Lake Bled Slovenia–All Important Information About It
Get the best information about the Lake Bled Slovenia and find out all about the island, the famous cake and others tourist attractions.
Lake Bled Slovenia is one of the most visited and popular tourist destinations in the country, attracting local and foreign guests with its unique beauty on the edge of the Triglav National Park with stunning views of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps.
You can find a lot of information on the internet about the town, transports, accommodation and various events that will prepare you for your holidays or a day trip. We have prepared for you an article with a summary of questions and answers, where you will get all the information in one place.
If you view the Lake Bled Slovenia map online you will get a better insight into the exact location of the main attractions. You can also stop by at our headquarters in the town center, not far from the lakeshore. We will advise you on the selection of different Lake Bled activities so that you can spend an unforgettable day in nature with our guides. Our office is the starting point for almost all the adventures in the offer. From here, we will drive to various top destinations in the heart of Triglav National Park.
What is Lake Bled famous for?
Bled castle, standing on a 130-meter high cliff, is one of the top attractions in this beautiful alpine town. You can climb the stairs that lead from the lakeshore or you can get there by car. It is a short walk uphill from the parking lot to the entrance of the medieval fort. You can take a tour through the Bled Castle. At the gate, you can buy an entrance fee and see:
- The museum
- Exhibition by the Slovenian National Museum
- Printing works
- Wine cellar
- Bled castle medieval forge
The area is fascinating because of the alpine lake, in the middle of which stands a small island with the St. Mary’s Church. Climb the famous stairs leading to the top of the island and ring the Bell of desire, which, according to a local legend, fulfills every hidden wish. You can also see the magnificent interior of the church.
What is there to do in Lake Bled Slovenia?
The charming town offers an excellent opportunity to visit the top 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.
However, if you are more into sports and adrenaline adventures, we have prepared many offers for Lake Bled Slovenia activities. Adrenaline Lake Bled activities are suitable for couples, families with children, single travelers and groups. Whether you come in summer or winter, you will find the most exciting and memorable tours, such as:
- Paragliding or ballooning above the lake with the most amazing panorama views
- Adventures on the river: kayaking, rafting, canyoning and river tubing
- Discovering the high mountain world: climbing Via Ferrata, climbing Mount Triglav tours
- Unforgettable winter adventures: ice climbing, ski touring, snowshoeing, winter hiking in the Julian Alps, sledding
In our agency, you can also rent a guide book with Lake Bled map and other destinations, in case you would like to explore the alpine world on your own. You can rent a guide book about climbing routes in the area, popular biking and hiking tours and much more.
Can you walk around Lake Bled?
A 6-kilometer-long Lake Bled hiking path runs around the lake. It is suitable for light recreation and a walk. You can start a Lake Bled hike under the castle, continue through the lively center along the shore, and to the village of Mlino at the other end of the lakeshore. Along the way, there are many benches for taking a rest. If you would like to take a ride with a bike, you can rent a city bike in our agency.
If you are not up for a walk, you can ride along the lakeshore in a traditional carriage, which the locals also call fijakerji. The carriage ride is a very romantic experience.
Best location to take photo in Bled
Alternatively, you can go on a Lake Bled Slovenia hiking trail, which will lead you to the top of the hills above the lake, offering breathtaking views of the town and the lake. These hills are:
- Straža
- Ojstrica
- Osojnica
- Ravnica
- Višce
What animals are in Lake Bled?
Below the lake’s surface live different species of fish, such as:
- Wells catfish
- Pike and pikeperch
- Trout
- Carp and grass carp
- Tench
- Asp
You can go on a carp fishing adventure, which makes an excellent opportunity for all enthusiasts of fishing in unspoiled nature. You need to purchase individual fishing permits. When buying permits, they will also explain the additional rules for fishing, mainly as regards the conservation period for fishing carps, permitted daily limits, fishing methods, and other information.
Above the lake’s surface live feathered animals and water birds, among which you can see ducks, common coots, cormorants, and mandarin ducks while walking along the lakeshore. The biggest attraction and trademark of the town are the elegant swans, which mostly linger along the promenade, between Villa Prešeren and Grand Hotel Toplice.
Can you swim in Lake Bled Slovenia?
