10 Best Things to Do at Lake Bled with Kids

There are so many things to do in Lake Bled with kids, but let’s start with the obvious—it’s unbelievably beautiful. I’d heard about Lake Bled—who hasn’t?—and thought I was prepared for how beautiful it would be. With its emerald-green lake, a tiny island topped with a church, and a medieval castle perched on a cliff, Lake Bled looks like something out of a fairytale. But pictures don’t do it justice. The lake really IS that colour, an almost unreal shade of turquoise that changes with the light. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the top places to visit in Slovenia.

We actually visited Lake Bled twice on our road trip. The first time, we ran out of time after an unexpectedly long hike at Vintgar Gorge, so we made sure to stop again on the way back. And I’m glad we did. While it wasn’t our favourite place in Slovenia (it’s busy, and tourism has definitely made its mark), it’s absolutely worth visiting.

But beyond the postcard-perfect views, there’s plenty of things to do at Lake Bled. Whether you want to take a traditional pletna boat ride, hike to a viewpoint, or try a slice of the famous Bled cream cake, here’s everything you need to know for your visit.

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Best Things to Do at Lake Bled with Kids

Lake Bled is a great destination for families, with easy walks, fun activities, and plenty to keep kids entertained. Here are our favourite highlights/top picks for the best things to do at Lake Bled with kids.

Scenic view of Lake Bled in Slovenia, featuring the iconic Bled Island with its Church of the Assumption and red-roofed buildings surrounded by lush greenery. The calm, blue lake reflects the island, with forested hills and a quaint village visible in the background under a clear sky.

1. Take a Boat to Bled Island

A boat ride to Bled Island is one of the top things to do at Lake Bled, and for my kids, it was the highlight of our visit. The only way to reach the island—besides rowing your own boat or paddleboarding—is by pletna boat, a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat unique to this region. Since motorized boats aren’t allowed on the lake, the pletna boats are still rowed the traditional way – by a single oarsman.

These boats wait along the shore, filling up one at a time before departing. What I didn’t realize, was that some boats don’t take credit cards. The first time we tried to go, I didn’t have any cash on me. My kids, and I’ll admit, me too, were pretty disappointed, so the second time we visited, I made sure to have cash on me, and of course, that boat took credit cards! Since payment options vary between pletna owners, it’s best to bring cash just in case.

Fun fact: Pletna boats have been around for centuries, and the right to be a pletna oarsman is a family tradition, passed down through generations. There are only 23 pletna boats on the lake.

Once on the island, you’ll have about 30–40 minutes to explore before your boat returns. Climb the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption, where legend says that ringing the wishing bell will bring you good luck. Then take a walk around the small island for some great views and a different perspective of Lake Bled.

At the top of the steps, there’s a small cafe selling gelato and other snacks. We, of course, grabbed a gelato—because it’s that good in Slovenia (really, we had one almost every day of our trip)—before heading back.

Traditional wooden Pletna boats with colorful canopies are docked along a wooden pier on the serene waters of Lake Bled. Each boat features long wooden oars and wooden benches for passengers. In the background, lush green hills and distant mountains rise under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.

2. Visit Bled Castle

Perched high on a cliff 120 metres above the lake, Bled Castle (Blejski grad) is the oldest castle in Slovenia and offers one of the best panoramic views of Lake Bled. If your kids aren’t impressed by the history, the epic views, medieval details, and even a printing press demonstration might win them over.

Inside the castle, you’ll find a small museum with exhibits on Bled’s history, a 16th-century chapel, and even a working medieval printing press where kids can see how old-style books were made. There’s also a wine cellar, where, for an extra fee, you can label your own bottle of wine, and a restaurant with a terrace, perfect for a meal with a view.

We didn’t have time to visit the castle on our first trip, but it was worth carving out the time to come back. My kids love castles, and this one didn’t disappoint—though their favourite in Slovenia was Predjama Castle, a dramatic fortress built into a cave (which is also worth a visit!).

The walk up to the castle is steep, but it’s short—only about 10–15 minutes from the parking area. If you’re visiting with young kids, you may want to drive up and park near the entrance (paid parking available).

A medieval stone castle with red-tiled rooftops sits dramatically atop a steep, rocky cliff covered in greenery, overlooking the lush forest below under a clear blue sky. The castle, surrounded by trees and fortified walls, is Bled Castle Slovenia

3. Walk Around Lake Bled

One of our favourite ways to explore a new place is simply by walking—and Lake Bled is perfect for that. The 6 km (3.7 mile) loop around the lake is family-friendly and gives you a chance to see the lake from different viewpoints along the way. It’s an easy, relaxed walk that takes about 1–2 hours, depending on how often you stop to take photos or enjoy the scenery.

