Undoubtedly the best golf course and club in Slovenia is Royal Bled Golf. It is the oldest and the largest golf course (covering more than 100 hectares) in the country and one of those must play courses in Europe. Located close to the most picturesque tourist attraction in Slovenia, Lake Bled, this golf course has been a popular destination for golfing enthusiasts from Europe and around the world. From the golf course it’s a mere 4 kilometres to Lake Bled and the centre of Bled, which is booming in recent years in terms of tourism, with its breathtaking natural beauty and renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal springs of lake water.
The facility comprises the 18-hole King’s Course and the 9-hole Lake 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 Lakes 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.
An important part of Royal Bled Golf is its golf academy, with a practice range that provides superb conditions to practice and learn to play golf. The range is supported with state-of-the-art technology and a golf club fitting studio.
Golfers can choose to stay in one of many exquisite lakeside hotels or can also be accommodated at the golf course in the King’s House or in the Lake House. The King’s House was built in 1938 in the original Slovenian architectural style. It has since been renovated. The rooms with private terraces offer views of the golf course, the Karavanke mountain range and the Julian Alps. Just a stone’s throw away is the Lake House, with just as stunning views of the local mountains.
Royal Bled Golf is part of IMG Prestige, a collection of some of the world’s best golf clubs and resorts, including 2018 Ryder Cup venue Le Golf National in Paris, France and The Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta, Canada. Each member club is carefully selected and invited to join the network, allowing members of each one access to the others in the programme.
Playing a round at Royal Bled Golf should be on any golfers bucket list, here you are guaranteed a golf experience that ranks amongst the finest in Europe.
King’s Course at Royal Bled Golf
The 18-hole King’s Course at Royal Bled Golf is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and gorgeous places to play golf in Europe. It is regularly listed in the first half of the top 100 golf courses in Europe according to Golf World magazine. Originally formed in 1937 on the recommendation of the Yugoslav Royal Family, when Slovenia was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (hence the name), the course was redesigned by famous golf architect Donald Harradine in 1972. In recent years it’s undergone extensive improvements and upgrades and is now considered one of the best golf courses in Europe. It was reopened in August 2017, after a two-year renovation process. The course is 6,563 meters long and offers a strategic layout, perfectly manicured surfaces, and stunning views of the mountains and out across to the medieval Bled Castle. The course provides a rare opportunity to play golf in complete tranquillity. The tees are of the PGA Tour standard and the fairways are like a green carpet. To summarise, King’s Course is a golf course you have to play at least once. It’s an absolute delight.
Lake’s Course at Royal Bled Golf
Designed by famed golf architect Donald Harradine in 1972, the nine-hole Lake’s Course offers a wonderful blend of challenging holes and spectacular scenery. Suited to all levels of ability, the course retains its original layout and offers a tranquil woodland setting which provides a relaxed private environment for golfers to enjoy. The main difference between the Lake’s Course and the King’s Course is that the Lake’s Course has smaller greens and offers only two tee boxes per hole. Golfers who love big drops and ascents are going to really enjoy this rollercoaster with many shots from above, down onto the greens or blind shots to carry small hills. You won‘t get any of those shots on the King‘s Course. Quality-wise the course is top notch as well. The greens are very fast and the fairways are beautiful, and that’s not only because of the classy checked pattern cut. There are some really well-integrated and well-maintained bunkers too which add to the fun. At 3,047 meters long, the challenge of the course can be quite deceptive. Yes, it is “only” a small 9 hole course but it is just perfect if you either want to learn and improve your game or are short on time.
Royal Bled Golf Facts & Figures
| Number of holes: | 27 (18-hole King's Course, 9-hole Lake's Course) |
| King’s Course: | 18 holes, 6,563 meters long, par 72 |
| Lake's Course: | 9 holes, 3,047 meters long, par 36/72 |
| Founded: | 1937 |
| King's Golf Course green fee: | €180 |
| Lake Golf Course green fee: | €55 |
| Stay at golf club: | Yes (in hotel) |
| Driving range: | Available |
| Chipping area: | Available |
| Putting green: | Available |
| Compact course: | Available |
| Teaching pros: | Available |
| Golf clubs for hire: | Available |
| Buggy (power cart) available: | Available |
| Trolley (pull cart/trundlers) for hire: | Available |
| Electric trolley for hire: | Available |
| Charging system for trolley: | Available |
| Bar: | Available |
| Restaurant: | Available |
| Pro shop: | Available |
| Locker room: | Available |
| Membership possibilities: | On invitation from existing members only. Corporate membership available on request. |
| Operating times: | 08:00 - 19:00 |
| General season: | From April to October |
| Phone: | +386 1 200 99 01 |
| Website: | royalbled.com |
| E-mail: | info@royalbled.com |
| Address: | Vrba 37 a, 4248 Lesce, Slovenia |
| Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: | 46.361190, 14.158670 |
| GPS coordinates: | 46° 21' 40.284'' N 14° 9' 31.212'' E |
Slovenian golfer Tim Gornik at 14th tee at King’s Course at Royal Bled Golf.
The greens are first class and the overall conditioning of the course is amongst the best in Europe.
The King’s course was originally designed by Donald Harradine and got extensively redesigned by William Swan in 2015 with new tees and bunkers, greens and several water hazards.
Royal Bled Golf is easy to reach from anywhere in Europe, whether you come by plane to Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana, just a half an hour drive or by car from southern Germany.
The layout of the Kings course is exciting and varied but also fair.
Quality-wise the course is obviously top notch.
The views are a dream but the golf course is more special. Just fantastic.
The greenkeeping is extraordinary and incomparable.
The greens have some tricky ondulations and with the fast green speeds are a challenge to put.
The views in April and early May are one of the best as some peaks are still covered with snow.
There are tee times every 15 minutes so there’s absolutely no need to rush. You can take your time and enjoy the experience.
The King’s Course is amazing. Stunning views, and a great selection of varied holes.
The greens are super fast and the fairways are gorgeous.
There are a few well-integrated and well-maintained bunkers that add to the fun.
Green fee is 150 euros – and worth it. It’s a slice of heaven!
Sand bunkers are always the problem. Keep it out of them.
You mainly play through gorgeous pine trees with a stunning backdrop of mountains in the distance.
The views are spectacular and the holes are challenging.
This is a real golfing gem.
27 holes, 27 reasons to come to Royal Bled Golf.
There is a great practice area at Royal Bled Golf.
Golfers can be accommodated at the golf course in the King’s House or in the Lake House.
The clubhouse is very well designed with thoughtful amenities.
The restaurant food is excellent and the staff is very friendly.
Images by Ales Fevzer, Slovenia.info!
 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. |
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 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. |
 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. |
 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. |
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 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. |
 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. |
 Overall Rating: 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. |
 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) |
 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) |
 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:  (Moderate) |
 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) |
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| The accommodation options in Bled can be divided into six main categories: hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, apartments, farm stays and hostels. |
 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. |
 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 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. |
 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 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! |
 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 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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Overall Rating: 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. |
 Overall Rating: 09/10 (Superb)Diners CUBO Golf Ljubljana is a beautifully manicured and well-maintained 18-hole course situated only a 15 minute drive from Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Opened in 2008, it is one of the newest courses in Slovenia and the only 18-hole course that is open throughout the year. It features fast greens, wonderful fairways and wide teeing areas. The terrain is very flat and without trees or other natural obstacles, which allows extremely dynamic play. |
Overall Rating: 09/10 (Superb)Diners CUBO Golf Ljubljana is a beautifully manicured and well-maintained 18-hole course situated only a 15 minute drive from Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Opened in 2008, it is one of the newest courses in Slovenia and the only 18-hole course that is open throughout the year. It features fast greens, wonderful fairways and wide teeing areas. The terrain is very flat and without trees or other natural obstacles, which allows extremely dynamic play. |
 Overall Rating:  08/10 (Fabulous)Famous for its castle photogenically located on an island in the middle of the Krka River, Otocec also offers a fine 18-hole golf course designed by a well-known British golf course architect Howard Swan, who has an extraordinary feeling for placing dynamic golf courses amid unspoilt countryside. With its 49 sand bunkers and three water hazards, the course measures 6,189 metres (6,768 yards) and derives much of its challenge from the undulating terrain over which the holes flow. |
 Overall Rating: 08/10 (Fabulous)Situated in the small spa town of Moravske Toplice in the very northeast corner of Slovenia, at the edge of the vast Pannonian Plain in Slovenia’s Prekmurje region, the 18-hole Livada golf course is a welcome addition to the vast Terme 3000 thermal bath complex. At 6,236 metres (6,819 yards), this lovely golf course stretches across 59 hectares and boasts the longest hole in Slovenia - the signature 596-metre par five 9th hole. When building the course, special attention was paid to the preservation of the original flora and fauna of the area, which has led to some quite uniquely-shaped and very challenging greens, fairways and sand bunkers. |
 Overall Rating: 08/10 (Fabulous)Already a very popular destination on account of its stud farm with beautiful white Lipizzan horses, Lipica also offers a lovely 9-hole golf course built according to the designs of famed golf course architect Donald Harradine. It's one of only the two golf courses in Slovenia that's officially open 365 days a year, as it has a warm Mediterranean climate. The course stretches out to 3,174 metres. Although there are no water hazards, the course is heavily wooded and abounds with sand bunkers, which are well placed to come into play for short and long hitters alike. |