If you’re visiting Slovenia, you have to take a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled!
Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most popular destination, and it famous for a reason. The charming lake is one of the best locations for a calm and relaxing getaway, so keep reading to find out how to plan out the ultimate Ljubljana to Lake Bled day trip!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
WHERE IS LAKE BLED
Lake Bled is located in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. It’s situated near the town of Bled, which is about 55 kilometers from Ljubljana. This makes Lake Bled the perfect day trip from the capital city.
The lake is famous for a few reasons. Firstly, there’s the stunning small Bled Island, with a really picturesque church which you can visit. Secondly, there’s the Bled Castle, located on a cliff above the lake. Finally, the whole place is just beautiful. The green lake, the mountains, and the peaceful atmosphere make it feel like a fairy tale.
HOW TO REACH LAKE BLED FROM LJUBLJANA
There are quite a few ways to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, and here are a few great options to choose from:
By Train
If you want to go by train, this is a very scenic option, and it’s also budget-friendly. You’d have to take a train from Ljubljana main train station to Lesce-Bled, which is the main station near Bled. It takes about 1 hour and the ticket is around 10 euros or less, depending on when you’re going.
Keep in mind that the train station is around 4 kilometers away from the lake itself, so you’d have to book a taxi or take a bus to the lake. You can also do a 45-minute walk if you want to save some money.
By Bus
Bus is definitely the easy option when it comes to public transportation. You can take a direct bus from Ljubljana bus station to Bled, and you don’t have to plan in advance because the buses are really frequent, going every hour of the day. The tickets start at around 15 euros and the bus ride is around 1.5 hours. The bus does leave you much closer to the lake than the train, so you don’t have to walk or grab a taxi.
By Car
Travelling by car is always my number one option. From Ljubljana to Lake Bled it will take you less than 45 minutes. That’s much quicker than public transportation options. The views along the way are absolutely incredible and it’s a really pleasant drive. There’s plenty of parking near the lake, but it is paid, so be prepared for the prices starting at 3 euros per hour. Also, if you’re visiting during summer, just know that traffic can get really bad and parking fills up quickly, so it’s best to come early in the day!
By Private Transfer
This is basically the same as going by car, only significantly more expensive. However, if you have the means, go for it. It’s much easier and more comfortable than going by bus, and you’ll be there in 45 minutes. They will also leave you exactly where you want and pick you up where you want. It will cost from €60–90 one way, which is expensive for 1-2 people, but if there’s 4 of you, it’s a really great option!
IS LAKE BLED WORTH VISITING
Yes, Lake Bled is definitely worth visiting. The lake, the island church, and the medieval castle on a cliff really look like something out of a fairy tale. You can row to the island, hike around the lake, or simply relax. However you choose to spend your time there, trust me, it’s perfect for a peaceful day trip from Ljubljana. While it can get crowded in summer, it’s still absolutely worth the visit.
WHERE TO STAY AT LAKE BLED
If you want to stay a bit longer at Lake Bled (and honestly, who could blame you?), there are plenty of great accommodation options both right on the lake and in the surrounding area. Here are a few of them: Grand Hotel Toplice / Vila Bled / Adora Luxury Hotel / Hotel Triglav / Bled Rose Hotel
WHAT TO DO AT LAKE BLED
Row to Bled Island
If you want a boat ride over the stunning lake, there are 2 different options you can choose from. The first one is renting a rowboat. There are boat rental stations around the lake where you can rent a wooden boat and enjoy a few hours on the water by yourself. You can rent a boat for 1.5 hours, and the 4-person boats are 35 euros, while those for 6 are 45 euros for that time.
To reach the small Bled Island you’ll have to row for about 15–30 minutes each way, depending on your strength and direction of wind. The rest of the time you can relax on the lake and enjoy the peacefulness. You can also rent a SUP board if that’s what you prefer, for 25 euros per person!
If you don’t want to row yourself, you can always ride a traditional Pletna Boat. This is a covered wooden boat rowed by a local, so you don’t have to do it yourself. The boat fits 20 people and it takes you directly to Bled Island and back. They depart from the main dock near Park Hotel, Mlino, or near Vila Bled, and it costs 18 euros for a return trip.
Visit Bled Castle
While you’re on Bled, you must visit the Bled Castle. It’s located on a cliff 130 meters above Lake Bled and it is the oldest castle in Slovenia. You can reach the castle either by driving up to the parking area near the entrance, or by taking a short but steep walk from the lake. It will take you around 15-20 minutes of climbing stairs, but it’s worth it once you’re up there. In the castle you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps as well as explore the history of Bled. There’s also a charming restaurant with a view up there, so you can relax after climbing and exploring the castle.
Walk or cycle the scenic 6 km loop around the lake
If you want to explore the lake completely, you must do the loop around the lake. Either walk or bike, whichever you prefer. The distance to go around the lake is 6.3 km (3.9 miles). If you decide to walk, it will take you around 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace. While walking, you can take photos, sit down for a drink, or grab some ice cream.
If you’d prefer to cycle around Lake Bled, it’ll take you around 30 to 45 minutes of leisurely cycling. There aren’t any bike rentals directly on the lake, but there are several nearby. The path is really easy, mostly flat with a few gentle slopes, and incredibly scenic!
Try the famous Bled cream cake
If you love a good dessert, you can’t miss this famous Slovenian dessert. The Bled cream cake is made out of puff pastry top and base, thick, smooth layer of vanilla custard, and a light, airy whipped cream layer. It’s a sugar bomb for sure, but you must try it while you’re there. These are a few excellent places on Lake Bled where you can try this dessert: Park Café (Hotel Park) which is the birthplace of the original Bled cream cake, Vila Bled, and Café Belvedere.
Hike to Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica for the best viewpoints
If you want really stunning views, Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica viewpoints offer some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Bled, including its iconic island, medieval castle, and the surrounding Julian Alps.
Ojstrica Hike
If you want a shorter walk, hike to Ojstrica. It will take you around 20 to 30 minutes one way, and this is a moderately difficult hike. It’s quite short but steep and you often have to hike over uneven terrain. You start your walk near Velika Zaka. There you’ll find the trailhead for this hike.
Once you’re up there, you’ll get a closer, more intimate view of Lake Bled and its island. This hike is ideal for sunrise or sunset, just make sure you wear sturdy footwear since the trail can be slippery, especially after rain!
Mala Osojnica Hike
This hike is a bit longer and more challenging, so if you’re up for an adventure, go to Mala Osojnica. It takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes one way and it’s a bit harder than the Ojstrica hike, with steep sections including stairs and narrow paths.
The trailhead location is close to Ojstrica, inbetween Velika Zaka and Vila Bled. While this gives you a similar view of the lake, it offers a higher vantage point so the views are more expansive than those on Ojstrica. Prepare your proper hiking shoes for this one, and be cautious on steep sections, especially in wet conditions!
