2-Day Lake Bled Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip Guide

So, you’re heading to Lake Bled? Well, get ready to fall in love.

If you’ve been following our journey through 40 countries, you know we’re suckers for an aesthetic destination. But let’s be real: some places just don’t live up to the Instagram hype.

Lake Bled is NOT one of them.

It’s every bit as magical as it looks – emerald water, a tiny island with a church, and those dramatic Alps in the background. But because it’s so popular, you really need a solid plan to avoid the crowds and find the best views. Most people try to squeeze this into a day trip from Ljubljana, but honestly? You need more time to actually breathe in that mountain air.

We visited during the height of summer when the sun doesn’t set till 9 PM, and while the weather was perfect for long days of exploring, it does mean you have to be extra smart about timing.

This 2-day Lake Bled itinerary is specifically designed to help you see the best of the lake during those long, sunny days. Seeing as much as possible, without feeling like you’re running on a treadmill.

How to Reach and Get Around Lake Bled

While there are buses to take you around, I highly recommend renting a car from Ljubljana (the capital) . It really is the ultimate power move here because it gives you the freedom to hit the nearby sights early in the morning before the tour busses arrive.

Pick up your car at Ljubljana airport or train station. The drive from Ljubljana Bled is a breeze – about 45 minutes of very scenic highway. We rented a car from the airport.

Since we arrived in the city by bus from Venice, we had to then take a bus to the airport to pick up our car. We just used Google Maps to help guide us and it was very easy. We took the public bus from the Central Bus Station (Platform 28) which costs around Euro 4 per person. But you can also take the GoOpti Bus or the NOMAGO bus.

I usually use DiscoverCars.com to compare local rates and book the vehicle. Just make sure you get the full coverage option as those mountain roads can be narrow!

Where to Stay in Lake Bled

It’s best to stay as close to the lake as possible as you can simply walk around town. Accommodation in Lake Bled can be slightly on the expensive side compared to other places in Slovenia but still really good value for company when you compare to other major cities in Europe. And do choose a stay with parking as parking in Lake Bled can be expensive.

All the spots I’ve suggested below have excellent location but might need a slight uphill/downhill walk to get to and back from the lake.

Apartmaji Pri Kokolu: We stayed at this 3-star guest house which was an easy 650 metre walk to Lake Bled. The rooms were really spacious and the hosts were the kindest and most hospitable we met during the entire 70-day Europe trip. Highly recommend.

Jazz Bled Guest House: Another excellent guesthouse located very close the the above one with excellent breakfast and a hospitable host.

Penzion Kaps: Beautiful house just 150 metres from the lake with a helpful tea.

Hotel Park: This 4-star hotel is located right in Bled town at the shoreline. However, You have to pay extra 10€ per night for parking which is a lot lesser than other hotels in the area.

If you’re travelling in the summer, I highly recommend booking for accommodation 5-6 months in advance if you can so you can book the stay of your choice. Else you’re going to be have to book the leftovers.

Lake Bled Itinerary

This 2-day Bled itinerary covers the absolute best of the region — from scenic viewpoints and lakeside strolls to a little adventure and plenty of good food. It’s the perfect mix of slow travel and fun experiences!

Day 1 in Lake Bled

Day 1 is all about exploring Lake Bled itself. This day you’ll drive to Bled and then won’t really be needing your car too much.

Straža Hill Tobaggan

First things first, start your time in Bled with this fun yet slightly slightly unexpected activity in your Bled itinerary.

The summer toboggan (often called the Straža Bled alpine coaster) is exactly what it sounds like. You take a short chairlift up the hill, then control your own speed as you zoom down a winding track with views over Lake Bled. It’s not extreme, but it’s just enough adrenaline to make you feel like a kid again.

We did not do this. But everyone we’ve spoken to, absolutely loved it even when they didn’t expect to, which is why I suggestadding it to your itinerary.

The only challenge is that it can get extremely crowded in the day with wait times being 1-2 hours sometimes. So I highly suggest being there at opening time. The timings change all year, so please check the latest timings and try to be there just before opening time. In the summer this is usually 10-11 AM. You do have parking here, so that will not be an issue.

