Lake Bled in Winter: Is It Worth Visiting? Things to Do + Tips

Looking for things to do alone in Lake Bled in winter? If you’re picturing a frozen lake, cozy cafés, and hardly anyone around, you’re gonna love it. I went solo at the start of December, and it was quiet quiet. Like, I could walk the lake bundled up with a coffee and barely pass anyone.

This is not a nightlife kind of place in winter. It’s a slow, peaceful weekend escape with a few really fun things you can book (wine tasting, horseback riding, day trips into the Alps), plus the classics like Bled Castle and the island if the boats are running.

Below is exactly what I did, what I’d repeat, and what’s actually worth it when you’re there in the off season!

Best Things To Do When Alone in Lake Bled In The Winter

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#1. Take a Day Tour of Lake Bohinj & Alpine Wonders

One of the best ways I spent my first full day in Bled was on this full-day winter tour to the Gorenjska region. It’s great because you can just relax while a local driver takes you on the most scenic drive ever.

You will start the day by visiting the largest natural permanent lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj!

The glacial lake is in the heart of Triglav National Park, you will get a look at the most incredible crystal-clear water of the lake.

Next, the local guide takes you to Mostnica Gorge for a short hike of 1 and a half hours through a wooden forest path passing by waterfalls, ravines, and rapids.

Following Mostnica George, it is off to the largest mountain plateau in Slovenia! Pokjuka Plateau is full of the most amazing spruce trees. Here, there is time for a lunch break of Slovenian stew and dessert.

After you’ve had a wonderful lunch, you continue to Pericnik waterfall in Vrata valley. This is one of thehighest waterfalls in Europe.

If you are visiting on a cold winter day you may be lucky enough to witness the blueish icicles on the cliffs.

Before you reach your next destination, you will first make a quick stop on the bridge inGozd Martulijek for a photo of the spectacular views of the Spik Mountain range.

You are then moving on to Zelenci Nature Reserve for a 30-minute stop to admire the forest near Kranjska Gora.

Finally, the day tour ends with an hour’s visit to Kranjska Gora! An idyllic alpine village located north of Triglav National Park. If you visit in December, you will enjoy the Christmas fair and the lights in the town square!

#2. Go Horseback Riding in Bled

A unique winter itinerary idea in Lake Bled is to go horseback riding through the countryside!

This one-hour tour starts from a farm just minutes from Lake Bled.

If you stay local in Bled, you will get a complimentary hotel pickup. Once you are saddled up and ready to go you will embark on horse riding with a professional guide through the pine forests with the Julian Alps as your backdrop.

This local company aims to match the horse with riders for a great experience!

#3. Wine Tasting in 100-Year-Old Slovenian Cellar

One of the best things I did in Lake Bled when I visited in the winter was book this wine tasting held in a 100-year-old cellar in Bled! I

Enjoy a 2-hour interactive experience tasting 7 fine wines from various regions of Slovenia. The tasting is held at Gostilna Murka, a great place centrally located in Bled.

#4. Visit Bled Castle

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No matter what season you visit, there are a few must-visit places in Bled. Starting with Bled Castle, not to be confused with Bled Island, is the 11th-century medieval castle sitting up on top of the hill.

Its views of the surrounding mountains are incredible! Definitely worth the hike up if you choose to go on foot. There is a bus service to reach the top of this fantastic place.

The castle grounds are filled with exciting places to explore, such as the museum and wine cellar! You can pay a visit to the printing works room that is “the home” of postcards and other craftwork.

It is the perfect place to take photos of the entire lake. You will enjoy nearly 360-degree views.

Should you be hungry, this will not last for long. You could either go for the cafe-style restaurant with outdoor seating or head straight to Bled Castle Restaurant, where a reservation is needed. The latter has made my head spin – I do recommend it!

If you want to book a romantic holiday near the Bled Castle, here are some of the best choices:

Adora Luxury Hotel typically offers special packages if you book multiple nights. With its close proximity to the city center, it books up quickly.

#5. Ring The Wishing Bell On Bled Island

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The tiny island, in the middle of the lake is known as Bled Island, and it was built in 1465. On the island, there is a single-nave Gothic church featuring a 52m high bell tower, that you can ring!

According to a local legend, ringing the Sunken Bell at Lake Bled brings wishes to life. The tale began over 500 years ago when a widow commissioned a bell in remembrance of her late husband.

Tragically, during its journey across the lake, a fierce storm capsized the boat, sinking the bell and claiming the lives of all aboard. In response to this tragedy, the Pope blessed a new bell, which was safely placed in the church.

Today, ringing this bell is not just a hopeful gesture for one’s wishes but also an act of respect towards the Virgin Mary, honoring the love and memory that initiated its creation.

To reach Bled Island, you need to take a little boat ride, by rowing a rented rowboat, or by joining a small group on a Traditional Pletna Boat!

These boats are relatively inexpensive. You won’t need to book in advance. However, you should have the cash to pay.

I spent less than an hour checking out this idyllic piece of history. If you have a nice day as I did, you will want to have your camera with you!

#6. Hike Up The Top of Straža Hill

For the absolute best views of Lake Bled you should hike up to the top of the hill. If it’s a clear day, it is a gorgeous place to watch a sunset.

To climb Straža Hill from Lake Bled, start at the lakeshore and follow the clearly marked trail that begins near the Park Hotel.

The ascent is relatively easy and offers a well-maintained path, taking about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the top.

Once you arrive, enjoy the rewarding panoramic views of Lake Bled, the surrounding town, and the majestic Alps in the distance.

#7. Go Ice Skating (If the lake is frozen)

The lake doesn’t freeze every year, but you could get lucky. I didn’t get to experience this.

