One Day in Bled Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day at Lake Bled, Slovenia

Less than an hour from Ljubljana lies Lake Bled, one of the most charming destinations in Europe. Its fairy-tale surrounding, the picturesque lake island, the medieval castle perched upon a rock cliff and its emerald green waters make it a perfect place for a romantic getaway as well as a great place for those seeking relaxation. One day in Bled is just enough time to see all the top sights, try some local food and take up one of the many activities around the lake. Whether you choose to make a day trip from Ljubljana or if you decide to spend a night here, you’re going to enjoy your day to the fullest.

One day in Bled Itinerary

What’s the best time to visit Bled?

There’s no wrong time for visiting Lake Bled, it’s beautiful all year round. Winter is a special part of the year, when the snow makes everything even more magical. In the summer, a lot of outdoor activities are available, including swimming in the clear waters of the lake. Also, it doesn’t get too hot here. If you want to skip the crowd and overpricing, though, visit from January to March or from October to November. But no matter when you come, you just can’t go wrong.

Bled in Spring
Bled in Spring, Author: Jorge Franganillo, Source: Flickr

What’s good to know about Bled?

The town of Bled, with its iconic lake, lies in northwestern Slovenia and is surrounded by mountains. The island in the lake is famous not just for its fairy-tale beauty, but also because it’s the only Slovenian island. The lake itself is just 2 km by 1.4 km big, which makes it a perfect size for the 6km walk along the shore.

Beautiful Bled Lake
Beautiful Bled Lake, Author: GaryE1981, Source: Flickr

One Day in Bled Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Bled.

Reach the lake right in the morning

Bled is quite a small town, so the lake will be reachable by foot no matter where your accommodation is. The walk around the emerald lake is a must for any visitor. It will take you the whole morning for this 6 kilometer walk because you WILL stop so many times along the shore. Prepare your camera because you won’t resist taking photos of the lake from every single angle. With the Alps in the background, every shot you take will look spectacular.

Bled Island
Bled Island

Rent a bike

If you’re more into cycling than walking, rent a bike in one of a few bike rentals around the town. The bike rental will maximize your time, so you’ll have much more time for sights exploration and food tasting. And it will quite possibly be the most beautiful bike ride you’ve ever taken. Don’t rush it, soak it all in.

Taste Bled’s cream cake called kremšnita

If you want to take a coffee break, make sure the coffee place serves kremšnita – Bled’s famous cream cake. This chantilly and custard cream cake dessert is popular all over Central/ East Europe, but the one in Bled, also called Kremna rezina, is considered one of the best.

Bled Cream Cake
Bled Cream Cake, Author: Jung won Chung, Source: Flickr

Take a Pletna boat ride to the Bled Island

You can’t leave Bled without stepping into the only Slovenian island – Bled Island. The easiest way to reach the island is by taking the traditional wooden boat known as Pletna boat. Once you reach the island, you need to make 99 stairs and if you manage to do that while carrying your lady it means you’re going to have a happy marriage.

Pletna Boats
Pletna Boats, Author: Donald Judge, Source: Flickr

Visit the Church of the Assumption and the Bell Tower

Once you have conquered all the 99 steps, you’re will be facing the baroque Church of the Assumption that’s built on the foundations on an ancient pagan temple. There is a “wishing bell” inside of the church. Make a wish and ring the bell three times and it will surely come true. At the end, climb the bell tower for an even more beautiful view of the lake’s surrounding.

Ascend the Bled Castle just around sunset

Ascend the Bled Castle at sunset for an even more spectacular view of the lake and the mountains in the distance. The walk up to there is a steep one, but worth every step. If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss a visit to the Castle Museum.

Bled Castle
Bled Castle, Author: Bryan Pocius, Source: Flickr

Have a dinner at the Bled Castle Restaurant

The Bled Castle Restaurant is a bit pricey, but worth every penny. The nice interior overlooks the whole town, and the food is really tasty. The place also serves kremšnita in case you missed it during the day. Make sure you reserve your table at least a few hours in advance.

Castle Restaurant Bled
Castle Restaurant Bled

Night-out time

If you’re looking for a nice bar in the vicinity, you don’t need to walk much, as the Castle Beach happens to be directly underneath the castle. Visit Pub Lovec later in the night for a wide selection of both local and European beers and you will have a wonderful evening, topping off a spectacular day. Enjoy!

Where to stay in Bled?

Grand Hotel Toplice

Grand Hotel Toplice

Cesta Svobode 12, 4260 Bled

The Grand Hotel Toplice offers luxury stay and perfect relaxation in the exquisite property of timeless elegance. The hotel features a private beach, swimming pool, boutique wellness center and several bars and restaurants. In the summer, enjoy a live piano music by the lake on the terrace of the Aperitiv Bar lounge.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Rikli Balance Hotel

Cankarjeva cesta 4, 4260 Bled

The Rikli Balance Hotel is located in the very heart of the town of Bled, surrounded by a beautiful park with a magnificent view of the lake. The hotel features one of Slovenia’s best wellness centers and hotel swimming pools.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Vila Bled

Vila Bled

Cesta svobode 18, 4260 Bled

Vila Bled is an exquisite luxury property that used to be President Tito’s former summer residence. Surrounded by a lovely park that leads down to the shores of the lake, it provides an exquisite fairy tale experience. It offers a varied palette of rooms and suites, all elegantly furnished in a style reminiscent of the 1950s.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Villa Istra

Cesta Svobode 35, 4260 Bled

Villa Istra is located right next to Bled Lake and features unique views of the lake and its surroundings. It features spacious and bright rooms furnished with the unique classical-style furniture. Guest can enjoy villa’s lovely garden.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

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Best of Bled, Slovenia - What to do and where to stayA complete one day itinerary for Bled, Slovenia

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Anca One Day Itinerary
Anca B.
Travel writer at One Day Itinerary

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

One comment

  1. Hi, nice post! It is true, at the morning the lake is very beautiful and peaceful. You can do a lot of different things in Bled. We are new in this town. My company organizes wine tastings in Bled. It is wonderful experience. Slovenia is a wine country, but not a lot people know that. We produce some of the best wine in the world. We have tasting also in Ljubljana (https://winetastingljubljana.com/). If you came to visit this beautiful towns again, please stop with us. The wine tasting is on us! 🙂

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