Lake Bled (in Slovene, Blejsko Jezero) is a lake that adjoins the town of Bled in Slovenia (in Slovene, Slovenija). Located in the northwest of the country, in the Upper Carniolan region (in Slovene, Gorenjska regija), it’s a famous tourist destination of the Julian Alps (in Slovene, Julijske Alpe).

Due to its proximity to Ljubljana, Lake Bled is a popular day trip from the capital city and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Slovenia. Known for its picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views, this lake and town are considered one of the best places to visit in Slovenia!

So, do you want to know more about 1 Day In Lake Bled: The Perfect Lake Bled Itinerary? Keep reading!

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Brief History of Lake Bled

The first human settlement in the area now the town of Bled dates back to the Stone Age. The territory remained inhabited through the Iron Age and was also populated by the Celtics, Romans, and Slavs. The latter arrived in the 7th century and stayed until the 10th century.

With the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, Bled was its surrounding lands were divided and Bled Castle was given to the Church for defensive purposes. However, the governor of Carniola and imperial Habsburg general Herbard VIII von Auersperg took over the fortress in the mid-16th century.

A few centuries later, the feudal system was abolished and Bled started changing considerably. Several small villages around the lake basin – Grad, Mlino, Rečica, Želeče, and Zagorice – merged to form the town of Bled as we know it today.

Visiting Lake Bled

In my opinion, the best way to visit Lake Bled is on a day trip from Ljubljana. To get there from the Slovene capital, you have two options: travel by car (around 55 km) or public transport (70-80 minutes by bus).

However, Lake Bled is also an excellent stop on a road trip through the Upper Carniolan region! In that case, I suggest exploring other destinations in the vicinity: Radovljica (8 km), Jesenice (16 km), Tržič (25 km), Kranj (28 km), Železniki (33 km), Škofja Loka (39 km), Medvode (40 km), Mengeš (49 km), Kamnik (51 km), or Domžale (53 km).

Lake Bled Itinerary

Bohinjska Bela

This Lake Bled itinerary begins at Bohinjska Bela, a small village on the left bank of the Sava Bohinjka River, southwest of the town of Bled. Bohinjska Bela is the perfect starting point for hikes, and it’s around 2.6 km from Mlino Port (in Slovene, Mlino Pristanišče).

The oldest part of Bohinjska Bela, known by locals as “Spodnja Vas” or “Dolenja Vas” (or “Lower Village”, in English), is believed to be over a thousand years old. This is also where the Church of Saint Margaret (in Slovene, Cerkev Svete Marjete) is situated.

Čolni Pletna

The next stop in this Lake Bled itinerary is the Pletna Boats (in Slovene, Čolni Pletna), traditional boats made by locals dating back to 1950. Typical of the Lake Bled landscape, they’re easily recognizable by their colorful awnings, designed to protect passengers from the sun or rain.

The Pletna Boats are navigated by the so-called “Pletnar”, an oarsman title that has existed since the reign of Maria Theresa. Given to farmers with lands unsuitable for cultivation, they were handed down from generation to generation, making it a family business throughout the centuries.

There are currently twenty-three vessels on Lake Bled with departures from Velika Zaka, Mlino, and the Spa Park!

Blejski Otok

This Lake Bled itinerary continues in Bled Island (in Slovene, Blejski Otok), the most famous place in this tourist destination. Before the foundation of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, there used to be a temple dedicated to the pagan goddess of life and fertility at the same location.

Even though Bled Island is considered a pilgrimage site by locals, it’s flocked with tourists daily. For that reason, there’s a single entrance fee of 12€ (full rate) and 10.50€ or 5€ (reduced rates) for the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Bell Tower & Pendulum Clock, and the Provost’s House.

Cerkev Marijinega Vnebovzetja

The next stop in this Lake Bled itinerary is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (in Slovene, Cerkev Marijinega Vnebovzetja). When the Christians arrived in 745, this religious temple replaced the ancient pagan temple. Centuries later, in 1465, the church was renovated in the Gothic style.

