Lake Bled was a stop on our Interrail route, between Villach and Ljubljana. We only had a few hours there, with our backpacks on. The weather was beautiful, and I would give it a full day next time.
Lake Bled overview
How we got there: by train, with our Interrail pass, then by bus to the lake.
When we arrived: around 11am.
How long we stayed: a few hours, before continuing to Ljubljana the same evening.
How long I would stay: one full day.
Getting to Lake Bled
We arrived at the station around 11am and took the bus to the lake.
Be careful: there is only one bus every two hours. Check the timetable before you arrive, so you do not lose half your day waiting.
Our bags: we kept our backpacks with us all day. Yes, even for the viewpoint.
Rather not do it alone? Book a trip to Lake Bled and Bled Castle from Ljubljana
Good to know: the two stations
Lesce-Bled is the main station, with the most trains to Ljubljana, but it is about 4.5 km from the lake. You need a bus or a taxi to get there.
Bled Jezero is on the western side of the lake, with fewer trains. It is closer to the Mala Osojnica trail, but up a hill from the lake.
Bus timetables vary by season and by line, so check them on the day.
Best things to do at Lake Bled
Walk around the lake
We walked the whole loop around the lake. It is completely flat, and without photo stops it takes two hours at most.
There were a lot of people because the weather was beautiful, but only at the start of the loop. Most people do not bother to walk all the way around, so the rest of the lake is much quieter.
Mala Osojnica viewpoint
The famous view over the lake and its little island church. I will be honest: I thought I was going to die on the way up, the climb is intense. And we did it with our backpacks.
Good to know: the trail starts on the western shore, near Camping Bled and Velika Zaka bay. The climb to Mala Osojnica takes about 30 to 40 minutes, with steep steps and a metal staircase that feels like a ladder. From there you can continue to Ojstrica, a lower viewpoint, in another 15 to 20 minutes. Wear real shoes, the path gets slippery after rain.
Swim in the lake for free
It was hot, so we went for a swim, opposite Camping Bled. It is completely free.
If you prefer an organised beach with facilities, there is also the paid Castle Bathing Area (Grajsko kopališče), below the castle.
Fly a drone
I flew my drone over the lake. I did not see any signs, and I had checked the map before flying. Rules can change, so check the official drone map before you take off.
A glass of wine under the yellow parasols
Near the spot where you first reach the lake, there is a small kiosk serving drinks under yellow parasols. Very photogenic. We had white wine, not very expensive, and loved sitting there for a while before heading back.
If you have more time
Ideas for next time, that we did not do:
Take a pletna boat to Bled Island
The traditional wooden boats, rowed standing up, take you to the island and its church. Boats leave from several piers, including Mlino, the Bled centre and Velika Zaka. Pay the rower in cash. The rower gives you about 40 minutes on the island, and entry to the church is paid separately.
Try the Bled cream cake
The kremšnita, or kremna rezina, was created in 1953 by the pastry chef Ištvan Lukačević at the Park Hotel café, on the lakeside promenade at Cesta svobode 15. You will find it in most cafés around the lake.
Visit Bled Castle
The medieval castle sits on a cliff above the lake. Entry is paid.
Where to eat at Lake Bled
Restaurant Zaka
Pizza at Restaurant Zaka, at Camping Bled, right by the lake.
Lake Bled FAQ
Can you visit Lake Bled as a day trip?
Yes, by train and bus. But I would give it a full day.
How long does it take to walk around Lake Bled?
Two hours at most without photo stops. The path is completely flat.
Can you swim in Lake Bled for free?
Yes. We swam opposite Camping Bled, for free.
Is the Mala Osojnica hike hard?
It is short but steep. I found it very intense, so go at your own pace.
Is Lake Bled crowded?
At the start of the loop, yes. Walk further around the lake and it gets much quieter.
How often is the bus to Lake Bled?
When we went, there was one every two hours. Timetables vary, so check before you go.
Which train station is closest to Lake Bled?
Bled Jezero is closer to the lake, but Lesce-Bled has more trains. From Lesce-Bled, take the bus or a taxi.
How do you get to Bled Island?
By pletna boat, paid in cash to the rower, or by renting a rowing boat.
Where does the Bled cream cake come from?
From the Park Hotel café, where it was created in 1953.
Read next
More from Slovenia:
Affiliate disclosure: some links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy or book through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. More