A trip to the Julian Alps was a non-negotiable for our visit to Slovenia. The problem for us was that we didn’t have a car, so our options were limited. We decided on three nights in the Lake Bled area. It was easily accessible via the train and absolutely gorgeous. Plus, fall is a shoulder season for this region, so we were able to snag a lovely Airbnb with a perfect location easily.
Many people take a day trip here, but I don’t think you can do much in a few hours. I would recommend at least two nights to be able to enjoy the lake as well as some of the nearby hiking. Things get so quiet and peaceful when the day trippers leave.
Four Things To Explore in Lake Bled, Slovenia
1. The Town of Bled
Situated right on Lake Bled, surrounded by mountains, this famous tourist town is worth a visit. We stayed in an Airbnb just behind the church pictured below. Our host gave us some fantastic recommendations for cheap and tasty food. There was a grocery store within walking distance, so we were able to get everything we needed for our long weekend stay.
With multiple hostels and hotels available, so you will find travelers at every pub and restaurant you visit. Plus, the locals were very friendly and welcoming to us while visiting.
Pizzeria Rustika
This pizza spot was recommended by our host, and we ended up eating here twice. They had some incredibly unique pizza choices, even for vegetarians. The beer options were great, and the service was fantastic.
Find their website and menu here.
Bled Cream Cake
This is the famous dessert. We tried it at multiple places and definitely had a favorite. Try this spot for the best piece (and the more affordable). We also went to the Park Restaurant, but the price was MUCH HIGHER, and the cake wasn’t as good. That said, I always recommend trying multiple places and choosing for yourself.
2. Walk around Lake Bled
There is a beautiful path that goes around the entire lake. It is approximately three miles (six kilometers). The path is paved and can be done with a stroller or wheelchair. The views are beautiful and change as you move around the lake. We had a foggy day, but it was gorgeous.
Our friend, Tara, went on a clearer day with warmer weather, and you can see her pics and recommendations here. The row boats are pretty iconic if you visit during the summer months. Plus, there are a few great hikes with views if the fog isn’t sitting too low.
3. Hike Up to the Castle
Sitting high above Lake Bled on the side of a cliff is the Bled Castle (Blejski grad). Built around 1011, this castle is one of the most popular attractions in town. Using a series of stairs, you can climb to the castle from the lakeside path below. There is a driveway with a parking lot at the top if you drive.
We didn’t tour the castle. There are so many castles in Europe, so we were very picky about the ones we paid to enter. Our priority was the view from the castle and the area around it. The hiking trails around the castle are beautiful and cut through the woods, giving you glimpses of the lake and island below.
To visit the castle, get your tickets at the entrance. It costs 15 euros for adults, 9.50 euros for students, and 6 euros for children (as of November 2023). It is open year-round at 8 AM with different closing times based on the season.
4. Explore Vintgar Gorge
This excursion was one of our favorites in all of Europe. From the town of Bled, it is 4.5 km to the gorge. We walked, and it was beautiful. The roads are easy to follow,, and the cars are few and far between. There is a shuttle that leaves from the hotels in the Lake Bled area as well.
The full walkway was closed for the season when we went, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get to see anything. There is a fence that blocks the walkway, but you can still get to the bridge and enjoy the beautiful river with no one around. The color of the water reminded us of New Zealand. I would love to come back in the summer and get the full experience of this attraction.
Important Information About Visiting Lake Bled, Slovenia
Getting There
From Ljubljana, there are multiple ways of traveling to Lake Bled.
Train – Take the train to the Lesce Bled station. From there, you will cross the street and take the bus that drops you right off in town. Just have a couple of euros on you for the bus fare. The schedule is easy to read, but make sure you cross the street from the station to get on the right bus.
Bus – You can also take the bus right to the center of town from Ljubljana. That is probably the easiest way because you don’t have to change to a different mode of transportation during the journey. You will find the bus station in front of the train station in Ljubljana, and there are buses multiple times each day to Lake Bled.
Driving – If you have a rental car, it is a short drive to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. The parking may be a bit of an issue, so make sure your guesthouse has a spot for you. There wasn’t much street parking there.
Where to Stay
We chose an Airbnb for our stay here. It has a kitchen, and it is one of our favorite places to stay. Cozy is the best way to describe it. The living room had big windows overlooking a garden, and the bedroom was a cozy little loft area. Here is the link for the specific one we chose.
There are also plenty of guesthouses and hotels in the area. View all the options here. I would recommend looking at the map when booking to make sure you are close enough to the things you want to do while visiting.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Lake Bled in the Off-Season
This is a popular day trip, but I would recommend staying for a few days. I loved the fog and fall colors, so I would definitely recommend visiting Lake Bled during the fall months. You’ll enjoy lower prices for lodging and fewer people around. Most of the crowds leave in the late afternoon, and it’s peaceful and beautiful. Early mornings by the lake are dreamy.
There is a reason that this location is ranked so high on every traveler’s list. I don’t think it is overrated at all. It had me just saying “wow” over and over again.
Let us know if you are planning a visit here so we can follow along on your journey. Definitely let us know if you have any questions. Pin this for your visit!