But I was told you can rent skates from Hotel Park if the lake does indeed freeze enough for ice skating!

#8. Day Trip To Plitvice Lakes From Lake Bled

The most popular day trip from Lake Bled is to the Plitvice Lakes, located in Croatia.

The Plitvice Lakes were the first proclaimed park in 1949. The lake park is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For nature lovers, this day trip is a must! Of course, you could visit alone, but I would highly recommend joining a day tour.

The distance from Lake Bled to the Plitvice Lakes is approximately 3 1/2 hours.

With a long travel time such as this, you will want to get an early start on your way to the park. You will want to rent a car to make this trip.

Here is more information for Plitvice Lakes and photo inspiration.

#9. Take a Spa Day

I prioritize a spa day when I can, and it just so happens there are a few fantastic places to do that in Bled.

#10. Read a Book

Doing nothing but getting cozy and reading a book is sometimes just what the doctor ordered! Give yourself permission to just stay in and relax!

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lake Bled in Winter

1. If you’re a fan of winter sports, you’ll love the variety of activities available in Bled – and what’s even better is that they’re often available at half the price you’d find in places like Austria.
2. During the winter months, Bled sees far fewer people, transforming it into a serene haven. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty in peace. I loved strolling by the lake with a takeaway coffee, soaking up the quiet atmosphere.
3. One of the best reasons to visit Lake Bled in December is so that you can visit the Christmas Markets! The Christmas Market dates are Dec 1 2023 – Jan 14, 2024.

How Many Days Do You Need For Lake Bled?

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For a wonderful holiday in Lake Bled, I would plan for at least 3 nights.

Two nights feels rushed, especially in winter when the whole point is to slow down. Three nights gives you time to walk the lake more than once, visit Bled Castle without hurrying, book one or two excursions, and still have space for a cozy afternoon at a café or spa.

If you’re using Bled as a base, you could easily stretch this to 4–5 nights and add day trips like Lake Bohinj or even Plitvice Lakes.

If you have extra time in Slovenia, I highly recommend visiting Ljubljana as well. It’s about an hour and a half by bus and makes a perfect city contrast to the quiet alpine setting of Bled.

How To Get to Lake Bled, Slovenia

Traveling to Lake Bled in Slovenia can be done in a variety of ways. The most convenient option depending on where you are originating from is by plane.

By plane, you will fly into Ljubljana Jože Pucnik International Airport which is located approximately 45 minutes from the lake. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car.

There is public transport via bus, however, you need to first take a taxi to the nearby bus station.

The smoothest option for door-to-door is via Airport Transfer Service.

If you rent a car, you will take the A2 motorway to the exit for Lesce, which is about 10 kilometers away from Lake Bled.

From there, you follow the signs toward the lake. It is straightforward.

What is the Weather Like in Lake Bled in winter?

When I visited Bled during the winter, the chill was definitely in the air, with temperatures often hovering around 0°C.

Weather conditions can vary so much. Some days were colder, especially in the early mornings and evenings. But what I loved were the sunny days that popped up now and then.

Perfect for enjoying winter sports or just a walk around the picturesque lake. Despite the cold weather, wintertime in Bled had a cozy, almost fairy-tale-like charm!

From December to March, you can expect the weather to be an average of 3 degrees Celsius / 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lake Bled Accommodations

I do a lot of research and make sure to stay in top-notch accommodations.

Consider adding the following hotels to your unique itinerary!

• Rikli Balance Hotel, this hotel has all the modern and chic you will need on your little getaway. The pools are especially impressive! Two onsite restaurants, a full-service spa, and an airport shuttle service! Click here for rates and availability!

• Old Bled House – All of the world’s charms, this traditional hotel is just a 20-minute walk from Bled Castle!! This hotel is small, with only five guest rooms; booking in advance is a must! Click here for rates and availability!

• Grand Hotel Toplice-Sava Hotels This is the five-star experience you have been saving for! The luxurious lakeside hotel offers world-class service and incredible views of Bled Castle. Click here for rates and availability!

• Vila Alpina is a stylish and straightforward hotel, located 6 mins by walk to Bled Lake, and 12 minutes to Bled Castle. This hotel proposes a self-service laundry, free wifi, an airport shuttle, and a garden. Click here for rates and availability!

Best Restaurants & Where to Eat in Bled

Lake Bled is a small community, and there didn’t seem to be an abundance of restaurants to choose from.

I take my recommendations very seriously and only have listed the few that impressed me.

• Restaurant Sova is a wonderful place for either lunch or dinner and is located right along the lake. If you are a large group, book a reservation online.

• Penzion Berc has a lovely garden terrace setting for outdoor dining, which could work if the weather isn’t too cold yet! Classic fine dining restaurant, I suggest trying the fish dishes. Be sure to book ahead.

• Castle Restaurant If it is a restaurant experience you are looking for, then for a good reason you should choose the Castle Restaurant. You will need to book in advance. I got very lucky and had a seat next to the window! Here I had the famous cream cake!

Conclusion: Visiting Lake Bled

Want to keep castle hunting? If you have time left on your holiday, check out Ljubljana Castle! The journey from Lake Bled to Ljubljana is an easy one!

I started my Slovenia adventure in Ljubljana but the reverse is the same. From Lake Bled, take the bus directly to Ljubljana, it was an hour and a half.

My experience aboard the bus was enjoyable. I even made a friend on this quick journey!

The bus was spotless and comfortable; I did not feel the least bit unsafe. The bus ride itself was very smooth and effortless.

A lot of travelers do rent a car when traveling in Europe. If you decide to get an automobile, you will have the possibility to explore more of Slovenia.

Visiting Bled FAQs