Wondering what is there to do in Lake Bled? I got you covered!
This enchanting lake provides a peaceful retreat with a short ride northwest of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. The lake reflects the majestic backdrop of the Julian Alps on the water, drawing crowds when autumn is around the corner.
Lake Bled is a glacier-formed beauty that becomes a magnetic field for photographers when the sun casts its golden rays on the calm surface.
Right here, you can cruise around the charming island to visit the towering castle and church while the tranquil lake mirrors the surrounding mountains.
Coupled with the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, reds, yellows, and oranges, Lake Bled transforms into an unforgettable, breathtaking scene.
In this article, you’ll find down the best ways to reach Lake Bled from Ljubljana and amazing activities to make the most of your trip for a day.
How To Travel To Lake Bled From Ljubljana?
By Bus
Lake Bled sits 54.4 kilometers (33.8 miles) away from Ljubljana, and the best way I recommend is by Arriva bus.
- Departure Station: Tivoli.
- Arrival Station: Bled Mlino on the Southern bank
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Line: PR A22.
Services start as early as 5 AM depending on the season, with buses departing every 30 to 60 minutes until around 9 PM or 10 PM.
To stay updated on schedules and purchase tickets, visit the Arriva official website.
By Train
Other than buses, you can hail a train from Ljubljana train station. Though scenic and comfortable, you need a connecting taxi or bus to get to the lake from Lesce-Bled – your arrival station.
The train ride is between 45 to 60 minutes, with the first train departing at 4.45 AM and the last one at 11.50 PM.
For the latest schedule, check the Slovenian Railways website.
Sign Up For A Day Tour
If you’re short in time, opt for a day tour. Hassle-free and full of fun, these day trips range anywhere between four to ten hours.
This is a great option if you aim to explore both the Postojna stalactite caves and the surrounding areas of Bled in a single day without planning your own transport.
Here are some of the best day trips to Lake Bled from Ljubljana for you to consider:
- From Ljubljana: Trip to Lake Bled and Bled Castle
- Ljubljana: Slovenia Day Tour to Bled, Postojna, and Predjama
5 Best Things To Do In Lake Bled For A Day
Cruise Around Bled Island
While you’re at it, riding a boat is hands down the best way to traverse the majestic lake and capture the gorgeous island at ease.
The year-round cruise shuttles between Cafe Park Pier and Bled Island, with different timetables throughout different seasons.
Some other amazing outdoor activities on the island include horse riding, camping, SUP (stand-up paddling), and winter skating.
Speaking of boat types, you can choose either an Electric Boat or a Pletna Boat. Both operate from the same area but are of different brands.
The Electric boat runs between 10 AM to 7 PM. Compared to the traditional Pletna, it’s faster and more predictable time-wise, but note that the last boat might leave early if no customers are present.
You have ten minutes to reach the island with an hour to explore the Assumption of Maria Church (Cerkev Marijinega Vnebovzetja). You can climb this staggeringly beautiful holy shrine to ring the bell and make a wish after a steep climb over 99 steps to reach the top.
Wind Down With Bled Cream Cake
Ditch the heat with some sweet treats. When you’re at Lake Bled, no dessert is better to jazz up your tired bones than a slice of Bled Cream Cake.
This iconic dessert has been a long-standing symbol of the town. Nearly every lakeside café offers this renowned mouthwatering bite.
However, the best place for Bled Cream Cake I wanna recommend is the Park Café on the Bled promenade, which is known as the birthplace of this delectable treat.
The history of Bled Cream Cake dates back to post-World War 2 when Chef Ištvan Lukačević crafted a new cream cake recipe, unveiling it to the public in 1953.
Encased in a perfect square, the cake captivates with seven-folded puff pastry layers, enveloping a luscious egg custard inside plus some lightly sweetened whipped cream and is sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Marvel At Bled Castle
Bled Castle is a short walk from Hotel Park, dubbed as the oldest castle in the entire country. It was built in the 11th century AD under the rule of German king Henry II, acting as a defensive function due to its strategic location overlooking the stone. The castle was granted to Bishop Albuin of Brixen shortly after.
Today, Bled Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Lake Bled, housing a courtyard museum upstairs where you can explore the history of the lake through a wide range of excavation artifacts and historical development.
While not directly related to the castle itself, these artifacts illustrate residential culture across the castle’s historical periods.
A path from the upper courtyard leads to the castle chapel, souvenir shop, and restaurant.
Enjoy A Taste Of History At St. Martina Parish Church
In less than ten minutes walking from Bled Castle, the St. Martina Parish Church boasts a jaw-dropping Gothic Revival architecture, standing strong from 1905.
On any given sunny day when the air is crisp, the church at a distance looks amazing from the boat, leaning its back against the lush forest and embraced by the tranquil lake.
At the break of dawn, the exterior is adorned with a golden sunrise, and the autumn leaves create an incredibly beautiful scene.
Hike Up The Scenic Ojstrica
Cap off your day with a steep forest hike to the viewpoint of Ojstrica, a mountain in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps with a sharp, pyramid-shaped summit.
During the high season, the hike may be scrambled with visitors who are ready to take on this challenging outdoor pursuit.
If this is what your heart desires, make sure to have a handy pair of hiking shoes ready to conquer the rocky path.
The climb takes around 30-45 minutes, rewarding you with a spectacular view.
Final Words:
Lake Bled offers a relaxing getaway for those visiting Slovenia. Though it is an under-radar attraction, the spellbinding beauty of Lake Bled is barely found anywhere else.
Plus, its proximity to Ljubljana and the ease of transport allow it to become travelers’ favorite summer retreat. This is also the high season to visit Lake Bled when the pleasant weather encourages outdoor enthusiasts to swim and take on forest trails.
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