Bled: Lake, Castle and Kremšnita - Name a Better Trio

You know that feeling when you visit a place and instantly fall in love with? That’s exactly how I felt about Lake Bled.

Every corner of this place feels magical, straight from a fairytale, and in this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know—how to get there, what to do, and tips that will make your trip even better. At least you can read about Bled from my perspective, and I hope you will fall in love just like me!

How to Get to Lake Bled

By Car

The best way to reach Lake Bled is by car from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. The drive takes about 45 minutes and offers scenic views along well-maintained roads. Parking around the lake is plentiful, typically costing €1-1.5 per hour. Some parking areas can be paid via the EasyPark app.

By Bus

Another option is taking a bus from Ljubljana to Bled. You can check schedules and ticket prices online. Keep in mind that during peak tourist season, traffic can get heavy, so try to take an early morning bus to avoid delays.

By Train

Trains connect Ljubljana and Bled, but Bled Jezero Station is located about 4 km from the lake, so you’ll need to take a taxi or bus to reach the center.

✈️ Looking for flights? The closest airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, located about 35 km from Bled.

Best Time to Visit Lake Bled

Lake Bled is stunning year-round, but each season offers a unique experience:

• Summer (June-August): Ideal for swimming and water activities. However, expect crowds and higher prices.
• Spring & Autumn (April-June, September-October): Fewer tourists, mild weather, and breathtaking scenery.
• Winter (December-February): A magical, snow-covered wonderland with fewer visitors. However, some restaurants and attractions may be closed.

Me and my friend visited Bled in May, and the experience was perfect—pleasant weather, moderate crowds, and vibrant greenery. And I did it again in January and it was like I entered a Christmas postcard.

How to Spend a Day at Lake Bled

Walk Around the Lake

One of the best ways to experience Lake Bled is by taking a leisurely 6 km walk around the lake. It takes about 2 hours at a slow pace, with plenty of spots to stop for photos, enjoy a picnic, or simply admire the breathtaking views of the lake, Bled Castle, and the Julian Alps.

Take a Traditional Pletna Boat to Bled Island

A visit to Bled Island is a must. Hop on a traditional wooden pletna boat, which costs €18 per person round-trip. The ride, including time on the island, takes about 1.5 hours.

On the island, climb 99 stone steps to reach the Church of the Assumption of Mary, a picturesque 17th-century church. There’s a local legend that says if a groom carries his bride up the steps, their marriage will be blessed with happiness.

Entrance fee to the church: €6

Best Viewpoints of Lake Bled

If you want postcard-perfect photos, visit one of these viewpoints:

• Ojstrica (20-30 min hike, moderate difficulty)
• Mala Osojnica (30-40 min hike, breathtaking panoramic views)
• Velika Osojnica (45-60 min hike, highest viewpoint)

We hiked to Mala Osojnica, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. Definitely worth the effort!

Visit Bled Castle

Perched on a cliff above the lake, Bled Castle is Slovenia’s oldest castle, dating back to 1004. It offers spectacular views, a museum, a restaurant, and even a wine cellar where you can bottle your own wine.

Entrance fee: Check the latest prices here.

Try the Famous Bled Cream Cake (Kremšnita)

Your visit to Bled isn’t complete without trying the legendary Bled Cream Cake (Kremšnita). The original recipe can be found at Hotel Park, but almost every cafe in Bled serves this delicious pastry. It tastes like heaven! At least I imagine heaven like that :)

Fun fact: Over half a million kremšnitas are sold at Lake Bled every year!

Other Things to Do Near Lake Bled

If you have more time, here are a few nearby attractions worth visiting:

Bohinj Lake

Located 26 km from Bled, this peaceful lake is a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and swimming. Buses run frequently between Bled and Bohinj.

Vintgar Gorge

Just 4 km from Bled, Vintgar Gorge is a breathtaking canyon with wooden walkways over crystal-clear water. It’s an easy 4 km round-trip hike (and if I say easy, trust me it really is!), and entrance costs €10. Arrive early to avoid crowds!

Triglav National Park

If you love hiking, Triglav National Park offers some of Slovenia’s most stunning trails, waterfalls, and natural beauty.

Where to Stay in Bled

Accommodation in Bled can be pricey, but booking early or staying outside the main town, like me, can save you money.

Top options:

• Luxury: Vila Bled – A former presidential retreat with lake views.
• Mid-range: Hotel Park – Home of the original Bled Cream Cake.
• Budget-friendly: Guesthouses and Airbnb options in nearby towns.

Kremšnita lives in my head rent free

For sure, I can say that Lake Bled is one of the most magical destinations in Europe, and it’s definitely worth visiting. Scenic trails, rowing to the island, slices of heaven - kremšnita, Bled offers a fairytale experience.

If you’re planning a trip and have any questions, feel free to reach out. Happy travels, and see you on the next adventure!

Save this guide for your next trip to Bled!