Bled, a small town situated at the foothills of the Julian Alps is quickly becoming more and more famous. While tourists come to the town to visit the picture perfect Lake, the crowds are barely noticeable in comparison to other European destinations. We visited Bled during the peak summer period and below have created a list of the things to do in Lake Bled.
Things to do in Lake Bled
Activities
1. Take a Boat onto Lake Bled
The best way to see the Lake and take in the surroundings, is by hiring a rowing boat. You can hire a boat from a number of locations around the lake. We hired a rowing boat outside of Grand Hotel Toplice. There, it cost €20 per hour for boat hire. We would recommend taking the boat for two hours especially if you are not a confident rower and don’t want to be rushed. This allows you time to stop on the way (which is necessary as it becomes quite exhausting!)
If you do not feel comfortable hiring the boat yourself, there are gondolas which take small groups of people to the tiny island in the middle of the Lake. The operators will allow you some time to explore the island and will then row you back to shore.
If you only have time to do one thing while visiting Bled then this is a must. It is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled.
2. Visit Vintgar Gorge
Situated about 4km north-west from Lake Bled is Vintgar Gorge. The Gorge itself is picturesque, however, we found the Gorges located in Bovec to be much more outstanding and less busy too!
The 1.6km walk from one end of the Gorge to the other takes anywhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Along the way you will be able to take in the waterfalls, rapids and pools. The pathway becomes quite busy during peak periods so do not expect to visit the Gorge for a brisk walk. Once at the other end of the Gorge you must walk back the same path (unless you are on a walking tour, in which you may continue on).
There is parking situated close to the entrance of the Gorge where all visitors must pay €5 to enter.
3. Take in the view from Bled Castle
According to sources, Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia. Perched 130 metres above ground level, the Castle offers incredible views over the Lake and Alps in the background. The entrance to the Castle is across a drawbridge over a filled-in moat. While exploring the grounds of the Castle, there is the opportunity to visit the museum, indulge in some wine tasting or enjoy a meal at the Bled Castle Restaurant.
The Castle is open from January and March between 08.00 and 18.00, from April to June 14 between 08.00 and 20.00, from June 15 to September 15 between 08.00 to 21.00, from September 16 to October 31 between 08.00 and 20.00 and in November and December between 08.00 to 18.00.
Entrance to the Castle costs €9.
4. Catch a Sunrise
The best place to catch the sunrise is from the wooden boardwalk on the west side of the Lake. The classic viewpoint however for sunrise (as seen on many postcards) is located on the south-west side of Lake Bled. If you are using Google Maps, the location is known as Ojstrica. We have put a map below. The path should not be too hard to find. The walk should take you approximately 20 minutes one way.
Note: We actually did not do the walk at sunrise as we decided that with our camera gear it would be easier to set up on the board walk. You will know when you have found the right place on the board walk as there will (most likely) be other people there too!
Places to Eat & Drink
While Bled is not a large town, there are a few good restaurants to dine at. A visit to Lake Bled is also not complete without trying the famous Bled Cream Cake. More than 12 million pieces of cake have been sold since the recipe was created over 60 years ago.
Below is a list of recommended restaurants:
- Bled Castle Restaurant
- Restaurant Sova Bled
- Penzion Berc
- Restuarant 1906
- Oštarija Peglez
The Best Hotels in the Area
Below is a list of the Best Hotels in the Area:
Grand Hotel Toplice €€€
Grand Hotel Toplice is one of the more luxurious hotels in Bled. Positioned directly on the Lake in the centre of town, it is clear to see why this hotel is one of the first to book out. By day enjoy the outdoor pool which is free entry for hotel guests (outside guests can pay to use the pool if there is availability) and by night sip on a cocktail from the outside bar overlooking the Lake. The 87 rooms are tastefully decorated with antique furniture and wooden floor boards which match the rest of the hotel style.
Vila Bled €€€
Vila Bled is by far the most beautiful properties situated around the Lake. Perched above the Lake and offering incredible views over the Lake, this hotel offers real style and class. Guests have access to private boat hire, sauna facilities and a private fenced swimming pool which is open in the summer months. The Belvedere Cafe which is located in the vicinity of the hotel offers (in our opinion) the best view over the Lake and is open during summer.
Apartments and Rooms Jenny €
The newly renovated apartment block is located in a quiet area just off the main road into Bled. Rooms range from one bedroom to two bedroom apartments with kitchen and lounge facilities. Guests are able to park on site for free and can easily stroll into the centre within 5 minutes.
Getting to Lake Bled
Lake Bled is situated at the base of the Julian Alps in the northwestern region of Slovenia. It is situated 55km from the capital city, Ljubljana. When driving on Highways in Slovenia make sure to purchase a vignette in order to avoid paying fines. You can buy these from any service stations.
To see more about our trip through Slovenia click here.
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