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Things to Do in Lake Bled

Man, oh, man there are so many amazing things to do in Lake Bled. If this gem isn’t on your bucket list, then you need to add it today or squeeze it into your next travel itinerary of Central Europe. Yes, Lake Bled is truly that amazing of a destination.

Not only was Lake Bled magical, but I deeply loved my experiences in Slovenia. I want to visit again soon in the near future.

In fact one of the main reasons why I decided to book Busabout’s Bohemian Trek on my Central Europe trip was because the tour included a two night stay in Bled, Slovenia. How could anyone say “no” to that opportunity?

Ahhh, Slovenia! A country that’s been high on my bucket list for years!

Travel to Lake Bled & Allow Your Mind to be Blown.

“Where?” you might be thinking as you read this post. “Slovenia? Where’s that at?”

You haven’t heard?

Get on board! Slovenia is AWESOME.

Located smack in the middle of my long summer itinerary, Slovenia’s natural beauty, affordable prices, and relative “off-the-beaten-pathness” all appealed to me. Not to mention, the activities in Lake Bled appeal to a wide variety of travelers too, meaning something exists for everyone.

Man, I remember flipping through my guidebook and permanently placing my bookmark in the Slovenia’s chapters. I couldn’t explore Central Europe without stopping here.

Visiting Slovenia turned out to be the right choice for me.

Where is Lake Bled Located?

Now, reflecting on my trip, I wish I had spent longer than two nights in the majestic place called “Bled.” There are so many things to do at Lake Bled that it would be so simple to send an entire week enjoying the natural beautiful and outdoor activities.

Lake Bled and its town of the same name is located smack in the Julian Alps. Unsurprisingly, Bled is a popular spot for vacation-seekers for a good reason. Gazing at the blue lake waters, you really do feel all the stress fall off your joints, and your anxiety vanishes with every single sweet bite of Bled Cake that melts in your mouth.

Now that I’m in the middle of the looooongest part of the school year, half-melted snow and ungraded homework assignments surrounding my unmade bed, I can appreciate everything Bled had to offer me at the time.

Ugh, what I would give to go back again.

Book your accommodation in Lake Bled. 

What Are Some Things to Do at Lake Bled?

First and foremost, I think most of us travelers have seen that iconic photo of The Church of the Assumption settled on an idyllic island in the middle of Lake Bled. In fact, ringing the bell is one of the most popular things to do in Lake Bled. It’s something you ought to do at least once when visiting Slovenia.

Be still my beating heart, and keep ignoring the snow outside your window! You’ll return to beautiful Slovenia one day, I promise!

Anyway.

How about you? Not sure what else to do for your first time in Bled? Here are some of my suggestions things to do in Lake Bled and its surrounding areas!

Have a great trip. Bled and Slovenia are truly gems in this region of Europe.

1. Go Paragliding Over the Julian Alps.

Paragliding is one of the coolest things to do in Lake Bled. I still can’t believe I did it. I mean, I’m the biggest wuss about flying and talk about how it scares me all. the. time. I even wrote a crazy post about 43 tips for fearful flyers. Trust me, I know a lot about this. But, despite my crazy nervous fears, paragliding in Slovenia showed me that I can face my fears abroad and send them packing.

Powerful stuff, huh?

Okay, let’s say you’re more of a daredevil than I am and paragliding itself isn’t enough to get your adrenaline pumping. This activity is still worth booking in Bled simply for the fantastic views of the lakes and mountains. Plus you can take your camera and make incredible memories.

If you get a good weather day, like I did, then you can soar through the sky for 35 minutes or more! And paragliding isn’t so harsh on your pocketbook either. It cost me a grand total of 95 euros. To compare, in neighboring Austria and Germany, the cost would be over 110 euros.

If you want to skydive, there are plenty of opportunities to do that, too! Read all the reviews ahead of time to find the right company for you!

Get Your Rough Guide to Slovenia

2. Wander around Lake Bled itself.

Lake Bled in Slovenia is a relaxing destination. No need to rush around like a crazy backpacker, panicking and checking off a million sites, as you elbow fellow tourists to move out of your way. You’re here to breathe the fresh air and commune with peacefulness of the Julian Alps. Relaxing is one of the best things to do in Bled.

Also the bar scene isn’t exactly what I would call “cutting edge” either, so don’t fret about staying out late on the town and recovering in bed until noon. Your body will appreciate the rest here.

