Wondering how to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled? This post has you covered with all your transportation options, plus what to do at Lake Bled once you’re there.
Lake Bled, Slovenia is just as gorgeous in person as it is in photos. With turquoise water, a picturesque church on the tiny island and an impressive castle looming over the lake, Lake Bled looks like it’s right out of a fairy tale.
And it’s definitely a place you should visit when you’re in Slovenia.
Fortunately, this gorgeous lake is not too far from the capital city and it’s fairly easy to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Lake Bled from Ljubljana, including how to get there, as well as what to do once you’re there.
About Lake Bled
Lake Bled is a stunning lake less than an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. The lake is located in the town of Bled – as you might expect from the name! Known for its gorgeous turquoise colour and picturesque church that’s located on a tiny island in the middle of the lake, Lake Bled is becoming one of the most popular places to visit in Slovenia.
How to Get to Bled from Ljubljana
Lake Bled is about 60km from Ljubljana. It’s a fairly easy journey, no matter whether you take public transport, a day tour or drive yourself.
Take the Bus
Taking the bus from Ljubljana to Bled is the cheapest way to visit this beautiful lake. Buses to Lake Bled from Ljubljana run hourly and cost around €5.70 (€2.85 for kids age 7-15). You can purchase tickets ahead of time online or buy directly at the bus station.
The Ljubljana to Lake Bled bus takes about an hour and drops you right in Bled, and from there, it’s only a few minutes walk to the lake.
Take the Train
If you prefer to travel by train, it is possible, although there is no direct Ljubljana to Lake Bled train.
The train does stop at the nearby Lesce-Bled train station, which is about 4 km from Bled. From here, it’s easy to grab a taxi or bus, or even walk the 4km to Bled.
Book a Tour
The easiest way to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is to take a tour.
Numerous tour operators offer day trips to Lake Bled from Ljubljana, and usually include transportation, a visit to the island church, and some free time to explore the area. There are also several tours that include visits to other places as well as Lake Bled, such as Lake Bohinj or the Vintgar Gorge.
Here are some recommendations if you’re looking for a Lake Bled tour from Ljubljana.
- Lake Bled and Bohinj: This full day tour includes transportation to Lake Bled with options for a visit to Bled Castle and a ride on the traditional Pletna boats to the island. The tour then continues to Lake Bohinj, where you will have an hour to explore the area and even take a dip in the lake. In the summer months, the tour also includes a visit to the stunning Vintgar Gorge.
- Slovenia Day Tour to Bled, Postojna and Predjama: This full day tour visits three of the most popular spots in Slovenia; Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle and Lake Bled. Transportation is included, but entrance fees to Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Bled Castle and the boat ride to Bled Island are not included in the tour price.
- Day Trip to Lake Bled and Bled Castle: This is a perfect option if you’re only interested in visiting Lake Bled. This Ljubljana to Lake Bled day trip includes transportation to Bled, a short sightseeing tour around Bled, plus free time to explore the area. Options are available to tour Bled Castle and take a boat ride out to the island before returning to Ljubljana.
Rent a Car
Driving to Lake Bled yourself is the most flexible way, and allows you to visit other nearby sites, like Vintgar Gorge or Lake Bohinj, both two other stunning places worth visiting.
The drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by car takes about 40-45 minutes along E61. This is a toll road and will require a vignette, however, e-vignettes are easy to purchase online and are a good idea when driving in Slovenia.
We rented a car for our time in Slovenia and found the drive from Lake Bled to Ljubljana to be quite easy. Search for rental cars on Discover cars.
What to Do in Lake Bled
Besides seeing the actual lake, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Bled. When visiting for the day, whether on a tour or on your own, here are the best things to do at Lake Bled, Slovenia.
Walk Around Lake Bled
If you have the time, one of the best things to do in Lake Bled is to walk around the lake. It’s about 6km or 3.75 miles around the lake and will take about 90 minutes if you don’t stop along the way. But there are plenty of beautiful views and even some places to swim, so pack your bathing suit.
Row Out to the Island
Lake Bled is known for its picturesque island in the middle of lake, and it’s worth going out to see.
You can rent a paddleboat or rowboat and head out to the island by yourself, or take one of the many Pletna boats waiting on the shore. These boats are traditional wooden boats that are rowed out to the island – there are no motorized boats on Lake Bled.
Once at the island, walk up the 99 steps to the church, ring the wishing bell, explore the island and have a gelato before heading back.
Whether you rent a boat and paddle out on your own or take one of the pletna boats, it’s basically the same price, but many of the boats will only accept cash.
