1 Day in Lake Bled, Slovenia: A Perfect Day Trip

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most famous spots, known for its gorgeous views, clear blue lake, and relaxing atmosphere. It makes for the perfect day trip from Ljubljana. Here’s how to make the most of a day at this beautiful location.

Getting There

Located in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is easily accessible from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, just an hour’s drive away. If you don’t have a car, you can take a direct bus or train from Ljubljana to Bled, both of which run regularly throughout the day. The train ride is especially scenic, taking you through beautiful landscapes as you approach the lake.

Once in Bled, you’ll find it easy to navigate around the area, with most of the main attractions located near the lake. The town center is just a short walk from the lakeshore.

Morning: Explore Bled Castle and the Lake

Start your day with a visit to Bled Castle. Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below. The cost of a ticket is €18 for adults and €7 for children. If you came by car, you can drive up to the castle and then park your car in town afterward as everything else is reachable by foot.

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Bled. It’s just a 6km (3.7 miles) walk, but you can enjoy plenty of spots to rest and take photos of Bled Island and the surrounding Alps. If you aren’t up for the full loop, you can walk a portion of it or rent a bike.

Afternoon: Renting a Boat or Taking a Pletna to the Island

In the afternoon, head to Bled Island which is only accessible by boat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a rowboat to paddle across the lake at your own pace. Rowboat rentals are available at various spots along the lake’s shore and typically cost around €25 for the first hour with additional smaller fees if you add more time. We grabbed a beer for the ride and took our time paddling to the island as we wanted to enjoy some time relaxing on the lake. Depending on where you rent to the rowboat from, the journey will be between 15-25 minutes.

For those who prefer a more leisurely option, you can take a pletna, a traditional wooden boat with a canopy, that will transport you to the island. Pletna boats are operated by local boatmen, who row groups of people across the lake. The journey takes about 15 minutes each way, and it’s a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenic views. Pletna boats depart regularly throughout the day from the shore near the lake promenade, and you can easily hop on one when you’re ready to visit the island for the cost of €14-€18.

Once on the island, visit the Church of the Assumption and climb the 99 steps to ring the famous church bell and make a wish. There is no cost to walk around the island and admire the scenery but if you would like to visit the church, the cost is €12 for adults and €5 for children.

If you’re visiting in the summer, consider heading to the Bled Summer Toboggan Run after your boat ride. It’s a fun and exciting way to experience the scenery from a different angle. The toboggan ride down the hills offers thrilling views of Lake Bled as you race to the bottom.

Evening: Enjoy the Local Cuisine

End your day with a relaxing evening at one of the many lakeside restaurants. Bled Cream Cake (kremna rezina) is a must-try dessert in the area—this delicious layered pastry is a local favorite and pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Lake Bled is a place that leaves a lasting impression with its scenery and peaceful atmosphere. A day here offers the perfect escape into nature, with just the right mix of adventure and relaxation.

If you are heading back to Ljubljana and need ideas for things to do, check out my post on 9 Things to Do in Ljubljana.