Looking for the best things to do in Lake Bled in the winter? Though my visit was short, I was pleasantly surprised by all the fun things to do around the lake! It was the perfect little place to escape for a weekend.
During winter time, Lake Bled is VERY quiet. I went at the start of December and there were barely any tourists, which I definitely appreciated.
It was like being in a postcard. I enjoyed walking around the beautiful lake, all bundled up, of course, everything was so quiet and peaceful.
In my experience, the best time to visit Slovenia is in the month of December! Read below all the great things you can do and tell me if you agree!
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Best Things To Do in Lake Bled In The Winter
#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 through the winding roads of 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 the highest 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 in Gozd 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!
🗻 Book Tour of Lake Bohinj: Check Rates & Availability
#2. Go Horseback Riding in Bled
A unique itinerary idea in Lake Bled in winter 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!
🐴 Book Horseback Riding: Check Rates & Availability
#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
f you are a wine lover, this is a must-add to your itinerary!
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.
🍷 Book Wine Tasting: Check Rates & Availability
#4. Visit Bled Castle
No matter what season you visit, there are a few must-visit places in Bled. Stating 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
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!
Opening Times for Bled Island
- January, February, March, November, December: 9.00 – 16.00
- April & October: 9.00 – 18.00
- May, June, July, August, September: 9.00 – 19.00
#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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Lake Bled Christmas Market Opening Times
- Dec 1, 2023 – Jan 14, 2024
- Monday to Thursday from 13:00 to 20:00,
- Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.,
- Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
How Many Days Do You Need For Lake Bled?
For a wonderful holiday in Lake Bled, I would plan for at least 3 nights.
This will allow for enough time to relax and book the many excursions offered in and around this Slovenian resort town.
If you have time to spare, I would suggest you visit Ljublijana, which is only a short hour and a half away by bus.
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.
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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, the wintertime in Bled had this cozy, almost fairy-tale-like charm to it!
From December to March, you can expect the weather to be an average of 3 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.
Read Next: Things to Do in Ljubljana
Visiting Bled FAQs
By car or taxi, you can reach Lake Bled in 30 minutes pending there is no traffic.
Lake Bled is more popular in the summer with a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Visiting Lake Bled in the winter will be less touristy and cheaper.
Both seasons have a lot to offer any traveler!
Yes! There are designated areas for swimming all around Lake Bled. Be sure an obey any of the posted rules about entering the lake.
Stay In Touch!
Thanks Cassie! If you have any direct questions, please feel free to contact me! Slovenia is an amazing place! I highly recommend it : )
I am planning to visit Slovenia in next summer. I will save this one for sure!
Lake Bled looks like the dreamiest place! I’m dying to go!
This was all the inspiration to book my flights to slovenia. Been meaning to visit since a while 😀
A very helpful article about Lake Bled in Slovenia. I have been wanting to see Lake Bled for quite sometime now. Would love to check out the Bled Castle and the Bled Island. And thanks for all the recommendations. Makes planning a whole lot easier.
Slovenia is top of my bucketlist! Found this post so helpful!
Slovenia looks so beautiful!
Melissa, these tips and your photos are incredible! I would love to road trip my way through this part of Europe, and I’ll definitely use your guide. Don’t even get me started on the restaurant suggestions ?
I have never heard of this lake before, but it honestly looks like such a relaxing place to travel alone. I especially appreciate your attention to detail in terms of places to stay. I’ve recently determined to stop staying in Airbnbs due to bad impacts on the community, but I’m still looking for unique places to hang my hat. Your suggestions are perfect!
Also a solo female traveler here so thanks for some great tips! I’d actually never heard of Lake Bled, but it looks really cool!
What a beautiful place! You’ve presented wonderful tips and advice for visiting Lake Bled.
Thank you!
I come from Slovenia so I always find it crazy to see just how popular Lake Bled has become! But beauty is meant to be shared hehe 🙂
I love Slovenia so much!! The people were very friendly : )
I love Lake Bled! This article bring back great memories, but once I go again, I’ll know where to eat thanks to you! 🙂
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Hello! Yes, I do have a contact page on the site. If you are on the desktop it is located on the top menu on the left. On Mobile it should be in the drop down on the top ; )