After you’re done, drop your bags at your hotel, and park your car for the day. It’s time to start walking!

Bled Cake

You can’t say you’ve been to Bled without eating Kremna Rezina (Bled Cream Cake). While most places in town will offer the Bled Cake, these can be super sweet so you need to know where to go. Head to Slascicarna Zima (Confectionery Zima) for THE BEST bled cake. It’s flaky, custardy, not extra sweet and 100% worth the calories.

If you’re staying at either of the first two stay options above, this is going to on your walk down to the lake so it’s literally the perfect stop before your long stroll. If you’re staying in another area around the lake, you can stop here anytime else on your itinerary (After Bled Castle, after/before Mega Burger as these are close by).

Bled Town for Lunch

Walk towards Bled Town for lunch. During this walk, you will probably catch your first glimpse of the stunning Lake Bled. Take some time to take this view in. There are plenty of benches and photo points along the part of the lake. Finally grab lunch! We ate at the Public & Vegan Kitchen Bled as the food was good.

Walk the Perimeter of the Lake

After you’re fueled, it’s time to start burning it all off. Start walking around the lake in the same direct as before- clockwise around the lake. The walk is about 6 km (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours) but it’s flat and easy. It’s a must do because it gives you every possible angle of the island plus you’ll make so many stops on the way that your legs won’t really feel it. It is THE THING to do when you’re in Bled and trust me, you will enjoy seeing life around the lake.

Here are some options of stops to make. But just remember, you DO NOT HAVE TO do everything.

• Boat ride to Bled Island: Hop on a Pletna boat (20€ pp) to visit the church in the middle of the lake (12€ pp entrance fees) for 30 minutes. Pletnas are the traditional boats of Lake Bled. They are to Bled what gondolas are to Venice.
  Or you can even rent a rowboat for 20€/hour which IMO is a better deal because you get to be out on the water on your own and control what you do, but of course it’s not the traditional experience.
  
  Bled island is Slovenia’s only natural island. There a 17th-century Church of the Assumption of Mary with 99 stone steps leading up to it. Legend says if you ring the wishing bell at the church, your dreams come true. (Hey, it’s worth a shot, right?)
  

• Cafe Belvedere: Stop at this cafe for a snack or a drink for the absolute best view in town without the castle crowds. Be warned, it’s kinda pricey!

• 
  Mala Osojnica: If you’re feeling athletic, hike up to Mala Osojnica- 685-meter hill viewpoint- for that famous birds-eye view of the lake, island and castle. This a short 45-60 minute hike through the forest but it’s rocky, narrow and often slippery so please wear good shoes for it.
  
  While the trail head of this hike, is on your walk this day, you can choose to skip it today if you wish and do it for sunrise on Day 3 before you check out of your hotel. This way you’ll have fewer crowds up top and more stunning sunrise views.
  
• Sunset Bled Castle: Walk uphill to Bled Castle which costs 19€ to enter. The museum inside is okay (nothing great), but you’re really here for the terrace views. You can even treat yourself at the Castle Coffeeshop for a coffee with an unforgettable view of the island (open from March to October)
  
  If you stay till late, seeing the lights flicker on around the lake as the sun goes down will be magical.
  
  That being said, if you’ve climbed/ or will be climbing Mala Osojnica, then it is in no way necessary to go up here as well as the views will be similar albeit from opposite sides.

Dinner

Head over to Mega Burger at Bled Hostel for burgers. Their burger is truly legendary (vegeterian option is available). It’s huge, delicious, and easy on the wallet. We loved it so much, we ate dinner here on both our 2 days in Lake Bled. You really can’t miss it!

Day 2 in Lake Bled

Today, you’ll be seeing sights near Lake Bled that are as beautiful if not more than Bled itself. They are absolutely worth the drive.

