Bled Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Bled, Slovenia.


Introduction to Bled

Bled, located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, is a charming town situated on the edge of a glacial lake. With its turquoise waters, small island, and medieval castle, it’s easy to see why Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, food and drink, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Bled has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to see, do, and eat in Bled, as well as where to stay, how to get around, and nearby excursions to consider.

List of Places to Visit in Bled

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bled Castle: Perched atop a hill overlooking Lake Bled, Bled Castle dates back to the 11th century and is one of Slovenia’s oldest castles. The castle now houses a museum highlighting the history and culture of the region.
  • St. Martin’s Parish Church: Located on the island in Lake Bled, St. Martin’s Parish Church is a small Gothic church with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Villa Bled: Built in the 19th century as a summer residence for the Yugoslavian president, Villa Bled is now a luxury hotel with a rich history and impressive gardens.

Natural Attractions of Bled: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Bled: Take a stroll around the lake, rent a boat to row to the island, or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the Julian Alps.
  • Vintgar Gorge: Just a short drive from Bled, Vintgar Gorge offers a scenic walk along a wooden walkway through crystal-clear waters and waterfalls.
  • Straza Bled: Take a chairlift up to Straza Bled for panoramic views of Bled and the surrounding mountains. In the winter, the hill is popular for skiing and snowboarding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bled

  • Ojstrica Trail: This moderate hike offers stunning views of Lake Bled and the surrounding mountains.
  • Bled Adventure Trail: This 12-kilometer trail takes you through Bled’s countryside and forests, offering beautiful views and a chance to see wildlife.
  • Bohinj Bike Trail: This 25-kilometer bike ride takes you from Bled to the nearby town of Bohinj through stunning mountain scenery.

Best Things to Do in Bled: Activities and Tours

  • Row to the Island: Take a traditional wooden boat called a pletna to the island in the middle of Lake Bled. You can visit the church or simply enjoy the views.
  • Take A Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Slovenian dishes like potica and jota from a local chef at a cooking class.
  • Slovenian Wine Tasting: Try some of Slovenia’s best wines, including the local favorite Cviček, at a wine tasting in Bled.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bled

Day 1: Arrival and settle in. Day 2: Visit Bled Castle and stroll around the lake. Day 3: Hike the Ojstrica Trail in the morning and take a cooking class in the afternoon. Day 4: Take a day trip to the nearby city of Ljubljana. Day 5: Rent a bike and ride the Bohinj Bike Trail. Day 6: Visit Vintgar Gorge in the morning and take a wine tasting tour in the afternoon. Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Bled

Must-Try Dishes

  • Potica: A rolled pastry filled with nuts, honey, and spices.
  • Jota: A hearty soup made with beans, sauerkraut, and potatoes.
  • Pražen Krompir: Fried potatoes often served as a side dish.

Local Beverages

  • Cviček: A light red wine made from a blend of red and white grapes.
  • Laško beer: A pale lager beer popular throughout Slovenia.

Where to Stay in Bled: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Grand Hotel Toplice: A luxury hotel with a prime location on the shores of Lake Bled, offering stunning lake views.
  • Garden Village Bled: An eco-friendly resort with treehouses and glamping options, perfect for nature lovers.
  • Bled Backpackers Hostel: A budget-friendly option located a short walk from Lake Bled, with cozy rooms and a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in Bled: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bled Cream Cake: A sweet dessert made with layers of cream, puff pastry, and powdered sugar.
  • Honey: Slovenia is famous for its honey, and Bled is no exception. Look for local varieties like acacia or chestnut honey.
  • Handcrafted Souvenirs: From wooden toys to hand-painted ceramics, there are plenty of unique, locally made souvenirs to bring home from Bled.

Local Culture and Customs of Bled

Slovenia has a rich cultural heritage, with strong influences from neighboring Austria, Italy, and Croatia. Visitors to Bled can expect to see traditional folk dances, hear Slovenian music, and sample local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Bled

The best time to visit Bled is in the summer, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming and water sports. However, visitors can also enjoy the fall foliage in September and October, or the winter snowsports from December to February. Spring is another popular time to visit, as the flowers start to bloom and the crowds are smaller than in the summer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bled

Do:

  • Do try traditional Slovenian food and drink.
  • Do take a boat to the island in the middle of Lake Bled.
  • Do hike or bike the surrounding mountains for stunning views.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash behind.
  • Don’t swim in restricted areas of the lake.
  • Don’t forget to respect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bled

Bled is a relatively safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. However, visitors should still be aware of their surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid theft or other crimes.

Health in Bled

Slovenia has a modern healthcare system, and visitors to Bled can expect to receive high-quality medical care if needed. It’s recommended that visitors purchase travel insurance before arriving in Bled.

Getting to Bled: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bled

The closest international airports to Bled are Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (28 miles away) and Klagenfurt Airport in Austria (34 miles away). Both airports offer rental car options or bus transfers to Bled.

Bus Stations Near Bled

Bled has a small bus station located in the town center, with connections to Ljubljana and other major cities in Slovenia.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Bled by train, with connections to major cities in Slovenia and neighboring countries. Some visitors may also consider renting a car for the added flexibility of exploring other areas of Slovenia.

How to Get Around in Bled

Many visitors to Bled choose to walk or bike around the town center, as many attractions are within easy walking distance. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Bled: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ljubljana: Slovenia’s capital city is just a short drive or bus ride away from Bled, and offers a vibrant culture, lively markets, and delicious local food.
  • Bohinj: Just a short drive from Bled, the town of Bohinj is another natural wonder with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the stunning Triglav National Park.
  • The Soca Valley: A two-hour drive from Bled takes you to the Soca Valley, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful areas known for its rivers and canyons.

Conclusion

Bled is a true gem in Slovenia and offers visitors a mix of cultural, natural, and culinary experiences. Whether you come for the stunning views, the outdoor adventures, or the delicious food and drink, Bled is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Bled Island seen from the Castle Bled Island seen from the Castle Bled Castle Bled Castle View of Bled Island in autumn with snow covered alpine peaks. View of Bled Island in autumn with snow covered alpine peaks. Ringing the Wishing Bell Ringing the Wishing Bell Vintgar Gorge Vintgar Gorge Bled Cremeschnitte at Bled lake Bled Cremeschnitte at Bled lake