We tried to take a boat ride the first time we were in Lake Bled, but I didn’t have any cash on me. The second time we visited, I made sure to have enough cash on me and that time the pletna oarsman took credit cards. It’s all individual, and you can’t choose which boat you take – they just fill the first one, then move to the next, so be sure to bring cash with you.
Visit Bled Castle
Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff overlooking the lake, Bled Castle is the oldest Slovenian castle and well worth a visit when in Bled.
While it’s a popular tourist attraction, it’s still worth a visit, even if you just go for the fantastic views of Lake Bled below.
You can explore inside the castle, taste some wine at the wine cellar, visit the blacksmith shop or the museum, or have dinner at the Bled Castle Restaurant, which serves traditional Slovene cuisine.
But it’s the views of the lake that make it worth a visit! Next to the Ojstrica viewpoint (see below), this is one of the most amazing views of the lake below.
Try Bled Cream Cake
Besides its beautiful lake, stunning island and dramatic castle, Bled is also famous for its cream cake. This popular cake is a vanilla and custard cream cake that’s local to the area.
Originating over half a century ago by a chef at a hotel in Bled, it’s a delicious treat and one that you must try when in the area. (Although it’s called Bled Cream cake, you can also find it in other places throughout Slovenia – we first tried it in nearby Bohinj before we visited Bled, but of course, had to have some again once we arrived in Bled). It was pronounced delicious by my kids, but you’ll have to try it yourself!
Take in the View
The views anywhere in Bled are gorgeous, but for even more stunning views, there are several spots around the lake that you might want to visit.
There are many great viewpoints around the lake, but one of the best is the Ojstrica Viewpoint. It’s a bit of a detour if you’re walking around the lake, but it’s 45 minutes well spent!
To get to the viewpoint, it’s about 20 minutes of hiking one way from the path around the lake; signs will point you in the right direction.
There’s also Mala Osojnica, which is a quicker hike, but still offers some stunning views.
Go For a Swim
The crystal-clear water and lack of motorized boats make Lake Bled an ideal lake to swim in. In fact, it’s one of the most popular lakes to swim in Slovenia.
It’s free to swim anywhere in the lake, although you will have to pay an entrance fee if you want to visit the Grajska Lake Bled beach just below the castle. Here there are swimming pools, waterslides and rafts on the water. It’s a great spot to visit with kids!
If you’re walking around the lake, there are plenty of other areas to take a dip, so be sure to bring your bathing suit.
It’s also possible to swim out to the island, although you need to be mindful of other boat and paddle board traffic. To swim Lake Bled to the island is about 2km, so it’s not for the faint of heart!
Take a Photo with the Heart of Bled
This giant heart is situated along the shore, right in the center of Bled.
Step out on the wooden dock and take a memorable photo with the beautiful lake and the impressive castle in the background.
It’s a fantastic photo app and sure to make a great souvenir of your time in Bled.
Visit Straza Hill
Straza Hill is a small hill only a few minutes walk from the centre of town. In the winter months, it’s a popular place to ski, with small slopes, rentals and a ski school.
If you’re visiting Lake Bled in the summer though, you can still visit Straża. It’s said to have one of the most impressive views of the area (although that’s a hard claim to make), but aside from the views, it’s also known for its fun toboggan run.
Take a chairlift to the top, where you’ll have stunning views of Lake Bled and Bled Castle and then take the toboggan down the hill.
The Lake Bled toboggan is one of the most unique things to do in Bled – I mean, where else can you take a toboggan down a ski hill in the summer? And it’s sure to be a highlight for kids.
Hike Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge is only a few kilometres from Lake Bled, and is one of the top things to do in Lake Bled.
This stunning gorge has been carved out by the Radovna River over centuries and it’s an impressive sight to see.
There’s a wooden boardwalk and trail that follows the river for 1.6 km (1 mile) through the gorge, crisscrossing over the water at some points or walking alongside steep cliffs at others.
The trail ends at the Šum Waterfall, and from here, you can opt to hike back or arrange a shuttle ride back to town. For more information, read all about Visiting Vintgar Gorge.
Map of Lake Bled Slovenia
Things to Do Around Lake Bled
Visit Lake Bohinj
If you have more time to spend in the area, we recommend visiting the nearby Lake Bohinj.
Just as beautiful as Lake Bled but not as touristy, Lake Bohinj was one of our favourite places to visit in Slovenia.
It’s quieter, more laid-back and offers plenty of outdoor opportunities. Lake Bled to
Lake Bohinj is only 30 minutes drive (it’s only one hour from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj if you’d rather visit there first). Lake Bohinj is often visited as part of a day trip with Lake Bled, but honestly, it deserves more time than that! If you have the opportunity to spend a few hours, or even an extra day or two, here are some ideas of things to do at Lake Bohinj.
