Holidays to Lake Bled

From iconic Bled Island boat trips to spectacular walking trails in the Julian Alps, a summer holiday in Lake Bled is best enjoyed at leisure

Lake Bled is the star of Slovenia in the summer – an alpine lake with a church-topped island that is the darling of guidebooks and social media feeds the world over. A day trip to Bled barely scratches the surface of this beautiful lake and town. Walking holidays in Lake Bled, however, give you the time to meander along the water’s edge, exploring forested footpaths, diving into lidos, wandering between cafés (make sure you try Bled's famous Kremšnita cake) and clambering up to Bled Castle. Holidays to Lake Bled are also a great for doing nothing but settling down on a terrace, watching the pletna boats glide by and enjoying the sunshine.

Explore Lake Bled on a summer holiday

Walking a lap of Lake Bled is one of the loveliest wanders in Europe. It takes about 1.5 hours at a brisk pace, and less on a bike, but we recommend stretching it out over at least half a day – and packing swimwear for the swim spots en route. The water peaks at an irresistible 25˚C in summer.

From Bled town, you’ll pass a lido, water sports centre and intriguing walking trails that snake up into the forested foothills, as you draw ever closer to the famous island at the end of the lake. Returning to Bled, the Medieval Bled Castle dominates the view - the promise of lake and mountain panoramas should give you the boost needed to make it to the top of the hill.

Summer activities in Lake Bled: visit Bled Island by pletna boat

Ferrymen in wooden “pletna” boats have been rowing pilgrims and summer holiday makers between shore and island since the 12th century. Once on dry land, visitors can admire the towering Assumption of Mary Church, which stands on the foundations of an even older Slavic temple. If you get a chance, have a chat with the boat captain on the way back. The pletna are mostly steered by people whose families have rowed these waters for generations and they often have some great stories to share.

Family holidays to Lake Bled: toboggans, lake lidos and honey bees

Lake Bled offers a choice of family-friendly activities and walks and is perfect for a family summer holiday. Walk or take the lift up to Straža, where kids (and big kids) can rocket down the mountain on the summer toboggan. The lakeside pools and slides of the lido welcome families too. Paddleboards and rowing boats stock the water sports centre – an excellent chance to test your pletna paddling technique. and up at Bled Castle there's hands-on activities for children in summer, including papermaking workshops and honey tastings at the resident beehives.

Walking in Julian Alps and sightseeing in Ljubljana

Many summer holiday-makers come to Bled to relax and enjoy the sights, but there's a lot to discover on foot, too. The eastern arm of the Julian Alps reaches towards Lake Bled making for a great walking holiday. The Vintgar Gorge is a must-visit, where wooden walkways and bridges hang above the turquoise Radovna River. The Pokljuka Plateau, on the edge of neighbouring Triglav National Park, is dotted with old shepherd's huts and great for walks through green mountain pastures.

Bled has a couple of train stations for more distant explorations, too. Direct buses to the leafy Slovenian capital of Ljubljana with have you amongst its riverside cafés in about an hour.

Why book a summer holiday to Lake Bled with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Bled’s best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Bled include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Hotels in Lake Bled

  • from£564pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 73 rooms
Hotel Astoria, Bled, Slovenia - spa area 2.jpg

This popular hotel is located three minutes from the lakefront and the town centre. Award-winning sustainability policies, exceptional staff, and a lovely spa area keep guests returning year after year. Bookable on a bed and breakfast basis, it's a great value three-star accommodation.

  • from£729pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 87 rooms
Grand Hotel Toplice, Bled, Slovenia - view from the lake.jpg

A traditional and elegant hotel sitting on the shores of Lake Bled. Enjoy lake views, al fresco dining, and wild swimming from the private beach at the bottom of the garden. The hotel also has an excellent spa with an indoor swimming pool fed by thermal springs that sit under the hotel.

  • from£699pp
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    4.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 150 rooms
Indoor pools_01_ZWC_RikliBalanceHotel_Foto BD_11 14.jpg

A top choice for families, the Rikli Balance has the largest swimming pool complex in Bled. Spread over two floors, enjoy water slides, thermal pools, and an excellent spa area. The hotel offers comfortable, modern, and spacious rooms, using natural materials throughout.

  • from£829pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 100 rooms
Bled Rose Lounge

Hotel Bled Rose looks out over the pretty Zdraviliški Park and across Lake Bled. Just a short walk from the lake and the town centre, it's an excellent base to explore the region from. Enjoy sleek urban design, great spa facilities, and excellent hospitality.

  • from£669pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 218 rooms
Hotel Park Lake Bled Spa Park Outdoor Terrace

A stylish hotel in a superb location, not far from the centre of Bled. Enjoy delicious Slovenian cuisine, carefully prepared using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. The modern rooms and impressive spa will ensure you can relax in comfort and style.

  • from£694pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 61 rooms
Ribno Alpine Hotel (1)

A luxury hotel and glamping resort, located in the quaint village of Ribno, around three kilometres from Bled - for a peaceful break in nature, the Ribno Alpine Resort ticks all the boxes. On-site bike rental means exploring is easy, and the hotel has an impressive commitment to sustainability.

  • from£909pp
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    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 15 Rooms
4 (1)

Garni Hotel Berc is a comfortable and well-located bed and breakfast, close to the centre of Bled, the lake and the Straža - exploring from here is easy. It's a traditional and homely guesthouse with a welcoming atmosphere which is a great base from which to explore the Bled area.

  • from£639pp
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    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 103 rooms
Hotel Savica Foto AV 11 09 (1)

The Garni Hotel Savica is a comfortable hotel, next door to the Rikli Balance Hotel in a great, central location. You'll enjoy fantastic hospitality and access to the Živa Wellness Centre's pools. 

