Lake Bled is probably on most people’s bucket lists as a destination they would love to travel to, and with good reason. If you are thinking of booking a trip, check out our top 10 tips to make the most of your time there.Â
1. Go out of Season
The peak tourist season in Bled is July-August. We spoke to some of the locals who said during that time the number of people in the town doubles, the roads become gridlocked and the restaurants over booked. While the weather may be better, the crowds of tourists are likely to take away from the experience.
We visited Bled in Mid-April and were very lucky to get beautiful weather during our stay, with clear skies and temperatures in the 20s. It was unseasonably warm for this time of year so for the best balance of good weather and fewer tourists we recommend visiting in June or September.
2. Take a walk around the lake
I know, this one sounds like a no brainer but you’d be surprised at the number of places offering bikes and moped hire to travel around the lake. The lake is about 6km in total and there are so many amazing views to be had, that could easily be missed whilst whizzing past on a push bike.
3. While you’re on the way around…
Be sure to check out both view points. When we arrived at our hostel we were advised by the staff to visit the Ojstrica view point, which offers some amazing views of the lake and island but a fellow traveller (shout out to Ben Machie) advised that while we were there we should put in a little (!) extra leg work and carry on to the higher view point Mala Osojnica and we were so happy that we did. The views were stunning and we got some of our favourite pictures of the lake. I won’t sugar coat it, it is not an easy climb as the paths are pretty steep and can get slippery but the pay off is so worth it!
4. Don’t pay the castle toll
Bled castle is pretty accessible and for a fee you can explore inside and it offers a good view of the lake but if you are on a budget, it just isn’t worth it. The best views of the castle itself are from the other side of the lake, and the 2 view points mentioned in point 3 offer way better views of the lake and Bled Island.
5. Best time to see the castle
The castle looks the best at night so take an evening stroll to the lake and watch the castle come alive with some amazing under lighting.
6. Make time to visit the National Park
Bled is just a few km from Triglav National Park, where you can find Vintgar Gorge. You can get a shuttle bus to the entrance to the park from Bled for less than 5 euros however we chose to walk to the park via the town in Zasip. If you are lucky enough, you could even spot a rainbow in the spray from the waterfall. Magical!
7. Go to the Pizzeria and order a chicken burger
Pizzeria Rustika do awesome pizzas but you have to try their chicken burgers. They are huge, and the burger bun is cooked with a liberal helping of cheese in the dough. If you happen to be staying at one of the Ace of Spades hostels then you can also benefit from 10% discount off your bill. 10 out of 10, would eat one every day.
8. Visit Bohinj Lake
You can take a 40 minute bus ride from Bled to the lake. The water is so still and clear it acts like a mirror and the resulting views are stunning. Well worth a trip.
9. Try the cream cake
I hadn’t heard of the famous Bled Cream Cake before we arrived, but apparently it’s quite big in Bled. We made a stop off at the Arts Cafe near the lake to try it. It tastes pretty good, similar to a custard slice. Hats off to you if you can eat one without getting custard and cream all over your face/hands/trousers though.
10. Take ear plugs
This is always a handy tip when travelling anywhere, but we found them particularly useful in Bled. The locals like to get an early start and we were woken at 7am on our first morning by the cacophonous sound of chainsaws chopping down trees. This was complimented by the hourly ringing of the church bells and the yapping of all the local dogs. Not the most peaceful way to start the day.