Walking in Lake Bled

Walking Trails:
77km

Terrain:
Lakeside walks, flat valleys and surrounding forested hills

Lake Bled at a glance

  • Slovenian
  • Euro (EUR)
  • London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), Birmingham Int. (BHX), Manchester Int. (MAN), Newcastle (NCL), Glasgow Int. (GLA)

Travel included to Lake Bled

Depart on: any day to Ljubljana or on Saturdays to Salzburg

Arrive into: Ljubljana or Salzburg airport 

Transfer time: 1 hour - 4 hours 

Included in your walking holiday to Lake Bled

  • Inghams Guided Walks from 26 May - 12 Sep (subject to availability)
  • Julian Alps Bled guest card with discounted entrances at local exhibitions, attractions and travel
  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Lake Bled 
  • Access to Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information
  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation 

Walking in Lake Bled

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
77km
Terrain:
Lakeside walks, flat valleys and surrounding forested hills

Lake Bled offers more than just stunning lakeside views — it’s a perfect base for walking holidays that uncover Slovenia’s alpine charm. Trails lead into the eastern Julian Alps, with highlights like the Vintgar Gorge, where wooden walkways trace the turquoise Radovna River through a dramatic canyon, and the peaceful Pokljuka Plateau on the edge of Triglav National Park, where traditional shepherd huts dot green pastures.

Surrounded by the Julian Alps and Karavanke mountains, Bled’s landscape invites exploration on foot, with around 77 kilometres of marked trails suitable for all abilities. Walkers can circle the lake, hike to panoramic viewpoints, and follow forest and riverside paths through charming villages, while nearby Bohinj and Radovljica offer even more accessible walking opportunities.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Walks depend on weather, guide availability, and group size, and routes may change. Details are provided on arrival, and some may include a small local transport fee. Walks are not suitable for under 12s (under 18s must be with an adult). Please ensure the walk is right for you, our guides have the final say. See our booking conditions for full details. 

Our guided walks around Lake Bled

We’ve included two full-day walks per week (one in Bled and one in nearby Bohinj), just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

Kupljenik Bled

Explore the surrounding hills and villages of Bled, including Selo, Bohinjska Bela and Kupljeni,k which has many original architectural sites and the beautiful church of St. Stephen which dates back to the start of the 16th Century. You'll also enjoy stunning views over Bled and the surrounding hills along the way. From Bohinjska Bela, you can either return to Bled by bus or complete the full loop on foot.

  • Grade: Easy - Moderate
  • Distance: 8.2 - 14km
  • Walking time: approx. 4 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 200m / 405m
  • Terrain: Mainly gravel road, footpath or forest/meadow trail (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: You may need to arrange travel to the start point, which is payable locally
  • This walk will run every Monday between 26 May - 12 Sep 25
Lake Bohinj Mostnica Gorge

This walk follows the crystal clear Mostnica Gorge (gorge entry is free with your Bohinj Guest Card so please ensure you have it with you) as it weaves through the forested valley, with stunning natural rock features. In the upper part of Mostnica, the valley widens into the idyllic Voje valley, with meadows and the Voje waterfall. Depending on the group, it's possible to do a shorter route along the gorge path, or extend it further into the Voje valley to visit the waterfall.

  • Grade: Easy - Moderate
  • Distance: 10 - 19km
  • Walking time: Approx. 2.5 - 6 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 450m
  • Terrain: Mainly gravel road, footpath or forest trail (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: You may need to arrange travel to the start point, which is payable locally
  • This walk will run every Thursday between 26 May - 12 Sep 25.

Image: (Copyright: Mojca Odar)

Our favourite self-guided walks around Lake Bled

There's plenty of amazing walks to choose from in Lake Bled and each day can be a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like. Below are some of the most popular trails and our Destination Experts are on hand to with even more recommendations once you're on holiday.

Lake Bled Radovljica Town

This route takes you through the villages around Bled before reaching the Sava Bohinjka River. Following the river, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes before arriving in the medieval town of Radovljica. Here, you can explore the bee museum, sample local chocolate, or enjoy a wine tasting before returning to Bled by bus. The walk can be completed as a one-way route or a round trip. Regular buses run from Radovljica to Bled, taking around 15 minutes.