Ultimately, if you need a “vacation” from a breakneck travel pace, then Bled is seriously the spot for you. I had been on the road for roughly four weeks and Bled was a wonderful respite for me.

Spend some time walking around the lake itself and go swimming if you’d like! There are also plenty of photo opportunities if you’re a fan of churches, castles, and flowers. And swans. Swans are literally everywhere!

Although I didn’t have to time to do this myself, you can also row out to the island and ring the bell inside the church for good luck. A hit with tourists!

Bring your Lonely Planet Guide to Slovenia.

3. Take Hikes in the Julian Alps.

The Julian Alps offer several opportunities for hikes. So, if you’re more physically fit than I am (working on it!), then check out alllll the amazing hiking opportunities in the Julian Alps. I’m now a complete and total fangirl for mountains, and greatly enjoyed all the jaw-dropping views of the Alps on my epic walks.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a super hiker in order to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. I promise there are paths for every fitness level. If you travel in the summer, the weather tends to feel cooler in the mountains, so conditions are ideal for exploration and plus you’re rewarded with a needed rest from the heat.

Don’t worry about bringing bottled water if you don’t have it. Apparently, you can directly drink from the mountain springs themselves. The sources of all pure water. Mmm, doesn’t get any better than that.

Man, I need to become a better hiker. I’m so jealous of you hardcore outdoors people! One day, one day.

See the Best Places for Your Central Europe Itinerary

4. Go on the Emerald River Adventure Day Trip!

Oh my god, this Emerald River adventure trip was so much fun! And I paid for it out of my own pocket, fyi. I wouldn’t be recommending it if it was crap.

It made my visit to Lake Bled incredible.

This tour is especially valuable for people, especially younger backpackers, who have limited time in Bled and want to experience as much of the beautiful nature as possible.

What did we do?

• Hopped on a statue of a goat for good luck. You need to do it even if you’re not superstitious or think it’s silly.
• Went white-water rafting on River Soca. Even if you’re not a huge adventure traveler, white-water rafting is so much fun and your skilled guides will ensure you won’t get hurt. Be warned: the only place to change is outside, so don’t be bashful or worried about modesty!
• Rode on top of a train. It’s a great ride with plenty of inspirational scenery.
• Jumped off a bridge (Blond Wayfarer was too much of a weenie to do this so no footage is available).
• Took a hike through the Julian Alps and saw the greatest views
• Swam inside a waterfall. The water is COLD AS HELL but grin and bear it. Trust me, it’s fun and the views are spectacular.

The Emerald River Adventure Day Trip takes the entire day, but the experiences are well worth the time and money. The guides are so passionate about Slovenia, especially the area surrounding Lake Bled, that you will feel a similar connection the country and won’t want to leave. I know I cried on my last day partly due to how amazing this tour was. You need to give it a try.

5. Make Sure to Munch on Bled Cake!

I don’t have any pictures of this divine dessert because I immediately devoured it before I even thought to take out my cell phone. Whoops.

The Bled Cake is a vanilla cream cake that will blow your mind. Leave the diet at home.

Chowing on a Bled Cake is a tradition you need to enjoy. It’s been a tradition for several years, beginning with Ištvan Lukačevič who was the ex-manager of Hotel Park patisserie. He experimented with the recipe until it was perfect.

Ultimately my stomach thinks Bled Cake is one of the best things to do in Lake Bled. Yummy.

6. Take Plenty of Photos When You Visit Lake Bled.

I guess this is a bit of a “cop out” answer, but you need to take a lot of great pictures on your trip to Lake Bled.

I mean, okay, I know a photo won’t truly do the natural beauty a justice. But make sure you take at least a few classic shots on the lake, as well as in the Julian Alps, to bring vivid mementos home from your trip.

I still look back at my Lake Bled photos on a regular basis. The views of the aqua water, green mountains, castles and churches, all make me smile from ear to ear even if I’m having a bad day.

So practice your photography skills in Lake Bled and have fun!

Use My Favorite Camera – The Rebel 6! – on Your Lake Bled Adventure

I hope you enjoyed my beginners guide! I hope these things to do in Lake Bled inspired your trip. So is Bled, Slovenia on your bucket list? Have you ever visited Bled? What tips would you add to this beginner’s guide? And as always, share your honest opinions in the comments!

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