Best Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia (+ Where to Eat & Stay)

• Ride on a pletna boat to the island in the middle of the lake. There are no motorized boats on the lake and a traditional pletna boat is the best way to enjoy getting out on the water. There is a captain who does the rowing, so you get to just sit and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Visit Bled Island, where you’ll climb 99 stone steps upon arriving on a pletna boat. Explore the Church of Assumption, which you can enter for a fee, and/or go up in the bell tower to ring the wishing bell. If you’d rather explore the small island on your own, grab a coffee or gelato at the cafe and just soak in the peaceful, scenic views.

• Enjoy a walk around the whole perimeter of the lake. It’s a decent-sized lake, but not too big. It will take you about 1.5 hours to complete the 6km (3.7 mile) circuit. But there are plenty of good photo opportunities, so it depends on how often you’re stopping to admire the views.

• Visit Bled Castle. The sweeping views of the lake and the Julian Alps that serve as a backdrop to this charming town are unbeatable from the Castle. It looks so much like a painting, that I had one of my wedding ceremonies at the castle.

• Choose a hike to explore the natural beauty in and around Lake Bled. A few good options include:

- For the most iconic photo of Lake Bled, hike up to the Ojstrica viewpoint. It’s a short but steep trail (about 20 minutes), and the sunrise or sunset views from the top are absolutely worth the effort.

- If you want something a bit more challenging, continue past Ojstrica to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint. This trail is steeper, and takes about 45 minutes, but rewards you with a panoramic view over the lake and the surrounding Julian Alps.

- Hike at Vintgar Gorge, just a 10-minute drive from Lake Bled. This stunning gorge features a wooden boardwalk that winds alongside turquoise rapids and waterfalls. It’s an easy half-day trip but be aware that the tickets are timed to control the flow of visitors so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

• Savor a slice of Bled Cream Cake. This iconic dessert—layers of delicate puff pastry and silky vanilla custard—has been a Bled tradition since the 1950s. You’ll find it served in several cafés around town, but the original is at Park Café. I chose to serve Bled cream cake as the dessert at my wedding—it was a sweet (and delicious) way to honor the location and give our guests a taste of something uniquely local.

• Visit neighboring Lake Bohinj, just a 30-minute drive from Lake Bled. It’s a quieter, more rugged lake with equally stunning alpine scenery. Nestled within Triglav National Park, it’s a great spot for hiking, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water.

• Oštarija Peglez’n: A favorite for hearty Slovenian and Mediterranean fare. This quirky, cozy spot near the lake is known for friendly service and a relaxed, homestyle vibe. Great for grilled meats or seafood.

• Špica Restaurant & Bar: A laid-back spot, ideal for casual meals and grabbing drinks. Good for groups; we caught up with our guests as they arrived to Bled on the first day of our wedding weekend here. It’s popular for pizza, burgers, and salads, and is a lively choice during the summer months.

• Vila Prešeren: This café-restaurant sits at the lake’s edge and offers everything from coffee and cake to meals. It’s a lovely spot to sip a glass of Slovenian wine while watching the action on the lake.

• Bled Castle Restaurant: Dine in a medieval castle with sweeping views of the lake and mountains. The food is seasonal and locally sourced, with a focus on Slovenian flavors elevated to fine dining standards. It’s perfect for a romantic or celebratory meal. You’ll need to make reservations here.

• Belvedere Café at Vila Bled: They serve the famous Bled cream cake with arguably one of the best lake views around. A must-stop for coffee and cake with a side of wow-factor scenery. It’s located at Vila Bled Hotel, which is a short drive (or walk) away from the main area of town. Also, please note, this cafe is seasonal, so check that it is open before heading over there.

• Sova Restaurant: The cuisine is varied, catering to lovers of fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list that highlights some of Slovenia’s finest wines. A great place to discover lesser-known wine producers from the region.

• Old Cellar: A cozy, rustic restaurant known for Slovenian comfort food done right—think žlikrofi (dumplings), slow-cooked meats, and rich stews. Tucked slightly away from the main tourist path, it’s a local gem with warm hospitality.

• Bled Rose Hotel Restaurant: Perfect for a leisurely lunch or a nice dinner. Their menu mixes traditional Slovenian ingredients with contemporary flair. I held my rehearsal dinner here.

• Julijana Restaurant (at Grand Hotel Toplice): A fine-dining standout, Julijana is known for its tasting menus and exceptional wine list. Set in the historic Grand Hotel Toplice, the lakefront terrace is pure magic for a sunset dinner.

• Park Café: Home of the original Bled cream cake, this lively lakeside café is perfect for a coffee break or light bite. It’s a popular stop for tourists and locals alike, and the cake lives up to the hype.