Bled or visit one of many stunning vantage points.

Below is our take on unmissable things to do to make your stay at Lake Bled more memorable.

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Visiting Lake Bled should always be on your list.

#1. Hike to Mala Osojonica’s Viewpoint

Though many arrive for the lake itself, for us, it was the surrounding trails and peaks that made this place utterly captivating.

There are several hiking trails around Lake Bled, most of them easily conquerable. They offer the finest views, and they are well worth the time and effort.

For those oh-so-beautiful views, the Mala Osojnica hike is a must-do if you are visiting Lake Bled because being so high up above the lake gives you tons of stunning perspectives.

Although the hike shouldn’t take longer than 30-40 minutes, getting to Mala Osojnica viewpoint in the pitch-black night to catch a glimpse of the rising sun was challenging and with my heavy camera backpack in tow, it took me much longer than I initially anticipated.

  • Getting there: The hike starts on the west side of the lake, and the trail is a mix of wooden steps.

*Top Tip: If you plan to hike to see the sunrise, it is a good idea to bring a flashlight as well as plenty of snacks, water, good hiking shoes, as the trail is slippery after rainfall and, of course, your camera.

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Stunning views over the lake from Mala Osojonica’s Viewpoint

#2. Visit Lake Bled Island

If you wish to visit Lake Bled Island and explore the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, you have to get out on the water; there’s no way around it.

Gliding along the lake’s glacial and tectonic waters, either on a rowboat or a Pletna boat, is an experience to remember.

Although there isn’t much to do or see on the island besides stopping by a gelato stand, visiting the church and walking along a path are superb ways to enjoy the lake!

1. Option 1 – Hire a rowboat

One of the options to reach the island, which is the centrepiece of the lake, is to hire a rowboat. Yes, at first they can feel unstable and wobbly, but it’s fun and a great exercise in one.

The island is around 1.5 km, so it shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes to reach its shores. By renting a rowboat and timing your visit right, you could have the beautiful island all to yourself, not to mention that this option provides you with more navigational freedom on the lake.

If you are not good at rowing, then hire a boat from the south side, as the distance from there is much shorter.

  • Cost: Expect to pay around EUR 20 per hour

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A couple arriving on the island by rowing boat

2. Option two – Go on a Tour with Pletna boats

Letting someone else do the hard work while you sit back, relax and take in the scenery is a great way to visit the island too. Pletna Boats are beautiful wooden boats adorned with colourful awnings that protect you from the rain, harsh summer sun and other elements.

Operated by the Pletna oarsmen, these flat-bottom boats with pointed bows can hold up to 20 people. The trip to the island takes around 25 minutes each way, with 40 minutes dedicated to the island. For the best views and photo opportunities, make sure you sit at the front of the boat.

Make sure you time your trip accordingly. Before the boat can depart, you have to wait until they are full, and once you reach the island, always ask your boat operator at what time you have to be back.

  • Boat Locations – You can jump on a boat under the Park Hotel Bled, in Mlino, in the Spa Park and in the Rowing Centre Bled.
  • Cost: Expect to pay around EUR 15 per person

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The beauty of an emerald lake

#3. Ring the Wishing Bell

In the centre of the lake sits Bled Island, which is considered to be the only island in Slovenia. Not only is the island beautiful, but it is also home to a church known as the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, which was built in the 17th century.

Back in the day, Lake Bled was used by pagans as a temple consecrating Ziva, the Slavic goddess of fertility and love. Unfortunately, the altars of the temple were destroyed in a war between Christians and Pagans and a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built instead.

Do you believe in the magic of old folk tales? Then listen to this!

One of the fascinating facts about Lake Bled surrounds the bell of Bled Island’s church – it is said it grants you wishes if you ring it 3 times.

To ring a wishing bell, you have to make your way to the island, visit the church and climb 99 steps of a beautiful Baroque staircase to reach the tower.

  • Cost: Adults: Euro 6, Children up to 14 years old: Euro 1 + boat ride to get there

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You can climb to the bell tower to enjoy a beautiful view 

#4. Try Bled Cream Cake

No trip to a new country could be complete without trying the local dishes; it’s the best part of travelling.

Not only does eating local food support the local economy and is good for the environment, but you also get to discover foods you’ve never tried before.