  • Grade: Easy
  • Distance: 8km
  • Walking time: 2 hours
  • Terrain: Tarmac, gravel track

 

Lake Bled Vintgar Gorge

Nestled in Triglav National Park, Radovna River carves through the limestone walls of Vintgar Gorge. A breathtaking route of wooden walkways and bridges, the trail follows the river’s rapids and pools to Šum Waterfall, Slovenia’s largest river waterfall. After exiting the gorge, ascend through the forest to St. Katherine’s Church for panoramic views over Lake Bled and beyond. Pre-booking a Gorge ticket is recommended to avoid queues. Plenty of food and drink stops are available along the way, including mountain huts and cafés. Shuttle buses provide options for shorter walks or return transport.

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Distance: 10.3km
  • Walking time: 3 hours
  • Terrain: Tarmac (7km), wooden walkways and bridges in the gorge, forest track

Image (Copyright: Jost Gantar)

Lake Bled Straza Mountain

Encircling Lake Bled, this route connects the monadnock hills that overlook the lake, each offering unique viewpoints. Dobra Gora is peaceful and rich in wildlife, while Straža features a fitness trail and ski slope. Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica are ideal for photographers, and Stan provides a secluded spot to watch the Bohinj railway line. Višce offers an iconic view of Bled Castle. You’ll need good fitness to complete the full circuit in one go, but you can also tackle the hills separately on different days. Carry plenty of water and use bug spray in forested sections.

  • Grade: Challenging
  • Distance: 14km
  • Walking time: 5–6 hours
  • Terrain: Tarmac, dirt tracks, well-trodden walking trails

 

Our accommodations in Lake Bled

Discover Lake Bled

  • Take a historic Pletna boat across Lake Bled to visit the iconic Bled Island
  • Tread the winding wooden walkways through the stunning natural beauty of the Vintgar Gorge
  • Enjoy two guided walks per week with Inghams holidays to Lake Bled, perfect for exploring the stunning surroundings

Lake Bled is the crown jewel of Slovenia during the summer, an enchanting alpine lake with a church-capped island that graces countless guidebooks and social media feeds. While a day trip offers a glimpse of its beauty, summer holidays in Lake Bled allow you to truly soak up its charm. Stroll along the lakeside, explore forested trails, swim in refreshing lidos, and savour the famous Kremšnita cake at charming cafés. Climbing to Bled Castle offers breathtaking views, while quiet afternoons on a terrace let you watch traditional Pletna boats gliding across the water. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Lake Bled’s stunning scenery and laid-back vibe make it the perfect summer escape.

Walking a lap of Lake Bled is a must-do during your summer holiday; it’s one of Europe’s most scenic paths. The loop takes about 1.5 hours at a brisk pace—or less by bike—but stretching it out over half a day is well worth it, especially if you pack swimwear for the lake’s refreshing 25˚C waters. Starting in Bled town, you’ll pass a lido, water sports centre, and forested trails as you circle closer to the iconic island. Upon your return, the hilltop Medieval Bled Castle takes centre stage, rewarding those who climb with stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Right on the edge of the lake, Bled is a bustling town where there's always something going on. Find a cute café and try Bled's famous cream cake, or tuck into some traditional Slovenian food. When it's time to explore, it's easily discoverable on foot and you'll find beautiful, well-kept lakeside gardens with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view. Enjoy the scenery at leisure in a horse-drawn carriage, or rent a bike and cycle village to village. Bled has something for everyone, including one of Europe's most scenic golf courses.

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. 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. 

The lido is heaven for children with lots of energy to burn - there's waterslides and platforms to jump into the lake, or you can rent a rowing boat or stand-up paddleboard and venture further into the water. For a hot summer's afternoon, the lido is the place to be. There's a café and bar too. 

Challenge your friends or family to a game of miniature golf. Arm yourself with goodwill and competitive spirit, and let the game begin! The mini golf is located behind the hotel park. With 18 playing fields in a total length of 228 metres, this is one of the largest classic mini golf playgrounds in Europe.

Check out our 'things to do' section for more details on family-friendly activities.

Buses and trains

Much of the area around Bled is easily explored on foot, but there's a great network of buses and trains if you want to head further afield - it takes around 40 minutes by bus to get to Bohinj or around an hour and a half to get to Ljubljana.

You can also ride around Lake Bled on the little tourist train.

Straža chairlift

The only chairlift in Bled rises up the Straža hill - it's most popular when going to ride the summer toboggan, but also offers walkers an easier way to the summit.

Free Julian Alps Card (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
  • Free guided walking tour of Bled every Friday morning
  • 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. 

Travel to Lake Bled

Travel by air

Flights to Ljubljana and Salzburg depart between 24 May - 04 Oct 25 & 23 May - 03 Oct 26.

