The best 12 things to do in Bled, Slovenia
Lake bled is a postcard worthy location in Slovenia and is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. In this post we will be exploring the top 12 things to do in Bled, Slovenia and the surrounding area.
We have recently returned from a short trip to Slovenia in our camper van and we spent our time around Bled. Bled is located in the north of the country in an area known as the Julian Alps, or as we found Slovenians like to call it ‘the sunny side of the Alps’. Bled had been a bucket list travel destination on our list in Europe so we were super excited to visit and managed to pack a lot into our short 2 day trip. You can easily spend a week or so exploring this area so we would love to visit again some day soon!
1. Lake Bled Circular Walk
A Walk around lake bled is not only a perfect way to get your daily steps in but also a fantastic way to see this picturesque area from every angle.
The Lake Bled circular walk takes you around the entire perimeter of the lake and enables you visit different lakeside attractions and viewpoints easily by foot. Off of this circular walk there are access points to lake beaches, hillside viewpoints, Restaurants and perfect picnic spots.
Our recommendation is to start in the town of Bled and walk anti-clockwise around the lake. This way you could stop off at the castle as part of your walk and then later take a dip halfway around the lake near the Olympic Centre or Velika Zaka which has nice bay areas where you can swim. As the the walk begins, it finishes in the town of Bled where you can end the day with a bite to eat or even a boat ride around the lake.
2. Visit the only Island in Slovenia & the church of Assumption
Slovenia’s only island is not located near its coastline but instead can be found further inland in the middle of Lake Bled. This small island houses the Church of the Assumption (Also known as The Church of the Mother of God) which you can reach by Boat. There are regular trips from the town on small wooden boats which can be combined as part of a lake tour, or you can hire your own rowboat, paddle board or kayak to reach the island alone. Once you arrive climb the steps to the church and marvel in the history of the island. There is an abundance of history located here dating back to the 1100’s and there have been subsequent adaptions and preservations to the church over periods of time from 15th and 17th century following earthquakes. Once inside the church you can spend some time reflecting, climb the tower for a view over the lake, make a wish by ringing the wishing bell and wander around some of the other church buildings. The church is still an active place of worship so remember to bring or wear appropriate clothing (you can’t enter in your swimwear!).
3. Try Bled Cake and Local Cuisine
The Famous Bled cake is the most consumed dessert in the country and was made famous and came from Bled as the name suggests. The Original Bled Cake has been made for 70 years and originates from the Park Hotel in Bled, and was make by Ištvan Lukačevič a former hotel manager. You can still taste this cake today directly from the Park Hotel or one of the many other cafe’s that stock this delicious dessert. Bled Cake is a cream cake with two cream layers sandwiched between two crispy layers. Inside, the top layer is a light whipped cream, followed by vanilla cream. Its thought that around 15 million of these cakes have been made since 1953.
Not only is Bled home to Bled cake but it is also a great place to try some other Slovenian cuisine. Some notable flavours to try are Local cheeses including cottage cheese (štruklji), Wines, Schnapps, Carniolan Sausages, Stews, Dumplings with Pear filling (prgini struklji) Buckwheat dough Pastry pockets and potatoes (ajdovi krapi).
If you’re visiting at the weekend you can also visit one of two local markets showcasing produce from the nearby farmers.
4. Visit Bled Castle
Located and standing proudly on a cliff around the edge of Lake Bled is Bled Castle. Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to the 1000’s. From up on the cliff you can get a Birds Eye view over the area from within the castle walls as well as learn about the history of the castle and its uses. Marvel in the architecture, learn about hand printing on the castle interior, wander around the courtyard and regain some energy in the castle restaurant.
5. Water sports on the Lake
When Visiting Lake Bled we were luck enough to have our Paddle-board with us which gave us the perfect excuse to get out on the water and explore the lake from a different view. We parked our van near the train station and walked down the hill to the area near the Olympic centre. We had seen this was a great place to launch when walking around the on the Circular Lake Walk. If you don’t have your own Kayak or Paddle-board there were numerous places to rent a kayak or paddle board by the hour so this Is an activity open to anyone who wishes to participate. From the shore we paddled over to the island in the middle of the lake, bobbed around and took in the views while relaxing.
Nearer the town you can rent more traditional wooden rowing boats which would take a small family and row yourself along to wherever your heart desires.
6. Wild Swimming in Lake Bled
Not only is Lake bled the perfect place for watersports, it’s also the perfect place for a wild swim. Wild swimming is the act of taking a dip in a natural source of water such as a lake, river or the sea wherever it is safe to do so. Lake Bled offers a few different lake swimming spots as well as their lakeside Lido (where there are life guards on duty). We swam both in the Lido and further around the lake and thoroughly enjoyed both. The Lido has access to a waterslide, changing rooms, diving boards and shaded deck chairs & benches.
7. Wizz along on the Alpine Coaster
You’ve heard of sledging down snowy hills in winter but have you heard of wizzing down slopes in the summer on an alpine coaster? If you have never tried it before Bled is the perfect place to try this fun activity, sliding down the hillside on a track with speeds of up to 40km/h. Suitable for both adults and families with children, the alpine coaster is located just off of the lake at Straza with views of Bled castle, the town and the surrounding valley.
8. Take a Boat ride around the Lake
Rent a boat or book a lake top tour around Lake bled on a Plenta boat. Plenta boats are wooden flat bottom boats made locally and have an individualistic style that also has similarities to Venetian Gondolas. You can rent or book with one of the vendors near the lake at Spa Park.
9. Go Hiking
Bled and the surrounding area is abundant with walking and hiking routes. Take a detour from the circular walk and follow one of the signposted routes for a great view or alternatively grab a map of the local hiking spots and explore the countryside. Make sure you follow any local safe hiking guides if you plan a bigger route and be prepared for changes in weather and circumstances.
10. Rent a Bike
Renting a bike and pedalling along is the perfect way to see a lot in one day but at a speed that suits you. Cycle along the lake or into the surrounding countryside and enjoy the views.
11. Enjoy the evening view from Spa Park
Grab a couple of snacks & a drink and wander down to the park on the edge of the lake for a great atmosphere, sunset and scenic views. There are many benches and grassed areas to sit and unwind after a day of exploring.
12. Go on an excursion
There are many affordable excursions that are available to take from Bled no matter what your travel style is. If you’re a nature enthusiast head on a tour to Triglav National Park in the heart of the Julian Alps, enjoy the waters of Vintgar Gorge, Take on some extreme sports like white water rafting on Sava river, Zip-lining or take a day trip into the city of Ljubljana to explore the capital and city streets.
The best 12 things to do in Bled, Slovenia:
- Lake Bled Circular Walk
- Visit the only Island in Slovenia & the church of Assumption
- Try Bled Cake & local cuisine
- Visit Bled Castle
- Watersports on Lake Bled
- Wild Swimming in Lake Bled
- Wizz along on the Alpine coaster
- Take a boat ride along the lake
- Hiking
- Rent a Bike
- Enjoy the evening views from Bled Park
- Go on an excursion
Find out more about Bled, Slovenia on the Bled tourist Website.