Originally created in 1953 by a pastry chef, Lake Bled cream cake is light, delicious and one of the most famous local dishes. There’s a puff pastry at the bottom, followed by custard, whipped cream, one more layer of puff pastry and a slight dusting of icing sugar.

Officially called Cremeschnitte, this tasty treat can be found and bought in most cafes and restaurants around Lake Bled.

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Bled cream cake is the symbol of Bled cuisine.

#5. Cycle Around the Lake

Beyond walking around the lake to take in the views, you can also rent a bike or e-bike and spend some time cycling along its pretty paths; this way, you’ll get to see the place from every angle.

The cycling paths are mainly gravel and suitable for every type of traveller.

There are plenty of places to rent your bike, and you get to choose from 1 hour to full-day hire.

You can also incorporate a trip to nearby Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj, or even opt to visit some of the rural villages where you can discover the cultural and natural heritage of the area.

  • Cost: Stop at the Mamut office and rent your bike for EUR7 for the day.

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One of many wonderful biking trails along the lake

#6. Stop at Café Belvedere

If you are on the lookout for more incredible views of Lake Bled with an attached history, you can stop at Café Belvedere and enjoy the surrounding scenery by sitting down and sipping your favourite beverage.

Designed by the architect Jože Plečnik and owned by the beautiful Vila Bled located next door, Café Belvedere is a place where, back in the day, you would meet King Alexander of Yugoslavia if you had an appointment arranged with him.

Whether you prefer coffee, cake or beer, be prepared to pay almost double the price, yet the views from an outside terrace are amazing, and the café feels like a world away from tourist crowds scouting the lake below.

  • Note: Café Belvedere requires a short but steep walk up the hill to reach

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Beautiful views from the Café Belvedere

#7. Extend Your Stay

Lake Bled is very popular with day-trippers arriving from Ljubljana, and during the summer months, which is peak season,n the place can get very busy. The long traffic and masses of tourists can be quite overwhelming and even take away the magic.

One of the best things you can do is to extend your stay.

Stay for a night or two, venture further inland and add a few more places to your itinerary because Slovenia offers so much more than Lake Bled – you’ll find  Vintgar Gorge, icy cold emerald rivers, cute towns and beautiful meadows.

Don’t rush from one place to the next just to check things off because, in the end, you’ll end up burnt out and need a holiday from the holiday.

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The wonderful Vintgar Gorge

#8. Watch a Sunrise

There are many things worth getting up for at a crazy hour during your travels, and capturing the sun’s first rays touching the mountain peaks that surround Lake Bled is undoubtedly one of them.

Lake Bled, paired with the accompanying sounds of nature, can be a truly magical place to explore once the tourist crowds move away in another direction and leave more room to relax and breathe.

Going early to new places just to have them all by myself has become one of my guilty pleasures because, given the state of tourism these days, it’s a rare occurrence to find a quiet spot to reflect on a journey or take in the views.

Lake Bled was no exception. By getting up at 4 a.m. just to see the sky starting to glow, I rewarded myself with an unforgettable experience to see the true character and charm of Lake Bled.

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These are the views worth getting up early for

#9. Visit Bled Castle

Dating back to 1011 and overlooking the lake, the medieval Lake Bled Castle is the oldest in Slovenia. By visiting the castle, you can take in the spectacular views over the lake, go wine tasting in cellars, tour the museum and have dinner in the Bled Castle Restaurant.

If you have ever had a chance to visit at least one proper European castle, then by exploring Bled Castle, the lack of historical content won’t go unnoticed. The views of the lake and surrounding landscape are hard to beat, yet there isn’t much to see and do aside from purchasing some souvenirs and wine.

The walk up to the castle from the lake is very steep, and it can get very busy at certain times when tour buses arrive, but on the positive side, you’ll get to see one of the earliest printing presses.

The whole castle gets beautifully illuminated once it gets dark, which only adds more charm to the lake.

  • Cost: Adults EUR 11, Children 14 and under EUR 5, Students EUR 5

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Lake Bled Castle is located high up on a cliff

How to get to Lake Bled

Lake Bled is within easy reach of Bohinj, Tolmin, Italy, and even Germany;  I personally, after hours of careful planning, added more allure to my trip to Slovenia and arrived by train from Munich.

