Widely described as one of the most enchanting places in the world, Bled has far more to offer than just natural sights. Romantic walks or a horse-drawn carriage ride around the lake, a ride in the traditional “pletna” boat to Bled Island, a visit to the magnificent castle ruling the rock cliff above the lake and, last but not least, enjoying the creamiest and most famous Bled dessert, the original Bled cream cake – Bled is a superlative holiday destination! To make it easier for you to sort through the many options and find the perfect experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world, here are some tips for a 3 day spring getaway to Bled.
3-day spring getaway for families
Day 1
A walk around the lake
Bled has several must-see magical spots that you must visit when you arrive. Start with a walk around Lake Bled to get a feel for this Alpine gem and enjoy the enchanting views. If you get tired, you can complete the loop around the lake in a fiacre, a traditional horse-drawn carriage – another Bled custom that has been carried on from one generation to the next. Photo: Dean Dubokovič
The island and the wishing bell
Take a ride in a traditional “pletna” boat or a modern electric powered boat or rent your own rowboat and visit the island on Lake Bled. It was once a temple to Živa, the goddess of love, but today it is the home of the romantic little church of St. Mary Help of Christians and its famous wishing bell dating back to 1943.
A visit to the trampoline park
Near Bled Camping, you will find a fun playground for the whole family – a trampoline park! There is nothing nicer than watching your children laugh as they play in the fresh air and enjoy a relaxing physical activity that will also stimulate their physical and mental development.
Day 2
The Rikli walk to Bled Castle
Properly maintained, well-lit, secured with fences and equipped with urban furniture, the trails leading up to the castle are arguably some of the best hiking trails in Bled. From Bled Castle, visitors can enjoy unforgettable views of Lake Bled, Bled Island and the surrounding area all the way to Mt. Triglav. Bled Castle houses a museum, the castle chapel, a herbal gallery, a wine cellar, an art gallery and the castle printing works with a reconstructed Gutenberg printing press.
A visit to the Zois Park
The Zois Park in the Karavanks is full of traces of prehistoric life. With petrified flora and fauna, local cultural heritage, spruce forests with an educational forest path, an emerald green lake, the Karl Zois botanical garden, the proximity of mountain trails and many other highlights, visitors will find plenty of sights and activities to keep them busy. Learning about petrified objects, the remnants of animals and plants that lived millions of years ago, is interesting not only for experts but also for young explorers, stirring their imagination when they find fossils of tracheophytes, horsetails, bryozoans, sea lilies, urchins, shells and snails.
Pampering at the Živa Wellness Centre
After you get back to Bled, you will probably want a place to rest and get warm. Visit the Živa Wellness Centre in the Rikli Balance Hotel, where you can soak in thermal water while still enjoying a view of the lake.
Day 3
The Triglav National Park awakens
Named after the highest peak in Slovenia, Triglav, the Triglav National Park stretches across almost the entire Julian Alps. It is an indisputable treasure trove of natural sights: a diverse pristine landscape with mountain peaks, gorges, mountain villages, water sources and rich vegetation. The park offers something for every member of the family! Photo: Aleš Zdešar, www.slovenia.info
Thermal beach in Bled
Feeling full and pleasantly tired, visit the Živa Wellness Centre before bed, so children can have some fun in the pools while you get warm in unique saunas – don’t miss our attractive outdoor sauna – and enjoy the perfect ending to an active day.
Traditional and local flavours
Having spent the day outside, you will return to Bled ready to sample traditional and local dishes at the Veranda Restaurant in the Rikli Balance Hotel. Be sure to request a typical Gorenjska delicacy such as mohant cheese or Arctic char. Stop for refreshment at the hotel bar, try a homemade honey drink, mountain drink or spruce shoot drink and sample some Bled tapas.
3-day spring getaway for families
Day 1
Cycling in the Radovna valley
The easy cycling trail through the idyllic Alpine valley of the Radovna river leads from the Krnica village to one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Triglav National Park, the Pocar farm and museum. Along the way, you can visit the 500-year-old Gogala linden tree, see Napoleon’s stone from the time of the Illyrian provinces and stop at the Lipnik Karst spring.
The island that hides the wishing bell
There are a total of 99 steps to the church that sits atop the island on Lake Bled. If a couple wants to get married on the island, ancient tradition dictates that the groom must carry the bride up all 99 steps. Every day, visitors to the island ring the wishing bell, hoping that it will help their wishes and dreams come true.
The poetry of food
After a busy day of sightseeing, nothing feels better than an exclusive dinner at the Julijana Restaurant in the Grand Hotel Toplice, which only accommodates up to 20 guests and boasts a terrace along the most beautiful part of Lake Bled. The Julijana Restaurant has a Gault & Millau rating of 3 hats, so you can look forward to an unforgettable dining experience.
Day 2
A breathtaking panoramic view
If you are a fan of hiking and mountaineering, don’t miss Mala Ojstrica, which is particularly popular for its breathtaking views of Lake Bled and the Sava plain. It is the perfect spot for taking panoramic shots of Bled and capturing unforgettable moments.
The Dolinka zipline
Are you an adrenaline junkie? If yes, the Dolinka zipline is a must! Experienced guides will take you on a trip in the Sava Dolinka valley, a Natura 2000 area protected as a natural monument thanks to its exceptional natural properties. You will cross the valley above the river on ziplines measuring between 325 m and 530 m, with a total length of 2.4 km.
Get warm together
Getting pampered is the perfect way to end a day spent in fresh air. Visit the Živa Wellness Centre in the Rikli Balance Hotel to soak in thermal water or get warm in one of their saunas with the most beautiful views of Bled.
Day 3
A hikers' paradise
Bled, with its immediate and more distant surroundings, is a tourist destination that offers abundant opportunities for hiking. As a boutique green destination, Bled focuses on demanding visitors looking for varied and active experiences. Visit one of the info points to get a map of the Bled hiking trails. One of the sections of the Juliana, a long-distance hiking trail around the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park, also leads through Bled.
A visit to Radovljica and the Chocolate Festival
Every Tuesday morning, a local guide takes visitors on a tour of nearby Radovljica, where you can see the only surviving town moat in Slovenia, the house where playwright Anton Tomaž Linhart was born, the Radovljica Manor, the vantage point over the Sava river valley and a Gothic tavern. In April, Radovljica holds the Chocolate Festival, attracting chocoholics from near and far. Photo: Jošt Gantar (Spirit Slovenia)
An elegant wellness fairytale
After a day of exploring the nearby mountains, a visit to the luxury Luisa Wellness Spa in the Grand Hotel Toplice is more than welcome. The beneficial effects of thermal water and treatments such as the Luisa Spring of Beauty for her and the Luisa Elixir for him will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed for a pleasant end to the day.
