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If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Slovenia, Lake Bled is an absolute must-see! But with just two days there, where should you go? Here are some amazing spots that will help you experience all this breathtaking area has to offer.

Day 1

Sunrise Hike to the Ojstrica Viewpoint of Lake Bled

After walking the trails around Lake Bled and exploring many of its viewpoints, I can honestly say that none compared to Ojstrcia. The view was unparalleled! Plus, Ojstrica was a relatively short and easy hike. It takes about 20-30 minutes to get to the viewpoint from the trailhead.

Just make sure you wear hiking boots with stability and watch your footing on the rocky terrain. There are no steep drop-offs, but one wrong step could leave you with a twisted ankle.

I also took this outdoor blanket on my hike with me to stay warm until the sun came up. I was sitting on an Everywhere Mat from the same brand as well.

After watching sunrise at Ojstrica, venture to the Velika Osojnica viewpoint

After spending plenty of additional effort to this viewpoint, I thought it lacked charm. All you could see was a sea of trees.

If seeking something more beautiful, the nearby Razgledna Točka viewpoint at least includes views of Lake Bled, although not the best.

Take the trek to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint of Lake Bled

Lake Bled’s color looks especially stunning from here. Although no major drop-offs, the hike is quite steep in some areas. You may need help from ropes and railing along narrower portions of the trail.

Just try not to attempt this hike in the dark. Ojstrica is the safer route up if the sun isn’t fully up yet.

Visit Bled Island on Lake Bled and Tour the Church of the Mother of God

Take an adventure to Bled Island, located in the middle of Lake Bled!

Get a Pletna boat for 15 Euros round trip or rent your own rowboat. You can just walk up to any of the Pletnas around the lake and ask the oarsman to take you. No advance reservations are necessary. 

You’ll then get up close and personal with The Church of the Mother of God, built centuries ago in 1142! It’s been through so much history. The church was rebuilt during the Gothic era then renovated after two earthquakes in Baroque style.

There is also a wedding tradition still practiced here today. Men must carry their bride-to-be up 99 steps that lead up from the dock to this beautiful church.

A must do in The Church of the Mother of God, ring the wishing bell

The story of the Wishing Bell is quite mysterious.

A man was killed by robbers, who dumped his body in Lake Bled. His devastated widow collected her silver and gold to pay for a bell that would be placed on the island. However, on its way to the island, heavy storms sunk the boat with the bell onboard.

The widow sold all her belongings and moved away to a monastery in Rome. Upon the widow’s death, the Pope dedicated a new bell and sent back it Bled Island.

Want to make your wishes come true? Legend says just ring the bell and the lady of the lake will fulfill your wish.

Afterwards, gaze down through two glass windows on the floor of the church that showcase a few of 124 graves that were found under the church during renovations.

Day 2

Tour Bled Castle Alongside Lake Bled

Take a trip and explore the history of Bled Castle! Dating back to 1004, it’s perched up high alongside Lake Bled. You can arrive by car or make things more active with a 20-minute hike up from the lake shore.

Once inside, you’ll get an audio guide you can access from your phone (free Wi-Fi available!).

For an added experience, print off your own memorial document at the Castle Printing Works. Or, my favorite thing to do at the castle is to bottle your own wine and seal the bottle with wax in the castle cellar. 

As if this wasn’t enough adventure already, there are several vantage points behind the castle walls where you can capture even more picturesque scenes of Lake Bled. If you’d prefer to enjoy the castle longer, kick back and enjoy some delicious food at the castle restaurant, overlooking those same amazing views.

Take a Walk through Vintgar Gorge

For more breathtaking sights, not necessarily including Lake Bled, there is a gorgeous gorge nearby. You don’t even need a car to visit and enjoy it. Just ask your hotel and they can help you book an affordable transfer service (18 Euros per 1-3 people!) to the gorge.

Admission only cost 10 Euros at the time of writing this post, making this an affordable nature experience not be missed.

To avoid crowds, which are light in the off-season, try visiting during early morning and late afternoon hours. I went at 2:30pm and it felt like I had my own semi-private slice of heaven!

After hiking 1.5 hours through the gorgeous gorge and exiting via a grey metal door, you are presented with two options, a trail to the left or right. I chose left and embarked on a roughly 10-15 minute journey along a nature trail until reaching Natour Bar. Here’s an insider tip, Natour Bar offers transport back to Lake Bled at 8 Euros per person. The transport is 18 euros if you’re alone, but you can always wait for a group to ride with like I did.

If you have your own car, there is parking available at the entrance of the gorge. When you see the steel door, you can make your way to Natour Bar for a ride back to the parking lot or hike back to the entrance where you started.

For another European lakeside adventure, check out Top Viewpoints in Hallstatt, Austria.