Lake Bled is the most popular body of water in Slovenia, located at the foot of the Julian Alps, next to the city of the same name, which is both a spa resort and a ski resort. Near the thermal lake Bled is the former residence of the head of socialist Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito (now the Vila Bled hotel ).
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| Lake Bled |
Due to its geographical position, Bled has a unique, mild, salubrious microclimate with the longest swimming season among the alpine lakeside resorts. The healing factor of the resort, in addition to the climate, is the water of thermal springs, which comes directly to the health resorts of Bled.
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| Lake Bled |
Holiday Seasons
The lake is located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. In summer, the water in Lake Bled warms up to +24 degrees. The swimming season starts in July and lasts until September. There are 2 comfortable beaches on the lake - urban, opposite the Park Hotel, with paid entrance, and unequipped opposite the Villa Bled Hotel with free entrance.
In winter, skiing is possible in the vicinity of the lake. Local trails are ideal for beginners - small elevation changes (no more than 500 meters), gentle slopes. The ski season starts at the end of December and lasts until March.
But the most popular type of recreation on Lake Bled is trekking. From April (when the snow melts in the mountains) until November, crowds of tourists with trekking poles and backpacks go hiking. In the vicinity of Bled there are many trails of varying difficulty and length. You can go for a walk lasting 2-3 hours, or you can go on a full-fledged hike with an overnight stay in the mountains.
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| Lake Bled |
Attractions near Lake Bled
On the shore of the lake, Bled Castle has been preserved since the Middle Ages - the bishop's mansion (XIII-XVI centuries), which today houses the local historical museum. One of the most ancient castles in the country is located on top of a cliff with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. In addition to the historical museum, there are no less interesting tourist sites on the territory of the castle: a medieval forge, where you can watch the work of masters; an old chapel with skillful frescoes; a wine cellar where you can fill and take a bottle of wine as a keepsake.
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| Lake Bled |
On the island in the center of the lake is the Church of St. Mary. The first church on a small island in Lake Bled was erected in 1004, and today's version is a Baroque church from 1698, in places retaining Gothic features. A Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary from the 15th century has also been preserved.
Another noteworthy church is the Church of St. Martin. An elegant neo-Gothic temple is located in the city of Bled. The temple is new, it was erected on the site of an old Gothic church at the beginning of the 20th century. Inside the church of St. Martin is painted with frescoes.
But the main attractions of Bled are the surrounding landscapes. We advise you to visit one of the viewing platforms in order to fully enjoy your stay in this alpine corner:
- Ojstrica - the ascent from the shore of the lake will take about 20 minutes. The height of the site is 611 meters.
- Osojnica - the ascent takes 45 minutes along a steep forest path. In general, 2 sites are hidden under the name Osojnica. The first, small Osojnica, is located at an altitude of 685 meters, and the second, large Osojnica, at an altitude of 756 meters (+20 minutes up). It is believed that the best view of Lake Bled opens from the top platform - at sunset, the site is crowded with photographers and tourists.
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| Lake Bled |
4 kilometers from the lake is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia - Vintgar Gorge. This is a mountain gorge with truly wild nature: turbulent rivers with emerald water, waterfalls and natural pools.
It is also worth visiting the mountain plateau - a real alpine meadow with flower fields and snow-capped peaks towering above them.
Hotels near Lake Bled
Hotels on the shores of Lake Bled are cozy small houses with a homely atmosphere or large hotel complexes of world chains. Most hotels in Bled are 3 or 4 star, but you can find more budget options (hostels) and more luxurious 5* hotels. There is a campsite in the western part of the lake. The south coast is the least populated - there are only 2 hotels.
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| Lake Bled |
How to get to Lake Bled
The lake is located 50 km from the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana and 47 km from the border with Austria and Italy. From Ljubljana and other European cities you can get to:
- By bus. The main bus station is located a few meters from the shores of the lake (crossing of Grajska and Svoboda streets). The journey from Ljubljana will take 1 hour and 20 minutes (bus ticket price: 7–8 euros one way).
- By train. Lesce-Bled railway station is located 4 km from the lake, on the eastern shore. An international train arrives here on the route Munich - Belgrade. From the railway station to the city of Bled can be reached by bus - for 1.3 euros. The journey will take 9-10 minutes. Another train station is on the west coast. The train Villach - Jesenice - Nova Gorica - Koper stops here.
- On the train. From the Slovenian capital, you need to follow to the Lesce-Bled station (then 4 km by bus to the town of Bled). A train ticket will cost 5 euros for an adult tourist. Discount per child depends on their age.
A taxi ride from Ljubljana to Bled will take about 40-50 minutes. You can call a car using the Taxify mobile phone application or use the local analogue of BlaBlaCar - Prevoz.