Nestled in the heart of Slovenia, Lake Bled is a picturesque destination that feels straight out of a fairytale. During our summer road trip through Europe, we decided to take a detour from Austria and visit this stunning spot, known for its emerald-green waters, charming island church, and dramatic cliffside castle. Lake Bled offered the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for our entire family.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through how we spent our full day at Lake Bled, sharing family-friendly activities like a Pletna boat ride, Bled Island explorations, an obstacle course in the middle of the lake, and of course, indulging in the famous Bled cream cake. Whether you’re traveling to Lake Bled for a day trip or planning a longer stay, this itinerary will inspire your family’s next Slovenian adventure.

Planning Our Visit to Lake Bled with the Rick Steves Croatia and Slovenia Travel Guide

To make the most of our trip to Lake Bled, we relied on the Rick Steves Croatia and Slovenia Travel Guide to help us plan our visit. This comprehensive guide is perfect for anyone exploring Slovenia, offering detailed recommendations on the best Lake Bled attractions, must-see sights in the area, and tips on how to optimize your time in this stunning region.

Family Travel Tip: The Best Travel Stroller for Exploring Europe

When traveling with young kids in Europe, a reliable and compact travel stroller is a must. We’ve been using the gb Pockit+ All-Terrain stroller for years and love its convenience for city exploration. Its compact design and durable wheels made it perfect for navigating around the old towns and busy attractions. Check out my full review of the gb Pockit+ stroller to see why it’s our go-to choice for family trips.

Tips for Visiting Lake Bled with Kids

• Best Time to Visit: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially if you plan to take the Pletna boat.
• Weather: Lake Bled is beautiful year-round, but it’s best to visit during the warmer months if you want to swim and enjoy outdoor activities.

How to Spend a Perfect Day at Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled offers an array of experiences for families, from scenic views and outdoor activities to delicious local treats. Here’s how we spent our memorable day exploring Lake Bled with kids:

Arriving at Lake Bled

Lake Bled is easily accessible by car or train, making it a convenient destination for travelers in Slovenia or nearby Austria. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend arriving early to avoid crowds. We drove from Salzburg, Austria, and arrived in the early evening with no traffic issues. Our Airbnb rental was just two blocks from the lake, offering us the perfect location to explore the area.

We took a leisurely stroll around the lake’s shoreline, which offers beautiful views of Bled Castle perched on a cliff and the iconic Bled Island with its church. The circular path around the lake is about 6 kilometers and takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete, making it a perfect activity to get your bearings while taking in the views. Our kids were pretty tired by the end but it was a great way for them to get out their energy after a long day in the car.

Morning Activities: Pletna Boat Ride & Island Exploration

We started our day with a Pletna boat ride to Bled Island—one of the most iconic activities at Lake Bled. The Pletna is a traditional wooden boat that can carry up to 18 passengers and is the only way to reach the island (unless you’re brave enough to swim!).

There are two main departure points: one in Bled Town and the other at Mlino Port on the southern side of the lake. We were lucky that our accommodation was near the Mlino Port, so we were able to catch one of the first boats of the day, which is the best way to avoid crowds. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes and offers stunning views of the clear waters and surrounding landscape. Keep in mind that if you depart from the location in Bled Town, the trip duration is longer (~45 mins each direction).

The current cost is 18 EUR/person and children between 4 and 12 years cost 9 EUR each. Payment is taken upon departing the island back to the shoreline, and the Pletna oarsmen only take cash.

As we got closer to the island, we couldn’t help but notice how clean and clear the water was. The kids were even able to spot some large fish swimming in the shallower depths. With no motorized boats allowed on the lake, the natural beauty and water clarity are well preserved. Once we arrived at the island, the oarsman docked the Pletna, and we were given 30 minutes to explore.

