Lake Bled, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world

In the north-east of Slovenia, Lake Bled is surrounded by mountains, sometimes covered in snow, and is one of the most striking landscapes in the country. Surrounded by a dense forest and dominated by the country's oldest castle, the lake stands out for its beauty and magical atmosphere. Out of the water, there is a natural island, on which you will find a church which is said to bring good luck to those who ring its bell. When you look at it, you won’t need much time to understand why many people consider it the most beautiful lake in the world.

Sunset on Lake Bled

- © Andrij Vatsyk / Shutterstock

A break from time

Just a few kilometers from Ljubljana, it is easy to get to Bled for a day trip or a few days, so you should definitely make it a stop during your trip. Visitors can stroll along the pedestrian path around the lake, stop and stare at the beautiful turquoise waters. And everywhere you stop, you will get a different perspective of the lake, the island and the castle. Besides, you can visit the beautiful castle, and even if it is a tough hike, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area.

When you walk around the lake, you will notice the small wooden boats with colorful tops made of canvas, which come and go peacefully on the lake. Called pletnas, these are the traditional boats in Bled since the 16th century. In fact, you can take one to the small island in the center of the lake and make a wish while ringing the bell three times. And once you get back, make sure to stop in a restaurant to taste a kremsnita, which is a traditional dessert from Bled, a sweet and creamy layered cake, which is a real delight.

The best viewpoints

As is often the case, the best way to enjoy a beautiful view of the lake is to get higher up. As we have said before, the castle offers a very nice view of the lake, but you have to know that there is a charge to access it. Other options are the viewpoint of Ojstrica, which can be reached after a steep hike of twenty minutes through the Slovenian forest. And believe us, the landscape is completely worth the effort. From there, the island stands out from the surface of the lake, which reflects all the colors of the sky, and further away the mist-covered mountains seem to watch over this peaceful picture.

A little higher up, you will find the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, which also offers a picture perfect view of the lake and its surroundings, perhaps making it one of the most beautiful in Slovenia. It only takes 45 minutes to climb up, and another 20 minutes to reach Velika Osojnica, which is another great viewpoint. But if you are not sporty or don’t feel like doing that, you don’t need to go on a hike as some spots on the banks of the lake also offer charming scenery - for instance, the beach at the campsite. And for idyllic Instagram photos, the red heart with the island of Bled in the background is the perfect place.

Where to stay?

Adora Luxury Hotel Lake Bled

Adora Luxury Hotel

Stunning hotel along lake Bled
From
£182
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by Editorial Team
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