Fly into Salzburg (Saturdays only) from:

  • London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Glasgow

Fly into Ljubljana (daily) from:

  • London Gatwick and London Heathrow

Transfer time:

  • From Salzburg: approx. 3 - 4 hours by coach (includes a stop).
  • From Ljubljana: approx. 1 hour by coach.

Please be aware that transfer times may vary depending on weather conditions and volume of traffic, especially during peak season.

Things to do in Lake Bled

From paddleboarding and rowing to hiking, cycling, and castle visits, Lake Bled is packed with outdoor adventures, charming spots to explore, and plenty of ways to unwind.

Lake Bled aerial shot over castle

The view from Bled Castle is worth the clamber up through the forest. Its history dates back to 1004 and it was slowly added to over hundreds of years, before suffering damage from an earthquake in 1511. Since then, it's been rebuilt and extended into the beautiful castle we see today - home to a fresco-painted gothic chapel and impressive architecture. Delve into the history of Bled in the museum, see traditional hand printing techniques or visit the castle wine cellar. Make sure to spend plenty of time enjoying the view over the lake. 

Lake Bled swimming area

Arnold Rikli first brought wellness tourism to Bled - encouraging people to get out into nature, walking, breathing the fresh air, and swimming. Bled's the perfect place for it, with its warm mountain climate, unspoilt nature and pleasant water temperatures. The thermal springs in the north-eastern part of the lake are said to have healing properties and supply the swimming pools of some of the hotels in Bled. You can swim in the lake at the far-western edge - it's the perfect spot, around half way through a walk around the lake starting from Bled town, or you can visit the lido beneath Bled castle, which has slides and areas to relax by the water.

Many of our hotels have excellent wellness facilities, and the Grand Hotel Toplice also benefits from direct lake access from its private lido area. 

Lake Bled kayaking

The best way to experience Lake Bled is to get in or on the water. Rent a rowing boat or kayak and head out onto the lake, and stand-up paddle boarding is popular too. You can even rent a clear-bottomed kayak or try scuba diving. For a little more adrenaline, the rivers of Sava Bohinjka and Sava Dolinka are popular for rafting, kayaking, or canoeing - eventually, they merge to become the Sava - Slovenia's largest river. You can try canyoning in the gorges too.

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, who are locals that have inherited their job role. A peaceful glide along the lake will take you to the charming Bled Island - the only island in Slovenia. Count the stairs, and make a wish by pulling the wish-bell.

We are lucky to have access to two beautiful rivers, the Sava Dolinka River, just 5 minutes from Bled or the Soča River with its stunning turquoise colour, which is about two hours away from Bled. For a family-friendly rafting trip on the Sava Dolinka River, please contact your Destination Expert to book. Even better, for a full day out on the water, combine your rafting with canyoning. Both activities run daily at various times, depending on whether you choose one or both activities. Free photos are included for all trips. 

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.

Lake Bled Vintgar Gorge

When it was first discovered, the Vintgar Gorge was impassable, but you don't have to get wet to visit it - thanks to over 500 metres of bridges and galleries, you can experience what's now one of Slovenia's most important natural attractions. Unique rock formations have been carved by the Radovna River and its waterfalls, pools and rapids - the 13 metres high Šum Waterfall is one of the highlights. There's a moderate self-guided walk from Bled to Vintgar Gorge you can enjoy, with plenty of food stops and mountain huts along the way! 

Hidden in the cliffs of Iglica, above Bohinjska Bela is the 24-metre high Iglica Waterfall - these cliffs are a popular spot for sport climbers. 

Image: (Copyright: Jost Gantar)

Lake Bled Pokljuka Plateau

The Pokljuka Plateau is a huge area, around 20 kilometres long and almost 20 kilometres wide, with a unique karst landscape, shaped by the Pokljuka glacier and home to many plants and animals. The tradition of Alpine farming continues on the Pokljuka Plateau in summer, and cattle spend sunny days grazing the pastures and living in traditional wooden sheds. Experience a bit of life as it used to be and try some home-made cheese.

Image:  (Copyright: Ales Zdesar Arhiv Javni Forvod)

Lake Bled Radovljica Town

The area around Ribno is characterised by peaceful villages and old rural houses - the Sava Bohinjka river quietly meanders through. An interesting walk will take you from the Sava Bohinjka river to the Talež Hunting Lodge where you get a great view of Bled and the Karavanke mountains. A little further afield, Radovljica is the Slovenian capital of beekeeping - it's an authentic town, with the charming old centre where buildings have been preserved from the 16th Century. The locals make exceptional chocolate and it's widely known as the culinary centre of the Julian Alps - not to be missed if you love food.