The majority of visitors choose to visit the lake as a day trip from the capital, using different means of transport.

By bus | There are hourly departures for Lake Bled from Ljubljana, and the bus station is located in front of the train station on Trg Osvobodilne. The return ticket for an adult costs EUR 12, and  – depending on the time of the year and traffic, it takes up to 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there.

If you wish to book a Ljubljana to Bled bus ticket, available only from a bus driver or ticket office in the bus station,  then check the prices and timetable here.

  • Important: Once on the bus, check your phone for navigation because bus drivers don’t speak much English, and no one announces which stop it is. Bled Union is the first stop in Bled, and the next stop is the main bus station.

Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Should Travel By Train At Least Once In Your Lifetime

One of many wonderful views of the lake and the island

By train  | Travelling from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by train is another option you can use. It takes up to 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel, and expect to pay around EUR 7 for the ticket.  There are two train stations near Bled: Jezero Bled train station and Lesce station, both of them a few kilometres away from the lake.

  • Jezero Bled station is located within walking distance on the western side of the lake, around 2.5 km away from Bled Castle. Check the timetable in advance as the trains aren’t as frequent.
  • Lesce Station is located 4.5 km away from the lake, so you’ll need to find a taxi or a bus to get there.

By Organised tour | Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most visited tourist attraction, and going with a guided tour and having everything planned out for you is a great way to relax, see the lake and meet other travellers too. There is a wealth of different tours to choose from, with prices starting from EUR 60.

Often, Lake Bled tours are combined with other noteworthy sights, such as Postojna Cave and Lake Bohinj.

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Bled Jezero railway station

Where To Stay Around Lake Bled

Before you start planning a trip to Lake Bled, keep in mind that Bled is a small village with limited accommodation options on the shores of the lake and in the town of Bled.

As Bled has long been a popular place for travellers, it gets pretty busy in peak season. It is a good idea to sort out your accommodation beforehand. Here are a few lovely options to choose from:

  • Grand Hotel Toplice | If you like the idea of being right on the shores of Lake Bled, one of the best places to stay in Bled is the Grand Hotel Toplice. This is Bled’s oldest hotel, built here so that visitors could use the private beach or take the thermal waters in the indoor pool fed by the town’s thermal springs.
  • Villa Preseren | A much smaller, more personal option, but also located right on the edge of the lake, is the Villa Preseren. Situated just below the castle, it has a wonderful terrace for admiring the spectacular view.
  • Hotel Villa Bled | The wonderfully located Hotel Villa Bled offers smart and spacious rooms as well as two banquet halls serving up gourmet cuisine! Enjoy a good book in the lovely gardens or head out on a boat to enjoy the lake.
  • Vila Bojana | A wonderful, budget-friendly place located just 200 meters from the lake, Vila Bojana offers spacious and quiet rooms with a complimentary breakfast buffet and a terrace from where you can take in sweeping views over Lake Bled.

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My room at the Vila Bled Hotel

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Lake Bled? Let us know in the comments below!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Lake Bled and have travel-related questions!

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92 thoughts on “Slovenia Travel Guide: 9 Incredible Things To See And Do At The Beautiful Lake Bled”

    1. As the lake lies in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests, it makes for a fantastic place where to spend the beginning of a honeymoon. I am glad to hear you have many wonderful memories from your time there. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Lake Bled Cake is a lovely desert. Each cafe and restaurant has its own version of it, but they are all the same: DELICIOUS! After enjoying the special dessert, a walk around the lovely lake may be welcome! This cake is a Slovenian speciality, and if you have the chance to try it, we highly recommend it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  4. In my mind, I have architected a circular tour that starts and ends in Munich. It includes Slovenia (and other places), and now it’ll include Lake Bled. It looks stunningly gorgeous. A bike ride around the lake followed by some cream cake would do nicely!

