Photos: Bled in the Christmas season

Bled with its idyllic lake is a magical place, especially during the holiday season, and it’s not like any other place in Slovenia. Since 2015, Bled has set up a market near the shore of the lake with entertainment and festive activities available every evening, including the wheel of love, the life-sized nativity set, the supersized Christmas chair under the gigantic Christmas tree, and the traditional Sinking of the Bell.

Lake Bled in Slovenia at night in the holiday season
Lake Bled is a great location to spend Christmas and New Year. (photo: Anja Smit)

Collage of places to stay in Slovenia

Christmas light displays at Lake Bled in Slovenia with the castle in the background
The Festive Lakeside Promenade is located along the waters of Lake Bled. (photo: Anja Smit)

View of Lake Bled and the town of Bled decorated with Christmas Lights in the holiday season
Bled is a must-visit when you’re in Slovenia over the festive season. (photo: Anja Smit)

Christmas light displays at Lake Bled with Bled Castle in the background
Bled is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia to visit during the holiday season. (photo: Anja Smit)

Bled Castle above Lake Bled at night in the holiday season
The medieval cliff-clinging Bled Castle lit up at night. (photo: Anja Smit)

Walking paths around Lake Bled in Slovenia at night in the holiday season
Bled at Christmas time is a magical experience. (photo: Anja Smit)

View of the Bled Christmas Tree at night in the holiday season
The Bled Christmas Tree. (photo: Anja Smit)

All You Need To Know To Visit Bled
BLED – possibly the most beautiful and remarkable Alpine resort in Europe
View of Bled, Slovenia

With an incredibly beautiful glacial lake surrounded by the peaks of the Slovenian Alps, an iconic church nestled in a tiny island in the middle of the lake and a medieval Gothic castle built on a 100-meter cliff overlooking the lake, Bled is possibly the most beautiful and remarkable Alpine resort in Europe.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS IN BLED AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
LAKE BLED - the most stunning and romantic place you could ever imagine

Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See)

In Slovenia, there is a real place that looks like it came from the fairy tale world! That place is the beautiful Lake Bled, known for its stunning mountain-backed vistas, the iconic church located on a tiny island in the middle of the lake and the spectacular medieval Gothic castle built on a 130-meter cliff overlooking the lake.
BLED ISLAND – the fairytale island with an idyllic church on it

Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See)

When people say that a place is like something from a fairy tale, often they are exaggerating, but that is not the case with this charming little tear-shaped island in the middle of Lake Bled. The island has such an extraordinary beautiful setting that photographs of it are regularly found in travel magazines and it’s without a doubt the most recognizable place in Slovenia.
VINTGAR GORGE - one of the most extraordinary places to visit in Slovenia

Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See)

This stunningly picturesque gorge with turquoise water of the Radovna river and a spectacular waterfall at the far end is part of the Triglav National Park and is located just outside the northern side of Bled. It has been made into a huge attraction by the addition of walkways alongside and across the river.

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS IN BLED AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
BLED CASTLE – the oldest castle in Slovenia perched high above Lake Bled

Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See)

Above the incredibly beautiful glacial Lake Bled, on a mighty steep cliff rising 130 meters high, is the iconic Bled Castle. It is one of the most visited Slovene sights with over 300.000 annual guests.
CHURCH OF THE MOTHER OF GOD ON THE LAKE – the idyllic church on Bled Island

Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See)

Church of the Mother of God on the Lake, also known as the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, or The Church of Mary the Queen, or Our Lady of the Lake, is located on a a tiny, tear-shaped island in the middle of an incredibly beautiful Lake Bled. The church has such a beautiful setting that pictures of it are regularly found in travel magazines and on travel blogs and forums.

THINGS TO DO IN BLED AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
ROYAL BLED GOLF COURSE – undoubtedly the best golf course and club in Slovenia

Overall Rating:   Rating 10 out of 10   10/10   (Exceptional)

Royal Bled Golf is the oldest and the largest golf course in Slovenia and one of those must play courses in Europe. The facility comprises the 18-hole King's Course and the 9-hole Lake's Course. The 18-hole King's Course is pretty challenging and plays host to several tournaments and other events during the year, while the 9-hole Lake's course is a bit easier option for those whose handicap is too high, or those with not-so-deep pockets. Club membership is invitation only, but both courses are regularly open to the general public with advanced booking.

Bled restaurants that we think are the best and well worth a visit
A LA CARTE RESTAURANT 1906 BLED
A la Carte Restaurant 1906 Bled

Cuisine: Slovenian

Located on the quiet side of Lake Bled, the restaurant has some of the most amazing views of the lake, church on the island, and Slovenian Alps. The food is outstanding with a varied choice on the menu to suit every taste. It’s exquisite fine dining but with quite big portions.

