Exploring Lake Bled in a Day: Slovenia’s Iconic Alpine Escape

Traditional Pletna boats with colorful canopies docked on Lake Bled, with a view of lakeside villas and Bled Castle on the cliff in the background.

Iconic view of Lake Bled with the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption on Bled Island in the foreground and Bled Castle perched on a cliff in the distance, all set against snow-capped Julian Alps.

Cluster of lakeside hotels and buildings in Bled town with snowy mountains rising behind and low clouds drifting across the peaks.

Historic building with decorative frescoes above its balcony and the word “Bled” spelled in flowers on the green lawn in front.

A weathered stone statue of a woman holding a chalice, covered in lichen, set against a background of bare winter trees at Lake Bled.

A close-up perspective of Bled Castle clinging to a rocky cliff above the lake, surrounded by leafless trees and framed by a partly cloudy blue sky.

A small white chapel with a mossy tiled roof and a cross on top, overlooking the tranquil waters and wooded hills of Lake Bled on a cloudy day.

Close-up view of the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island, showing the steep staircase leading to the entrance and the church tower rising into a partly cloudy sky.

Bled Castle rising dramatically from a steep cliff above Lake Bled, with a traditional wooden boat floating on the lake and snowy peaks looming in the background.

Exterior of the Olympic Rowing Center (Olimpijski Veslaški Center Bled) with a mural of stylized athletes and a digital clock above the entrance.

A colorful red and blue striped pletna boat gently docked on the calm waters of Lake Bled, surrounded by forested shoreline and cloudy skies.

Traditional pletna boats with blue canopies moored at the foot of the staircase leading up to the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island under an overcast sky.

Black and white photo of the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island, captured in soft light with surrounding trees and the lake shimmering below.

Quaint village homes dotting the hilly landscape above Lake Bled, their reflections mirrored in the still lake water below.

Bled Castle perched high on a cliff with St. Martin’s Church below, both dramatically set against the snow-dusted peaks of the Julian Alps and reflected in the lake.

Lakeside path at Lake Bled lined with bare trees and people walking, framed by dramatic clouds clinging to the snowy Julian Alps in the background.

A terrace lined with leafless trees and empty white tables overlooking the glassy surface of Lake Bled, with forested hills rising into misty mountains in the distance.

Lake Bled, nestled in the heart of Slovenia, feels like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale—and local legend suggests that might just be true. Long ago, this peaceful basin was a grassy valley where mountain fairies danced under the stars on a small hill surrounded by meadows. When shepherds refused to protect their sacred dance floor from grazing sheep, the fairies, in their sorrow and anger, called upon the waters to flood the valley. What remained was a shimmering lake with a lone island—still a place of beauty and wonder.

Today, this glacial lake, formed thousands of years ago by the Bohinj glacier, sits cradled in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, offering breathtaking views in every season and from every angle.

At its deepest, the lake reaches 30 meters (about 98 feet), making it a surprising favorite for divers. Nineteen different species of fish call these waters home, and in the warmer months, swimmers join them as the lake heats up to a pleasant 25°C (77°F). In winter, the temperature can drop to 4°C (39°F), and sometimes the lake surface even freezes solid—perfect for ice skating if conditions are right.

One unique feature is the thermal springs on the eastern side of the lake. Their warm, mineral-rich waters are fed directly into the pools of several lakeside hotels, including the Grand Hotel Toplice, Hotel Park, and Rikli Balance Hotel. I would love to come back to visit one of these relaxing wellness retreats!

View of Bled Castle atop a rocky cliff, with charming villas and leafless trees reflected in the still waters of Lake Bled. — **Bled Castle** stands proudly atop its cliff, while charming lakeside villas line the shore below.

Wooden boathouse on Lake Bled with a view of St. Martin’s Parish Church in the background, nestled at the foot of a rocky hill under a moody sky. — The neo-Gothic **Church of St. Martin** rises behind a wooden boathouse, nestled beneath Bled’s rocky cliffs.

As part of my February weekend getaway with EuroTrip Adventures, I made my way from Ljubljana (pronounced loo-blee-aa-nuh) to the stunning setting of Lake Bled. There, I boarded a traditional pletna boat—an elegant, hand-crafted wooden vessel with a colorful canopy guided by a skilled oarsman. These flat-bottomed boats, lovingly built by local families since 1590, are just as much a symbol of Lake Bled as the island church itself.

A vibrant wooden pletna boat with a red and blue striped canopy glides across Lake Bled, carrying passengers, with Bled Castle standing on the cliff behind.

View from the back of a wooden pletna boat named “Larisa,” adorned with a Slovenian flag, gliding toward a lakeside chalet at Lake Bled.

We sailed peacefully across the still waters of Lake Bled, heading toward Bled Island. Once we arrived, we climbed the iconic 99 stone steps leading to the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake. According to tradition, if a couple wants to marry in the church, the groom must carry the bride up all 99 steps—a custom I was lucky enough to see in action. Cheers to the determined groom who made it all the way to the top!

Wide view of the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake on Bled Island reflected in the still waters, surrounded by forested hills with scattered homes. — A view of **Bled Island**, its church and bell tower reflected in the calm waters of Lake Bled.

The grand staircase leading up to the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island, flanked by mossy trees and rustic stone walls under an overcast sky. — **The legendary staircase**—99 stone steps leading up to the church on Bled Island.

