What To See Around Lake Bled, Slovenia

As much as I always try to visit unique places, where I’ll meet few tourists, I can’t deny that must-see attractions are “must-see” for a reason.

But in Slovenia, even the most popular destinations are uncrowded, compared to similar places elsewhere. A place that is a must-see and unique, is Lake Bled.

Things To Do & See Around Lake Bled

Lake Bled Itself!

One of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations, along with the Postojna Caves, Lake Bled seems just out of a fairy-tale – cliche intended.

This emerald-water lake is very picturesque, mainly because of the small island in the middle – Slovenia’s only island – and the tower of the Church of the Assumption.

You can walk around Lake Bled in less than two hours. That is, if you don’t stop endless times to take photos or to just take in the view. If walking is not for you, you can hire and row your own boat to Bled Island.

But if you’re like me, you’ll probably prefer to take a pletna, a 15-people boat to get to the island. I saw several couples in their own boats and taking pictures in the middle of the lake. Who said romance is dead?

Tito’s Summer Residence

Slovenia was one of the most prosperous nations that made the former Yugoslavia. At Lake Bled you can see one of former-president Tito’s summer residences. It’s at the (now) Vila Bled Hotel. The former residence has been renovated, but much of the original features were kept.

Atop a hill, offering great views over the lake, some of the rooms are really worth a visit – that is, if you’re staying there! The bar, little changed from its communist past, is an interesting place to be, as well as the meeting room with its gigantic panels.

Visit Bled Castle

Rising above the lake, a medieval castle perched on a rock completes the fairy-tale scenery. I went up there by car, but if you choose to exercise your calf muscles, be ready for a steep climb.

The castle itself is just over 1000 years old. It has a blend of styles – Romanesque, medieval towers and outer Renaissance buildings.

I absolutely loved the views from up there – seeing whole lake, the island and the surrounding mountains from the castle offer many great photo opportunities.

There are also two small museums and a tiny chapel. At one of the museums, the staff dressed in medieval costumes and working old printing machines, will make you feel like you went back in time.

But with no doubt, one of my most enjoyable moments at Bled Castle, was when a crazy priest, slightly drunk, served me some local wine. 🙂

Try The Famous Bled Cream Cake

Up at the castle there is a nice restaurant with very pleasant waiters and great views. Here I tried the local speciality, “originally” called Bled cake, which is one of the best desserts you will find in Slovenian cuisine.

The cream cake, always served in generous portions, is another symbol of Bled. It’s simple, but let’s see: think of a golden crispy crust made from butter dough, a delicious vanilla cream, topped with whipped cream and a crispy layer of butter dough and a nice sugar dusting. How does it sound?

At the end of the visit, I returned to my room at Hotel Park and enjoyed a last glass of wine from my balcony, enjoying the views of the lake in front of me. The following day would see us visiting picturesque places nearby, such as the village of Radlovjica and Lake Bohinj.