8:00 AM: Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge is a stunning 1.6km gorge. You’ll be exploring it walking on wooden bridges & walkways pinned to the side of a canyon. The entire walk is super mysterious and beautiful (esp. in the morning when the mist hangs over the water) and sunlight passes through. However, note that Vingtar Gorge experince is designed as a one-way circular route, you in addtion to the gorge, you will need to choose one of the two walking trails back to the entrance so the total walk will be either 4.3 km or 5.7 km. So basically you’ll need 2.5-3 hours for this entire walking route.

To get there you need to drive 4 km to the gorge and park Vintgar Gorge Central parking LIP (1). From there you can take the Vingtar Shuttle to the entrance. You can purchase your entrance ticket here.

Do go at opening time especially if you’re visiting in the summer. I cannot stress this enough. It’s stunning in the morning because there is mist over the water. Not only that, the walkways are very narrow so by 10:00 AM, it’s a bottleneck of selfie sticks so it won’t be enjoyable at all. Check the opening time for your date here.

Midday: Vogel Mountain Cable Car at Lake Bohinj

Most people stop only at Bled, and skip Lake Bohinj which is just 25 minutes away (28 km). It’s Slovenia’s largest lake located inside Triglav National Park and feels much more “untouched.” It is wilder, more rugged, and a lot more tranquil than Lake Bled as it is not overrun by tourists.

In Bohinj, head straight to the Vogel Cable Car. It whisks you up to 1,535 meters and gives you panoramic views of Lake Bohinj, of the towering Julian Alps and surrounding valleys. In the winter it’s a ski resort; in the summer, it’s a hiking paradise with views that stretch all the way to Mount Triglav (Slovenia’s highest peak). Once you’re at the top, there are plenty of hikes ranging from “easy stroll” to “serious trek.”

Once, you’re at the top, do not hurry through the exit gate. The platform where the cable car drops you off is where you can see the entirety of Bohinj Lake – a view might not get later. If you’re not interested in hiking, you can take have a bite at the cafe and take the chairlift up and down for the views and maybe stroll a little on the easy flat walking trails.

If you’d like to hike a little you can take the chairlift up and do the Sija Peak (3 hour return) for epic views of the Julian Alps. It can be a bit technical at times so do wear hiking shoes.

We could not do these as it was raining, but we so wish we had!

Late Afternoon/Evening: Lake Bohinj

The best way to enjoy Lake Bohinj and it’s peace and beauty is to take a paddleboard, kayak or boat around the lake. You can easily rent either of these at the main entrance/beach of the lake.

If you’d like you can also check out then 15th century Church of St. John the Baptist. We just saw it from afar and that was enough!

The Wind Down

Head back to Bled for one last swim or to tick off any activities you missed yesterday. If you’re there in the summer, the sun doesn’t set till 8:30-9 PM giving you enough time for a dip in the lake to end your trip.

Day 3: Back to Ljubljana

On this day, check out, drive back to Ljubljana to return the car. If you have a late flight, spend a few hours wandering through Ljubljana’s old town—it’s easily one of the most charming capital cities in Europe.

And if you’d like to explore more of Europe on this trip, next you can take a bus to Venice in Italy (3.5-hour bus ride), Zabreb in Croatia (2.5 hour bus ride), or Salzburg in Austria (3.5-hour bus ride)

How Much We Spent in Bled

Car Rental: €94
Fuel and Parking: €39
Hotel: €200
Food: €127
Attractions & Activties: €62 (Bled Castle, Vingtar, Kayaking in Bohinj, )

Total for 2 people for 2 days: €522

Wrapping up…

In a world of “Instagram vs. Reality,” Lake Bled is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype. Yes, it’s popular, and yes, you’ll have to set an early alarm to see the best of it—but those views are magical!

Whether you’re rowing out to the island or driving through the wilder corners of Lake Bohinj, this 2-day Lake Bled itinerary gives you just enough time to fall in love with Slovenia.

I’d love to hear from you! Are you planning a trip to Slovenia this summer, or is Lake Bled still on your bucket list? If you have any questions drop a comment below—I’d love to help you plan your own fairytale escape.