Lake Bled: Day Trips and Tours from Ljubljana

An enchanting stretch of crystal-clear water nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled captivates any visitor who travels to its shores. Surrounded by greenery and featuring its own island with a historic church in the center, this is one of the most picturesque spots in Europe.

Day trips to Lake Bled from Ljubljana are easy to arrange, making them a must for anyone vacationing in the Slovenian capital. Best of all, many of these excursions offer a whirlwind introduction to the region’s natural attractions, including the lesser-known Lake Bohinj and the alpine Trigav National Park.

Here's all you need to know about Lake Bled, one of the most exciting day trips from Ljubljana.

How to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana?

Lake Bled is located at the foot of the Julian Alps in Northwestern Slovenia. It is approximately 80 kilometers from the capital city of Ljubljana.

From Ljubljana to Lake Bled by car

The journey to Lake Bled by car takes just over an hour and begins by traveling north out of Ljubljana along the E61. You’ll follow this road until Lesce where you’ll join Ljubljanska Cesta, which leads you into Bled.

From Ljubljana to Lake Bled by bus

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to Lake Bled by public transportation instead. A direct bus runs between the two destinations, departing from the main bus station in Ljubljana. The journey takes just over an hour and the bus operates once a day, leaving the city just after 6 AM.

Guided tour to Lake Bled from Ljubljana

Alternatively, you can book a guided excursion to Lake Bled and allows someone else to take care of the transportation details for you. These tours tend to last between 9 and 10 hours, and most offer a convenient hotel pickup around 8 AM.

Others ask you to meet at an easy-to-reach destination in the city. Either way, you’ll be able to see the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Lake Bled day trip features its own unique itinerary, all excursions share some similarities. After meeting your guide, you’ll hop into your vehicle and make the hour-long drive north of Ljubljana to reach the body of water.

Here, you’ll usually have the opportunity to explore the lake edge alone before choosing whether or not to take a boat across to Bled Island. If you decide to do so, you’ll be able to amble through the island’s church freely, admiring its frescoes or praying to Mother Mary before continuing on to Bled Castle. Discover the 11th-century structure that towers over the lake, which has been transformed into a public museum. From here, you may return to Ljubljana.

However, the majority of Lake Bled day tours continue on to other destinations. One of the most popular routes takes you deep into the mountains to Triglav National Park where the tranquil Bohinj Valley is situated. Others travel underground to Postojna Cave in order to explore millions of years of geology.

As these excursions last all day, you’ll typically stop en route for lunch at your own expense around Bled and once you’ve finished your adventure, you’ll be transported back to your meeting point.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lake Bled?

There are a multitude of Lake Bled day tours on offer for you to choose from, based on your travel style and any additional destinations you wish to visit.

Guided tours to Lake Bled from Ljubljana

After a scenic drive through the peaks and valleys of Slovenia’s countryside, you’ll arrive at Lake Bled where you’ll stretch your legs with an energizing stroll around its exterior. From there, you’ll hop into a traditional wooden boat and make your way across the dazzling waters to the island in its center that holds the iconic 12th-century Church of the Assumption of Mary.

You’ll also have the opportunity to discover the romantic turrets and picture-perfect location of Bled Castle, perched atop a 130-meter cliff overlooking the lake. Refuel after all your exploring with a classic Slovenian cream cake before returning to Ljubljana.

Day trip to Lake Bled plus Bohinj from Ljubljana

You’ll begin this Lake Bled day trip by heading straight to your main destination where you’ll row gently through the waters to reach Bled Island. Here, you can climb the church’s 99 Baroque steps and learn about the legends behind the building.

Moving on, you’ll see history unravel before you as you roam several of the opulent rooms of Bled Castle, which was gifted to the bishops of Brixen in the 11th century. Journey to the Bohinj Valley, surrounded by lofty peaks, dense forests and sparkling lakes, where you’ll breathe in the mountain air, discover religious frescoes, and indulge in local cuisine.

