How to Day Trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana, Slovenia
In this post, we’ll take a look at how to do a day trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana, including logistics of how to get there, what to do there, and where to stay, should you want more time in Bled.
Nestled in the center of the Julian Alps of northwest Slovenia is a glacial fed lake, famous for its spectacular beauty – Lake Bled. This stunning lake is one of the must-visit destinations in Slovenia.
Choose to make it you base when exploring the Julian Alps, or consider doing a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Whichever way you choose to visit Lake Bled, you’re sure to be wowed by the pristine lake surrounded by majestic mountains.
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How to Get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana
Located just about an hour away from Ljubljana is the beautiful town of Bled, situated on the famous Lake Bled. This stunning location is by far one of the best day trips from Ljubljana and one of the most scenic places in Slovenia!
So how can you visit Lake Bled as a day trip from Ljubljana? Let’s take a look at your best options.
Take the Bus
The cheapest way to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is to take the bus. There are a number of different bus companies running on this route, but the most frequent service is from Alpetour. It runs hourly and typically only costs ~$5. Book online ahead of time, or book directly at the bus station.
To catch the bus, head to Avtobusna Postaja Ljubljana – located just a short walk from the Ljubljana city center. The bus ride will take just around 1 hour and then drop you off directly in Bled. WAlk the couple of minutes from the bus down to the lake.
You’ll be greeted by a glowing blue lake featuring a small island with a church on it, a castle sitting on the hillside overlooking the lake, and mountains in the distance. It’s unbelievably beautiful!
Rent a Car
One of the most flexible ways to visit Lake Bled from Ljubljana is to rent a car and drive yourself. The most direct route is 56km and will take you 45 minutes. It does however take you on toll roads. Alternatively, you can take a route that’s a little bit longer at just over an hour, which avoids all toll roads.
Want to drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?
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Take the Train
Another option is to take the train from Ljubljana to Lesce. Both Croatian Railways and Slovenian Railways take this route with Slovenian running trains hourly. The train ride is also about an hour and costs typically $5 – 11.
The biggest downside of taking the train to Lake Bled is that the train only goes to Lesce. From Lesce, it is still about 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles to Lake Bled. You can walk it, take a taxi, or catch the bus – but in reality, you’re much better off just taking the bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled to begin with.
Book a Tour
Of course, the easiest way to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana is to take a tour. There are multiple day trip options that cover just Lake Bled or add in other must see sights of Slovenia. Your best options are:
- Lake Bled and Bohinj with Vintgar Gorge: At Lake Bled, you’ll visit Bled Castle and take a boat cruise on the traditional Pletna boats to Island Bled. Then you’ll head to Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in Slovenia, and Vintgar Gorge. It’s a great tour of some of the best of Slovenia!
Check the current rate of this trip.
- Slovenia in One Day: Take a day trip to the highlights of Slovenia, including Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle. It’s a crowd favorite as you’ll see a lot in a short time!
Check the current rate of this trip.
- Day Trip to Bled Lake: Only interested in the lake? This trip is for you! Visit the castle at Bled and have the option to take a Pletna boat out on Bled Lake during this half-day tour to Lake Bled from Ljubljana.
Check the current rate of this trip.
Best Things to Do in Lake Bled
If you’re headed to check out the lake of Bled, you’re going to need at least a day to see the best sights and experience all of the amazing things to do in Bled, Slovenia.
Hike around Lake Bled
The number one best thing to do in Lake Bled is to walk around the entire lake. The entire trek is about six kilometers or 3.75 miles and will take you about an hour and a half to complete it.
Along the way, you’ll find beautiful views, some nice places to swim (if it’s warm enough), and a couple of side trails that you won’t want to miss.
The best one to take is to Mala Osojnica which takes you up to one of the best viewpoints of Lake Bled. You’ll notice the trailhead as it has a small sign marking it on the west side of the lake.
The hike up to Mala Osojnica is a bit challenging, as you will be gaining about 600 feet of elevation on this half mile path, but I assure you it’s worth the sweat and tears (ok, no real tears…) to get there. The views are breathtaking of the lake and beyond. ย
While this side path will add about 45 minutes to your trek around the lake, you will not want to miss this amazing Lake Bled viewpoint! It’s one of the best views in the area.
Visit Bled Castle
Bled Castle, also known as Blejski Grad sits perched dramatically over Lake Bled on a sheer cliff. This makes it incredibly photogenic and well worth a visit as it offers some of the best views of Lake Bled.
In Bled Castle, you can also learn about the 1000+ year history of the castle, enjoy the museum collections, grab lunch or dinner at the Bled Castle Restaurant, and treat yourself to wine tasting.
Find the latest hours of operation and ticket prices on the official Bled Castle website.
Paddle Out to Bled Island
Making the journey to the island in the middle of Bled Lake is one of the best experiences in Lake Bled. You can go about this a few different ways, from renting a rowboat or paddleboat and getting yourself there or by taking one of the popular plenta boats.
Renting a boat will cost around $25/hour and you should be able to make the journey to Bled Island in just about an hour round trip. Be ready for some exercise, as it’s not always as easy as it looks!
Alternatively, the most popular way to get to Bled Island is to hire a plenta boat – no manual labor required! These boats dock at the 99 steps leading to the Assumption of Mary Church and hold about twenty people. Cost is around $15/person.
Ring the Wishing Bell on Bled Island
During your trip to Bled Island, make sure to wait your turn to ring the wishing bell! This famous bell hangs in the Lake Bled church and has been consecrated by the Pope. It’s said that when you ring the bell, your wish will come true. Everyone can use a little extra luck and wishes, so give it a shot!
Go Canyoning from Lake Bled
If you’re a thrill seeker, you’ll want to try out canyoning from Lake Bled. This adventure takes you to abseil down waterfalls, jump from rocks into pools, swim through canyons, and ride water slides. It’s an awesome side-trip for those looking for a bit more adventure in Lake Bled!
Check current rates for canyoning at Lake Bled.
Try Bled Cream Cake
After your exercise around the lake and up to the castle, it’s time to enjoy the regional dessert – Bled Cream Cake. This traditional cake is also called Kremna Rezina or affectionately Kremsnita. Every cafe and restaurant in the area seems to have a version of it, so make sure to try it!
If you’re looking for the original, head to the Hotel Park at Bled. The cake shop here is where it originated back in 1953, and they still serve up a mean Bled Cream Cake! It’s a must for any visit to Lake bled.
Stay Overnight in Lake Bled
Can’t get enough of this beautiful place? Don’t worry – you can stay overnight at Lake Bled in Slovenia! Here are some of the best hotels in Bled that put you right next to the lake. Alternatively, you can also stay in Lesce, which is just a short distance away.
- Best Budget Hotel in Lake Bled: Carman House | Penzion Vila Preseren | Hotel Starkl
- Best Mid-range Hotels in Lake Bled: Hotel Park – Sava Hotels & Resorts | Hotel Lovec
- Best Luxury Hotels in Lake Bled: Grand Hotel Toplice | Vila Bled | Penzion Berc
See More of Slovenia
Between the natural beauty of the landscape and the lack of tourists in Slovenia, this day trip to Lake Bled quickly raised to a must visit destination in my mind.
It’s slightly off the beaten path, but still easily accessible, with wonderful locals and delicious food. And, did I mention the natural beauty?? Add it to your Slovenia itinerary! You will not be disappointed.
Now, with a Lake Bled day trip under your belt, it’s time to continue exploring Slovenia. Here are some useful posts to help you make the most of your time in this underrated country:
Beautiful! can I come with?
Yes please!! Would love the company, and seeing your smiling (and other) face(s) daily!