Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge in Triglav National Park, Slovenia.
A visit to Lake Bled exceeds all expectations, offering a truly spectacular experience. The turquoise water, lush green trees, snow-capped mountains, charming wooden boats, and scenic boardwalks create a breathtaking scene. Additionally, Vintgar Gorge is a must-see, featuring a 1.6km wooden boardwalk that clings to sheer cliffs, passing rapids and water holes, leading to Slovenia's largest river waterfall. This incredible natural beauty is not to be missed.
Lake Bled
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Lake Bled is located 55km from Ljubljana. There is a small town on the side of the lake called Bled. There are hotels and restaurants around the town area - and it is certainly worthwhile staying a few nights if you have the time. Lake Bled is the most stunning turquoise colour, even in the rain. It is just over 2km long and 1.4km wide with Bled Island in the middle. If you only have time for a day trip, then check out the one we recommend.
One of the best things about visiting Lake Bled is the 6km track that circumnavigates the whole lake. It is an easy track to follow, with many photo opportunities along the way, as you can see from all the pictures I have taken. You can see the Bled Island from all angles as well as Bled Castle. You might even have the chance to see some Olympic rowers practicing from the Olympic Rowing Centre on the opposite side of the lake.
Make sure you don’t rush walking around Lake Bled, and find all the wooden boardwalks and jetties that you can walk on to go out over the water. As well a the stunning colour of the water, the lake is surrounded with tall shady trees in all shades of green. It’s a real feast for the eyes. Try to also find time to enjoy a seat or viewpoint and just sit and take in the atmosphere and the views.
Bled Castle
You can’t miss Bled Castle, as it sits dramatically on top of a sheer 130m cliff right on the edge of Lake Bled. The castle has a 1000 year history. According to written sources it is the oldest Slovenian Castle. The views from the castle are impressive. It is open seven days and looks like it is out of a fairytale.
You can walk up to the castle, which is only a ten minute walk, or you can take a bus or drive to the carpark behind the castle. Bled Castle has courtyards, towers, a chapel and frescos. It is also stunning to view as the sun sets and after dark.
Bled Island
Bled Island sits in the middle of Lake Bled and is probably the best-known site of the area. It is a small island that has one main building - the Church of The Assumption of Mary built in its current form near the end of the 17th century. You arrive at the island by a wooden Pletna boat which date back to 1740 when oarsman would ferry religious pilgrims across Lake Bled. Once you reach Bled Island there are 99 stone steps leading to the Church.
You can enter the church, at a cost, or just have a coffee at the small cafe. It is also possible to walk around the edge of the island, where you will see more stunning views of the lake with its turquoise waters. The boat ride is pleasant, but expensive. It was 18 euro in May 2024. You have 45 minutes on the island, which is actually plenty of time.
Vintgar Gorge, Triglav National Park
Vintgar Gorge is only 4km west of Bled. You can drive, catch a shuttle bus, or walk if you are feeling energetic. You need to buy tickets online before you go, as they are timed entries, so not too many people are in the gorge at the same time and if you arrive withouth tickets, you may have to wait a while to enter. We caught the shuttle bus to the entrance and were given hair nets and orange helmets to protect us from any falling rocks.
If you want to visit Lake Bled as well as Vintgar Gorge, plus Slovenia’s biggest lake -Bohinj then click the button below for the tour we recommend.
The walk along the gorge (as you can see) is simply stunning. The walkway is a timber construction that clings to the edge of 50 to 100m cliff faces. It creeps its way along the gorge for 1.6km until the biggest river waterfall in Slovenia and the end. You will see many rapids, beautiful still pools of clear turquoise water as well as waterfalls all along the way.
Make sure to take your time to enjoy the gorge inside the National Park. There are many opportunities for postcard perfect pictures (even if you are wearing raincoats and orange helmets).
The gorge was formed by glaciers over many 1000’s of years and the Radovna River.
The gorge was first opened for tourism in 1893.
TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK
At the end of the gorge you will find the 13m Sum (noisy) Falls. There is a cafe there where you can enjoy a drink or something to eat and listen to the water crashing over the rocks. One way out of the gorge is through the forest area of the national park. You follow a track through tall trees up a pretty steep hill to the small St. Katarina church. From here you have panoramic views of Bled Castle and lots of lush farmland.
From this point you can catch your shuttle back to town, or continue the 4km track through more picturesque landscape.
These are some of our favourite pictures of us enjoying Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge. This will be one place I definitely want to visit again. Some lifelong memories for us of this beautiful landscape, even if we did have to wear orange helmets around the gorge. lol.