On Bled Island, we climbed the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption of Mary. There is a separate small fee to enter the church as well as the bell tower. We went inside the church rang the famous Wishing Bell. According to local legend, if you ring the bell three times and make a wish, it will come true. This was a highlight for our kids, who loved participating in the tradition.

Climbing the 99 steps to the church (left) View of the Bell Tower (right)

View inside the church (left) Ringing the “Wishing Bell” (right)

Although we thought that 30 minutes seemed kind of short when departing the boat onto the island, there aren’t any other major activities on the island to experience while there. We thus felt that we had gotten sufficient time to explore. Of note, there is a small café with restrooms available if needed. As the time on the island neared its close, we made our way back down to the Pletna boat, where the oarsman was waiting. We then made our payment to go back and head to shore. Overall, our family loved this unique experience, and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Lake Bled.

Afternoon Fun: Lunch, Swimming, and Bled Castle

After departing the Pletna boat, we made our way into Bled Town. After walking around the lake the night prior, we were somewhat familiar with the lakefront part of the town. We first made our way to the park that sits between the town and the water to take in more views of the area. We then strolled around some of the streets and checked out some of the souvenir shops. Our boys each got a small stuffed dragon to remember their time here. We were all getting pretty hungry at this point and started to look for a lunch spot. We ended up finding the Cafe Park restaurant (Kavarna Park), which had a really expansive outdoor seating area. The restaurant did not have a kids’ menu; however, the choices on the menu were very kid-friendly with different pasta selections, soups, and sandwiches. They also served the famous Bled Cream Cake as well as a large selection of other desserts and ice cream.

After filling up on spaghetti with meat sauce, goulash soup, and the chef’s burger, we knew we couldn’t leave without trying some dessert. My wife and I enjoyed the cream cake while the kids had ice cream sundaes and cones. The Bled cream cake consists of four layers of pastry with a custard filling and whipped cream. It was very tasty, and I would highly recommend trying it when you are visiting the area.

We then made our way to the public lido (swimming area) located near Bled Castle. We paid for our tickets right at the gate and were also able to buy towels to use as this is not something we had packed from home. The lido has multiple swimming sections for different age groups, and we even had the chance to play on inflatable rafts in the lake—perfect for kids aged 4-12. While it can get busy in the afternoon, we were still able to find a spot with an umbrella and enjoyed a relaxing swim. We were also able to purchase a ticket to play on the inflatable rafts on the lake, which is really fun for older kids (our 6 and 9-year-old kids took full advantage of this activity!).

View of the Public Lido (left) Playing in the lake (right)

As the kids had their fun in the water, my wife and I took turns hiking up to Bled Castle. There is a hiking path right behind the lido which takes you right up to the castle, which was really convenient. The climb was a little steep at times, but it only took about 20 minutes to hike up there. Of note, if you do not want to walk up to the castle, there is also the option to drive up there, as there are some parking spots available.

Bled Castle is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia, dating back to the 11th century. The castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Bled and the surrounding Alps. Inside, you can explore a museum dedicated to the history of Lake Bled, visit the Gothic chapel, and enjoy the castle’s charming courtyards.

There is also a cafe in the lower courtyard where you can relax and enjoy a drink while soaking in the views. If you’re traveling with kids, there is a family ticket available, and children ages 4-14 can enter for free when accompanied by two adults.

View of the Gothic chapel from the outside (left), Views inside the chapel (center and right)

Wrapping up our Day

After completing our tour of the castle and finishing swimming, we decided it was time to start heading back to our Airbnb. Along the way, we had time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on all the new experiences that we had together today. Before turning the corner to get to our rental unit, we made sure to take in some final views of the town and lake just as the sun was starting to set.

Why Lake Bled Should Be on Your Travel List

Lake Bled is a magical destination that offers a unique combination of outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re taking a boat ride to Bled Island, enjoying a swim in the lake, or exploring Bled Castle, it’s a place where your family can create lasting memories.

Have you been to Lake Bled? What was your favorite activity during your visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!