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Less than an hour outside of Ljubljana by car lies the beautiful city of Bled and its famous lake. An easy day trip that will leave you never wanting to leave. I was really looking forward to visiting Lake Bled. I had seen so many photos of it and it looked absolutely stunning. The blue water reflecting the forested hills surrounding the lake makes it seems like you’ve stepped into another world.
Situated in the middle of the lake is Slovenia’s only natural island, Bled Island. On this island is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary which was built in the 15th century. It is customary to climb the 99 steps to the church and ring the wishing bell in the hope to make one’s dream come true. There are boats for hire that can take you out to the lake, or you can row yourself there as well.
The combination of the church on the island with Bled castle perched on a steep cliff in the background makes for a stunning scene. It’s very picturesque and the day that we were there couldn’t have been more perfect weather-wise.
A misty start to the day
Bled Castle, dating back to 1004, is exactly what you would imagine a medieval castle to be. Entrance into the castle is 9 euros. There isn’t too much to see in terms of exhibits inside. It is your typical display of medieval armour and weapons, but the view from the top is worth the entrance fee alone. On one side you look down towards the lake and island, on the other you get magnificent views of the Julien Alps. There are options to hike up to the top, but be warned, it’s high! We had a car so opted to drive.
The courtyard of Bled Castle – great place to read a book.
Overlooking the city of Bled
The view looking the other way from the castle
There is also a walk that go around the lake (about 1.25 hours) that offers great views, but we opted to stay close to the city. The city of Bled is also famous for their vanilla and creme cakes (Kremna rezina) which is a must try.
I enjoyed a lazy day by the water, eating lunch in the sun while various wildlife tried to get food from us. I took a mini nap on a bench. Just me, and my iPod soaking in the sun and glorious environment that I was in. It was a fantastic day. No wonder I love Slovenia so much. It’s gorgeous!
Have you been to Lake Bled? Did you adore it as much as I did?
It is a great spot in Europe, and you photos beautifully do it justice.
Thanks Andrew! I really cannot sing enough praises about Lake Bled 🙂
Adelina, I want to go to Lake Bled, maybe in a couple of months. Do you know if there are boat rides to the island all year long?
Yay! I hope you get to go! I was there in March and there were boats out so I would guess that as long as there is no ice on the lake that boats would be available.
Your photos are some of the best of Lake Bled. I want to go, and it’s been on my bucket list for a while now…
Thanks so much Emily! That means a lot 🙂 I hope you get a chance to go and see it in person. It’s so much more when you see it in person.
Fantastic….great pictures and I really want to visit. What great views!!
Thanks Marsha! It really is a great cave to visit. I wish I could take credit for the photos, but they were provided by the caves as you’re not allowed to take photos inside.
Yargh, I am all kinds of excited to get to Bled this summer. I have read so much about it already that I just want to be there RIGHT now! haha. I really want to attempt that walk, but more than anything I want to swim to the island and back- I’m going in July, so it should be warm enough, right?! Right! Haha. Your pictures are super beautiful, too 🙂
Thanks Sammi! It should be warm enough I think. I’ve never heard of anyone attempting to swim across but I’m sure it is possible. It’s not too far. The walk around I don’t think would be too bad. It’s all flat and there is a path. I wish I had enough time to do it.
Stunning photos! I totally fell in love with it when I went too and could almost swear I saw the same swan 😀 Can’t say I soaked in the sun as it was quite cloudy when I went but no less beautiful!
Thanks Shikha! I think Lake Bled is beautiful regardless of the time of year and the weather 🙂
Lake Bled is such a wonderful place. A bit touristy though, but I still like it a lot. 🙂