One of the most underrated European cities to visit is Bled, Slovenia. The city of Bled is located in Northwestern Slovenia, close to the border of Austria.
Bled, Slovenia, is famous for its location at the foot of the Julian Alps and is home to many famous landmarks, including Lake Bled, Bled Castle, Bled Island, and the Triglav National Park.
How to Get to Bled, Slovenia
If you are looking to travel to Bled and are not from a European country, the most popular mode of transportation is by flying into the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. This airport is about 30 minutes from the city of Bled, so you will need to take an airport shuttle or taxi to get to the city center.
Two popular options for those traveling within Europe to Bled are taking the train or the bus. If you decide to take the train, you will need to get off at Lesce-Bled railway station and take a taxi or bus to get to the heart of Bled. For those looking to take the bus, the main bus station in the city is located near Lake Bled, also referred to as Bled Jezero.
Another option for traveling to Bled is by driving your own vehicle. The roads leading to Bled are usually well-maintained, and it’s also a very scenic route to get to the city.
The last option for travelers looking to arrive in Bled is by riding a bicycle! This option is for those within a short distance of Bled and who are already traveling within Slovenia. The country of Slovenia is known for its cycling routes, so it’s an excellent option for those looking to get some exercise and go on a quick journey to Bled.
Best Time to Visit Bled, Slovenia
Peak Season (June-August): This is peak tourism season for Bled because many people love to explore Slovenia during the summer months due to warmer weather and more people taking vacations from June to August. This is a great time to visit for those looking to enjoy longer days and spend time outdoors swimming, hiking, and appreciating the sunny weather. You can typically expect highs in the mid-80s and lows in the low-60s during summer.
Shoulder Season (March-May and September-November): Bled’s shoulder season is during the spring and fall. You can expect fewer crowds during these months than during the peak summer season, and the weather is milder. Spring is a great time to view flowers blooming throughout the city, or if you are a fan of fall foliage, then visiting during the autumn season is also a great option. Additionally, both the spring and fall seasons are great for hiking because of the beautiful scenery and the temperatures not being so hot. You can generally expect highs between the mid-50s to low 70s and lows in the mid-50s to upper 30s, depending on which month you plan to visit.
Off-Season (December-February): Bled’s off-season is during the winter months of December through February. You can typically expect fewer crowds and more accommodation deals during this time. This is also the perfect time to visit for winter sports enthusiasts because it’s a great time to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and many other winter activities. During the winter months, Bled typically experiences highs in the mid-40s and lows in the low 30s.
Best Places to Stay in Bled, Slovenia
There are countless accommodation options to pick from in Bled, Slovenia. Check out some great options below for a memorable vacation!
Adora Luxury Hotel: This is the perfect option for those looking to stay right on the water of Lake Bled. This hotel is known for its impeccable location, terrific views, and friendly staff.
Vila Bled: This 4-star hotel is also situated beside Lake Bled and is known for its fabulous views, awesome location, delicious breakfast, and private beach.
Rikli Balance Hotel: This is another 4-star hotel situated a bit further back from Lake Bled but not far. This hotel is known for its wellness center, fitness facility, and pool. It’s a great place to stay for those looking for high-end amenities and a charming atmosphere.
Visit Bled Castle
One of Bled’s most popular attractions is Bled Castle. This Medieval castle is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Bled, offering one of the most spectacular views of the lake, city, and surrounding Julian Alps.
This is not only a great place to visit for breathtaking views but also for those looking to learn more about the castle and Bled’s unique history.
Hike to Mala Osojnica
A journey you must embark on when visiting Bled is making your way up the Mala Osojnica trail. This 1.1-mile out-and-back hike is considered moderately challenging but well worth it because of its phenomenal views of Lake Bled, Bled Island, and the surrounding mountains. This quick hike has one of the best views of Bled and is a great way to spend time outdoors, and it’s a fantastic photo opportunity.
Explore Lake Bled
If you are looking for an adventure and some exercise, consider taking a rowboat out on Lake Bled. This is the perfect activity to appreciate the beauty of Bled truly, and it’s an activity you can’t do everywhere, making it the perfect one-of-a-kind experience.
The views surrounding Lake Bled are picturesque, and one of the best ways to truly appreciate them is by walking or biking around the lake. This is a great way to get some exercise in and allows you to appreciate the surrounding lake, mountain, and city views.
Assumption of Maria Church
One of the top excursions to embark on in Bled is to make your way to the Assumption of Maria Church on Bled Island. The best way to get to Bled Island is by taking a row boat or hiring a pletna to take you there! Once you get to Bled Island, you must climb 99 stairs to reach the church.
Not only is the church a beautiful site to take in, but it has a rich history ranging back to the 15th century.
One of the most popular things to do at the church is to ring the bell three times. Legend has it that if you do so and make a wish, your wish will come true!
It’s important to note that it does cost a few Euros to see the clock tower, so be sure to have a bit of money on hand when making your way to the island.
Triglav National Park
A trip to Bled wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Triglav National Park. This national park has some truly breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Julian Alps and is the perfect place to visit for those looking to enjoy nature.
One of the best activities to embark on in the national park is hiking! For one of the most scenic trails, check out Mostnica Gorge and Voje Waterfall from Stara Fuzina. This 7.4-mile out-and-back hike is moderately challenging, with a little over 1,100 feet in elevation gain. This hike is perfect for adventures looking for views of dramatic mountain landscapes and beautiful water features, including a river and waterfall.
Enjoy Bled’s Culinary Scene
If you want to experience the city of Bled truly, you must try some of their local dishes. Some Slovenian dishes you must taste include barley soup, dumplings, stew, sausage, and desserts. One of the most famous dishes that specifically comes from the city of Bled is their tasty dessert, Bled Cream Cake, also referred to as Kremšnita. This delicious treat is a cake with different layers, including puff pastry, custard, and whipped cream.
Your Bled, Slovenia Vacation
Bled, Slovenia boasts stunning views of a beautiful lake, a charming town, and the impressive Julian Alps. Whether you want to hike in the summer, enjoy nature in the spring or fall, or do winter sports, Bled has something for everyone. It’s a must-visit destination for those who want to explore lesser-known European cities and a great place to visit any time of year!
This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abby and Sam Price are the founders and storytellers behind Trekking Prices, a couple's travel and outdoor adventure blog. They are passionate about sharing their travels, tips, and recommendations with others.