We spent two days in Slovenia on our Balkan road trip; one exploring the capital, Ljubljana and one at the country’s top tourist attraction; the spectacular Lake Bled.
How to get to Bled
The pretty little town of Bled, famed for its picturesque lake is just 33 miles from the capital, Ljubljana; a quick blat up the E61. You can exit the E61 (Exit 3) at Lesce and take the 209 straight to Bled. We opted to exit a junction later at Lipce (Exit 2) and head first for the stunning Vintgar Gorge. Alternatively, there are several buses from the capital daily, which take around an hour.
How to get around Bled
There is a footpath round the lake – total distance 6 kilometres. To reach Bled Castle from the lake, you can either take a steep 20 minute walk, drive, catch a bus or go full-on tourist and take a horse and carriage.
Where to stay in Bled
We stayed at Pension TTT. This chalet style guest house is close to the centre of Bled and the lake, yet in a quiet side street. We chose it because it was conveniently located and offered free parking, as well as free wifi and breakfast. The room was clean and comfortable.
Bled in 1 Day Itinerary
| Day 1 | Vintgar Gorge Bled Lake Bled Heart of Bled St Martin’s Parish Church Picnic in Spa Park Olympic Rowing Centre Pletna Ride to Bled Island Bled Island Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Bled Castle Accommodation – Pension TTT |
Bled Day 1
Today, we are going to Lake Bled. I have been looking forward to today, because I’ve heard it’s really beautiful, although my daughters have counselled against swimming, due to the enormous fish. In any case, it’s 4 degrees C, so swimming doesn’t feature in our plans.
Vintgar Gorge
First stop this morning is Vintgar Gorge; a gorge with a river running through it.
You can walk along a 1600 metre long boardwalk which follows the gorge, crossing the river several times for great views of the rapids and waterfalls.
The gorge is open daily between April and October. Opening times vary according to the season. Entry to the gorge costs €15 for adults (children cost €5 and pets €3). Parking is free. A shuttle bus runs between the gorge, the parking lot and the bus station and costs €4. Further details can be found here.
Bled
From here, we continue to Bled. It’s warmed up somewhat by now, so I stop moaning about not having packed gloves and even shed one of my jumpers.
Lake Bled
Upon arrival in the pretty little town of Bled, we opt to walk a full circumnavigation of Lake Bled, following the 6 kilometre long path that skirts the water’s edge. It’s really beautiful, the water is blue-green and the lake is surrounded by trees with a backdrop of mountains. Perched on top of the cliffs above is Bled Castle.
Heart of Bled
On the eastern shore of the lake, overlooked by Bled Castle is the Instaworthy Heart of Bled; a heart on a jetty for the perfect Bled photo op.
St Martin’s Parish Church
The Gothic style St Martin’s Parish Church was completed in 1905 from plans by Austrian architect Friedrich von Schmidt. It sits beside the lake, with its white spire visible amidst the trees.
Picnic in Spa Park
Pretty Spa Park is right on the lakeside with spectacular views. We purchase supplies from a nearby deli for a picnic lunch on a bench overlooking the lake.
Olympic Rowing Centre
On the western shore of Lake Bled is the Olympic Rowing Centre, with some interesting sculptures outside. Most striking is the Statue of a Boatman, which is the work of Slovenian sculptor Boris Kalin.
Pletna ride to Bled Island
In the middle of the lake is Bled Island (Slovenia’s only Island); a forested islet with a church on top. You can reach the island by Pletna, a sort of gondola with oars which docks at a jetty beneath a staircase leading up the island to the church.
The boat trip to Bled Island runs approximately every hour during daylight and costs €16.
Bled Island
Once you are ashore on the tiny Bled Island, access is via the 17th Century stone staircase. You can climb the 99 steps to the church at the top of the hill. Our oarsmen told us that traditionally, the man should carry his wife up the stairs. The old man looks a little concerned that this tradition is going to be enforced.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary sits at the top of the island. There has been a church here since the 9th Century, although the current building dates from the 17th Century, The belfry contains a ‘wishing bell‘ which you can ring to make a wish.
We have 30 minutes on the island while our exhausted oarsman takes a well earned rest. After realising that entry to the church costs €6, we follow the little path round the island, where we spot some enormous fish, then wait for our boat back to the mainland.
Our return journey to the shore is shorter, as we are dropped in a different location. We complete our (now prolonged) circuit of the lake.
Bled Castle
By the time we have retraced our steps to our guesthouse, we have walked around 8 miles and are exhausted. If you still have the energy, you can visit Bled Castle. If not, do as we did and admire it from a distance…
The castle dates back as far as the 11th Century, although much of the current structure was built in the 16th Century. It houses a museum that traces the lake’s history as well as weapons, armour and jewellery.
The castle is open from 8 am until 6 pm (8 pm in peak season). Adult entry costs €18.
Accommodation – Pension TTT
We check in to tonight’s accommodation; Pension TTT. This rustic guest house is situated in the centre of Bled, a 15 minute walk from the shores of Lake Bled. Rooms are nice, while outside is a pretty garden with a seating area.
The old man announces he is not moving again. Luckily, the guest house is close to a supermarket, so I buy myself a gourmet lunch of sausage and salad and we have an early night.
- Trip taken: September 2018
- Updated: November 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For guides to more destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full list of Independent Travel Itineraries here.
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