A Day Trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana
How to Get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana
For those visiting Slovenia, a trip to Lake Bled is typically atop their list of must-see places. Lake Bled can easily be seen by taking a day trip from the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Tourists flock to Lake Bled to the crystal-clear waters, majestic mountains, and fairytale island church. If you are visiting the charming Slovenian capital, you must take a day trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana.
One of the great things about Lake Bled is that once you arrive, you can enjoy most of the activities for free. Lake Bled is a perfect destination to visit for travelers of all budgets.
There are three easy ways to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. Those methods are by bus, train, and car.
Taking the Bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
The easiest way to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana is by taking the bus, as the Bled Bus Station is just a few hundred yards from the shores of Lake Bled. Buses depart at least once every hour during peak times, and the journey takes a little over an hour.
Taking the bus to Lake Bled is very inexpensive. I paid €5 for a one-way ticket. Slovenian bus tickets can be purchased on the bus from the driver. Be sure to have Euros, as most of the buses do not take credit cards.
Taking the Train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
The next way to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana is by train. A train ticket from Ljubljana to Bled will cost around €8. There are two train stations near Lake Bled. For those looking to get as close as possible to Lake Bled, I recommend taking the train to Bled-Jezero Station. Although this requires a connection in Jesenice, Bled-Jezero Station is just a short walk from the northwest shore of Lake Bled.
The second option is Lesce-Bled Station, which is about 4.5 kilometers from the shores of Lake Bled. This train is direct from Ljubljana, and there are buses that go from Lesce-Bled Station to Lake Bled every hour. It is also possible to walk from Lesce-Bled Station to Lake Bled.
In December 2023, I visited Lake Bled and walked from Lesce-Bled Station to Lake Bled. It is an easy route that simply involves following the signs. The trail is shared with cyclists, so be careful and watch for bikers.
I really enjoyed the walk from Lesce-Bled Station as it took me through quite a few scenic areas. Along the way, I crossed the Sava River and walked through beautiful grassy areas. In total, it took me about 90 minutes to walk from Lesce-Bled Station to Lake Beld. I created a separate page highlighting this walk. You can visit that page by clicking HERE.
Driving from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
The final method of getting to Lake Bled from Ljubljana is to drive. From Ljubljana, it only takes around 50 minutes to drive to Lake Bled via Route E61.
A Day Trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana - Table of Contents
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Can You Walk Around Lake Bled?
One of the most common questions asked about Lake Bled is, “Can you walk around Lake Bled?” The answer is yes. There is a 6-kilometer path that circles the perimeter of Lake Bled, which takes a little over an hour to walk. Of course, if you are stopping to take photographs and take in the beautiful scenery, the walk around Lake Bled will take quite a bit longer.
The conditions of the walking path around Lake Bled vary. Some areas are crushed stone, others are pavement, and there is even a small part of the path that is boardwalk.
Another question that is commonly asked is, “Are there bathrooms throughout the path around Lake Bled?” The answer to this question is yes; there are multiple restrooms located alongside the Lake Bled Path. These restrooms are not free and cost anywhere from €0.50 to €1.00.
I highly recommend a walk around Lake Bled for anyone who is able to walk the six kilometers. The walk around Lake Bled is fairly easy as the ground is flat. As you walk around Lake Bled, the lake looks different at each turn.
During my visit to Lake Bled, I walked around the lake multiple times. The first time, it took just under two hours as I stopped for multiple photographs. During my second trip around Lake Bled, I walked at a much more brisk pace, completing the six kilometers in just over an hour.
Boating on Lake Bled
It is not uncommon to see single sculls on Lake Bled practicing their rowing for upcoming regattas. Lake Bled hosts various rowers from around the world for international competition.
Pletna Boat Rides
For those interested in a boat ride on Lake Bled, there are wooden-bottomed pletna boats that can accommodate up to 18 tourists on a journey to Bled Island. Along the way, there will be a variety of sights, including great views of Bled Castle and the surrounding villas.
The roundtrip cost of a pletna boat ride to Bled Island is €18, and it takes around 10 minutes to reach Bled Island.
