Lake Bled (or in Slovene, Blejsko jezero) is one of the most stunning and recognizable natural landmarks in Slovenia, attracting visitors from all over the world due to its picturesque beauty, historical significance, and recreational activities.
Pilot Site Attributes
- Region: Gorenjska, Slovenia
- Municipality: Bled
- Population 8171
- Type: Lake
- Popular name: Blejsko jezero
- Altitude: 475 meters above sea level
Pilot Site Description: Lake Bled
Lake Bled locates in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, in the upper part of the country, near the town of Bled. The lake is widely known for its fairy-tale-like beauty, with its island church, medieval castle perched on a cliff, and the surrounding mountain scenery. It is one of Slovenia’s most beloved destinations and a symbol of the country’s natural heritage. Bled Lake’s natural features are breathtaking. Surrounded by lush forests, the lake is set against a backdrop of the Karavanke mountain range to the north and the Julian Alps to the south. The surrounding landscape features a variety of terrains, including verdant meadows, steep cliffs, and gentle hills.
The lake’s surface is often calm, offering perfect conditions for reflections of the Bled Castle and the island in the center of the lake. At the center of Lake Bled lies Bled Island (Blejski otok), a small island that is the most prominent feature of the lake with a church sitting atop of the island. The church, built in the 17th century, is known for its Baroque architecture and its 99-step staircase that leads to the entrance. Visitors often ring the church bell for good luck and to make a wish.
Visitors to the island can reach it by a traditional wooden boat known as pletna. These boats are rowed by local boatmen, and the journey across the lake offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
Lake Bled experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally mild and warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and hiking. Winter months can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall transforms the area into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors for activities such as cross-country skiing, ice skating on the lake, and winter hikes.
In spring and autumn, Bled is especially beautiful as the foliage around the lake changes color. The surrounding forests of the Triglav National Park offer a scenic backdrop for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature.
Lake Bled is deeply ingrained in Slovenian culture and history. Over the centuries, it has been a place of pilgrimage, leisure, and inspiration. The area’s natural beauty has drawn poets, writers, and artists. One of the most famous pieces of Slovenian literature, the poem “Bled” by France Prešeren, was inspired by the lake.
A key local tradition is the Bled cream cake (blejska kremšnita), a delicious dessert made with layers of puff pastry, custard, and whipped cream. It is often enjoyed by visitors at one of the lakeside cafes or in the town of Bled.
Activities around the Lake
Summer
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Diving
- Running and Trail running
- Sailing
Winter
- Skiing
- Hockey
- Ice-Skating
- Glacier Climbing
Environmental associations
- Bled association for environmental protection
- Natura 2000
- Bled fishing family (including the possibility for fishing for sport)
Public authorities
- The municipality of Bled
- Slovenian ministry for economy, tourism and sport
- Slovenian ministry for environment, climate and energy
Sports clubs
- Bled Rowing club
- Zaka diving club
- Bled underwater activities association.
Civil society organisations
- The Triglav national park association.
Sport tourism companies and operators
The main providers for sport tourism are mostly the owners of the apartments and/or hotels in the area. Bled has a large number of tourists each year so the majority of hotels and apartments have some sort of rental agreement availabe for bycicles, stand-up paddleboards or even rowboats (in the case of hotels at the lake shore).
