Traveling to Slovenia? You might be wondering if Lake Bled is worth visiting. Is it worth your time? Is it worth the money?

Here’s what you need to know: Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.

Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.

I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.

The lake is surrounded by mountains, and there’s a church on an island in the middle of the lake.

You might have seen it on Instagram!

In this guide, you’ll be able to decide why Lake Bled should be (or shouldn’t be) on your Slovenia bucket list.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of visiting Lake Bled so that you can see if it’s the right destination for you.

Lake Bled

The Pros Of Visiting Lake Bled: Reasons To Visit

Lake Bled is a stunning location that offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy.

From hiking and biking to swimming, there’s something for everyone who loves being outside.

You Can Do Fun Activities In Lake Bled

Lake Bled is a beautiful place to visit, with its clear blue waters and surrounding mountains.

However, there is more to this lakeside town than meets the eye.

Here are some of the best things to do in Lake Bled:

  • Take a dip in the lake. The water is refreshing and chilly, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the resident swans!
  • Climb to the top of Ojstrica hill. The hike is short but strenuous, and the view from the top is incredible. Be sure to bring your camera!
  • Visit Bled Castle. Perched atop a rocky outcropping overlooking the lake, this medieval castle is well worth a visit. Tours are available, or you can explore on your own.
  • Sample some of the local food. Lake Bled is known for its delicious cream cakes, so be sure to save room for dessert! There are also plenty of great restaurants in town, serving everything from traditional Slovenian dishes to international cuisine.
  • Take a paddle boat out onto the lake. This is a great way to get up close to the island.

That said, there are plenty of fun things to do in and around Lake Bled.

Visitors can go hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and more.

The scenery is also beautiful, so it’s a great place to take pictures too.

Lake Bled Is A Great Place To Relax

If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Lake Bled, Slovenia, is a great choice.

The peaceful surroundings and stunning scenery make it the perfect place to unwind.

While it can get busy during summertime, it still feels quiet and peaceful.

In fact, Slovenia never feels crowded unless you visit one of its famous caves (Postojna or Skocjan).

Even Ljubljana, the capital, doesn’t feel as crowded as other famous places in Europe.

You Can Visit The Small Bled Island In The Middle Of The Lake

In the middle of Lake Bled, there’s an islet with a church on it.

Visitors can take a boat to Bled Island and visit the church of the Mother of God to admire the architecture.

The church is popular because of the wishing bell. You can ring the bell and express your wishes at the same time.

We recommend climbing up the bell tower to enjoy the views. It’s a great photo spot.

As the island is quite small, you can then walk around and buy souvenirs or try some of the traditional food.

Lake Bled

There Are Plenty Of Hotels And Restaurants To Choose From

If you plan on staying in Lake Bled, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

You’ll be able to find something that fits your budget and needs.

From camping and hostels to apartments and villas, there’s no shortage of accommodation options in Lake Bled.

So, whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to rest your head after a long day of exploring or a luxurious base for enjoying the area’s many amenities, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your needs.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you’ll even find an excellent vegan restaurant in Lake Bled.

Considering how small the town is, it’s great!

Want To Visit Lake Bled?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Lake Bled.
Best hostel: Castle Hostel 1004
Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Park
Best luxury hotel: Vila Bled

You Can Be Active During Your Holidays

If you love being active on your holidays, Lake Bled is a great destination for you.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, and the scenery is beautiful.

You can bike around the lake, walk around the lake, or hike around the lake – so get ready for some movements!

There are also a few water sports available, such as canoeing and kayaking.

If you wish to visit other areas nearby, you could go to Bovec for rafting on the Soca River, or book a canyoning experience.


 

 


The Cons of Visiting Lake Bled: Reasons To Skip It

Now that we’ve covered all the reasons why you should visit Lake Bled, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to skip it.

Lake Bled

It Can Be Expensive To Visit

Now, you may be wondering: is Lake Bled expensive?

If you’re on a tight budget, Lake Bled might not be the best choice for you.

While there are plenty of affordable hotels and restaurants to choose from, they can be quite expensive.

That said, there are hostels in Lake Bled. You might want to find one that has a kitchen so that you can cook your own meals.

We recommend your book your accommodation in advance or that you travel off-season to save money on your travels.

Additionally, the activities in and around Lake Bled can also add up.

That said, lots of activities are free. You can walk around, or hike without spending money.

Some accommodations also offer free bikes.

It Can Be Crowded During Summertime

If you’re visiting Lake Bled during summertime, be prepared for crowds. It’s a popular destination, so it can get quite busy.

That said, it’s still possible to find quiet spots if you wander off the beaten path.

The crowds in Slovenia are not as “crowded” as other destinations like Italy though.

That said, we suggest you book your accommodation and activities in advance, especially if you’re on a budget.

It might be hard to find accommodation or to book an activity like rafting last minute.

It’s A Small Town

If you’re only visiting Lake Bled for a day, you might not have enough time to see everything.

There’s a lot to do and see, so we recommend staying for at least 2-3 days.

That way, you can take your time and explore the area without feeling rushed.

But, if you’re not into outdoor activities, it could get boring. After all, it’s a small town, and there’s not much to do if you’re not an active person.

If you’re simply intending to grab some good photos, one day might be enough for you.

The Final Verdict: So Is Lake Bled Worth Visiting?

To sum it up, whether or not you should go on a Lake Bled holiday depends on what you want.

If you want a stunning location with plenty of activities to keep you busy, Lake Bled is a great choice.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer city life, you might want to skip it.

Is Bled worth visiting? We think so! In fact, my partner and I have visited Lake Bled twice.

We recommend a minimum of 2 days in the area if you wish to make the most of your time there.

That said, you could stay a few more days to use Bled as a base to explore the surrounding areas.

It can also be helpful to have a car to explore the surrounding cities. If you don’t have one, consider renting a car in Slovenia.

We love the area because we love being surrounded by nature, and there are plenty of things to do in Lake Bled.

Visiting Europe soon? Read one of the following guides:

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.