Day tour to Lake Bled plus Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Ljubljana

This combination day trip transports you to Bled Island where you can marvel at the Gothic frescoes of its church, which has existed in some capacity for over 1,000 years. You’ll wander the halls of Bled Castle admiring traditional Slovenian artifacts, which include coats of armor, as well as weapons.

After a leisurely stroll around Lake Bled, you’ll continue to the extensive cave network of Postojna where you’ll board a train to explore its captivating stalagmite formations. Finally, journey to the largest cave castle in the world — Predjama — where you’ll learn about the thrilling legend of Erazem of Predjama.

Day tour to Lake Bled plus Triglav National Park from Ljubljana

After discovering the many wonders of Lake Bled, including its charming island and its medieval castle, you’ll make your way to Lake Bohinj — an untouched natural paradise less than 30 kilometers away. Located in the center of the Triglav National Park, Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia and its crystalline waters, and staggering scenery make this the perfect place to unwind.

Before ending your Lake Bled day tour, you’ll visit Vintgar Gorge, the walls of which measure up to 100 meters high. Be mesmerized by the tumbling falls and raging rapids before boarding your vehicle, and returning to Ljubljana.

How much does a day trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana cost?

A basic Lake Bled day trip costs between €60 and €70 per adult, while children between the ages of 3, and 14 qualify for a 50% discount off the adult rate and those under 3 can participate for free. While this type of excursion includes round-trip transportation and a guide, you’ll be responsible for all entry fees, which amount to around €50 each.

A day trip to Triglav National Park and Lake Bled costs between €90, and €100 per adult while children between the ages of 2 and 12 benefit from a reduced rate of between €40, and €50 each.

Tours that include Bohinj and Lake Bled cost around €100 per adult. Once again, children between the ages of 3 and 14 will pay half the adult rate while those under 3 incur no additional charge.

Lake Bled day tours that also travel to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle cost between €110, and €120 per adult. Children are classed as those under 13 and cost half the adult fare. You’ll be part of a small group limited to eight guests, which provides a more personal experience than you can expect on other tours.

What will you see and do?

Bled Castle

The oldest castle in Slovenia, Bled Castle was constructed at the beginning of the 11th century and donated to the bishops of Brixen who used the residence as their home for the next 800 years. The oldest of the castle's turrets dates is constructed in a classic Romanesque style while the rest of the landmark features Renaissance architecture.

The grand building was restored in the 20th century and today,  Bled Castle serves as a museum. It is widely visited by both national and international tourists alike on Lake Bled day trips with over 300,000 annual guests.

Church of Mary of the Assumption

The Church of Mary of the Assumption is located on a solitary island in the center of Lake Bled. Its current form was erected in the 17th century, although a church existed here previously. The church is best known for its sizeable bell tower and is a popular wedding venue for romantic couples.

It is tradition for the groom to carry his bride up the 99 steps of the church to ring the bell and announce their wedding. Internally, the Church of Mary of the Assumption features a remarkable display of frescoes, which were added in the 20th century by Slovenian painter, Slavko Pengov.

When is the best time to visit Lake Bled?

A visit to Lake Bled in December is a fairytale experience, especially during Christmas time. The festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations and lights adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those who love the magic of winter.

On the other hand, if you're travelling with family, summer is the best time to visit Lake Bled. Flowers bloom at this time of year, highlighting the natural beauty of the area and providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities and exploration. Warm temperatures and sunny skies provide comfort for a variety of activities such as swimming, boating and biking, perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.  

Are there any tours to Lake Bled from other cities in Slovenia?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Slovenia:

• Day Trips to Lake Bled from Zagreb

Travel tips

• Lunch is not usually provided on guided tours to the lake. We recommend that you bring a packed lunch or eat at one of the nearby restaurants. Please remember to bring enough cash for your meal.
• Please note that certain activities, such as a Pletna boat ride, visit to Bled Castle and Island Church, may not be included in all tours. Separate admission fees may apply to these attractions. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to check with your guide in advance about the Lake Bled tour services.
• You usually tip the guide at the end of the tour as a token of appreciation. Expressing your gratitude will make your trip to Lake Bled an enjoyable experience for all involved.