Lake Bled, Slovenia
Take a walk around the Lake
The walk itself is 6km and takes about 2 hours to walk, the views are stunning and there is so much nature around.
But you could also choose to run it you would like to get some exercise in during your trip, and you could end the run with a swim in the lake!
Oh and don’t forget to try the delicious Bled cakes, I paid €5 for mine but it’s worth every penny and so delicious.
Visit Vintgar gorge
A beautiful gorge located around 2 hours walk from the lake, you can choose to walk it to take a bus however I would recommend that if you are physically able to… WALK IT!
Although the gorge is stunning with its crystal clear waters and waterfall at the end, I found that I enjoyed the walk there and back more than the actual gorge itself.
Entry costs €10 but students pay €7 as long as you have proof and for kids its just €2. My advice for you? Don’t rush it, take the views in and enjoy it all.
Wake up early for a sunrise hike
There are 3 different viewpoints you can do starting at the same spot:
- viewpoint Ojstrica- first viewpoint
- Mala Osojnica- second viewpoint
- Velika Osojnica- third viewpoint
Different difficulty levels means that anyone can do it: weather you’re a beginner hiker or you’re a pro and would like to be challenged.
The views are immaculate and there is a bench at the first viewpoint where you can sit down and enjoy it (and also rest your legs from the hike)
I woke up early to catch the sunset, but also remember that if you are staying at a hostel/hotel, these will probably be located at the opposite side of the lake from the starting point of these hikes.
So make sure you give yourself enough time since it might take up to an hour to walk to the starting point and another hour for the hike itself.
TRUST ME, you do not want to miss this sunrise!!!
Tobogganing
This was probably my favorite activity I did here. The place is called “Straza Bled” and you pay €11 for it which may seem pricey but it includes the chair lift to get up and the ride down.
Once you’re up you get amazing views of the lake and Bled castle. On your way down you can regulate the speed so you can go really fast but also slow down whenever you ant to.
All together I think it’s really worth it. You also get pictures taken of you during the ride and can purchase these once you get off.
Something to consider is that there isn’t anywhere to put your backpack so make sure you pack a small and light bag that can comfortably stay on your lap during the ride.
Relax
Have a picnic, sunbathe, swim, just relax!
It is obvious that Lake Bled is full of bucket list activities to do but do you know what else it’s full of? Beautiful nature, breathtaking scenery, amzing vibes and amazing people.
So make sure that you incorporate some form of relaxation in between your activities. For me personally, this was swimming by the lake with friends that I met at the hostel.
However, bear in mind that swimming cannot be done in the city center, which is the side of the Lake where the bus stop, hostels and shops are.
There are actually signs all over there that say that swimming in that area can get you a fine so you will have to walk to the opposite side of the Lake which can take up to an hour, the same side where the viewpoint hikes start from.
Here you are free to swim as much as you want. I was there at the end of September and the temperature of the water was around 20°C so the water isn’t that cold at all.
The water is also so clear and you get amazing views of the rest of the lake and Bled island.
Swimming in Lake Bled
Rent a boat
Of course lake Bled is special but do you know what makes it even more special and unique in my opinion? The island in the middle of the Lake.
So of course you need to take a boat to Bled island, the only island in Slovenia!
If you have a group of 4 people you can rent a boat out and pay €20 for the boat for an hour, this means €5 per person once you split the money.
Otherwise if you are solo there is no point in renting a boat out on your own, just pay €15 for someone to ride the traditional Pletna Boat for you alongside 17 other passengers whilst you get to enjoy the views.
Once you get to the island you can pay €6 to go into the church which I personally didn’t do. I instead explored the little island, witnessed a lovely couple get married, visited a souvenir shop and got some delicious ice cream.
Conclusion
Lake Bled is full of things to do: weather you’re looking for a place where you can relax, go for swim, sunbathe all day or you are after a place surrounded by beautiful nature where you can go on hikes and daytrips to nearby places such as lake Bohinj, or even if you are on a solo trip and want to socialize in the Hostels and do fun activities such as going Tobogganing or going biking around the beautiful little town, I truly believe that Lake Bled has something for everyone!
