Top things to do and see in Lake Bled, Slovenia: hidden gems and best photo spots in Bled

Slovenia is a small country in central Europe. I have heard many people confusing it with Slovakia (which I also visited on this road trip, by the way). To me, this was the first time visiting it and it was one the biggest surprises. With confidence I can say that Slovenia is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. Since it’s a rather photogenic destination,  I’ve put together the best photo spots in Bled and other hidden gems.

Lake Bled is a destination that is most recognizable from Slovenia due to its fairy-like island in the middle of the lake with a beautiful church. Bled captivates all who visit with its picturesque scenery and tranquility. To make the most out of your time at this Slovenian lake, read through this guide full of tips I gathered throughout my visit. I tried my best to tell you all about the hidden gems and best photo spots in Lake Bled.

This article is now featured on https://www.gpsmycity.com. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Bled on GPSmyCity.

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Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
• Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
• Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
• World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
• Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
• Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
• Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%
• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
• Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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When to visit Bled

When it comes to visiting Lake Bled, timing can make a huge difference. The early morning is the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and capture the lake at its most serene. If you’re interested in photography, this is also when the lighting is most magical.

Consider the Season. Each season offers something unique at Lake Bled. Summer is perfect for swimming and outdoor activities, while winter transforms the lake into a snowy wonderland, complete with a charming Christmas market. Spring and autumn are quieter, offering beautiful scenery without the crowds. I would say that weather wise, May through September are the nicest months to visit Bled to maximize the visit to the fullest.

We visited Bled in summer and on top of it on a weekend, so you can imagine the crowds. Even though Bled is only a short drive away from Ljubljana, it took us an hour and half because of the traffic to enter the town. However, since we stayed in Bled for two nights, we had plenty time to see it all and enjoy it without the crowds in the evening and early morning.

How to visit Bled

We visited Bled as part of a road trip through a few European countries and I think the best way is by renting a car. You can easily combine a visit to Slovenia together with Croatia or even some of the northern Italy. Alternatively, if you are just visiting Ljubljana, you can take a day tour to Bled.

Where to stay in Bled

Bled is small, so wherever you stay withing the town, it’s ok.

Some people say, that for the best experience, you should consider staying in accommodation near the lake. This will allow you easy access to all the main attractions and the ability to enjoy the lake at various times of the day. Many hotels and guesthouses offer rooms with lake views, so be sure to book in advance. We chose to stay a bit farther from the lake, but since the distances are so small there, it was only 10 minutes away walking. I really don’t think there are bad locations if you stay withing the town of Bled.

Here are a few options that I was considering for our trip:

• Penzion Pibernik– even though this place is located 2km from the lake, I think it’s great due to being surrounded by forest with plenty cycle paths and hiking trails.
• Design & Wine Vila– this place is closer to the lake and offers wine tasting and beautiful views.
• Garden Village Bled– for rusting and ecological experience
• Villa Pomona– a charming option with a pool

How to maximize your Lake Bled visit: Top things to do and hidden gems

We already know how beautiful Lake Bled is. I’m pretty sure you have seen some dreamy pictures of the island in the middle of the lake that flooded social media over the last couple of years. But beside the obvious, there is more to do, so keep on reading to find out some hidden gems in Lake Bled.

Explore the surrounding countryside

Beyond Lake Bled, the surrounding region offers even more to explore. While rowing to Bled Island and visiting Bled Castle are must-dos, don’t miss out on some lesser-known spots. Take the time to hike to Mala Osojnica or Ojstrica, two lesser-visited viewpoints that offer stunning panoramic views of the lake, island, and surrounding mountains. If you stay in Lake Bled for 2 days, take a day trip to Bohinj, another stunning lake (some people say that it is even more beautiful than Bled), or hike in Triglav National Park for more alpine beauty. Triglav is the oldest park in Europe, so it’s really worth having it in plans.

Rent a bike or e-bike

One of the best ways to explore Lake Bled and its surroundings is by bike. Renting an e-bike allows you to cover more ground without getting too tired, giving you the freedom to visit nearby attractions like the picturesque village of Radovljica. It seems like a very popular thing to do as we had seen some many people with bikes.

Go scuba diving

Diving in a lake? Why not? While Bled is famous for its stunning lake and castle, scuba diving offers a unique way to explore the depths of Lake Bled. Though relatively shallow, the lake’s crystal-clear waters allow divers to discover hidden underwater features, including submerged trees, rocks, and even a sunken rowing boat. That’s what I’ve heard as it was not an activity I was really interested in (remember my fear of water?).

Zdraviliški Park (Spa Park)

For a more relaxing experience, visit Zdraviliški Park, also known as Spa Park, located near Lake Bled. This peaceful retreat offers a variety of wellness treatments and therapeutic experiences, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Surrounded by lush greenery and gentle walking paths, the park’s thermal waters and wellness facilities make it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Go river rafting

For thrill-seekers, river rafting near Bled offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The nearby Sava River provides a range of rafting experiences, from gentle rapids for beginners to more challenging sections for experienced rafters. If that’s something you’d like to do, you will also love the stunning alpine scenery, making it one of the most exciting ways to experience Slovenia’s natural beauty. It’s a very popular activity to do in Bled.

Row to Bled Island

One of the iconic experiences at Lake Bled is rowing out to Bled Island. You can rent a traditional wooden pletna boat or paddle yourself across the serene waters. Once on the island, don’t forget to ring the wishing bell in the Church of the Assumption for good luck.

