The Best of Lake Bled with Kids
/I fell in love with Lake Bled. I didn’t know what to expect as I planned our trip to Slovenia with kids, but what I came to find is that Lake Bled is one of the the friendliest and most gorgeous places we have ever visited in Europe. Lake Bled is very family-friendly and it needs to be on your travel bucket list. I’ve compiled all of our favorite things to do with kids in Lake Bled; from the best places to eat to the best places to stay. Use this traveler’s guide to Lake Bled with kids to help you plan your family adventure! No matter if you’re traveling to Lake Bled with a baby or toddler or teenagers, there is truly something amazing for everyone in your family.
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Jimmy and Latham overlooking the mountains and Island in Lake Bled
Table of Contents - click any of the links to jump to what you’re looking for!
Snag a Guide Book all about Slovenia before your trip!
How to Get to Lake Bled
5 of the 6 of us in the on day trip van! The company provided the carseats for us and arrived promptly on time!
My Day Trip
My Day trip is THE BEST transport company in Europe. We have used them countless times. They are professional and always arrive on time with very clean cars and friendly drivers. The best part? They bring age-appropriate car seats. That’s right. When we had an infant and a toddler, they brought both seats. When we had two toddlers, they accommodated. Another huge perk of My Day Trip is that they allow you to choose pit stops along your way. For us, we were coming from Belgrade, Serbia, so we chose to stop in Bosnia and Croatia before ultimately ending at the doorstep of our Lake Bled Airbnb. It was a fantastic day! I can not recommend Day Trip enough!
READ NEXT: Why My Day Trip is the Best Transport Company in Europe
Take a Guided Tour from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
This is a very convenient option for families and couples alike. Hop on your prearranged bus or van and let the tour guide do all of the talking. With a guided tour, your day will be pre-planned for you; taking the stress of organizing transportation and what to do along the way. I have several recommended guided tours to Lake Bled listed below.
Take a Bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
How far is Lake Bled from Ljubljana? It is only 54.5 KM away. Conveniently, the bus ride to Lake Bled is only 1.5 hours by bus from Ljubljana. The bus fare is less than 10 Euro, so you can have a full day enjoying all of Lake Bled for less than 20 Euro. You can book your bus journey HERE or in person. The ticket office is open from 5am Monday to Saturday, and from 5:30am on Sundays. It closes at 10:30pm Sunday to Friday, and half an hour earlier at 10pm on a Saturday.
Take a Taxi from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
You can hail a taxi in Ljubljana and ride the 45 minutes for about 55 Euro one way. While this may be a very convenient way to get to Lake Bled, it can also be costly. If you’re on a tight budget, this is not the option for you. If you are traveling with small children, be sure your children are properly restrained in age-appropriate car seats. I have several recommendations for travel car seats. You can also book your Lake Bled taxi HERE.
Take a Train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
This is the cheapest option of all. However, it doesn’t take you the entire way. The ride starts in Ljubljana and arrives in Lake Bled, but the station is about 4 kilometers from Lake Bled. Plan to take a taxi or a long walk down to the lakefront. As far as the train journey goes, it’s a beautiful and relaxing ride from the city to the countryside. This trip is actually faster than taking a bus too! There are trains every 20-40 minutes from Ljubljana’s main station (adjacent to the bus station) to Lesce-Bled (the most convenient station for accessing the lake). There are 12 other stops along the way, including in Kranj and Skofja Loka. See the train schedule HERE.
Best Places to Stay in Lake Bled with Kids
Best Airbnbs in Lake Bled for Families
We stayed in one of the best Airbnbs we have used in Europe in Lake Bled. First, our host was absolutely amazing. She was friendly, prompt in responding and even offered us laundry services. She greeted us when we arrived and, in the evening, she say with us outside and talked. The apartment is extremely convenient to getting down to the lake and has some phenomenal views of the nearby mountains. There is a designated parking spot for guests. The apartment is a short 2 minute walk to a large grocery store and restaurants. This apartment has a full kitchen, one bathroom, and two bedrooms. However, one bedroom has a small bedroom off of it with a bunk bed. It is the perfect set up for families!
If you’d like to find the best Lake Bled camping spots for a caravan or RV, check out Camping Bled Sava Camping!
Our airbnb was absolutely amazing in lake bled
Our aribnb ha dthis amazing swing with views of the mountains. The kids loved playing in the side yard while we rested after exploring all day
If your family prefers to stay in a hotel, check out these hotels!
The Best Places to Eat in Lake Bled with Kids
Lake Bled is famous for their cream cake!