Lake Bled roller coaster Straza Hill

The hill known as Straža Bled, is a hive of activity in the summer, mainly due to the exciting summer toboggan that speeds down the hillside. The way up to Straža isn't too difficult, following a nice path shaded by trees, and the view from the top is worth the climb. If you don't fancy the uphill on foot though, you can relax and enjoy the chairlift ride instead.

Kranjska Gora Mountains

Experience a full day of breathtaking mountain scenery and untouched natural beauty on this tour of the Julian Alps. We will head from Kranjska Gora into the Trenta Valley while driving alongside the emerald-green Soča River. There will be several short stops along the way to enjoy the views. After a lunch break in Bovec, we'll continue our journey over the Predil Pass (1,156 m) back to Kranjska Gora, passing by the world-famous ski jump center in Planica. Transportation and a guide are included; however, lunch is not.

Departs: Monday (full 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.

Image: (Copyright: Arhiv Turizem Kranjska Gora Bogomir Košir)

Postojna Caves

Explore one of Slovenia's most popular attractions: the world-famous Postojna Caves. Take a ride on the 'cave train' to experience one of the largest cave systems in the world. Afterward, visit the enchanting and mysterious Predjama Castle, which boasts a rich history. The tour includes transportation, a guide, and entrance fees.

Departs: Tuesday (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.

Ljubljana City Centre In Summer

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, renowned for being one of the greenest in Europe, boasting numerous green spaces and alfresco dining options. Feel the energy of the streets, immerse yourself in the stories and legends, and enjoy the pretty city sights. Transport and guide are included (funicular in Ljubljana is not included).

Departs: Wednesday (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.

Image: (Copyright: Matej Kastelic)

Take a scenic local train ride through the mountains and valleys to the charming village by the Soča River. Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on an emerald blue lake before heading to the Goriška Brda wine region. A delicious lunch will be served at a family-run restaurant with stunning views of the vineyards. Visit one of the country’s largest wine cellars in Dobrovo, explore the fascinating cellars, and indulge in a wine-tasting experience. This full-day trip includes lunch, wine tasting, a guide, and all transport.

Departs: Friday (full 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.

Ziplining views Lake Bled, Slovenia

The longest Zip-line in Europe - traverse 7 times across the Sava Dolinka river and marvel in the protected natural area without disrupting the flora and fauna. All seven zipline trails were carefully chosen so that no trees were cut down or damaged. The cables were placed with the help of the best modern technology, and a drone was used to ensure that the vegetation beneath the ropes suffered no negative impact.

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.

Image: (Copyright: www.zipline-dolinka.si)

Popular Insider Guides

FAQs and Travel Advice

Near Lake Bled, the Julian Alps offer excellent hiking opportunities with trails extending from the lake into the surrounding mountains. A highlight is the Vintgar Gorge, featuring wooden walkways that crisscross the turquoise Radovna River. Additionally, the nearby Pokljuka Plateau, at the edge of Triglav National Park, is perfect for scenic walks through lush mountain pastures, dotted with old shepherd's huts. For further adventures, Bled's train stations provide easy access to distant sites, including the charming capital, Ljubljana.

To explore Lake Bled, take a relaxing walk around the lake which can be done in about 1.5 hours. Start from Bled town and pass by attractions like a lido and water sports center. Make sure to visit Bled Island via a traditional "pletna" boat, a unique experience with a history dating back to the 12th century. Also, take advantage of the free Julian Alps Card for discounts and freebies.

For information on scenic walks and nature hikes near Lake Bled, check out the walking tab on our resort page. You can also get detailed walking maps from the Tourist Office or most hotel receptions in the area. For personalised recommendations, don't hesitate to ask your Destination Expert. These resources will help you discover the best trails and routes around Lake Bled.

While hiking around Lake Bled, don't miss the bird's eye views from Bled Castle, perched atop a steep cliff with a history dating back to 1004. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of the lake, a museum filled with local history, a fresco-painted gothic chapel, traditional hand printing displays, and a wine cellar. It's also worth heading up Straža mountain for views towards Bled Castle and Mt. Triglav, or if you want to hike for a view head to Osojnica and Ojstrica viewpoints that look over the lake.

Yes, you can find guided walks in Lake Bled. Included in your holiday we offer exclusive guided walks twice a week, specifically for guests - one of these walks is from Bled and one is from nearby Bohinj. The walks offer an excellent opportunity to experience the beautiful landscapes and learn more about the area's natural and cultural heritage with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. The guided walks are available from May 27th to September 12th, on Mondays and either Thursdays. Read our Guided Walks guide to find out more.

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