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    1. That’s how I started my multi-country trip – I arrived in Munich, took a train to Graz in Austria and then continued on to Slovenia followed by a bus ride to Venice. I find that Munich makes for a great starting point when exploring Europe as there are many wonderful destinations nearby, all of them easily accessible by train. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You are welcome – I hope you enjoyed it. Lake Bled is well-known for its extraordinary beauty. The backdrop for this wonderful corner of Slovenia is the wooded hillsides of Jelovica and Pokljuka, the mountain peaks of the Julian Alps with Triglav, their highest mountain and the symbol of Slovenia. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Lake Bled is a beautiful place, with hospitable people. I visited in early autumn and it was quiet and relaxing to just walk around town and sit lakeside. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. For me, the number one reason why Slovenia is the perfect European country is because of its natural beauty. There’s an abundance of mountains, caves, lakes, rivers and forests. While there’s not much in the way of coastline — about 47km — there is just enough to satisfy those of us who want some time by the water. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  8. Slovenia is high on my list of places to visit, and Lake Bled will definitely be on the itinerary. Thanks for this list of things to do while we’re there. The sunrise photo in particular is just stunning! What a lovely place!

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    1. I hope you get to visit Slovenia one day, Diana. It’s a small but mighty country filled with mountains, forests, lakes, seashores, old towns, friendly people, and great food, all of which make the country so special.

      Those who come to this lovely country nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic seem to feel they’ve discovered a little-known paradise – I for one, did. While cheap flights from London have made it an easy weekend destination, and the capital, Ljubljana, is popular on the stag and hen circuit, the entire country boasts wonderland landscapes.

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂  Lake Bled dazzles with its quaint island church and dreamy castle on a cliff. It’s an enchanting setting just waiting to be explored. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Lake Bled is an amazing place to visit with its dreamy, storybook setting. There’s so much to see and do, too – you can experience the timeless, medieval charm of Bled Castle and take a hike to one of the viewpoints for an unparalleled view of Lake Bled. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you, Maggie 🙂 During the week, Lake Bled was pretty quiet, and I had most of the spots to myself when visiting at the end of September, but I noticed that the crowds and tour buses rolled in at the weekend. As with many European destinations – the rush subsides the farther you get off-season. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am excited to hear that you have plans to visit Slovenia this year. As a holiday destination in Europe, Slovenia often finds itself overlooked in favour of Italy to its north or Croatia to its south. But when it comes to finding the perfect combination of natural beauty, varied and pristine landscapes and well-preserved history, compact Slovenia holds its own. My only regret is that I waited so long to finally explore it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  13. Lovely! I’ve only visited Ljubljana (and only had a few hours in town), but it’s my dream to visit more of Slovenia some day, including Lake Bled. Looks like a wonderful adventure you had! Thanks for sharing, Aiva 🙂

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    1. As I was eager to see the wonderful Lake Bled and the towering mountains, I only devoted a few hours to exploring Ljubljana and therefore would like to return to Slovenia one day as it is a truly wonderful place to explore and photograph. Not to mention that it is a budget-friendly country with a stunning Adriatic coastline, too. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much 🙂 Although Slovenia is a tiny country, it is jam-packed with amazing places to explore. From alpine lakes, spectacular mountains and mesmerizing waterfalls to medieval castles and charming towns, there’s just so much to discover in this fascinating Balkan country. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 Lake Bled is an amazing place to visit and you’re guaranteed a stunning view and a fabulous photo op no matter when you visit. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  16. Lake Bled is indeed the first thing that pops in my head whenever I think of Slovenia. Your beautiful photos further confirm what I have been reading about this lake. No wonder a third of your stay in the entire country was focused on this particular place!

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    1. My first time in Slovenia and around Lake Bled left me in awe, Bama. It’s a beautiful country that packs a major visual punch: alpine villages, cliffside castles, emerald lakes, fields of white horses, and some of the most beautiful forests in the entire world. In other words, it’s a fairytale setting come to life. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂

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    1. There’s a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular sites. With its emerald waters, church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and Disney-like castle on a hill, visitors are never short of picture-perfect views. I am glad I finally had a chance to explore this country. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  18. Lovely post! My husband and I have been to Lake Bled several times on day trips from Ljubljana. I’m so jealous of your stay at Vila Bled! I would love to do that one day. My husband and I both love the kremšnita at Vila Bled’s Cafe Belvedere. It’s our favorite spot to recharge during walks around the lake’s periphery. The hotel has such a fascinating history, too! The socialist era mural it has in one of the rooms on the main floor is a bit creepy but also interesting in a historical sense. And it’s mind-boggling to think that the property once belonged to the late Yugoslav dictator Tito.

