Lake Bled and the Vintgar gorges
We spent a week in the breathtaking region of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, a highlight of our two-week itinerary in Slovenia. Nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps, this area is a true natural gem, offering an impressive range of activities. From hikes with stunning views to serene boat rides on Lake Bohinj and more challenging climbs in Triglav National Park, there's something for every nature lover. This part of our trip was truly memorable, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the richness of this natural heritage in a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere.
We began our exploration of this stunning region in the iconic village of Bled, a magnet for visitors each year thanks to its outdoor activities, its delicious Kremna rezina, and its serene atmosphere. This charming destination is a must-see for anyone traveling through Slovenia.
– For our complete Slovenia itinerary, click here: Two Weeks in Slovenia: Itinerary, Tips and Advice –
How to Get to Bled?
Bled is easily accessible from Ljubljana, both by car and public transport. By car, it takes about 45 minutes via the highway heading toward Jesenice. Exit at Lesce and follow the signs to Bled. If you prefer public transport, buses depart regularly from Ljubljana's bus station and take you directly to Bled in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
For our stay in Slovenia, we rented a car from Renty, a Slovenian car rental company based in Ljubljana, which we chose for its flexibility and competitive rates.
Where to Stay in Bled?
Bled offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy hostels and rental apartments. For an exceptional experience, the Grand Hotel Toplice provides historic charm with direct lake views and private access for swimming. Mid-sized hotels and guesthouses around the town center offer tranquility while keeping you close to restaurants and the lake. Travelers seeking a more immersive nature experience can choose accommodations in nearby villages like Bohinjska Bela, where they’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes just a few minutes' drive from Bled.
We chose an Airbnb located near Lake Bohinj, just a few kilometers away. We opted for tranquility during this summer season.
– Pour notre journée complète au lac de Bohinj, click here: A Day at Lake Bohinj –
Things to do in Bled
Wandering Around Lake Bled
Essential Tips
Guide (FR): Slovénie Secrète – an essential resource for exploring the country in depth.
Parking: Parking in Bled is highly regulated, with frequent fines. It’s recommended to check the official Bled website, which lists all parking options and their costs.
Hike: About 6 km to complete the loop around the lake. The path is flat and easy to navigate, making it ideal for all skill levels.
Viewpoints: From the hill of the castle, and don't miss the stunning panoramas from Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica.
Bled, as you can imagine, is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia, and upon arrival, it's easy to see why. The lake, with its clear blue waters, is surrounded by lush mountains that reflect in its calm surface. At the center, Bled Island stands with its church, the Assumption of Mary, a place steeped in legends and mysticism. According to tradition, newlywed couples who visit the island must climb the 99 stone steps to ring the church bell, bringing them luck and happiness.
Before starting our walk around the lake, we can't help but look up at the Bled Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop over 130 meters above the water. This thousand-year-old castle, one of the oldest in Slovenia, offers breathtaking views of the entire lake and its surroundings. It's worth taking a detour to climb up and explore its various exhibitions that tell the history of the region. The castle also houses a museum, an old printing press, and even a wine cellar where you can taste local wines.
We then begin our walk around the lake, a pleasant 6-kilometer loop that allows us to fully enjoy the landscapes. Along the way, we encounter families and couples using traditional boats, called pletna, to reach the island. Some more adventurous souls opt for paddleboarding, gliding peacefully on the water. Although tempting, we decide to stay on land, savoring the tranquility of the place and the simple joy of walking.
The walk takes us to several stunning viewpoints of the island and its church. We take a break to try a must-try local specialty: Kremna rezina, a typical Bled pastry. This light and creamy custard, topped with a layer of whipped cream, is a pure delight, perfect for recharging before the climb to Mala Osojnica, a famous viewpoint over the lake.
The climb is quite steep but well worth the effort. Once at the top, the panoramic view takes your breath away: the lake, the island, the mountains in the background—everything unfolds under a clear sky.
After taking the time to enjoy these peaceful moments and admire the surrounding nature, we head back down and continue to soak in the tranquility of the place before hitting the road again. While Bled is a popular destination, we chose to stay closer to Lake Bohinj, a quieter and less touristy area. We’ll spend the next six nights here to fully enjoy everything the region has to offer.
Visiting the Vintgar Gorge
The Vintgar Gorge, easily accessible from Bled, also enchanted us with its wild beauty and crystal-clear waters. This scenic trail, following the Radovna River, reveals waterfalls, natural pools, and wooden walkways, providing a spectacular setting for an unforgettable walk in the heart of nature.
Aware of the popularity of the place and the large influx of visitors, we choose to go right when it opens to avoid the crowds.
Essential Tips
Prices and Hours: For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Vintgar Gorge website.
Parking: Paid – located near the start of the hike. In 2022, it was possible to park for free further in the village, just a few minutes' walk away.
Hike: About 5 km in a loop with an elevation gain of 100 m, accessible to all and of easy difficulty.
Upon arrival, we park our car in the village near the gorge. We reach the ticket booth before opening, but a line has already formed, although the place is still fairly quiet.
We begin our exploration by walking on a wooden walkway that winds above the turbulent waters of the Radovna River. The cliffs surrounding us are so narrow and steep that hardly any sunlight filters through. A mysterious atmosphere pervades the gorge, enhanced by the constant rumble of the water swirling beneath our feet. The path is both captivating and soothing, with each turn revealing a new natural spectacle, while the crowd we feared gradually disperses, offering us more peace and quiet.
At the end of the trail, the gorge begins to widen. We are suddenly struck by the sun's rays flooding the scene. The water, which had been so wild, becomes calmer, its flow transforming into a gentle, peaceful river. We cross a bridge that offers a spectacular view of the Šum Waterfall, where the river plunges with a deafening roar, creating a fine mist at the base of the fall.
The return journey takes us along a trail that climbs through the forest. Each step feels heavier, but the beauty of the surroundings keeps us moving forward. As we leave the forest, we join a path along the hillside, offering stunning views of the valley below—a final treat for the eyes before we reach our vehicle.
EN 
FR 