After purchasing tickets to visit the church, we explored the peaceful interior, rang the legendary wishing bell (hopefully my wish comes true!), and climbed the bell tower for stunning views over the lake and the snowy peaks beyond.

Back on the mainland, I set off on the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) path that loops around Lake Bled—a flat, scenic trail known for its ever-changing views. As I began my walk, the clouds started to lift and sunlight broke through, lighting up the snowy mountain peaks and creating perfect reflections on the water. It felt like the entire landscape had come to life. With every step, a new photo-worthy moment appeared—I truly couldn’t put my camera down.

Near the end of my walk, I stumbled upon a local artist selling hand-painted scenes of Lake Bled. Not only did I buy one, but he even sketched a quick portrait of me on the back—a small but unforgettable souvenir.

A small rowboat with two people gliding past a row of colorful, covered pletna boats docked along the shore, in front of a charming lakeside villa at Lake Bled. — Colorful **pletna boats** line the shore while a couple rows past in a row boat—just one of the many ways to explore Lake Bled from the water.

Reflections of a white church with a tall spire and red-roofed buildings on the calm surface of Lake Bled, backed by misty forested mountains. — **St. Martin’s Church** stands along the shore of Lake Bled, its tall spire and red rooftops mirrored in the still water below.

Bled Castle perched on a rocky cliff surrounded by winter trees, with the dramatic Julian Alps towering behind, partially shrouded in clouds. — **Bled Castle** perched high on a cliff, with the dramatic **Julian Alps** playing peekaboo behind layers of mist and cloud.

The Church of the Mother of God on Bled Island reflected in the still waters of Lake Bled, framed by wooded hills under a partly cloudy sky. — **The Church of the Mother of God** sits at the heart of Bled Island, surrounded by the waters of Lake Bled.

A graceful swan gliding through the calm waters of Lake Bled, its reflection shimmering softly beneath it. — A graceful local gliding through the waters of Lake Bled—**swans** are a common (and very photogenic) sight here.

Before boarding the bus for my return trip home, I stopped for a hearty Slovenian dinner at Hotel Starkl. The meal was delicious and comforting—just what I needed after a day of exploring. Of course, I couldn’t leave Lake Bled without trying a slice of the famous Bled cream cake (Blejska kremšnita). Light, creamy, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, it was the perfect sweet ending to a memorable day.

Though it was just a quick trip, I left feeling completely captivated by its beauty and storybook setting. I already can’t wait to return and see more of Slovenia’s magic.

Other Things to Do at Lake Bled

There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Lake Bled, no matter when you visit:

Visit Bled Castle: Perched high above the lake on a dramatic cliff, Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to 1004. You can explore its museum, bottle your own wine, watch medieval performances in summer, and enjoy sweeping views while dining at the castle’s restaurant.
See the Church of St. Martin: On the lakeshore stands a striking neo-Gothic church with frescoes, a peaceful garden, and a charming wayside shrine.
Hike to Ojstrica: For one of the most iconic views of Lake Bled, take a short but steep hike up to the Ojstrica viewpoint. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the lake, Bled Island, and the surrounding Julian Alps—especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Explore Vintgar Gorge: Just a few kilometers from Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge offers a stunning walk through a narrow canyon carved by the Radovna River. A series of wooden walkways and bridges lead you past waterfalls, rapids, and emerald pools—making it one of the area’s most unforgettable nature experiences.

And of course, there’s plenty more to see and do both at Lake Bled and in the surrounding area. For more ideas and up-to-date visitor information, check out the Official Bled Tourism Website.

Location & Getting There

Lake Bled is located in northwestern Slovenia, about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from the capital city of Ljubljana, making it an easy and popular day trip destination.

Once in Ljubljana, there are several ways to reach Lake Bled:

By Bus: Regular buses depart from Ljubljana’s main bus station (Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana) and take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Lake Bled. The buses drop you off close to the lake, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for visitors. Buses run frequently throughout the day, especially during peak travel seasons.
By Long-Distance Bus: While FlixBus does not offer direct service from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, some long-distance tour companies—like EuroTrip Adventures—include Lake Bled as a stop on multi-day or overnight trips through Central Europe. These types of group tours are great for travelers who want to explore multiple destinations without worrying about logistics or accommodations.
By Car: If you prefer flexibility, driving from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is quick and easy. The journey takes about 45 minutes via the A2 motorway, and there are several parking areas near the lake. This is a great option if you’re planning to explore nearby areas like Vintgar Gorge or Bohinj.

A Quick Note about EuroTrip Adventures

EuroTrip Adventures offers curated group tours—like their Weekend in Slovenia—that blend immersive cultural experiences with a relaxed travel style. They handle planning and logistics, so you don’t have to worry—just enjoy the ride.

On my trip:

The overnight bus can be challenging, but with a good neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs (or noise-canceling headphones), it’s totally worth avoiding the stress of driving yourself.
Our trip leader was super friendly, laid-back, and a great communicator—always kept us in the loop so nothing was missed.
The itinerary offers a perfect mix of guided excursions and free time, with the flexibility to skip activities entirely and just explore as you like.

Back to the Beginning: Ljubljana

If you haven’t read the first part of my Slovenia adventure, be sure to check out my previous post—Ljubljana: A City of Dragons, Dumplings & Delightful Views. It’s where this unforgettable journey began!