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Lake Bled in Slovenia is one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Europe. The tiny alpine lake is something out of a fairytale or Disney movie. If royals lived deep in the forested alps in a high-perch castle - it could have been here. Lake Bled is one of the most stunning attractions that doesn't feel too much like a tourist trap, and it can be discovered on a very tight budget.
Admission fees and boat fares can be skipped - as the main point of visiting Lake Bled are to walk around the lake, jump in its clear waters, and soak in the unimaginable vistas. Lake Bled Island is perhaps the most famous landmark in this small alpine European country.
Seeing Lake Bled On A Budget
The two fees to visit the main attractions on Lake Bled are a 15 Euro ($16.00) admission fee for admission to Bled Castle and a 15 Euro ($16.00) fare ride on one of the boats to the church on Lake Bled.
- Fare: 15 Euro ($16.00) To Bled Island
- Bled Castle Admission: 15 Euro ($16.00)
If one is on a budget there is no need to pay either of these fees. As with most castles, they look the most spectacular from the outside - the inside of castles can often be underwhelming. Scores of tourists flock in buses to explore Bled Castle, but they don't take time to explore the trails surrounding the castle.
The real attraction of Bled Castle is admiring how it's spectacularly situated on the rocky outcrop overlooking the lake, but this is best admired from across the lake.
Bled Castle does have commanding views of the lake, but these views can also be found on the little-traveled trails around the castle.
The same goes for the Bled island church it is best admired from the shoreline.
Free Things To Do On Lake Bled
There are plenty of boats for hire all around the lake, but if one is on a budget then just go for a swim. The main swimming beach is on the far side of the lake opposite the main town. From this beach, one can enjoy awe-inspiring vistas of the Bled island church and Bled Castle and how the whole vista fits in with the Slovenian Alps (part of the greater Swiss and Austrian Alps).
Some people debate whether the Swiss or Austrian Alps are better, but they sometimes forget about the humbler but timeless Slovenian (or Julian) Alps. Slovenia's villages, many churches, and alpine homes combine to create a scenic setting that will leave the most traveled of people spellbound.
The waters of Lake Bled are clear and on a summer's day are just inviting for visitors to take a plunge.
Free Things To Do:
- Swim: The Main Beach Is On The Far Side of The Island
- Walk: Walk Around The Lake
- Hike: There Are Numerous Tails In The Surrounding Forests
The beauty of Lake Bled is that it is not a tourist trap where one needs to pay for everything. One can just go with a picnic, walk around the lake, and go for a swim and not pay for anything touristic.
There is a well-developed trail running all the way around Lake Bled. The trail is very easy and takes around an hour and a half to complete. For those with mobility issues, there are a couple of places with a few steps.
How To Get To Lake Bled
One can stay in Lake Bled - there are guesthouses, hostels, and hotels in the small town. Alternatively, one can just stay in Slovenia's capital and largest city of Ljubljana.
There are no trains to Lake Bled, but there are plenty of buses from the main train station in Ljubljana. The return fare costs almost 12 Euros ($13.00) - one can take any return bus. These buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.
- Bus Fare: 12 Euros ($13.00) Return
- Duration: Approx: One-Hour Bus Ride
If one is paying for the bus ticket remember that the fare must be paid in cash only. So take some cash (generally one doesn't need cash in Slovenia).
Of course, one could also drive out to Lake Bled by oneself too.
How Much Time To Spend At Lake Bled
Lake Bled is easily seen on a day trip from Ljubljana, although it is a place where one could relax for a week. If one could like a place to relax and unwind, then consider staying at Lake Bled for a few days, but if one is on a tight schedule and has other places to visit, then allocate a day trip from Ljubljana.
- Time Needed: One Day