We spent a day on Lake Bled while on our Ljubljana leg of our Balkans trip, and let me tell you…it is STUNNING in every way! It’s an easy day trip from Ljubljana and allows you to get out of the city and see some of the gorgeous Slovenian countryside.

Related: Be sure to check out my Eat+Stay+Play travel guide to Ljubljana, too!

I’m a big fan of being on the water. We have so many nice lakes here in Texas, but nothing I’ve ever seen compares to Lake Bled. It is so majestic and to be honest, doesn’t even feel real when you’re standing right in front of it. As if the lake is some kind of artificial body of water you’d find in a really nice amusement park, perfectly pristine. But nothing about this lake is manufactured.

About Lake Bled

Lake Bled is all natural and has been a longstanding paradise for those seeking healing of all kinds. It is truly the jewel of the Julian Alps. Surrounded by mountains and forests with a 12th century castle presiding over it, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Motorized watercraft are not allowed, so the only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle paddle strokes of the pletnars rowing their boats to the island along with ducks and other birds who make their home here.

In the middle of Lake Bled is a small island with the Assumption of Mary Church. There are 99 steps leading up to it, and it is tradition for the groom to carry his bride all the way up.

The water is crystal clear and refreshingly cool. You’ll see swimmers enjoying a dip and couples rowing in small boats. A group of pletnas, traditional wooden boats, take tourists to and from the island in groups while other tourists and Slovenian families gather around the lake with picnic lunches. It’s not enough to say that Lake Bled is picturesque. It’s truly the mold for which all natural lakes should be cast. 

How to Plan a Day Trip to Lake Bled

Be sure to visit Lake Bled on the nicest weather day you have. When we went, the sun was out and it was warm, but not too uncomfortable. I did wish I had brought my bathing suit though. The waters are very enticing!

Arrange transportation through Airtrail Slovenia and have your driver drop you off at Bled Castle. It’s at the top of the cliff overlooking the lake, so this way you’ll be walking back down, not up. As Paul always says, pay to go up! Also, start your day trip early. The area gets really crowded as the day goes on.

Bled Castle is a popular wedding destination and you can easily see why. The surrounding vista views juxtaposed with the castle’s architecture are the stuff of fairy tales. Grab a cafe latte at the outdoor cafe and sit in the shade to take it all in. This is a destination to be savored one sip at a time. Take it slow and bask in the natural beauty all around you. 

When you’ve spent enough time at the castle, begin walking down to the lake. There are a lot of steps, so wear appropriate footwear. I actually brought flat sandals to change into for this part.

Next, take a pletna to the center island. I would do this as soon as you get to the lake before it gets too crowded. The pletnars are waiting along the dock to take groups of people at a time. You’ll pay for your ride at the end of your round trip. The journey to the island takes roughly 20 minutes. 

Each pletna boat belongs to its pletnar. Ours was named Barbara after his wife. You can see the incredible pride they take in their pletnas, as each boat appears to be freshly painted and varnished. I held my hand in the water as we peacefully made our way to the island, and still couldn’t believe how Lake Bled could be so clear and turquoise, and completely free of pollutants.

When you get to the island you’ll have time to walk all the way around it and go up to the church (remember, it’s 99 steps). Some people chose to swim when we arrived. You’ll also see a lot of fish, ranging from tiny to quite large, swimming just along the shore. 

Take the pletna back to the mainland and grab some picnic supplies at the market. We found sandwiches, chips and sodas to be perfect. Find a bench or a spot on the grass under a tree and enjoy. We fed the ducks from some of our leftover sandwich bread, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d done something as simple as that.

Don’t Forget the Kremna Rezina

End your day with an espresso and Slovenia’s culinary speciality, Kremna Rezina, a delicate cream cake. The best spot to do this is at the Grand Hotel Toplice. You’ll sit in a posh lounge of old-world elegance with the best views of Lake Bled along with the most delicious piece of Kremna Rezina. We had the place to ourselves! It’s a little secret spot that not many travelers know about.

I wouldn’t spend much, if any, time in the old town. The main attraction in Bled is the lake. But, from town you can catch a bus back to Ljubljana.

Have you been to Lake Bled? What do you think of its incredible beauty?

If you want to see more photos and videos of our day in Lake Bled, Slovenia, visit my Instagram and checkout my Slovenia highlights!s

Thank you for reading!

xo – Erin

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