Day Trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana
A Day Trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana
For travelers visiting Slovenia, Lake Bled is a must-see destination, and it’s easily accessible as a day trip from Ljubljana. Known for its crystal-clear waters, majestic alpine backdrop, and the iconic Bled Island church, Lake Bled offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. If you’re planning to explore the charming Slovenian capital, a day trip to Lake Bled is essential.
How to Get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana
There are several convenient ways to reach Lake Bled from Ljubljana, whether you prefer the bus, train, or driving. Below, we break down the best options for getting to Lake Bled, helping you choose the most suitable method for your itinerary.
Taking the Bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
The bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is the easiest and most affordable option. Buses run regularly, with departures at least once every hour during peak travel times. The journey takes just over an hour, and the Bled Bus Station is only a few hundred meters from the lake itself.
I paid just €5 for a one-way ticket, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to get to Lake Bled. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver, but remember to have cash on hand, as most buses don’t accept credit cards.
Taking the Train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
Another option is to take the train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. A train ticket costs around €8, and there are two stations near the lake:
Bled-Jezero Station: This is the best option if you want to be closest to the lake, located just a short walk from the northwest shore. However, this route requires a connection in Jesenice.
Lesce-Bled Station: This station is about 4.5 kilometers from Lake Bled, but it’s a direct train from Ljubljana. From here, you can either take a bus to Lake Bled or enjoy a scenic 90-minute walk.
I personally walked from Lesce-Bled Station during my visit in December 2023, crossing the beautiful Sava River and passing through scenic landscapes. If you enjoy walking, this route is an excellent way to experience the surrounding countryside.
Driving from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
If you prefer more flexibility, you can drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled in about 50 minutes via Route E61. Renting a car allows you to explore other nearby attractions, making it an excellent option for travelers who want to maximize their time in the region.
A Day Trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana - Table of Contents
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Can You Walk Around Lake Bled?
Absolutely! One of the best things to do in the area is to walk around Lake Bled. The 6-kilometer path that circles the lake offers stunning views from every angle and takes about an hour to complete. However, if you’re stopping for photos (and you definitely will), plan for a bit longer.
The path is well-maintained, with a mix of crushed stone, pavement, and boardwalk sections.
There are also restrooms along the way, though they charge a small fee (around €0.50 to €1.00).
During my visit, I completed the walk around Lake Bled twice: once at a leisurely pace, taking photos, and another time in just over an hour. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
Boating on Lake Bled
While walking the perimeter of the lake is popular, you might also want to experience boating on Lake Bled. Many rowers use the lake to practice for regattas, and there are several boating options for visitors.
Pletna Boat Rides
A Pletna boat is a traditional wooden boat that can carry up to 18 passengers. For €18, you can enjoy a round-trip ride to Bled Island, with breathtaking views of Bled Castle and the surrounding landscape. The journey takes about 10 minutes each way.
Boat Rentals - Lake Bled
If you’d rather explore the lake at your own pace, boat rentals are available. Prices start at €30 for 1.5 hours, and you’ll need to present an ID to rent. Make sure to reserve ahead of time during peak tourist seasons.
Below are photos of the rules and prices for renting a boat on Lake Bled.
Walking to Bled Castle from Lake Bled
Perched high above the lake, Bled Castle dates back to 1011 and is one of Slovenia’s oldest castles. Originally built for defense, it doesn’t feature grand state rooms, but it offers some of the best views of Lake Bled and Bled Island.
The Hike from Lake Bled to Bled Castle
The hike up to Bled Castle takes about 15 minutes and involves a steep uphill path with switchbacks and stairs.
The effort is well worth it for the panoramic views. Even if you’re not interested in the castle’s history, the scenery alone makes it a must-visit.
Bled Castle - The Best Views of Lake Bled
The effort is well worth it for the panoramic views. Even if you’re not interested in the castle’s history, the scenery alone makes it a must-visit.
Bled Island
In the middle of Lake Bled lies Bled Island, home to the Church of the Assumption of Mary, also known as the Our Lady of the Lake. Although I didn’t visit the island during my trip, I highly recommend walking around the lake to catch multiple views of this picturesque spot, especially from the western shore.
Video Highlights of Lake Bled
Creating this Lake Bled Travel Guide inspired me to also turn it into a YouTube Video. To learn more about my day-trip to Lake Bled, please watch the video inserted below.
Lake Bled Tours and Packages
While you can explore Lake Bled independently, there are also various guided tours and adventure packages available. Many tours include activities like paddleboarding or paragliding, allowing you to experience Lake Bled from new perspectives. I’ve listed a few tour options below; booking through the links helps support my blog (at no extra cost to you)
 Lake Bled - An Alpine pearl from Ljubljana - $78.02 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. |
 12-Hour E-bike Rental in Lake Bled - $66.94 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. |
 Bled Lake with island and castle - small group - day trip from Ljubljana - $79.49 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. |
 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). |
 Full Day Lake Bled & Ljubljana Capitol of Slovenia - $182.74 Ljubljana and Lake Bled are two of Slovenia’s mustsee places. Feel the vibe of modern and historic |
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