My kids loved spotting fish in the crystal-clear water as we walked—the water is so clear you can see them swimming right along the shore. There are benches along the way if you want to sit and take in the view, and plenty of places to pause for snacks.

If you’re traveling with younger kids (or just want a break from walking), the tourist train is a fun option. We didn’t ride this, but it looked fun! For 5 euros per adult and 3 euros per child, you can hop on and off at different points around the lake.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can also access one of the viewpoints on the western side of the lake from the walking path—more info on that below.

Two young boys walk along a lakeside path at Lake Bled in Slovenia, with calm turquoise water on one side and people strolling past cafés and greenery on the other, surrounded by forested hills and distant mountain views. — Walking the path around Lake Bled

A young boy in a blue shirt and Crocs sits quietly at the edge of Lake Bled, gazing across the turquoise water toward a hillside church and village set on the edge of the lake — Taking a short break

4. Hike to a Stunning Viewpoint

If you’ve seen photos of Lake Bled, chances are they were taken from one of the viewpoints on the western side of the lake. While the views from town or along the lake’s edge are beautiful, you really can’t beat seeing the lake from above. The tiny island, emerald water, and surrounding mountains all come together for that postcard-perfect view you see on postcards and souvenirs.

There are two popular viewpoints to choose from, depending on how much time and energy you have:

Ojstrica:

This is the classic viewpoint that gives you the iconic postcard-perfect photo of Lake Bled. The hike is about 1 km from the trailhead and takes 20–30 minutes. It’s a bit steep in parts but manageable, making it a great option for families with younger kids or anyone looking for that must-have photo without a long hike. It’s also a convenient stop if you’re already walking around the lake.

Mala Osojnica:

If you’re up for a bit more of a challenge, Mala Osojnica offers a higher, wider view of the lake and surrounding mountains. The hike is short but steeper, taking about 45 minutes from the base. The trail can be a bit tricky, especially if it’s wet, but the panoramic views are worth the effort. It’s a great option for families with older kids or anyone wanting a broader perspective of the lake beyond the classic postcard view.

Whichever viewpoint you choose to hike to, make sure to wear good shoes, as the trails are steep and can be slippery, especially after rain. It’s also a good idea to bring water and snacks, particularly if you’re tackling the longer hike to Mala Osojnica. The best time to hike is early in the morning or around sunset, when the light is beautiful and the trails are less crowded.

A breathtaking view of Lake Bled and Bled Island from a rocky hilltop vantage point. A wooden bench sits at the edge of the overlook, framed by tree branches with fresh green leaves. The calm, turquoise lake surrounds the island, where the Church of the Assumption stands, with lush forests and distant mountains completing the picturesque landscape. — view from Mala Osojnica

5. Swim in Lake Bled

After walking and hiking, there’s no better way to cool off than with a swim in Lake Bled’s clear, refreshing water. Swimming is best during the summer months, when the water warms up enough to be comfortable. When we visited in June, the water was cool but refreshing—and the boys didn’t seem to mind at all!

There are two main spots for swimming around Lake Bled, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for:

Grajsko Kopališče (Castle Bathing Area):

Located right below Bled Castle, this is a paid swimming area with lots of family-friendly amenities. For 7 euros per person, you get access to playgrounds, snack bars, lounge chairs, and several small pools with different depths—perfect for younger kids who want to wade or splash around. While there’s no natural sandy beach, the man-made docks, walkways and shallow pools allow for easy access to the water. For more adventurous kids, there’s a water slide, diving board, and even an inflatable play area (for an extra fee).

Velika Zaka:

If you’re looking for a free, more natural spot, Velika Zaka is a great option. It has a grassy area with chairs, a floating dock, and easy access to the water. While it doesn’t have the same water sports equipment as the Castle Bathing Area, it was our favourite spot—or really, the one we chose since we didn’t have enough time to make the most of the Castle area’s extra features. The water here is clean and clear, and it’s a relaxing place to swim and unwind after a hike to the nearby viewpoints.

6. Try Bled Cream Cake

No trip to Lake Bled is complete without trying its iconic dessert, the Bled Cream Cake (kremna rezina). This delicious, flaky pastry has been a local favourite since 1953 and is made of layers of crispy puff pastry, vanilla custard, whipped cream, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

It was actually on one of my kids’ wish lists from the moment we started planning our trip to Slovenia. The second he saw a photo of it, he was like, “Cake…!!!” And yes, it totally lived up to his expectations.

The best place to try it is at Hotel Park Café, where the original recipe was created. You can find it at plenty of other cafes around town too, but if you want to try the original (and arguably the best), this is the spot.

