Bled looks like the opening plate of many a wonderful fairytale, with its beautiful lake with little wooded island in the centre, castle, chapel and all backed by the Julian Alps reflected in the calm, emerald waters. Its appeals means it can be pretty busy in peak season. It also means there's no shortage of choice when it comes to choosing the best places to stay in Bled. From five star hotels, to pensions, and Garni hotels (B&Bs), to hostels, villas and campgrounds.
Bled has long been a popular place to visit and is still Slovenia's most popular resort town. The landscape is the big draw, but these days it's not just to admire, it's also to explore. Bled is an active holiday destination as well as a romantic one. There's biking, sailing, walking, and even climbing, rafting and canyoning opportunities.
Bled's most romantic asset is probably the lake itself. There's a gentle 6km long walk along the shore, and when you're done looking you'll be pleased to discover that thermal springs heat the lake to a very comfortable 26 degrees! Lake Bled has always been a place for lovers.
Lake Bled is good for an afternoon's calm rowing or a spot of diving, after that you may like to head over to Vintgar Gorge. This is a spectacular spot for less adventurous types too, as the 4km walk offers some pretty dramatic scenery. The wooden walkway crosses above the tumultuous Radovna River several times. The gorge is lined with waterfalls of different sizes, as well as rapids and potholes. Vintgar Gorge is only 4.5kms walk from Bled and is the southwestern corner of Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park.
If you're here to visit the Triglav National Park, some of the best places to stay in Bled are close to transport links. Within the park there is plenty for active visitors to do. Explore the caves, trek in to see some impressive waterfalls, or spend two nights scaling Mount Triglav.
There are plenty of places to hire bikes in Bled and you can also hire a horse - with or without a guide.
What Not To Miss
- If you're here to take in the views you'll also want to visit the castle, the island and the church. Perched 100 metres above the lake, Bled castle is more residence than fortress and has been added to over time. Bled has a little of the Baroque to it, a little of the Gothic and its first tower, built around 1004, is Romanesque. Seat of the Tyrolian bishops for 800 years it was later a holiday home for the Yugoslav Royal Family. For visitors there is also a little museum about the lake and its history and a chapel with memorable frescoes.
- Bled island is tiny, but worth the charming gondola trip over so you can climb the long staircase to the little church and tiny museum.
- The larger Church of the Assumption is worth visiting for its art. There are some lovely frescos, a beautiful Romanesque chapel and a 'wishing bell' - which all add to the romance.
Given its popularity, be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment... The best places to stay in Bled get quickly filled up, especially in the busy summer months.