There are a few types of boats you can take, so walk around and check your options.

Ring the Wishing Bell

Ringing the Wishing Bell at Lake Bled is one of the most cherished traditions in the area. Located on the small island in the middle of the lake, the bell is housed in the Church of the Assumption, a beautiful 17th-century structure. According to local legend, if you ring the bell and make a wish, your wish will come true. We took a boat to the island, climbed the 99 stone steps to the church and got an entry ticket to the church and it’s clock tower. I might have pulled the rope more than once ring the famous bell. But what I loved the most is the clock tower, where you can see inside of the very old clock structure.

Swim in the lake

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, take a dip in the lake’s emerald waters. There are several designated swimming areas, including those with diving platforms for the more adventurous. When I visited in August, the lake was really busy with swimmers.

Hike up to Bled castle

Perched atop a steep cliff, Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The hike up is moderately challenging but well worth it.

The castle was originally built in 1342 by the Counts of Bužim as their primary residence. Later, the castle had a few changes made to it throughout the centuries, but it is still very much like the original construction. Today, the castle is opened as a museum, where you can learn about Slovene history, culture, and E art.

Walk the Lake Bled loop

The 6-kilometer path around the lake is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Along the way, you’ll find numerous spots to stop and take in the stunning scenery, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Try the famous Bled cream cake

No trip to Lake Bled is complete without trying the local delicacy, kremšnita, or Bled cream cake. Head to one of the cafes by the lake, relax, and indulge in this creamy, vanilla-flavored dessert. My Croatian friends told me that there is a never-ending fight between Croatia and Slovenia over the ownership of the cake. It’s so good that I guess both countries want it for themselves.

Visit Vintgar Gorge

Just a short drive from Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is a natural wonder with crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. The wooden walkway along the gorge makes for an easy and scenic hike. If you do not have a car, you can join one of the tours.

Enjoy a traditional Slovenian meal

Lake Bled is home to several excellent restaurants offering traditional Slovenian cuisine. Try local dishes like žlikrofi (dumplings) or kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage) for an authentic taste of Slovenia.

I had this meal at the lake side, so walk around to find a spot you like and enjoy.

Photograph the sunrise or sunset

Lake Bled is incredibly photogenic, particularly during sunrise and sunset. One of the first things I asked when stopping by the tourist information point was regarding best sunset and sunrise photos. Keep on reading to find out the best photo spots in Lake Bled.

Straza Hill

For those looking for a mix of adventure and great views, Straza Hill is a must-visit. In the summer, you can hike or take the chairlift up to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Bled. In the winter, Straza Hill becomes a small ski slope. Either way, the view from the top is another excellent spot to photograph the lake and surrounding area.

Winter Wonderland

If you’re visiting in the winter, Lake Bled takes on an entirely different character. The snow-covered landscape, frozen lake, and twinkling Christmas lights make for stunning photographs. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, and the contrast of the white snow with the dark water and green pines creates striking images.

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Amazing views, hikes, and best photo spots in Lake Bled

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most photographed locations, and it’s easy to see why. The picturesque lake, with its iconic island, medieval castle, and surrounding mountains, offers countless opportunities for stunning views and memorable photos. If you’re looking to capture the best of Lake Bled, here are the top viewpoints, hikes, and photo spots you shouldn’t miss.

Mala Osojnica viewpoint

Arguably the most famous viewpoint at Lake Bled, Mala Osojnica offers a postcard-perfect view of the entire lake, including Bled Island and the castle perched on the cliff. It needs to be on the list of the best photo spots in Bled. The hike to Mala Osojnica is moderately challenging, taking about 30 to 45 minutes from the lake’s edge, but the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort. This is the spot for that iconic Lake Bled shot.

Ojstrica viewpoint

If you’re looking for a slightly easier hike with equally impressive views, Ojstrica is a great alternative. The trail is shorter and less steep than Mala Osojnica, taking about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top. The view from Ojstrica is similar but offers a closer perspective of the island, making it a favorite among photographers.

Bled Castle

Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake, not only offers a glimpse into Slovenia’s history but also provides one of the best vantage points for photography. From the castle’s terraces, you can capture sweeping views of the lake, the island, and the surrounding mountains. The castle is especially photogenic at sunset when the light casts a golden hue over the landscape.

Pletna boat ride

For a unique perspective, hop on a traditional pletna boat and take a ride out to Bled Island. From the water, you can capture photos of the island, the surrounding mountains, and the shoreline of Bled from a completely different angle. The soft light of early morning or late afternoon makes for especially beautiful shots.

Lake Bled loop

The 6-kilometer path around Lake Bled offers numerous photo opportunities from different angles. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or even taking a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride, you’ll find plenty of spots to stop and snap the perfect picture. Along the way, you’ll find charming boathouses, swans gliding across the water, and reflections of the island and castle in the lake’s calm waters.

Vintgar Gorge

Just a short drive from Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is a photographer’s dream. The crystal-clear Radovna River flows through the gorge, creating stunning emerald pools and cascades. The wooden walkways provide unique perspectives of the gorge’s dramatic scenery, making it a fantastic spot for nature photography.

Bled Island

Once you reach Bled Island, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take pictures, whether it’s of the island’s picturesque church, the stunning views back toward the shore, or the tranquil surroundings. Climb the 99 steps to the church and enjoy the view from the top, or explore the island’s small museum for more great photo ops.

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