Lake Bled is a magnificent lake in the north-west of Slovenia, surrounded by Giulian Alps.
Located in Triglav National Park, it’s one of the most beautiful and touristic places to see in Slovenia.
Visiting Lake Bled is an adventure for solo travelers, couples and for the entire family.
There are indeed a lot of activities you can enjoy, from hiking in the nature, biking, swimming and tasting the exquisite typical slovenian food.
Keep reading and find out 9 of the top activities to do in Lake Bled!
DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
Sail up Lake Bled on a pletna boat
Once you get close to the shores of the lake, you will see plenty of colorful wooden small boats.
They are called “pletna boats” and they are the typical rowboats used to sail up Lake Bled.
Enjoy a slow relaxing sail up to Bled Island, the only island of Slovenia, located right in the center of the lake.
This is a nice experience to enjoy with your family and kids, since the boats can host up to 20 people. If you wish to try something more romantic with your partner, I suggest you to rent a smaller rowboat and paddle yourself 🙂
Visit Bled Island
In just a few minutes paddling from the shore you will reach Bled Island, a tiny pictoresque island in the middle of the lake.
As soon as you land, you will find a few souvenir shops and a bakery. Walking a bit more, you will reach the famous church dedicated to Virgin Mary.
Right in front of it, there is the bell tower that you can climb up to the top with a stair.
Ring the bell of the church for good luck
Once you land in Bled Island, you will hear the church bells ringing many times.
There is a popular legend, indeed, that if you want good luck, you need to ring the bell 3 times and so all the visitors do once they are in Bled Lake, hoping their wishes come true.
Try different type of potica (typical slovenian pastry)
Potica is a typical slovenian pastry mainly served for special occasions and celebrations. Once in Bled Island you can’t miss the special potica they prepare only in this unique bakery in Bled Island.
It is prepared in many different recipes, using handmade traditional accessories. Seat in one of the tables with lake view and enjoy potica with a nice and warm cup of tea.
If you are fancy learning how to prepare it, you can even sign up for a workshop about potica making.
Visit Bled Castle
One of the most iconic places to visit in Bled is Bled Castle, a panoramic medieval castle at 130 meters above the lake with impressive views of Bled Lake and the Julian alps all around.
This is on of the oldest castles in Slovenia, dated 1011 and the view you can enjoy from the top is one of the best over Bled Lake. You can walk freely around the different areas of the castle and visit its museum.
The entrance tickets for Bled Castle cost 7 euros and they can be bought online here or at the ticket office outside the castle.
Try delicious Bled cake
Once in Bled you can’t miss Bled cake, a delicious cake made with a crispy crust, whipped cream and vanilla cream. This pastry has become a symbol of Bled.
You have to try the original one prepared in the cafè/restaurant of Park Hotel, one of the most popular hotels in Bled. The venue has nice tables with lake view where you can enjoy a nice lunch/dinner and finish with this sweet dessert.
The cake may not be the lightest cake but I promise, it tastes like heaven and suddenly became my favorite cake ever!
Treat yourself with a spa in Grand Hotel Toplice
After strolling around the lake and exploring the beautiful nature of the area, you deserve a bit of relax. The hotels in Lake Bled area, such as luxurious Grand Hotel Toplice, have fancy and well equipped spas, among the best thermal baths in Slovenia.
Treat yourself with a few hours of relax in thermal pools and spa treatments to rejuvenate and enjoy Lake Bled at its best. This is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled!
Stroll around the lake or rent a bike
In spring time or summertime, strolling around Lake Bled feels amazing. Have a nice walk or if you prefer, cycle, in order to feel close to nature and breath fresh air.
You can rent a bike in one of the many shops around the lake or directly at your hotel reception, if available. In summertime, you can stop at different parts of the lake and swim. The most popular parts are Castle Beach, Velika and Mala Zaka.
Visit Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge has some of the most beautiful sceneries surrounding Lake Bled and in general, Triglav National Park. Here you will find some of the most amazing gorges in the world, surrounded by pristine nature and many species of plants. You can visit the gorges by yourself or by booking a guided tour.
PS: If you are traveling with your dog, you’ll be happy to know that the park is pet friendly and pets are allowed 🙂
To get all the info you need to better organize your trip to Bled and make the most out of it, I suggest you to visit the Slovenian tourism board office, located at Lake Bled at Cesta svobode 10.
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