OVERALL RATING:     10/10   (Exceptional)
PRICES:     (Expensive)
BLED CASTLE RESTAURANT
Bled Castle Restaurant, Slovenia

Cuisine: Slovenian

This famous restaurant is now under new management of the Jezersek family who serve modern interpretations of recipes written more than 70 years ago by their grandmother. The food is absolutely lovely - it's traditional Slovenian served in a superb fine dining style with lots of lovely touches.

OVERALL RATING:     10/10   (Exceptional)
PRICES:     (Expensive)
RESTAURANT LABOD
Restaurant Labod Bled

Cuisine: International

The restaurant is located in the very heart of Bled. It's a fine restaurant with a lovely terrace that has a breathtaking view of Lake Bled and Bled Island. The menu is varied with a good selection of meat, fish and pasta dishes. The food served is full of flavour and beautifully presented and yet is not too heavy on the pocket.

OVERALL RATING:     10/10   (Exceptional)
PRICES:   price-rating-moderate   (Moderate)
FINEFOOD PENZION BERC RESTAURANT
Finefood Penzion Berc restaurant in Bled

Cuisine: Slovenian

This is a lovely small restaurant that is opened only during the season (from May 1st till mid-October). The setting is charming in an open garden with lit candles all around the tables. The menu is surprisingly extensive for a small place and there's something for everyone. All the plates coming from the kitchen are a feast for the eyes.

OVERALL RATING:     09/10   (Superb)
PRICES:     (Expensive)

Places to stay in Bled that we recommend
The accommodation options in Bled can be divided into six main categories: hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, apartments, farm stays and hostels.
HOTELS IN BLED THAT WE RECOMMEND
Collage of Lake Bled hotels

Finding a hotel that suits your needs and fits your budget can be a hassle. Bled is a very touristic place with lots of hotels of varying standards, from ultra-luxurious where guests can indulge themselves in some exquisite spas to a nice choice of affordable 3-star hotels. Find out which hotels in Bled we recommend and why.
GUESTHOUSES IN BLED THAT WE RECOMMEND
Collage of Lake Bled guest houses

Bled guesthouses are definitely a nice, safe option for a place to stay as they are comfortable and homely with owners who take an interest in their guests. Many offer not only breakfast, but also lunch and dinner. There are quite a few wonderful guest houses in Bled, find out which one would best suit your needs, style and budget.
BED AND BREAKFASTS IN BLED THAT WE RECOMMEND
Collage of Lake Bled bed and breakfasts

Bed and breakfasts are a cheap way of staying in Bled. In essence you get a room and usually also a private bathroom in someone's house, with breakfast included in the price. Find out which B&Bs in Bled we recommend and why.
APARTMENTS IN BLED THAT WE RECOMMEND
Collage of Lake Bled apartments

Many local residents in Bled offer apartments for rent in their houses. Each apartment has one or two bedrooms, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. Some also have a living room and a balcony or a terrace. It's a very popular wallet-friendly option when you are staying in Bled. But be careful, the rates and quality vary seriously, so always do a good research before you book an apartment for your stay! Here you will find the apartments that we think are the best ones in Bled right now.
HOSTELS IN BLED THAT WE RECOMMEND
Collage of Lake Bled hostels

Hostels are a very popular option for those seeking low-cost accommodations in Bled. Most spaces and amenities are usually shared, but even if you’re not up for the cheapest option - a bed in a dorm room - you can often get a basic private room at a Bled hostel for significantly less than the cost of a low-end hotel or privately rented room. Competition between Bled hostels has grown over the past 5-10 years so the quality has risen considerably. There are now some really nice hostels in Bled, find out which are the ones that we recommend and why!
CAMPING AND GLAMPING SITES IN BLED THAT WE RECOMMEND
Collage of camping and glamping sites in Bled

There’s nothing quite like going to sleep under the stars, surrounded by nature and only the sound of birdsong to wake you up in the morning. The Bled area has a breathtaking nature which is perfect to do just that: whether it’s an all natural campsite or a luxurious glamping experience, these are the best outdoor sleeping areas in Bled.
FARM STAYS IN THE LAKE BLED AREA THAT WE RECOMMEND
Collage of Lake Bled farm stays

Farm stays are an increasingly popular vacation option, especially for families with young children. Styled after traditional B&Bs, farm stays offer comfortable lodging, low rates, generous breakfasts and direct access to farm animals, fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs. On some farms you can also join in with farm tasks, including feeding and egg collecting. Find out which farm stays in the Lake Bled area we recommend the most.

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