Panorama: We ate here twice. First, they have great food, but also they have incredible views. We loved that we could sit outside without worrying about our children being loud. The restaurant says this about their food:
“Embark on a culinary journey from the northern Primorska region and its Idrija-style “žlikrofi” pasta to the Slovenian coast and its Piran sea bass, from the pan-Slovenian Carniolan sausage and buckwheat porridge to the easternmost part of Slovenia with its Prekmurje layer cake, and finally to Bled for our very own homemade original Bled cream cake.”
Pizzeria Rustika: If you love Pizza, then you’ll absolutely love Pizzeria Rustika. It’s rated as number one on trip advisor for a reason. In addition to their already mouth watering pizza, they offer gluten free and vegetarian options.
Art Café Bar: If you love hot chocolate, you’ll love Art Café Bar. This place offers all different kinds. Oh and pair that hot chocolate with a kremsnita, the vanilla custard cake topped with whipped cream and a crunchy crispy crust and you won’t be sorry.
Grajaska-Plaza: You can treat yourself with coffee, cocktails, Slovenian wines, traditional Bled cream cake and culinary specialties while enjoying the view of the Lake Bled. On the menu for lunch or romantic dinner you can find grilled meet specialties, delicious pastas and risottos, vegetarian food, salads, sea food and more.
Spica Bar and Restaurant: For amazing food and to choose between indoor and outdoor seating, this is the restaurant for you. Owned by an Olympic medalist, this restaurant speaks volumes about Slovenian history and a true culinary experience.
Café Belvedere: This is arguably the best view from a restaurant in all of Lake Bled. There are some steep stairs to climb, but you will be rewarded with delicious coffee, amazing cake and unmatched views of Lake Bled.
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Meat and cheese plate anyone? We ordered this from panorama
What to Do in Lake Bled with Kids
There are so many fun things to do in Slovenia in summer, but Lake Bled has to be one of the best! This list isn’t all-inclusive, but it’s a great place to start. We have explored many corners of this quaint little town and found a plethora of family-friendly things to do in Bled and Lake Bled. Below is the list of our favorite kid activities around Lake Bled.
If you’re visiting Lake Bled in winter, don’t worry! There is still so much beauty here and much fewer people! You’ll find fewer outdoor things to do in Lake Bled in winter, but it’s still worth a visit.
Visit Bledjski Grad (Lake Bled Castle):
The View from bled castle is amazing
No Lake Bled holiday is complete without a trek up to Bled Castle. The castle is nestled on top of a steep cliff rising 130 meters above Lake Bled and is a symbol of both Bled and Slovenia. The image of the castle forming a dramatic backdrop to the romantic island and church, has earned worldwide recognition through the centuries. Bled castle’s terraces also offer spectacular views of the Karavanke and Julian Alps.
However, the castle is so much more than great views.
What is there to do at Bled Castle?
Wine Tasting: Visit the Castle wine cellar for a chance to taste and purchase wine made on the Castle property. You can fill a bottle as a souvenir, cork it and wax it. Then you’ll get a certificate!
Forge Iron: The castle’s forge is located at the upper courtyard. This represents the heritage of the past as a form of modern and functional art that will remain a cultural value for our descendants. Rich ore deposits at and around Bled were the reason why people began with forging and making functional artifacts out of iron. At the forge you’ll have the chance to make your own souvenir coin on an anvil!
Grab Lunch or Dinner: Bled Castle Restaurant offers modern interpretations of traditional dishes and drinks. Local and regional dishes are made in contemporary and sophisticated ways with an aim to preserve the gastronomical heritage of Upper Carniola region and Slovenia.
Grab a Coffee: Castle Coffeeshop is in the lower court yard, where you can taste premium Slovenian wines, craft beers and obviously coffee. In hot summer months, you can refresh with homemade lemonade and ice tea or custom ice cream.
Shop: The Castle Beehouse is an on-site shop. The Gorenjska region is the homeland of an autochthonous bee species - Carniolan honey bee, which represents a special kind of Slovenian pride. The Castle Beehouse offers:
Variety of honey products from Slovenian producers
Free guided tasting with more than 20 types of honey
Handmade and unique souvenirs from Slovenia
If you’re starting your trip in Ljubljana, consider THIS TOUR. From Ljubljana, you will reach Bled, ascend the old castle above the glacial lake. Then, you’ll take a boat ride with a Pletna, reach the only true island in Slovenia, ring the ‘fortune bell’ then soak up the sun and fresh mountain air. Finally you will stop for tastings of some local food in Bled before returning to Ljubljana. Lake Bled is one of the top 10 Ljubljana day trips!
Hike Ojstrica Trail:
Jimmy hiking up to the ojstrica overlook.
