Lake Bled Itinerary: 2 Days
If you asked me where Slovenia was on a map 2 years ago, I would have embarrassed myself and likely pointed somewhere near Russia. I told you, embarrassing. My mom DEFINITELY thinks it's made up. (Love you, mom). But as soon as I saw a photo of Lake Bled, I was in love. The little monastery on an island in the middle of a bright blue lake…surrounded by tall trees and imposing mountains…I couldn't wait to experience the magic. Now that I have, I'm here to share the love so you can experience it too! Enjoy!
Getting There
Drive!
Lake Bled was a part of our road trip from Venice, through the Dolomites, to Lake Bled, then back to Venice, which was such a fun way to do it. If eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in 3 separate countries (Italy, Austria, Slovenia) is on your bucket list, then here's your golden ticket. Slovenia is also an insanely beautiful country, and we barely scratched the surface.
Pro tip: If you go by car and drive in from a different country, keep in mind you need a vignette to drive on the highway in Slovenia. These can be purchased at a petrol station near the border.
Fly
If you fly into Ljubljana Airport (LJU), which is the main airport in Slovenia, you can take the bus to Lake Bled. Travel time is about 1:45 minutes, and you will have to transfer buses at the Kranj AP station. Click here for the “Alpe Adria Line” timetable to get from the airport to Lake Bled.
Where to Stay
We stayed at a very old, very precious B&B with an incredible view of the lake from our balcony. Because the B&B was so old, the bed style was also stuck in time….Luke was far too tall and had to sleep on the floor. If you are a normal size human, however, I can highly recommend. The hosts have owned the B&B for generations and tried to give us another room for free so Luke could “try to fit on the bed diagonally”. I miss them. You can book your stay below:
Other options based on budget:
Luxury:
Mid-range:
Budget:
Camp/Glamp:
What to do
Day 1:
Hike to the Insta popular viewpoint: Mala Osojnica. The hike is pretty steep, but not very far and 1000% worth it. You can access a map here
Sit down for a delicious brunch at Art Café Bar.
Row a canoe to Bled Island (get caught in the rain) - you can rent the canoe at the Mlino Port
Enjoy ice cream and espresso from the south staircase of the island. The steps are nearly 4 centuries old and remain the traditional spot for grooms to carry their new brides up all 99 steps.
Have dinner at Ostarija Peglez'n. Be forewarned, you will be tempted to order everything, but know that a single portion is fit for a family. Be sure to make a reservation.
Day 2:
Take a morning dip in the lake. I did not…I slept in. But I’m sure it’s refreshing?
Enjoy coffee and croissants by the water.
Hike to Bled Castle for another incredible view of the lake.
If you have time, check out Straza Bled and take a toboggan down the ski slope.
Grab wine from the Supermarket for a little balcony happy hour, play games and enjoy the view.
Dinner again at Ostarija Peglez'n. Like I said, you will want to order everything, but you will explode. So, back at it! No shame.
Other Restaurants
Dinner:
Restavracija Julijana: 4 course with view
Lunch:
Dessert:
Café Belvedere: Coffee and cakes with a view (try the Kremna Rezina, Bled’s specialty dessert)