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    1. I am glad to hear you are familiar with Lake Bled and  Café Belvedere as its history is as rich as the famous kremšnita they serve inside. It’s amazing to think that it is a place where those with an appointment to meet King Alexander of Yugoslavia waited to meet him! Nevertheless, it is a wonderful place to visit for those seeking gorgeous views of Lake Bled in peaceful surroundings. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  19. A wonderful thorough guide, Aiva!

    We travelled through Slovenia for 7 days in January last year and Lake Bled was fairly quiet – we were lucky, but it was during winter.

    Your lovely photos and informative write-up took me back to this beautiful country but only wish we had spent more time there. I will publish travelogues about our travels through Slovenia but I’m way behind and still finishing Japan, with 87 posts still in my draft folder! Have a lovely week. Nilla x

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    1. Visiting Slovenia in January sounds like a fascinating adventure, especially as the country can easily turn into a true winter wonderland once the snow falls, with excellent skiing conditions, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. I look forward to reading about your travels around Slovenia, but in the meantime, I am very much enjoying your travel posts about Japan. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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      1. It’s a lovely time of year to visit just for the spectacular scenery (as you know). I’m not a skier and don’t like the cold but do love how snow transforms a landscape into a magical postcard.
        Thank you for your kind feedback. Nilla x

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  20. I’m glad you liked Slovenia. I visited Lake Bled several times and rang the bell too. I love those delicious Bled cream cakes. On our last visit we also ventured to Vintgar Gorge.

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    1. I love Slovenia as it is a country like no other. With the most outstanding nature and welcoming culture, Slovenia quickly became one of my favourite European countries! While I never made it to the coast to check out Koper, Piran and Izola, I very much enjoyed exploring the impressive Vintgar Gorge by wooden bridges and footpaths and hiking through the Triglav National Park. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 The beautiful, magical, fairytale-like, kind of addictive tiny country of Slovenia, located just east of Northern Italy, is one you might not have thought of visiting. But with dozens of things to see, adventures to try, food to eat, and places to visit in Slovenia, it’s a country I’d highly recommend for ANY kind of traveller. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You would love Lake Bled and the cake! There is shimmering turquoise water, a quaint chapel only accessible by boat, rolling green mountains, wooden rowboats carved as swans and a charming castle overlooking the region – it doesn’t get much more fairytale than that. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. The landscape is truly wonderful – the lake lies in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. For me, it was love at first sight, and the fact that the weather was perfect during the whole trip only added to my infatuation. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1.  Surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of snow-clad mountains, Lake Bled feels like a scene straight out of a dream. It is a popular attraction in Slovenia and truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 The world is full of beautiful places worth visiting and one such place is the stunning Lake Bled in Slovenia. The image of the huge greenish lake with a charming islet in the middle, surrounded by the Alps and with a medieval castle on top of a 100-meter cliff fills the imagination of almost every traveller.  I am glad you had a wonderful time exploring the area 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It is no surprise that Lake Bled has developed into one of the hottest destinations in Europe in recent years – there’s the soaring backdrop of the Julian Alps, the famous church perched on an island at its centre and glistening blue water. I hope you get to visit the lake soon! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Lake Bled is ripe for hiking and swimming adventures, Linda! The lake is steeped in fabulous scenery, beautiful hiking trails, delicious cakes and soothing boat rides, making it a convenient weekend getaway for solo travellers, families and those in pursuit of adventure. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I hope you had a wonderful time visiting Lake Bled. I was there in September, mid-week when the crowds were sparse, but it doesn’t matter what season you visit as Lake Bled is one of those places that will always leave you breathless. Immersed in a surreal landscape, as if in a fairy tale from another time, the lovely lake is an unmissable destination even during the summer months. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. If you’re visiting Slovenia, do not miss visiting Lake Bled! It is even more beautiful than the pictures! You can walk around the lake and hike up to the castle if you like. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It’s an amazing place to visit, Ribana 🙂 Despite flying relatively under the radar, it offers spellbinding beauty and some of the most picturesque views I’ve ever seen! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  32. What an idyllic place to visit. Plitvice in Croatia and Ohrid in Macedonia are on my wish list but I can see I need to add Bled too. I’d love the cycling and hiking but would also like to find somewhere by the water to read my Kindle and relax

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    1. Lake Bled is a breathtakingly beautiful place in Slovenia and a must-visit, Mandy as the emerald-green lake nestled amidst the Julian Alps, with a romantic medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop and a Baroque church on a tiny island, creates a stunning landscape. I had to look up Ohrid in Macedonia  – now my travel wish list has grown even longer. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  33. Gosh it is a stunning place. Wine tasting, or sledge down Straža Hill on a toboggan and sitting at Cafe Belvedere would be delightful. This post makes me justify adding it to my next travel itinerary. You mentioned the tourists, so September was still very busy in Slovenia?

