Lake Bled Slovenia is one of the most unique places around: a lake, in the middle of mountains, with a tiny island in the center, with a church on it. How amazing is that?

Come along and let’s explore this part of Slovenia together.

 

Lake Bled Slovenia

 

The Location – Lake Bled Slovenia

Lake Bled is situated in the North West of Slovenia, in Bled, right outside Triglav National Park. Bled is a ski resort next to the Julian Alps, and is mostly known as the Lake Bled city. The whole area is stunning, with the lake, the island and its church, the surrounding mountains, and the Bled Castle.

How to get to Lake Bled: Reaching Bled from the capital city Ljubljana will take you around 45 minutes by car and 1h15 if you use public transportation.

 

Lake Bled Map

map of trip from ljubljana to lake bled slovenia

 

In August 2017, me and some friends spent 2 days in Triglav National Park, hiking in the 7 lakes valley and discovering one of the many wonders of Slovenia. After coming back down from the Julian Alps, we went on to explore Lake Bohinj. Then, after chilling for a bit, we made our way to one of the most famous places around: Lake Bled Slovenia.

 

the road to lake bled slovenia

 

Exploring Lake Bled Slovenia

We first approached Lake Bled from the road, and I remember sitting in the car, blown away by the beauty of the place. We parked the car, went to the local supermarket to buy some beers, and then went on the banks of the lake. There, we found a nice place to sit down and chill, so we put our bags down, laid our towels on the ground, and relaxed while enjoying the view.

 

Assumption of mary pilgrimage church on lake bled slovenia

 

We went for a swim, and found the water surprisingly warm! Lake Bled is nestled in the middle of the Julian Alps, and we expected cold water, as most mountain lakes. However, Lake Bled Slovenia is warmed by thermal springs, and the water is often at 26°C! (79°F).

 

kayak on lake bled slovenia

As you can see on the picture above, in Lake Bled Slovenia you can also rent a kayak. This is a good way to explore the lake; you can even go up to Bled Island, where you can visit the island and its church.

 

lake bled slovenia with bled castle in the background

 

The tiny island in the middle of the lake is what makes Lake Bled Slovenia so special. On Bled Island, there is a beautiful Gothic church: the Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage church, built at the end of 17th century. If you go to Bled Island, you can visit the church, and even climb in its bell tower, standing at 52 meters high (171 feet). You will have to pay around $6.

 

Bled Castle in Lake Bled Slovenia

Around Lake Bled, you can even find an epic castle: Bled Castle. Perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Bled, you’ll find Bled Castle, a 11th century medieval castle. It was built in 1011, and is thought to be the oldest castle in Slovenia.

 

bled castle on the cliffs around lake bled

 

You can go up to the castle. Up there, you can visit its museum, a chapel, and several other interesting things. Find everything you can see in Bled Castle, along with prices and time, by clicking on the link: Bled Castle info

But most of all, if you go all the way up to Bled Castle, you’ll have one of the best view of Lake Bled Slovenia.

Keep reading to find out more about the other best viewpoint in the area.

 

Bled island as seen from above

 

Best viewpoint for Lake Bled Slovenia

There are many places you can enjoy the view of Lake Bled Slovenia, but to me there is one place that is the absolute best. It’s called Mala Osojnica, and you will have such a stunning view of the lake below that you’ll find it hard to leave the place.

 

bled island surrounded by the julian alps

 

Go to the west side of the lake, and you’ll find hiking trails going up the mountains. Follow the hiking signs for « Ojstrica » and «Mala Osojnica », and start hiking up. You can start by going to Ojstrica, which is also a nice viewpoint. Then, you can make your way to the best viewpoint of Lake Bled Slovenia, Mala Osojnica.

 

map of hike to mala osojnica great view over lake bled slovenia

 

If you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the area, I recommend skipping Ojstrica, and only going to Mala Osojnica.

 

sunset over lake bled slovenia

 

I hope you’ll travel to Lake Bled Slovenia soon, and that you’ll enjoy your time there.

 

Do you need more guides to help you plan your Slovenia trip? Or to help you finally book your plane/train tickets? Then check out the guides below:
Incredible places to see in Slovenia
Don’t skip Triglav National Park
More photos for inspiration