Holidays to Lake Bled

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Bled

With the backdrop of the peaks of the Julian Alps and Karavanke mountains, its picturesque castle and bright blue waters, Bled's setting couldn't be any more charming. The best way to explore all of this, is on foot. Stroll the lake edge, hike up to the best viewpoints, and follow the trails that meander between the best sights and points of interest, through meadows and forests, and along streams and rivers. There's around 100 kilometres of trails to explore, and plenty of pretty villages and viewpoints along the way.

Inghams guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of other guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

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.

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

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. The walks in Bled and Bohinj are run by Elizabeta Hlede.

Walks are available from 27 May - 13 Sep - they will run every Monday and Friday and you can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

To take part in some of the walks, you'll need to travel to Bohinj. Travel is possible by public bus or taxi - both are payable locally and not included in the walk.

Kupljenik Viewpoint - Bled

Explore the surrounding hills and villages of Bled including Selo, Bohinjska Bela and Kupljenik 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 to moderate
• Distance: 8.2-14km
• Walking time: approx. 4 hours
• Ascent/descent: 200-405m
• Terrain: mainly gravel road, footpath or forest/meadow trail (can be quite uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul, 22 Jul, 5 Aug, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 13 Sep

Mount Vogel - Bohinj

Starting with the ascent of the Vogel Cable Car, you get a fantastic bird's-eye view of Lake Bohinj (Vogel cable car is payable locally - approx. €29.50 per person). From the top, the route makes the most of the high-alpine terrain, with far-reaching views and interesting trails, with plenty of wild flowers to spot.

• Grade: moderate to challenging
• Distance: 8km
• Walking time: approx. 4 hours
• Ascent/descent: 550m
• Terrain: mainly gravel road, footpath or mountain trail (can be quite steep, rocky and uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 31 May, 14 Jun, 28 Jun, 12 Jul, 26 Jul, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 6 Sep

Arnold Rikli Walk - Bled

A scenic and panoramic route along Lake Bled, below the castle and to Stan hill, past a giant spruce tree. The trail then meets the Rikli Trail which was originally created during the time of local healer Arnold Rikli, and passes information plaques and the Poglej Church and has many lovely views along the way.

• Grade: moderate to challenging
• Distance: 11.8km
• Walking time: approx. 4 hours
• Ascent/descent: 400m
• Terrain: mainly gravel road, footpath or forest/meadow trail (can be quite steep and uneven in places)

This walk will run on: 3 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul, 29 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sep

Mostnica Gorge - Bohinj

This walk follows the crystal clear Mostnica Gorge (gorge entry is payable locally - approx. €4 per person cash) 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 to 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)

This walk will run on: 7 Jun, 21 Jun, 5 Jul, 19 Jul, 2 Aug, 16 Aug, 30 Aug

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sunglasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack, cash for mountain huts/transport and your Bled Guest Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any times, distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

A lap of Lake Bled

• Easy
• 6km with around 25m height gain
• Expect to take around 1.5 hours

A lap of the lake is the easiest and most popular walk in Bled, and a very pleasant one too, especially at sunrise or sunset. We like to do this walk in a clockwise direction from Bled - if it's a warm day you can have a swim and an ice cream at the far western end of the lake. 

Straža Hill

• Moderate
• 2.5km with around 144m height gain
• Expect to take around 1.5 hours

The easiest way to climb the Straža hill (not including the chairlift to the top!) is from the village of Želeče by the bottom of the chairlift. The route joins the fitness trail, if you fancy an extra challenge on the obstacles, and weaves up through the trees with great views back towards Bled and the lake. The summer toboggan makes an exciting way to get down.

Ojstrica Viewpoint and Velika Osojnica

• Moderate - challenging
• 3km with 273m height gain
• Expect to take around 1 and a half hours

At the western end of Lake Bled, this walk is a rewarding one, which climbs steeply through the trees to the peaks of Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica and the Ojstrica viewpoint. It's a must-do for the views which look over Bled and its surroundings in one direction and the Pokljuka and Mežakla Plateaus in the other. It's a well-kept trail but there's a few steep steps along the way - you can turn back whenever you like.

Stan In Smreka Velikanka

• Moderate
• 5km with around 209m height gain
• Expect to take around 1.5 hours

Stan is Slovenian for shepherd's dwelling and this walk takes you over three plains that used to be used for grazing cattle. You'll pass an impressive spruce tree that's 37 metres tall and nearly 4 metres around its trunk, and plenty of spots to enjoy the views of Lake Bled.

Ribno to the Talež Hunting Lodge

• Moderate - challenging
• 7.5km with around 468m of height gain
• Expect to take around 3 hours

After a leisurely start along the banks of the Sava Bohinjka river, the trail climbs steeply up to Tolsti vrh peak and on to the Talež Lodge - a popular refreshment stop with incredible views. The grassy plain of Talež is hidden from the valley on the Jelovica plateau, and offers incredible views all the way to Bled and Radovljica and the mountains of the Triglav National Park. The trail is steep and requires good footwear, but the views are well worth the climb.

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Bled. There's nowhere to hire equipment in resort so take what you need with you.

Walking maps

Detailed walking maps are available from the Tourist Office or most hotel receptions.

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Slovenia Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

Explore Bled

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 a cycle village to village. Bled has something for everyone with tennis and even one of Europe's most scenic golf courses. 

Ride a pletna boat to Bled Island

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.

Bird's eye views from Bled 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 frescoe-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. 

Wellness in Lake Bled

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. 

Watersports

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, 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.

Visit 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.

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. 

Traditional alpine farming on the 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.

Discover Ribno and Radovljica

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 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.

Straža Bled

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. If you've a good head for heights, the Bled Adventure Park has many climbing elements, and at the bottom of the hill, the Folk Fairytale Land brings ancient stories to life.

Bled Lido

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. 

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Julian Alps (from £66 adult/£33 child)

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 (full day)

Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle (from £56 adult/£28 child)

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: Tuesday (3/4 day)

Ljubljana (from £48 adult/£24 child)

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 and guide are included (funicular in Ljubljana is not included).

Departs: Wednesday (3/4 day)

Taste of Slovenia (from £66 adult/£33 child)

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: 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.