I'd read all about Lake Bled and it was one of the places I had really looked forward to as I travelled across Europe. I wasn't disappointed. I got the bus to Bled from Ljubljana. It cost me just €2, buying a ticket the day before from a very helpful English speaking lady at the bus station. I had wanted to book a different bus and she quoted €28. I was all ready to pay it but she let me know that was a private bus and if I waited I could pay the €2. The cheap bus is a bit slower but goes via the airport. Thanks for that. Lake Bled really is beautiful. The water is so clear and still, and the surroundings so picturesque. The climb to the castle is steep but not as long as to be a killer. The views from up there are stunning and you should do it. I then walked the circumference of the lake. It is about 6km and took me longer than a walk of that length should take me. I had stopped every few minutes to take photos though. I didn't get to the island. I personally felt happy that I had seen the best of it from the shore. It was a little pricier than I'd have liked to get a boat there so I chose not to. That is the one thing that was not so great about Bled. It really is a tourist trap. Food there is very expensive. I paid €7 for a sandwich! It's still worth a trip there though. Maybe take a packed lunch.

Lake is a pretty good size and home to Slovenian Olympic rowing venue. Walking the 6km perimeter is well worth. Flat path either concrete or pebbles. Recommend going left (clockwise) from town as you get the part next to the road out of the way before there is hardly a sound. A number of lido areas to swim and innumerable photo opportunities .

We had seen pictures and heard of the beauty of Lake Bled, and we loved our time here. We stayed in the town for 3 nights, with one day spent driving and hiking in other areas nearby, and a full day spent enjoying Bled itself (including the separately reviewed castle, viewpoints, and highly recommended Vintgar Gorge). Our best views of the lake were probably from the Mala Osojnica viewpoint (45 minutes or so of hiking), plus other good ones from Bled Castle. We also enjoyed time spent following the path around the lake (about 4 miles; our hotel had bikes available that we were able to use) and on the lake itself. We chose to pay for a pletna boat ride out to the island; there are also swimming areas and other boats available for rent. That cost €18 per person, cash only, so be prepared if you choose to do that. The lake is beautiful and the area, although touristy, does allow you to find some moments of peace, solitude, and scenic views.

We visited for a day and had great weather. We walked all the way around the lake, there are places where you can hire rowing boats or get on a pletna boat for 18 euros to go to the island in the middle. We opted for the pletna boat as it was very sunny and nice to be rowed to the middle. Once there you can go up the church tower but this is 12 euros. the views are fantastic from all areas of the lake with clear blue water. This is a must visit place in Slovenia, the only negative is the restaurants and eating places are not as good as Ljuljana and are pricey in comparison. We were told in high season the traffic is very heavy and gets backed up so best visit out of season if you can.

This is a most breathtaking beauty place. I’m Sure it’s beautiful in all seasons. In Autumn it was spectacular. Amazing views. We walked around the whole lake and it took us around an hour and half. But worth every moment . Just like a fairytale

Today is Sunday, and the Saturday crowd is gone. Tom’s estimate is the crowd is down ½ of what it was on Saturday. We can only imagine once the weekend is over the area will be left to the hikers and us. We first went on an enclosed electric boat trip out to the island in the middle of Lake Bled, where they dropped us off for about an hour. The cost was 14 € PP and the slow oar-powered boat was 18€ (both go to the island and pick you back up in one hour. On the island there is a beautiful church (Assumption of Mary / Mother of God on the lake) as the center feature atop its wooded surroundings on the island. 6€ pp if over 65 got us into the church, up the clock tower and the museum. We went up the clock tower and rang the wishing bell in front of the altar They say if you ring the bell your wish will come true (“come on Rich meet us on the 30th”). Wow that bell rang all day as visitor after visitor cast their wishes. We then hopped on the sightseeing trolley for our 4-mile trip around the lake. Lots to see that you miss from the town’s view. Lots of hikers, which would have made it a little difficult (hazardous) for a bike rider if we rented them. You can rent electric bikes and ride around the lake for about $56 euros PP. We decided against such as there are way too many hikers on the trails / roads this weekend. We would have easily walked the four miles around the lake, but our days are already quite full (we also have many more busy days still to look forward to on this trip).

As we spent a 4-day weekend here in town, we took several occasions to just come down by the lake and walk. With trails around the whole lake, you could easily take a day to walk around it and make several stops for photos, lounging or food (in some areas). We also took a lovely September afternoon and went to Grajsko kopališče which is the bathing/swimming area under the castle to lounge on some rented chairs and take a dip in the lake, which was surprisingly still a good temperature for the time of year. Absolutely beautiful landscape all around the lake with sooo many photo worthy opportunities.

Weather permitting, this is a must-see place in Slovenia. We visited on a sunny winter day, and the lake was sparkling like a blue jewel against the white cliffs that surround it. Being low season, it was not crowded, but there were only about four restaurants close to the lake that were operational. Rest were closed. The boat ride to the island is also irregular during winter. Regular bus services from Arriva company (Google search Arriva Ljubljana to get the website address) are available from Ljubljana bus station. The one-way ticket is Euro 5.70, and it takes about 90 mins to reach Bled. There are two bus stops in Bled - the Bled Union stop is closest to the lake. The same bus then continues to Lake Bohinj. Please be aware that the tickets can be purchased only by paying in cash, both at the bus station and from the bus driver. While purchasing your ticket from Ljubljana bus station, you are handed a return bus schedule so that you may plan your return to the city.

Doing a boat trip on Lake Bled is a must do when visiting Slovenia. However, be prepared for crowds - even in September, which is out of peak season. The views are pretty, but quite frankly they are not the prettiest I have seen in other countries - a bit overrated. It was a pleasant experience boating to and alighting at the island (Cerkev Marijinega) and provided lots of great photo opportunities of the lake and mountains from the vantage point in the middle of the lake.

Direct bus from Ljubljana - don’t use train. It’s €2 each way (yes you read that correctly)… Don’t book tours, walk up to the castle . Don’t take the shuttle. It’s 15 minute walk and I’m not as fit as I used to be and I was fine. Walk around the lake - 6 kms. It’s a walk, not a hike but so take. Bottle of water and suitable wether protection. We went in December so decent coat, hat and gloves. Wear sensible shoes tho. We didn’t do island. We were there for 6 hours. Was a really good day out. Prices are a little higher than Ljubljana but nowhere near other European tourist traps.