Located in the Upper Carniolan in northwestern parts of Slovenia, Bled is a small lakeside town known for being a beautiful skiing resort in winter. The town’s stock has been rising steadily thanks to the nearby Lake Bled and its island church.
Intoxicatingly photogenic, Bled is always a tourist hotspot regardless of the time of the year. It is attracting visitors with its overabundance of thrilling outdoor activities such as diving, skiing, hiking up the hills or around the lake, horseback riding, Ziplining, and many more.
Despite being a small town, it is incredibly convenient to travel to Bled, due to the availability of all kinds of transportation modes, be it flights, buses, or trains, which connects it to other major European cities.
Here are our top 15 Best Things to Do in Bled, Slovenia.
Visit the island with a church
One of the highlights of Bled is Bled Lake with a church in the middle. This small island has for many years been the most popular pilgrimage site in the town. Having been built in the 1800s, there are two methods for reaching the church from the shore of Lake Bled – by using a gondola boat or a private paddleboat.
A gondola boat carries up to twenty people, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
Visit Bled Castle
If there is one thing Slovenia is known for, it is castles. So, if you are a big fan of castles, visiting the country should be on top of your bucket list.
The town of Bled has one medieval castle, which is also the oldest in the whole of Slovenia. Overlooking the lake, Bled Castle features exhibits about the history of Slovenia as well as offers a chance to explore every room of the building.
Besides that, you can stand outside on the balcony and enjoy the views of Lake Bled far at down the foot of the hill.
Enjoy a swim in Lake Bled
If you visit the town during summer months or hot days, you can swim in the aquamarine waters of the lake. It usually serves as an oasis during the hot temperatures, with tourists taking a dip to cool themselves.
Take a hike through Vintgar Gorge
The Vintgar Gorge is also one of the treasures of Bled. The canyon formed after years of water attrition from the nearby Radovna River.
The hike is not difficult and even children can conquer it. If you will have to stop, it will be to admire the beautiful landscapes.
Note that the hike is usually shut during winter.
Explore the Triglav National Park
Considered one of the best national parks in Europe, Triglav should be in your list of things to do in Bled. The park is located near the lake (an ever good thing in Bled is actually located around the lake) and is free.
Inside the park, you will enjoy a plethora of activities such as kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding.
The hiking trail takes up the Triglav Mountain, the highest in the country, so brace yourself.
Take part in winter activities
Bled is a popular skiing resort town in Slovenia, and it is livelier during winter than any other period. There are plenty of things to do in winter including all the winter activities you can imagine.
The best thing about Bled in winter is that it is never crowded, unlike other winter resorts in the Alps.
Lake Bled also doesn’t freeze in winter, but you can’t swim because it is extra cold this time of the year.
Eat Slov dishes
With all the swimming, hiking, and kayaking, at some point, you will want to re-energize. Thankfully, Slovenian dishes are some of the best on the continent. They are authentic, distinctive, and overflowing with flavor.
Most restaurants in Bled sell affordable dishes from the local farms, including puff pastries, meat-stuffed dumplings, and many others.
Snack on a traditional cake
This traditional cake is called kremsnita and it will take your love for Slovenian cuisine to another level. The cake is made of several coatings of pastry filled with another double layer of whipped cream.
Its outside is sprinkled with sugar and usually served with rich, black coffee.
Spent night at Lake Bled
There are many ways to enjoy Lake Bled, including swimming and boating. However, another way is spending the night on its shores, so that you can see through the evening and morning sunlight.
There are numerous spots along the banks of the lake where you can spend the night, including a luxury home of former President, Tito.
Walk along the Boardwalk at the lake
Extending 6 kilometers around the lake, this boardwalk is ideal for exploring the town from the lake’s vantage point. You will come across many cyclists, joggers, and walkers on this snaky path.
Alternatively, you can ride a sightseeing train that will take you around the lake on a 45 minutes loop.
Ride a hot air balloon over Lake Bled
A hot air balloon over Lake Bled is one of those bucket list activities that you just must do, especially in the morning as the sun rises.
Ride on the Bohinj Steam Train
Another alternative way to see the countryside of Bled is by riding on a steam train that winds up and through the hills. The ride has a timeless vibe, probably because it is an old train.
Live in a working farm
Bled doesn’t have lively markets or festivals where you can interact with the locals, so the best way is to live like them on a farm. Everything is learn-as-you-go so you don’t have to worry whether you are doing it alright or not.
Explore the Postojna Caves
These caves are located just outside the town. They are darn and prehistoric and offer a great escape for any adventure-seeker looking to get in touch with nature.
Admire the church of St. Martin
Bled is also known for its impressive churches, and St, Martin is a terrific example. It was inspired by gothic architecture style in the outside, but it is also just as remarkable in the inside.
Visitors are allowed to tour every inch of the church for free.
To help you plan out your visit to Bled, we listed places to visit and other amazing activities to do in Bled, Slovenia. We also listed some of the best travel and tour packages, as well as excellent flight deals and accommodation.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Bled hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new tourist attractions in Bled, Slovenia? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, and Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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