Ojstrica is a must visit while at Lake Bled. This short, albeit steep, hike is one hundred percent worth the climb. The views are unmatched. The hike starts near the lake’s edge and works it’s way up through a forest to a rocky overlook. From the Ojstrica overlook hikers will be rewarded with unobstructed views of Lake Bled, the mountains, and Lake Bled Castle. Hiking is one of the best Lake Bled Slovenia activities for families!
There will be others on the trail and sitting on the rocks at the overlook. The overlook is one of the most instagrammable places in Bled.
Use the Lake Bled map below to get a visual on where this hike is. There was no official trailhead that we saw. You can find the entrance to the hike at this address: 4260 Bled, Slovenia.
The views from the rocks at the top of ojstrica are so amazing
Take a Boat on Lake Bled:
No trip to Lake Bled is complete with out a Lake Bled Boat Trip! In order to get to the famed Bled Island, you will have three choices. You can either rent your own boat and row yourself, you can take a guided Pletna boat OR you can swim. I prefer one of the first two. Visiting bled Island is one of the most popular things to do Lake Bled.
Take a Pletna: The Pletna is a large gondola-like row boat with a canopy that takes visitors from the shores of Lake Bled to Bled Island with a guide. There are regular departures throughout the day and it takes about 20 minutes each way. It costs €12 for a roundtrip to Bled Island and this includes waiting time of 30 minutes so you can explore the island and the church. This option is easy, but puts you on a time limit on the island.
Rent your own boat: Lake bled is one of the most beautiful places in the world to row. You can easily enjoy this for yourself by renting a boat at the Castle boathouse, at the Pension Pletna or at Grand Hotel Toplice. This option gives you as much time as you paid for and allows you a little more freedom.
Grajska boathouse boat rental
Address: Veslaska promenada 11, 4260 Bled
Telephone: +386 41 608 689
Price per boat: boat for 3 persons: first hour €15 and then every additional hour €8; boat for 5 persons: first hour €18 and then every additional hour €10
Open: May to September between 10.00 and 18.00Pension Pletna boat rental
Address: Cesta svobode 37, 4260 Bled
Telephone: +386 41 393 899
Price per boat: boat for 3 persons €12 per hour; boat for 5 persons €17 per hour
Open: every dayGrand hotel Toplice boat rental
Address: Cesta svobode 12, 4260 Bled
Telephone: +386 4 579 10 00
Price per boat: 15€ per hour
Open: every day
3. Swim: You can definitely swim to the Island, but you won’t be able to go into the church with wet clothes. (or do anything other than enjoy the ambiance!)
You can row your own boat to Bled Island!
Visit Bled Island:
Bled Island is an an absolute must when deciding what to do at Lake Bled. Bled Island is the only natural island in the country of Slovenia. To get to the island, you can take a guided gondola or you can rent your own boat and row yourself. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by the South Staircase. This staircase was built in 1655 and is comprised of 99 steps. It’s a local tradition for a husband to carry his bride up them.
What is there to do at Bled Island?
Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (Bled Island Church) - You can visit the inside of the Church. No trip is complete without ringing the bell inside the church (and making a wish).
The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary hours of operation:
Apr & Oct 9am–6pm
May–Sept 9am–7pm
Nov–Mar 9am–4pm
Provost’s House - this small museum is home to a gallery and an excellent souvenir shop; on the 1st floor is an exhibition space (with changing exhibitions)
Have a hot chocolate, glass of wine, ice cream or treat at the Café on the island. Inside the shop, there are huge picture windows and outside you’ll find tables with shade.
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Take a tour of the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary located on bled island
there is a coffee shop that serves ice cream on the island with huge windows — try to snag a seat with views!
The kids playing on the shores of lake bled and nearby fisherman were catching nice sized fish!
Go Fishing:
An interesting and fun place to angle is Lake Bled. It is one of the biggest natural lakes in Slovenia. The deepest point of the lake is 30 meters. Despite lack of natural food for fish, Lake Bled is rich with many fish species. It provides home for carps, catfish, pike, zander, lake trout, perch and many other smaller species.
How much does it cost to fish at Lake Bled?
Prices for predator fishes in the lake. Prices for predator fishes in the lake will cost you exactly 35€. With this fishing card you can catch only one fish, where you must be fishing from the shore or from a small boat.
Prices for children license on the lake. For children under the age of 15, the daily card is only 13€. Children can hunt smaller fish and not carps, trouts or any other bigger fish in the lake.
Prices for Bled carp fishing. Bled carp fishing experience will cost you 57€. With this permit only one carp which weighs no more than 7 kilograms can be caught.
