I hope you enjoy these Slovenia Lake Bled itinerary ideas!
Lake Bled has been on my bucket list for a while now!
Fairytale buildings meet snowcapped mountains and boundless nature. Everything about this magical eastern European destination looks incredible.
Unfortunately for me, I haven’t made it there yet!
Thankfully, Alex, from Alex on the Map, knows it well and kindly offered to put these Slovenia Lake Bled itinerary ideas together for me.
If you’re thinking of visiting Lake Bled and want some epic Lake Bled activities to sink your teeth into, check out this awesome guide with 10 top Lake Bled things to do.
Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.
There are endless Lake Bled activities to enjoy! But check out these Lake Bled travel tips first!
There might not be another place on earth that seems more like a fairytale than Lake Bled.
After graduating from college, I set out to explore Europe on my own, and Lake Bled was one of my top destinations to head to. There’s just so much to love about this tiny town and the beautiful surrounding area.
Here’s what I recommend for anybody planning a trip to this stunning little spot hidden in the mountains of Slovenia.
5 Lake Bled Travel Tips to Enjoy Your Lake Bled Activities
Lake Bled is fairly easy to get to from Slovenia’s capital. However, you will want to plan a little in advance to make sure that you match with the bus schedule or you have time to rent a car.
1. Choose how you are going to get there
Buses run several times a day from Ljublajana’s main station, but you will want to show up early and make sure to get your ticket at least a half hour before. Sites like Rome2Rio can give you a good idea of when the buses are running, but double check at the station to make sure you’re leaving at the right times. You’ll also need to know if you are going to rent a car.
2. Book your hotel or hostel in advance
While some areas of Europe allow you to arrive the day of and book a room, Lake Bled has become a popular destination over the past few years so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
3. Add an extra hiking day
Slovenia has some beautiful scenery around Lake Bled, and I highly recommend taking a day to explore some of the trails around the area.
4. If you skip anything, make it Bled Island
I know, it sounds weird, but Bled Island is small without much to see. If you have the time, it’s worth checking out, but if you’re only spending a day there, it’s worth skipping.
5. Visit in winter for fewer crowds
While most tend to visit Lake Bled during the summer months, it’s absolutely gorgeous in the winter and there are much fewer visitors. There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Bled in winter!
5 packing list essentials for Lake Bled
What you will pack for Lake Bled will depend on when you decide to go. The weather will determine what you should take along in your suitcase, but be prepared for chillier nights even in the summer–you will be in the Alps, after all!
1. A light rain jacket
Because you are in the mountains, nights can get cold and rain is common.
Top Pick: Columbia Watertight 2 (for men) & Columbia Arcadia (for women)
2. A pair of comfortable hiking boots
If you are planning on doing some hiking or visiting the nearby Triglav National Park, then you’ll want a solid pair of boots for the trails.
Read my guide to the best budget hiking boots!
Top Pick: Saloman Quest 4D (for men) & Columbia Newton Ridge Plus (for women)
3. A small backpack
You’re likely only to spend a few days in Lake Bled, meaning that you probably only need a small bag for items. Make it easy by carrying a backpack instead of a large suitcase.
You might like this guide to the best backpack for travelling Europe!
Top Pick: Osprey Farpoint 40
4. Comfortable hiking pants
Whether they’re yoga pants or dedicated hiking pants, you’ll be happy you have them.
Top Pick: Hardland Tacticals (for men) & Camii Mias (for women)
5. Fleece and warm socks
Fleece is the perfect item to help you combat the chillier nights when you’re indoors, and warm socks are a must!
Heads up, Lake Bled winters reach freezing temperatures! If you’re heading to Lake Bled in winter, then make sure you take some warmer clothing to help you survive the cold.
Top Pick (fleece): Eddie Bauer Cloud Layer (for men) & Columbia Benton Springs (for women)
Top Pick (sock): Danish Endurance Unisex Merino Wool Socks
Heading to Lake Bled from Ljubljana? Check out this Slovenia in one day tour for an epic daylong adventure!
Beautiful Lake Bled! Get ready for 10 of the best Lake Bled things to do in this magical part of eastern Europe.
10 Lake Bled Things to Do (Lake Bled Day Trip Ideas)
The main Lake Bled activities revolve around the fabulous nature in the area. However, there are also a number of fun bars and restaurants that you’ll want to check out while you’re there too. Regardless, make sure you check out these 10 awesome Lake Bled activities:
1. Walk Around Lake Bled (Perfect for a Lake Bled Day Trip)
You can walk around the entirety of the lake within about an hour. You get a great view of the Church of the Assumption and Bled Castle. If strolling isn’t your thing, you can also rent a bike and peddle along the path.
2. Visit Bled Castle (An Epic Lake Bled Viewpoint!)
Located high on the overlooking hill stands Bled Castle, where you will want to spend an afternoon in order to get spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below. If you’re looking for a Lake Bled viewpoint, then this is the place to go!
Beautiful Bled Castle! An awesome Lake Bled activity all year-round.
3. Try Bled Cream Cake (Scrumptious Lake Bled Activities!)
When I think of Lake Bled, the first thing I think about is diving into this delicious local pastry. Made with layers of cream and sugar, it’s a sweet tooth’s dream come true. You can’t miss trying this out!
4. Visit the Church of the Assumption
Lake Bled’s famous landmark is visitable by boat or rowboat. Make sure you count the number of steps up to the church -there’s supposed to be 99 and it’s a tradition for a groom to carry his bride up all of them!
5. Ring the Bell at the Church of the Assumption
While you’re there, you might as well ring the bell. If you do, you’re supposed to have good luck. It’s a bit of a tourist trap, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not fun.
6. Take a Boat Ride or Rent a Rowboat (a Perfect Place for Lake Bled Photography)
If you would like, you can rent a rowboat on the shore of the lake and take it out to the Church of the Assumption or just around the area. You can also take a boat tour if you would like, as well.
Be sure to take a boat ride when you’re travelling around Lake Bled Slovenia.
7. Raft the Sava River
For a bit more of a thrill, book a rafting tour from a local tour company or online. The surrounding area has some amazing rapids and canyoneering experience if you want a bit of adventure on your trip to Slovenia.
8. Check Out the Nearby Vintar Gorge
You can access this amazing spot either by driving or going on a tour. I took a hike throughout the mountains from the small town of Bled to the gorge and loved feeling like I was the only one there!
9. Take a Trip to Triglav National Park
For more beautiful nature, take a day or half-day trip to the adjacent Triglav National Park for amazing views. It’s usually not busy at all, either.
10. Go Wine Tasting
Feeling fancy? Check out the wine culture of the region by taking a wine tour. Most include appetizers and provide a history of wine-making in the area.
Enjoy These Lake Bled Things to Do
I recommend that everyone take the chance to visit Lake Bled if they can! It’s hard to go wrong with such a picturesque spot, and with so many Lake Bled things to do, there’s a little something for everyone. Hopefully, the Lake Bled itinerary ideas in this post will help you plan your trip and have the best time possible.
Author Bio
Alex is a mountain girl and New York dreamer behind the blog Alex on the Map. She loves to share her passions for sustainable, authentic travel and photography with others. You can also follow her on Instagram for photos of her adventures.
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