Boat Rentals - Lake Bled
If you prefer to explore Lake Bled on your own, there are a few different rental locations for renting a boat. Be sure to bring your passport or ID card, as they are necessary to secure a rental. Renters must be 15 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Boat rentals start at €30 for 1.5 hours.
Below are photos of the rules and prices for renting a boat on Lake Bled.
Walking to Bled Castle from Lake Bled
Sitting high atop Lake Bled is Bled Castle. Bled Castle was first mentioned in 1011 and is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia. Originally built by the Bishop of Brixen, Bled Castle was used more for defensive purposes than a residence. Since the bishops never lived at Bled Castle, it does not have any spectacular state rooms or residences.
Today, Bled Castle serves as a museum and observation point.
The Hike from Lake Bled to Bled Castle
To get to Bled Castle from Lake Bled, visitors have to climb a steep hill that consists of switchbacks and stairs.
During my visit, it took around 15 minutes to walk from Lake Bled to Bled Castle. While the walk was basically straight uphill, the switchbacks and stairs made it slightly less difficult. For those who are able to hike to Bled Castle, I highly recommend it.
Bled Castle - The Best Views of Lake Bled
The stunning view of Lake Bled is the highlight of a trip to Bled Castle. Even if you are not into the history of Bled Castle, I think it is worth the climb to just take in the beautiful view.
At Bled Castle, there are multiple viewing areas that offer stunning views of Lake Bled and Bled Island. I created a separate page highlighting my visit to Bled Castle. To view that page, please click HERE (link coming soon.)
Bled Island
Situated in the center of Lake Bled is Bled Island, which appears to be directly out of a fairytale. Located on Bled Island is Bled Island Church, also known as Church of the Assumption of Mary or Our Lady of the Lake. Visitors can take a pletna boat ride to the shores of Bled Island or rent a boat and row themselves.
I did not visit Bled Island during my trip to Lake Bled. Instead, I decided to walk around Lake Bled and see Bled Island from multiple angles. If you are not going to take a boat to Bled Island, be sure to walk to the western shore of Lake Bled, as it provides the best views of the island.
Video Highlights of Lake Bled
Lake Bled Tours and Packages
In my opinion, a guide is not necessary for visiting Lake Bled. Lake Bled can easily be reached via public transportation, and once you are there, it is easy to explore on your own. That being said, I know some tourists prefer to be led around by a local guide. Below, I have listed a few Lake Bled tours and packages that caught my eye. Some of these packages include activities such as paddle boarding or paragliding. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of March 2024.
 Lake Bled - An Alpine pearl from Ljubljana - $73.02 Often described as the ‘Image of Paradise’, the Alpine resort town of Bled will enchant you with its emerald-green lake, fairytale-like island and imposing castle reigning on top of a rocky cliff. You will have a chance to visit the castle and to take the small boat named “pletna” to visit the small island in the middle of the lake. |
 Lake Bled Paragliding - $163.00 Experience new dimensions by flying over the magical Lake Bled. You will feel the light breeze of the wind and the pilot will find raising air that will take you to the very high from where you will fly above Bled Lake, Bled castle and more... You will definitely feel like an eagle! |
 Bled Lake with island and castle - small group - day trip from Ljubljana - $74.49 Small group half-day tour (up to 8 persons) from Ljubljana to Lake Bled that will take you to beautiful places such as Lake Bled and castle, free time in Bled (or the medieval town of Radovljica in winter time). A relaxing boat ride to the only true island in Slovenia is possible where a wishing bell will make your dream come true. |
 12-Hour E-bike Rental in Lake Bled - $64.94 The best bikes offer in Lake Bled. We provide new Scott bikes and e-bikes all sizes. We are located in the city centre of Lake Bled. We offer also bike transportation to your point of wish. |
 Full Day Lake Bled & Ljubljana Capitol of Slovenia - $156.74 Ljubljana and Lake Bled are two of Slovenia’s mustsee places. Feel the vibe of modern and historic |
 Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Lesson and Tour - $65.60 Expect only a very fun or totally relaxing paddle boarding session on Lake Bled. We will start with brief SUP introduction, so anyone who knows how to swim can join (even without any prior knowledge of paddle boarding). |
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