Where can you buy permits to go Lake Bled Fishing?
Bled Tourist Association (Tel.: +386 (0)4 574 12 22).
Order your fishing permits in advance HERE to be prepared for your holiday and ensure you get your license for the day you want.
Another must know about Lake Bled fishing: The conservation period for fishing carps in Bled is between 1 January and lasts until 31 March. This is the time they rest and reproduce, so they should not be disturbed. The protection period is very important for carp conservation, because if it did not exist, the carps would quickly become extinct from the lake. - (Source for Information)
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Easy Day Trips from Lake Bled with Kids
Go Canyoning:
a photo of our time at Vintar Gorge
Canyoning is an exhilerating way to spend a day while visiting Lake Bled and Slovenia. Triglav National Park is located very close to Bled and offers visitors one of the most scenic and dynamic canyons in the country. With any of the tours listed below, you will jump along canyons with a guide creating memories that last a life time.
Facts about canyoning in Slovenia:
Triglav is about 90 minutes from Lake Bled
These tours include all of the necessary equipment inculding: wet suite, helment, special shoes
These tours include transporation to and from Bled
No canyoning experience necessary to join these tours
another view from the top of ojstrica trail
A day Trip to Vintgar Gorge:
Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6 km long gorge located in Triglav National Park. The gorge is home to the Radovna River, a crystal-clear river that looks emerald green or aqua depending upon the lighting conditions. While the water and scenery is attractive, the boardwalks which are erected along the edges of the Radovna River are what make this gorge visit so special.
Luckily, Vintar Gorge is an easy day trip from Lake Bled. Our family was able to jump on a bus and ride out to the National Park. Once there, we bought our entrance tickets at the gate and walked through this amazing gorge.
Charletta and I walking along the famous vntgar gorge boardwalk
Vintar Gorge Quick Facts:
How much does it cost to get into Vintar Gorge? Adults 15€; Children 6-15 years 4€, Children under 6 years 2€
How far is Vintar Gorge from Lake Bled? 5 km away from Bled, Slovenia
How do you get to Vintar Gorge?
Drive your own car: 10 minutes by car
Cost to Park: car 5 EUR - campers 10 EUR - bus 15 EUR
Catch the Shuttle Bus: There is a shuttle bus that runs from Bled to Vintgar Gorge several times a day. It is 1 EUR per passenger per way. For more information about this shuttle, CLICK HERE.
When is Vintar Gorge open to Visit?
April, May 8.00 - 18.00
June 7.00 - 19.00
July, August 7.00 - 20.00
September 8.00 - 18.00
October, November 9.00 - 16.00
If you are staying in Ljubjlana and want to visit Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge - check out THIS TOUR — it picks you up in Ljubljana, takes you by bus to Lake Bled where you’ll visit Bled Castle, take a boat to Bled Island, Visit Vintar gorge and experience a medieval Slovenian town!
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We took half a day trip down to Vintgar Gorge and it was amazing!
How to Get Around Lake Bled
There is a nice path that goes around the entire Lake - the majority of it is stroller friendly - definitely walk!
Walk: Around Lake Bled is a nice walking path. Almost every part of the lake and restaurants have stroller-friendly paths. The walk doesn’t change much in elevation and is easy for children and adults.
Tourist Train: The Bled Tourist train drives around Lake Bled every day in summer season (June-September), from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. every 45 minutes. In spring and fall (May & October) it runs on weekends in days of good weather between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The train schedule is available at the train stops around the lake. The cost is 5 Euro for adults and 3 Euro for kids. Get more information HERE.
Biking: BLED Green Ways is an automated bike rental system. The bike system lets visitors avoid driving and paying for parking fees, reduces CO2 emissions and gets you your daily exercise. To rent or return a bike, please contact the call center, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - number: +386 (0)1 530 53 03. Find more information and maps HERE.
Shuttle Bus: Two Shuttle buses (green and blue line) operate every day between April 27 and May 5, 2019 and between June 15 and September 15, 2019. The cost is 1 EUR per ride. Free of charge for Julian Alps: Bled Card holders. The blue line connects Zasip, Bled, Gorje, Vintgar, Krnico, Zatrnik and Pokljuka and is a circular line, whereas the green line connects Bohinjska Bela, Koritno, Ribno, Selo, Bodešče, Bled, Vintgar and Gorje. Both buses also take you to the Bled Castle. Find more information and maps HERE.
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Lake Bled is an absolutely wonderful destination for families. It is one of top 10 Ljubljana day trips too! There are so many fun places to take your kids for education, play or food! Bled’s history rich culture, breath taking views, and endless outdoor activities will make for an unforgettable family adventure.
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