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is open every day, from 8:30 am to 4 pm (from November to February), from 8:30 am to 5 pm (in March), from 8:30 am to 6 pm (in April and October), and from 9 am to 7 pm (from May to September).

Don’t forget to make your wishes to the Mother of God on the Lake and ring the bell!

Zvonik & Úra Na Nihálo

This Lake Bled itinerary continues in the Bell Tower & Pendulum Clock (in Slovene, Zvonik & Úra Na Nihálo). The Bell Tower was severely damaged by the 1511 Idrija Earthquake and had to be completely renovated in 1680. Inside, it features three bronze bells that still ring.

The Pendulum Clock is a mechanical tower clock with a pendulum, which visitors can admire after climbing several flights of winding stairs. The 52-meter building was fully renovated in 2013 but it’s still mainly made of wood!

Proštija

This Lake Bled itinerary continues in the Provost’s House (in Slovene, Proštija), the ancient house of the local priest. Installed next to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it also served as accommodation for the pilgrims who visited Bled Island.

Initially, the Provost’s House had only the ground floor, but the building was rebuilt in the early 17th century and was granted a top floor in 1787. Nowadays, the Provost’s House shelters a souvenir shop (on the ground floor) and an exhibition space (on the first floor).

Kavarna Park

The next stop in this Lake Bled itinerary is Cafe Park (in Slovene, Kavarna Park), the home of the original Bled Cream Cake (in Slovene, Blejska Kremna Rezina). This symbol of Bled cuisine is made of butter dough mixed with butter, vanilla cream, whipped cream, and icing sugar.

Cafe Park is the only place where you can taste the authentic recipe, invented by the chef of the Hotel Park’s patisserie Ištvan Lukačevič in 1953. Since then, almost 16 million original Bled Cream Cakes have been made and sold at this restaurant with beautiful views of Lake Bled!

Zdraviliški Park

This Lake Bled itinerary continues in Spa Park (in Slovene, Zdraviliški Park), an urban park located above the eastern promenade by Lake Bled. This green space is adorned with a memorial plaque dedicated to the Swiss naturopath Arnold Rikli who founded the Natural Health Institution of Bled.

The Spa Park was projected by two brothers – Matevž and Jože Čop – while the Spa House was being constructed in 1891. This elegant pavilion situated in the middle of the park is occasionally used to host musical performances and other events.

Župnijska Cerkev Svetega Martina

The next stop in this Lake Bled itinerary is the Parish Church of Saint Martin (in Slovene, Župnijska Cerkev Svetega Martina), a neo-Gothic church that was erected in 1905 where the former Gothic church from the 15th century once stood.

The interior of the Parish Church of Saint Martin was created by the Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav architect Josip Vancaš, with some help from the Slovene sculptor Janez Vurnik. As for the frescoes, these were signed by the Slovene painter Slavko Pengov.

Blejski Grad

This Lake Bled itinerary ends at Bled Castle (in Slovene, Blejski Grad), the oldest castle in Slovenia. Its history starts in 1004 when the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II granted the estate of Bled to Bishop Albuin of Brixen. The first castle was built around 1011 and was later expanded and upgraded.

Like the Bell Tower of Bled Island, Bled Castle was strongly affected by the 1511 Idrija Earthquake. Since then, it was been rebuilt and restored several times!

Bled Castle is open every day, from 8 am to 6 pm (in January, February, March, November, and December), and from 8 am to 8 pm (from April to October). As for tickets, these cost 17€ (full rate) and 11€ or 7€ (reduced rates).

Map of the Lake Bled Itinerary

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Where Do I Make My Reservations?

• Hotels and Accommodation: Booking.com
• Tours and Activities: GetYourGuide

What Photography Gear Do I Use?

• Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless
• Camera Lens: Fujinon XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
• Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action
• Small Tripod: Manfrotto PIXI Mini
• Smartphone Adaptor: Manfrotto PIXI Clamp
• Memory Card: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC