Introducing Lake Bled
Lake Bled is a picture-perfect lake of iconic beauty. It was formed at the end of the Ice Age and is 2,120 meters long, 1,380 meters wide and up to 30 meters deep. It lies at the foothills of the Julian Alps in the northwestern corner of Slovenia, where it adjoins the town of Bled.
Lake Bled Review
In Slovenia, there is a real place that looks like it came from the fairy tale world! That place is the extraordinary Lake Bled. With an iconic church nestled in a tiny island in the middle of the lake and a spectacular medieval Gothic castle built on a 130-meter cliff overlooking the lake, it’s a fairytale setting. The color of the water is mesmerizing! You can easily walk all around the lake on a lovely flat path. It’s truly like walking through a fairytale. Lots of nice places to stop for a rest or get a snack on the way. It takes between one and one and a half hours to walk around the lake, which is a little more than 2 kilometers long and a little less than 1,5 kilometers wide, with a maximum depth of 30 meters.
In the middle of the lake there is a charming little tear-shaped island, the only island in Slovenia. You can reach it either by swimming their, renting a rowing boat and docking at the island or by taking a traditional gondola-like wooden boat, called a Pletna. The Pletna boat is operated by the pletna oarsman who rows standing up. This profession is very respected and it’s transmitted from generation to generation. The island has several buildings, the main one being the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, built in the 15th century. There are exactly ninety-nine steps that lead from the dock to the church and there is also a wishing bell that grants you one wish upon ringing it.
Lake Bled has the longest swimming season of any alpine lake in Europe (from June to late September). The summer temperatures reach up to 28 degree Celsius. There are designated areas for swimming but most people ignore them and swim wherever they like. It’s free to swim in the lake but there is also a paid swimming area called Grajska Bathing Area that features a climbing wall, swings, a sandpit, two water slides and a nice patch of grass to relax on. Lake Bled is also ideal for rowing since it provides all the natural elements it requires. Row boats can be hired from places all around the lake and it usually takes around two to three hours for a trip to the island and back again with enough time to explore. The lake is also a popular spot for fishermen. Fishing for catfish, pike, carp and lake trout is permitted.
To get panoramic views of Lake Bled you need to visit Bled Castle, a medieval castle built on a cliff overlooking the lake and the city of Bled. Seeking more views of the lake you can follow the steep forest trail up to Velika Osojnica for postcard views of Lake Bled from above. Lake Bled is truly a treasure of Slovenia.
Lake Bled Pictures
Lake Bled is the crown jewel of Slovenia. (photo: Jost Gantar, Slovenia.info)
Bled Island in autumn as seen from the traditional Pletna boat. (photo: Jost Gantar, Bled.si)
Lake Bled on winter evening. (photo: Ales Krivec, Bled.si)
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 Lake Bled is a 2,220 meters by 1,380 meters lake that looks like it’s straight out of a children’s storybook with its little tear-shaped island in the middle of the lake, the medieval cliff-top castle and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. |
 Lake Bled is one of the most picturesque destinations to visit in Slovenia. It's a photographer’s paradise and travel eye candy and has plenty of magnificent photo opportunities. |
 Lake Bled is one of those places that feels like it was pulled off straight from the pages of a fairytale. Thousands of tourists visit it every year, and all you have to do is follow the hiking trails leading around the lake and you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views and Instagram-worthy photo-ops. |
 Take a look through these stunning aerial drone photos that offer a different perspective on Lake Bled. |
 Take a look at these breathtaking drone photos of Lake Bled in the fall season. |
 The most remarkable view of Lake Bled is definitely from the Mala Osojnica viewpoint. |
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 If you’re looking for the most popular Lake Bled viewpoint, it’s highly likely you’re referring to Mala Osojnica. Set only a short hike from Bled, Mala Osojnica provides stunning views of Lake Bled and surrounding mountains. |
Lake Bled location on the map
Address: Presernova cesta 1, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.36359, 14.09380
GPS coordinates: 46° 21′ 48.9528” N 14° 5′ 37.6980” E
Region: Gorenjska (a.k.a Upper Carniola a.k.a Slovenian Alps a.k.a Oberkrain)
 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. |
One of the most beautiful places i have been to and most defenately will return to!
I visited there years ago, l totally loved it, someday I would love to go back again. I have family in that area!
Wish I was there right now! Love Slovenia!
My favourite place on Earth. Have been 4 times in Summer (once in miserable, overcast rain, but still loved it) and was supposed to be there last December, but for COVID.
I love Slovenia and Lake Bled. Beautiful country and people.
We were there this past summer. It’s
So so beautiful! I can’t wait to go back💕😊💕
We were there and loved it. my family took a carriage ride along the lake.
Can’t beat it. One of my favourite places on earth and full of special memories ❤
Can’t believe I have been to such an amazing place. Wasn’t I lucky.x
Stunning photos of a so-picturesque and peaceful spot! Beautiful Slovenia!
Last Summer we drove our small campervan down through Europe to camp at the lakeside for a week. It was such a satisfying holiday.
One of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
The most beautiful place I have seen. Isn’t it breathtaking!
I was in Bled this summer. I fell in love forever with Slovenia ❤️❤️
I was in Bled 2 autumns ago. Hiking through the beautiful forests was magical! Such a lovely country.
This is one of my favourite places ❤️❤️
Loved the time we spent around Lake Bled 2 years ago-beautiful place.
Most beautiful place on earth.💞💞💞🙋
I walked all the way around Lake Bled when I was younger at night.
Gorgeous photos! I’d love to visit Lake Bled!
I’ve been hearing so much about Lake Bled recently! It seriously looks like a dream.
These photos make me want to go there!
Such a wonderful pictures! Love them!!
Never knew Slovenia could have such beautiful waters!
Najljepse godisnje doba i najljepse boje..melem za dusu.
Magnifique en Automne !
MARAVILLOSO , sin dudar alguna, para volver una y otra VEZ, y otra vez y otra vez 🗻❤️
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I am to old to make it there in person so I really enjoy the pictures, bless you.
This is where i married 20 yrs ago. Beautiful memories..
Just come back from Lake Bled myself and it was as beautiful as it looks here.
What a beautiful selection of photos, I have been there! Twice actually. About two to three years ago. It’s really amazing. There is a tourist train going around the lake.