Drive Vrisc Pass
Another recommendation around Lake Bled if you want to see more of the Julian Alps, is to drive the Vršic Pass.
A winding mountain road that zigzags to the highest pass in Slovenia, driving the Vrsic Pass is an incredible experience and one that you shouldn’t miss if you have the time in Slovenia.
Tips for Visiting Lake Bled
Parking
If you’re driving to Lake Bled yourself, and only staying the day, parking can be a bit of a hassle.
There is a parking lot near the lake, which also has electric vehicle charging, or you can park on one of the streets near the lake. There is plenty of street parking, but it was busy when we were there in June, and I was told that only gets busier in July and August.
We parked a few blocks away near the supermarket (which was convenient to grab something to eat while we were out and about), and it was only a few minutes walk to the lake.
Money
Many places in Bled accept credit or debit, but there are a few places (like some of the pletna boats) that only take cash. There are ATM machines in town, and one quite near the lake, if you find you need cash.
Best Time to Visit
Bled is a popular area year-round, but especially so in the summer months. If you’re taking one of the Lake Bled tours from Ljubljana, you won’t have the choice of what time you visit, so just be prepared for crowds.
But if you’re driving yourself or taking public transportation, the best time to visit Lake Bled is first thing in the morning or later in the evening, when the tourist buses have left.
Where to Stay in Lake Bled
As a popular tourist town, there are plenty of accommodation options in Bled.
Hotel Park: This 4-star hotel is THE hotel to stay in at Lake Bled. Overlooking the lake and with views of the Julian Alps, the setting is simply stunning. Each room has a balcony, offering fantastic views of either the lake or the surrounding park. Hotel Park features an indoor pool and fitness centre, as well as a sauna, which is an additional cost, there are plenty of option to relax after a day of exploring Lake Bled.
Apartments Olip: Just outside of the town of Bled, but still only a quick walk to the lake, Apartments Olip are a great choice for those looking for a quieter area to stay. The apartments are large and spotless, with a balcony offering excellent views of the area. Parking is available free of charge and bicycles are provided to explore the lake.
Camping Bled: Camping Bled is located right at the foot of the Julian Alps on the shore of Lake Bled and is the ideal way to experience the stunning natural scenery the area has to offer. In addition to campsites, there is also a beach and boat rentals are possible. Bring your own tent, camper van or motorhome and experience camping in Lake Bled Slovenia.
FAQ: Ljubljana to Lake Bled
Absolutely, Lake Bled is worth visiting! Its’ stunning scenery, the picturesque island with its iconic church, and the medieval castle perched on the cliffs make it a must-visit destination.
The best time to visit Lake Bled is during the late spring and summer months, from May to September, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are plentiful. July and August are peak tourist seasons though, so it will be busy. Lake Bled in October is also gorgeous to see, and while the water will be too chilly to swim or paddle board, it’s stunning to see Lake Bled in autumn when the leaves are changing colours.
Yes, you can definitely swim in Lake Bled, especially during the summer months. There are a few designated swimming areas around the lake, or you can swim at any spot you find.
The choice between Ljubljana and Bled is entirely a personal decision, as there are accommodations available in both places. If you only wish to visit Bled for a few hours, there are more options available in Ljubljana, as it’s a larger city. Bled also has quite a few accommodation options available if you choose to spend more time at the lake, but it is a popular spot so be sure to book early if visiting during the busy summer months.
The closest airport to Lake Bled is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), located approximately 36 km away. From the airport, it’s easy to reach Lake Bled by car or public transportation.
Final Thoughts: Ljubljana to Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia and one that you should definitely visit. The turquoise waters, the charming island with its church and the dramatic castle overlooking the lake create a scene straight from a fairytale. When I first saw the images online, I was positive they were photoshopped, but it’s just as beautiful in person. Whether you choose to visit Bled on a day tour from Ljubljana, take public transportation or rent a car to explore the area further, it’s a worthwhile journey and one that you won’t regret!
Looking for more inspiration on travel in Slovenia? Check out this post on one week in Slovenia, or browse through the other info we have on Slovenia:
- Best Things to Do in Piran
- Is Postojna Cave Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Postojna Cave
- Driving the Vrsic Pass
- Vintgar Gorge Slovenia: What to Know Before You Go
- Best Things to Do at Lake Bohinj [+ Where to Stay & Why You Should Visit]
- 15 of the Best Souvenirs from Slovenia
- Driving in Slovenia: Everything You Need to Know for a Memorable Road Trip
- 15 Most Beautiful Places in Slovenia to Visit in 2024
