Lake Bled

The most famous lake in Slovenia is Lake Bled. Some call Lake Bled ‘pure magic’. It is surrounded by mountains and offers a view that’s sure to capture your heart. The small island with its church makes it a unique lake, instantly recognisable in every photo!

Swimming, Sunbathing, Enjoying

Swim in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Feel the warm sun on your skin. Relax on the shore. Or take a walk all the way around the lake.

Bled Island: a unique discovery

Hop in a boat and head for Bled Island. You’ll find the Church of the Assumption of Mary there, a marvel from the 16th century. The view from the island is breathtaking. And the boat trip itself is quite an experience as well.

Boating on the lake

Of course you can visit the little island in the middle of the lake. For that, you can hire a rowing boat. Motorised vehicles are actually forbidden on Lake Bled. If you don’t fancy rowing yourself, you can also join a boat where you don’t have to do any of the rowing. The traditional ‘Pletna’ boat sails across the lake. As the name suggests, this is a flat-bottomed boat.

Bled Castle

Bled Castle also stands by the lake. You simply can’t miss it! It sits atop a rock, right next to the water. The view? Amazing. You’ll gaze out over the lake and its surroundings. This castle is old, really old—dating from the 11th century. It’s one of the oldest castles in Slovenia.

You can climb up to it. Just follow the steps from the path around the lake. It’s quite a hike, but well worth it. Don’t fancy climbing? You can simply drive there too. We only found this out after hiking up the hill! There’s plenty to see inside the castle too—rooms, halls, a museum. Want to learn more about its history? Book a guided tour. A guide will tell you everything about how things used to be in this castle.

Questions about Lake Bled:

How long is the walking route around Lake Bled?

You can take a wonderful walk all the way around Lake Bled, with well-maintained, wide footpaths. The route is flat and covers a total of about 6 kilometres, making it a truly scenic stroll.

Is it possible to swim in Lake Bled?

Yes, swimming in Lake Bled is a fantastic experience—especially in summer, when the water temperature is lovely. Do pay attention to where you go: the best place to swim is on the southern side, such as at Velika Zaka.

Where can I get the best view of Lake Bled?

For the most spectacular views and the perfect photos, head for one of the hills on the lake’s western side. A rocky walk takes you to the top, so hiking boots and a bit of scrambling skill are recommended. Here’s the route to the breathtaking viewpoint.