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    1. Lake Bled is a wonderful place to visit. Wherever you look there are beautiful panoramas whether it be of Bled Castle, Bled Island or just the surrounding forests and mountains. While the peak summer crowds in Europe subside in September, it’s still a popular time to travel, with many destinations remaining busy, Lake Bled including. I travelled at the end of September and there were many tourists and day trippers at the lake, but it was less crowded than the peak summer months of July and August. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  34. How beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Slovenia, and this convinces me even more! I love the Wishing Bell tale, and would love to try the cream cake! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Lake Bled has everything you want for a memorable vacation, Juliette. It looks beautiful and there is so much to do. What I loved the most was how the lake is a wonderful blend of turquoise, aqua and jade. From whatever point you stand the colour of the lake is unique, meaning you never experience the same view twice. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  35. Such a beautiful place, it’s definitely somewhere I want to visit! I came close to visiting in 2021 but my plans changed but your post is making me feel like I should visit soon! I’ll make sure to try the cream cake too!

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    1. Lake Bled is a fantastic place to visit, Jason, as it offers plenty of opportunities to explore many interesting sights, including the castle and the island in the middle of the lake. You can also take a stroll along the lakeshore or taste the culinary delights in one of the restaurants. I loved how there was an option to rent a smaller Lake Bled boat for two people and cruise around the lake and to the islet. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  36. I’m saving your post for when I finally make it to Slovenia, Aiva. We had hoped to visit last summer, but there were no direct flights from Edinburgh and we couldn’t face a 13 hour journey (with a layover). One day! It looks as though it is well worth staying overnight in Lake Bled so that you can enjoy the area when the day-trippers have gone. Thank you for all your tips 🙂

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    1. You know, one reason why it took me so long to finally visit Slovenia is the lack of direct flights from Dublin Airport.

      Somehow, none of our min airlines still fly to Slovenia so I travelled to Munich and then took a train. It was a long and slow and quite memorable journey and I was happy to visit Lake Bled, but I wouldn’t want to do this trip again given how long it was.

      I find that Lake Bled is a fantastic base to explore the surrounding area. As you said – staying overnight in Lake Bled means that you can have it all to yourself when the day-trippers have gone. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad to hear that my blog post about Lake Bled brought back lovely memories from your trip to Slovenia. It was my first time in the country and I loved everything about it. It is a compact, affordable, and safe destination with hospitable people and fewer crowds than many other European countries.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. No, Lake Bled is not accessible to traditional large river cruises, but you can take local, smaller electric or wooden boats called Pletna Boats across the lake to Bled Island. River cruises primarily operate on larger waterways like the Ljubljanica and Sava rivers, which are located elsewhere in Slovenia, not at Lake Bled itself. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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        1. That’s so true – smaller boats indeed have distinct access advantages due to their shallower draft, greater manoeuvrability, and smaller size, allowing them to reach remote areas, shallow waterways, and smaller ports that larger vessels cannot access. 

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  39. We are planning to be in Lake Bled in 9/26 for the master’s world’s rowing competition. Just starting to plan now. It looks quite beautiful. I see several hotels and many opportunities for VRBO type rentals. Your thoughts?

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    1. Whenever we travel with family or a group of friends, we always opt for VRBO-type rentals as they offer benefits like more space and privacy and often feature amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities.  I find that renting a multi-room property is much more affordable than multiple hotel rooms, too, plus you can, if you wish, cook your own meals. Wishing you heaps of fun travelling to Slovenia for the master’s world rowing competition. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  42. Wow, Lake Bled look like a great place to visit, especially for those who enjoy natural beauty, outdoor activities, and unique landscapes. I would very much love to see what this wonderful place has to offer. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day! Lui- @bookinghotelin

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