Walking Around Lake Bled, Slovenia

Last updated on 18 July 2025

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Slovenia was one of the countries we visited on Contiki, where I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t know much about the country before visiting, but it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip, and I’d love to go back there. One of the days we were there, we jumped on the coach and headed from the capital of Ljubljana to spend the morning walking around Lake Bled.

We arrived and parked in a parking zone not too far from the water’s edge, and while it was a bit of a drizzly day, we donned the rain coats and set off to explore the lake and some of the points of interest along the way. Some of the group went off and did other various things, but there was a group of us who opted for walking around the lake and stopping at a few points for photos and also the famous Lake Bled Cream Cake.

This is such a great way to check out some of the beauty of Bled, especially when you’re in a little bit of a time crunch.

Walking around Lake Bled

You can head off walking around Lake Bled in one large loop track. It’s about 6km around, and it’s mostly flat – great for all fitness levels and also for prams and wheelchairs. I think there were a few little hills, perhaps, from memory, but it was mostly all flat.

We set off from the township of Bled and headed counter-clockwise for no reason in particular. Someone just picked a direction, and off we went.

You probably need about 1 – 2 hours if you’re stopping along the way, especially if you’re grabbing a bite to eat (or a famous Bled cream cake) at the cafe (more on that soon!). Here’s what we spotted along the way.

Church of the Mother of God on the Lake

Perhaps the most famous part of Bled is the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake. No matter where you are around the lake, you can see it. While we didn’t get the boat across the visit the church (I can’t quite remember why we didn’t – perhaps it was the rainy day, or the timing of the boats and our want to walk around the lake), but it’s still beautiful from a distance across the water.

The first brick church popped up here on the Bled Island in 1142, but it didn’t stay the same for long. It got a Gothic makeover in the 1400s, then took a hit from an earthquake in 1509 and was rebuilt again, but this time with in more of a baroque style. A few things still remain from the older version, though, including some frescoes and a wooden statue of Mother Divine that once sat at the main altar.

You can learn more about the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake here. (There’s also an interesting legend about a sunken bell and an inconsolable widow, which you can read a little more about on that same webpage.)

Boats at the dock

One of the things I loved about the lake was all the little boats lining the shore, with canopy roofs – so cute! You could hire them if you wanted to and head out onto the lake. I’m not sure if anyone in the group ended up doing that because of the weather at the time, but I imagine the lake is full of boats on sunny days.

If you’re a photographer, then they make for some truly beautiful and picturesque shots!

Bled Castle

One of the things we were planning on doing was walking up to Bled Castle. You can see it from the path and at various points around the lake – it looks incredible! But we got to the bottom of the path that led up to the Castle and discovered it was pretty much straight up, and we didn’t think we had the energy or the time to venture up there. Which is a shame, but at the same time, it was probably the best idea not to go and see it. It meant we had more time around the lake.

But Bled Castle has some cool history. It goes all the way back to 1004 when a German king gifted the land to a bishop (as you do). The first actual castle showed up around 1011, and was just a tower and some defensive walls at the time.

Over the centuries, more towers and fortifications were added, but an earthquake in 1511 caused a bit of chaos. As a New Zealander, I totally understand the earthquake damage! But they rebuilt it into the version you see today, and there’s now a museum, a wine cellar, a chapel and other bits and bobs about the place.

Again, I’ll have to go back!

Bled Castle Overlooking Lake Bled, by Marcin Jucha on Canva

Dock and Kavarna Park

We kept walking around the lake, and at about the halfway point, we discovered a dock, where people were getting in kayaks and paddling around the lake. There was also the Kavarna Park (which is like a caravan, holiday park), which had some people staying at it. It looked as though it would definitely be a popular spot in the warmer months!

Here, there was a cafe/restaurant, and this is where we paused for about 30minutes.

Lake Bled Cream Cake at Kavarna Park

“Okay, but tell me about the cream cake!” – you

About halfway around the lake (if you’re starting from the township side), you’ll find a cafe, and it was here that we were instructed to get the Lake Bled Cream Cake from. I didn’t know what to expect, really, but it was very, very similar to the custard square here in New Zealand … just less custard-y, more vanilla-y.

The Bled cream cake (kremšnita) can be bought in cafés all over Slovenia, but the original one can be found at Kavarna Park, right by Lake Bled. It’s been made the same way since 1953 (jeepers, over 70 years now!), thanks to a guy named Ištvan who finally nailed the perfect combo after lots of testing. They still make them fresh every day. You can read more about the cake here.

As I mentioned, if you’ve experienced a custard square, then it was very, very similar. The pastry, the creamy inside, the during of icing sugar … here’s a not-so-great photo of the one we had (below). Still delicious! Remember, this is more of a treat-yo-self walk than a hike.

We also enjoyed a hot chocolate while we were there before we set off for the second half of the lake walk.

The benches and Stop Spots

Around the lake, there are lots of places to sit and enjoy the view. There are also beaches you can wander down to, just off the main path, and lots of spots to lounge by the water. I imagine in the summer months, it can get quite busy. We were there in September, and as I’ve mentioned, it was pretty drizzly. But the number of benches and places to hang out was numerous. Great for picnicking too!

You’ll also note there are some monuments around the lake, mostly of notable people or people who have had historical significance or connection to Bled.

Back to the township for a bite to eat

We got back to the town in time to browse the souvenir shop (and pick up a few things!), and also find some of the others who were tucked away from the rain, which had come back, in a restaurant. We grabbed a snack, then it was back to the coach to head back to Ljubljana.

Things to take with you when you visit Lake Bled

I just had a bag with a few essentials in it, like a water bottle. But if you were going in the height of summer, then you’ll want to think about taking some of the following.

Water bottle
Sunscreen
Money for stops and treats!
Sunglasses
A hat
Your swimming wear if you plan on taking a swim
Raincoat
Walking shoes – nothing too serious. Just strolling shoes are fine
Camera if you want to capture the scenery more than just on your smartphone

Other things you could do in Bled

While we only had a few hours to enjoy the area, there is plenty to do if you’re visiting for a couple of days. Here are some of the interesting things I’d love to check out if I ever get the chance to go again.

Waterfalls: There are lots of waterfalls around Bled, the mountains are full of them!
The town of Bled: We just experienced the shops and fooderies right by the lake, but there’s a lot more town you could check out
Mala and Velika Osojnica: Mountain peaks you can climb to get some stunning views
Sava Dolinka River: Check out the river
Cave under Babji zob: This is one of the oldest caves in Slovenia, and you can learn more about it here.
Spas: There are also several spas around Bled, making it the perfect wellness getaway!
Bled market: There are two locations for the Bled market, and both look equally brilliant! These are both weekend markets.
Walking trails: As well as the walk around Lake Bled, there are lots of other walking trails you could check out. The Grumble Bear Trail for families looks especially sweet!
Open carriages: We saw an open carriage pulled by horses as we were walking, but you can book these and take your own trip around the lake! Photo back up the post a little bit.

I’m so glad that Lake Bled was on the Contiki itinerary. It was such a beautiful walk, and it meant we were able to slow down a little bit and just enjoy nature and the beautiful buildings (and cake!) along the way. It turns out there were lots and lots we missed, and you could spend days in the area and just scratch the surface of things to do at Lake Bled. Again, would love to go back!

Have you been walking around Lake Bled? Or visited the castle? Let me know!