Swimming is permitted anywhere in the lake at your own risk, except in the designated areas with lifeguards. You can find your spot under the sun anywhere along the lakeside or spend your summer days on Lake Bled beach, such as:
- Grajska lakeside: swimming pools, water slides, rafts on the water and children’s playground. There is also a restaurant, a diving center, and a kayak rental.
- Bathing side Velika Zaka: deckchairs and parasol rentals, showers, restaurant, bar, rowboat rental
- Bathing area Mala Zaka
Can you swim in Lake Bled for free?
Swimming in the lake is free of charge, no matter where you decide to go on the lakeshore. You will need to purchase an entrance fee for visiting the Grajska Lake Bled beach under the mighty castle. You can view the price list for daily tickets on the website. Other bathing places like Velika and Mala Zaka are free of charge.
Is Lake Bled warm?
The average annual water temperature is 12°C, with the highest temperatures up to 25°C in July and August. The bathing season begins in June, when water temperatures rise to 19°C, and finishes at the end of September. The lake warms up quickly, as it has no significant natural affluents, only a few creeks.
Particularly fascinating are the thermal springs near the east lakeshore, whose temperatures do not drop below 20°C throughout the year. The thermal springs are ladled in the pools of the Grand Hotel Toplice. There is also a private Lake Bled Slovenia beach in front of the hotel.
If you go on vacation or a day trip in the winter months, you will have the opportunity to see the lake covered in ice. The ice appears on the surface only when the temperatures are very low. If the layer is thick enough, you can also ice skate on it.
How to get around with Lake Bled boat?
Cruising on the lake with a traditional Lake Bled Slovenia boat, also called pletna, is one of the most popular attractions in the area, as it will take you to the romantic islet with a church. It is a flat-bottomed wooden vessel, similar to the Venetian gondola.
Helmsman operates an 18-passenger vessel while using a two-oar stand-up rowing technique. This way you can enjoy the ride and the views of the alpine landscape. You don’t need to book a trip in advance. You can board onto a vessel on the main ports:
- Dock at Zdraviliški park in front of the Park Hotel
- Pier in front of the Grand Hotel Toplice
- Mlino port
- Pier at Velika Zaka bathing area
Rent A Boat in Lake Bled
Alternatively, you can rent a smaller Lake Bled boat for two people, making it a fun cruising trip to the islet. You can rent a wooden rowboat at the pier in front of the Grand Hotel Toplice or in the boathouse at the Velika Zaka bathing place.
What restaurant are near Lake Bled?
Most restaurants, coffee bars, and pubs with snacks are located in the heart of the town and by the lakeshore. In the charming cafés with magnificent views you can try the famous cream cake, also called kremšnita.
You can choose from a variety of culinary offerings. We recommend that you try some of the traditional Slovenian dishes and dishes originating from the Upper Carniola region. Taste delicious and fresh Slovenian cuisine in the best restaurants in town:
- Finefood Berc: three ambiances, regional and fresh meals with a selected wine list
- Bled Castle restaurant: beautiful views from the open terrace, local menu, hosts weddings and celebrations
- Wine Bar & Restaurant Sova: in the small village of Mlino, modern menu, homemade brandy
- Murka restaurant: in the city center, meals and lunches at affordable prices, traditional cuisine
- Restaurant Pension Mlino: terrace with a patio, several rooms for celebrations, local and traditional specialties
- Ostarija Peglez’n: Local cuisine, Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Slovenian
What is the national dish of Slovenia?
Slovenian traditional recipes are preserved through the generations. The country is divided into 24 culinary regions, with a particular dish originating from each region. Certain food products are also protected by the geographical mark, which gives Slovenian food worldwide recognition. You can also try some of the national dishes in many restaurants in Lake Bled Slovenia. These specialties include:
- Štruklji or rolled dumplings: either sweet or salty
- Žganci or spoonbread: made from corn flour or buckwheat and dressed with cracklings
- Potica or rolled dough: pastry from rolled up and leavened dough, 80 different fillings
- Carniolan sausage or sausage Kranj style: from best pork meat and hard bacon, served cold or warm
- Cream cake or kremšnita: confectionery specialty from Bled, three layers with dough, vanilla cream and whipped cream
- Jota or yota: dense stew from potatoes, beans, sauerkraut, and dried pork
Where to stay in Lake Bled Slovenia?