Excursions

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Julian Alps

Enjoy a full day of spectacular mountain scenery and unspoiled natural beauty on this tour of the Julian Alps. Transport and guide included. 

Departs: Monday or Friday (full day)

Taste of Slovenia

Follow the trail of the River Soča as you journey by train, boat on the river and coach through spectacular Slovenian scenery. You'll also visit the largest wine cellar in Slovenia for a wine tasting (four wines). Lunch, wine tasting, guide and all transport is included.

Departs: Tuesday (full day)

Ljubljana

A guided insight into one of the youngest capital cities of Europe with plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping. Ljubljana is a vibrant and attractive city, known for being one of the greenest in Europe with plenty of green spaces and alfresco dining. Feel the energy of the streets, immerse yourself in the stories and legends, and enjoy the pretty city sights. Transport, guide and a funicular up to Ljubljana castle are included.

Departs: Wednesday (3/4 day)

Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle

Visit one of the most visited sites in Slovenia, and world-famous Postojna Caves and travel on the "cave train" to really enjoy one of worlds largest cave system and finish by visiting the nearby enchanting and mysterious Predjama castle with a vast history. Transport, guide and entrance fees are included.

Departs: Thursday (3/4 day) 

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Resort Combination

Multicentre Holidays

Ljubljana Flights:

You can combine any resort in Slovenia with any other for minimum 3 night stays in each, for example, making 4 centre combinations you could for Wednesday arrival as 3 plus 4 plus 3 plus 4 night stays making total duration as 14 Nights. Saturdays will be 4 plus 3 plus 4 plus 3 night stays.

You could mix 3 centre combination for 10 nights (Wed) or 11 nights (Sat) 

or simply combine any 2 centre combination for any durations from 3/4/7/10 or 11 nights stays.

All transfers will be included and will be direct except Ljubljana city will be via the airport

 

Salzburg Flights: Combine Slovenia with Beautiful Austrian resorts

You can combine resorts of Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Kranjska Gora followed by any Austrian resorts served on Salzburg flights, like Kitzbuhel, Fuschl, Zell Am See and many more.

All transfers between the two countries will be via Salzburg airport and Slovenia will be the first centre.

 

Please call our reservations team on 01483 79 11 11 for more information.

Things To Do
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Walking
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle boarding

Lake Bled holidays offer some marvellous walking, whether it is a stroll around the lake or a scenic walk in the surrounding hills. Enjoy the scenery in a more leisurely fashion in a horse-drawn carriage, or take one of the gondola-like boats to visit the island and make a wish as you ring the bells in the ornate church. Bled has something for everyone with bicycles and rowing boats for hire, tennis and one of Europe's most scenic golf courses. You will find beautiful, well-kept lakeside gardens with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.

Free Julian Alps Card available from 1st of June onwards (A resort card for all guests staying 3 nights or more given upon arrival by the hotel):

Benefits for cardholders :
  • 10% discount entrance to Bled Castle and Vintgar Gorge
  • Free guided walking tour of Bled every Friday morning
  • Free  Bled hiking map available at Infocenter Triglavska Roža Bled  
  • Bike rental at the Infocenter Triglavska Roža Bled - 2 hours/day
  • Chairlift Straža return ticket  - 1 ride
  • Many more discounted entrances to various exhibitions, local attractions, eating in various restaurant and activities including bike rentals.

Please note above is based on the latest information available but might change. Tourist office reserves the right to amend inclusions in the resort card at any time. 

Experience More

See Bled from different perspectives. Views from the castle give you a depth of its beauty. A boat ride to the island and looking back at the castle confirms its marvel of a position. Simply walking around the lake shows the serenity of the area.

1) The traditional wooden pletna boats have been taking visitors to the island in the middle of the lake for centuries. These boats are operated by standing rowers known as pletnars.

2) Explore the paths leading along the lake or surrounding hills. These are usually not too difficult and are suitable for family hiking trips. Enjoy the shelter of green forests and venture beyond Bled to Pokljuka Plateau.

3) Lake Bled had a pleasant mountain climate and unspoilt nature. The thermal springs in the north-eastern part of the lake supply the swimming pools of some of the hotels in Bled.

Walking

Bled is a good base from which to partake in any number of hikes into the eastern tranche of the Julian Alps. Although there is some good walking around Bled for all levels of expertise, there are some very enjoyable walks in the immediate vicinity of the lake. Velika Osojnica; the south western corner of the lake or a gentler, alternative walk up to Straza, the south west of the Grand Hotel Toplice. Take a stroll around the lake, climb up to the castle for some spectacular views over the lake. The hills surrounding Bled offer a choice of interesting walks.

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Nestled in this picturesque area are the intriguing destinations of Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and Bovec: Lake Bled's beauty is renowned, nestled amidst dense pine forests and surrounded by the dramatic snow-capped Julian Alps, and its famous tiny wooded island has become the national symbol of Slovenia.

Good to know

Walking trails: around 100km of walking trails and easy access to Lake Bohinj and surrounding villages

Terrain: varied terrain from lakeside walks, flat valleys and surrounding forested hills

Best time to go: Lake Bled is great to visit all summer, go anytime from the end of May to mid October

Best for: Easy walks, families, nature, activities, sightseeing

Fly into: Ljubljana or Salzburg

Transfer time: Approx. 1 hour from Ljubljana airport or 3-4 hours (traffic dependent, including a stop) from Salzburg airport

Resort card: Julian Alps Bled Guest Card included for all hotels

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