There are different types of accommodation available in town and nearby, so you can search for accommodation based on your preferences, desired location, and financial budget. There are many five-star hotels and luxury villas by the lakeshore and overlooking the lake. Hostels, guesthouses, and apartments are also available.
Through our website, you can book some of the best accommodations without any other intermediaries. In the offer, you will find:
- Garni Pension Pibernik: small family pension with apartments, rooms, and bungalows that are surrounded by forest
- Old House: entirely renovated three-hundred-year-old farmhouse with 13 luxury rooms
- Central House: in the town’s center with 5 rooms and 2 family rooms
- Bled Apartments: house with 26 modern apartments
In spring, summer and autumn months, you can stay in one of the camps near the lake. These are modern, fully equipped five-star camps. There are two campsites available:
- Camp Šobec: by the Sava Dolinka River near Lesce and only 3 kilometers away from the lake
- Sava Camping: located on the west side of the lake, only 150 meters from the lakeshore and 2 kilometers from the town’s center
How far is it from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?
If you are going by car from Ljubljana to Bled, then it is good to know some road directions. You will drive about 40 minutes and make 55 kilometers at that time. Therefore, you won’t spend much time on the road from Ljubljana to Bled, so this is also an excellent opportunity for taking a day trip. During the summer months, there may be traffic jams on the road.
Route directions:
- From the capital, head on the Gorenjska highway towards the city of Kranj and Austria. Don’t forget to purchase a vignette to drive on the highway.
- After a 50 kilometers drive on the Gorenjska highway, take the exit with a sign for Lesce, Bled, Bohinj, Pokljuka, Vrba
- At the first roundabout, take the second exit and continue straight on for about 5 kilometers until you reach Bled.
How do I get to Bled Lake?
Ljubljana is an excellent starting point for going on day trips around the country, as the central train station and the central bus station are located in the heart of the city. You can also buy a bus or train ticket at the station or book them online. Available transportation:
- Train: regular lines run from the capital to the town’s center by the lake. You will need to transfer to another train in Jesenice city. The train ride takes about 2 hours. Trains run daily on a regular schedule.
- Bus: from the capital, the bus will drive you to the main bus station in Bled, from where it is only a three-minute walk to the lakeshore. You can look at the Lake Bled map to get a better view of the station location. Buses are departing from Ljubljana every 30 or 45 minutes, while in the summer departures are more frequent.
Where to park in Lake Bled Slovenia?
In the town, you can only park in designated areas. Lake Bled parking spaces differ based on:
- location
- operating hours for payment
- park fee prices
Prices are slightly higher in areas closer to the lake and in the center. There are many Lake Bled parking lots available that have been expanding in recent years due to increased needs in the high season.
Prices range from 1 to 3 euros per hour. You need to take a ticket from the park machine and place it in a visible spot in the car. You can pay with euro coins, banknotes or with the EasyPark app. Some Lake Bled parking spots have limited park hours. This way you need to indicate your time of arrival.
In the summer season, you can move around the town and nearby villages with a shuttle bus. Information about shuttle buses:
- Operation: from 27th April to 5th May and from 15th June to 15th September
- Routes: buses connect the town with the surrounding villages and the Vintgar Gorge, Zatrnik and Pokljuka
- Ticket price: 1 euro for hotel guests and free rides for passengers with a Julian Alps-Bled card
How far is it from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?
Lake Bled airport is located in Slovenia and neighboring countries such as Croatia, Austria, and Italy. Regular bus and train lines are established between the airports and Ljubljana and then Bled. Among the closest to Lake Bled airport are:
- Ljubljana Brnik Jože Pučnik: the largest and closest Lake Bled airport Slovenia since it is only 35 kilometers or 20 minutes’ drive away. Excellent connections with rent-a-car service, buses, taxis and shuttle services.
- Trieste Friuli Venezia Giulia in Italy: near the Slovenian border, 172 kilometers away from Bled. There are international bus services with daily routes to Ljubljana.
- Venice, Venice Marco Polo, and Venice Treviso Italy: Nomago buses depart five times a day to Ljubljana. The bus ride takes 3 hours. You can also take the La Frecce express train to Trieste, then take the bus to Ljubljana and then to Bled.
- Zagreb airport Croatia: distance 196 kilometers
- Graz Austria: 195 kilometers away. The train and bus station are located directly in front of the main terminal building.