A slice of traditional cream cake, known as "kremna rezina" or Bled cream cake, sits on a white plate. It consists of a thick layer of smooth vanilla custard topped with a lighter whipped cream layer, sandwiched between two flaky puff pastry sheets, with the top dusted generously with powdered sugar. The pastry has a crisp texture, with a few crumbs scattered on the plate. — Bled Cream Cake – I can’t believe I got a picture before they devoured it!

7. Take a Photo with the Heart of Bled

If you’re looking for a fun family photo or an Instagram-worthy shot, don’t miss the Heart of Bled. This giant red heart sculpture sits right along the shore in the center of Bled, with a wooden dock that extends out over the water. From here, you’ll get a stunning backdrop of the lake and Bled Castle perched on the cliff above.

It’s one of the most photographed spots in Lake Bled, and it’s a simple, fun way to capture a memorable souvenir of your visit.

A large red heart-shaped frame stands on a wooden pier overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Bled. Love locks are attached to the pier’s railing, symbolizing romance. In the background, Bled Castle sits atop a rocky hill, surrounded by lush greenery, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky adding to the scenic view.

8. Ride the Toboggan at Straza Bled

For a bit of adventure and a unique way to mix up your sightseeing, head to Straza Bled and take a ride on the fun toboggan run that winds down the hill. It’s a fun and exciting way to see the lake from a different perspective, and the chairlift to the top offers some pretty incredible views of the lake before you zip back down on the toboggan.

That said, it does get busy in the summer. When we visited, the wait time was upwards of 1–2 hours, and since we were short on time, we decided to skip it. But if you’ve got the time, or are visiting in the off-season, it would definitely be a fun activity to try.

Besides the toboggan, Straza Bled also has zip lines and a climbing wall, which are great for older kids looking for more adventure. In the winter, Straza Hill turns into a small ski area, making it a year-round spot for outdoor fun.

You’ll find Straza Bled on the south side of the lake, an easy stop if you’re walking the loop around Lake Bled.

9. Visit Vintgar Gorge

Just 4 km from Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is a great spot for a short hike if you have extra time. The trail follows the crystal-clear Radovna River for about 1.6 km (1 mile), with wooden boardwalks that wind through the gorge, over rapids, and past waterfalls.

The trail ends at a gorgeous waterfall, but you can’t walk back the same way anymore. Instead, you’ll need to take one of two different trails back, or you can arrange a shuttle (for an extra fee) to the entrance or back to town.

Photos don’t really do it justice—the sheer cliffs, rushing water, and the old train bridge above the waterfall make it feel like something out of a movie. Sitting there, taking in the views, was one of my favourite moments and a reminder of just how impressive Slovenia’s natural beauty is.

For more details on visiting, check out this full guide to Vintgar Gorge.

A stunning waterfall cascades into a turquoise pool at Šum Waterfall in Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia. Two children, one wearing an orange shirt and the other in blue, sit on a large rock near the water's edge, admiring the view. A wooden bridge spans the gorge above, surrounded by lush green foliage and rugged rock formations

A wooden footbridge spans the rushing river in Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia, surrounded by towering rock walls and lush greenery. Two children, one wearing an orange shirt and the other in blue, walk along the bridge, admiring the scenic landscape. The turquoise water flows swiftly beneath the bridge, framed by moss-covered rocks and steep cliffs.

10. Visit Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is another great spot to visit near Lake Bled. Just a 25–30 minute drive (about 25 km) away, it’s less crowded and offers a quieter, more local experience, with plenty of outdoor activities and scenery that’s just as stunning.

At one end of the lake, you’ll find a small village with shops and restaurants, but the area feels much more relaxed and less touristy than Bled. You can take a boat across the lake, stroll around town, or just find a quiet spot to sit and take in the views. For more adventure, hop on the Vogel cable car for panoramic mountain views or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls.

Lake Bohinj ended up being one of our favourite spots during our time in Slovenia—it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature.

Two children in hoodies sit on a large rock at the edge of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia, gazing out over the calm, clear water toward steep forested mountains. The peaceful lakeside setting is framed by rocky shores and soft clouds above the dramatic alpine landscape. — the boys at Lake Bohinj

Where to Stay in Lake Bled

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel with lake views or a budget-friendly spot close to nature, Lake Bled has plenty of options for families.

Hotel Park: This 4-star hotel is THE place to stay in Bled. Overlooking the lake with stunning views of the Julian Alps, each room has a private balcony with fantastic views of either the lake or the surrounding park. There’s also an indoor pool and fitness centre and it’s just a short walk to the lake.
Garni Hotel Savica: Great for families, with free access to the pool complex at its sister property, Rikli Balance Hotel. There’s a waterslide and several pools, plus a hot pool with views of the lake. It’s also an easy walk to downtown, so everything is close by
Camping Bled: Ideal for families who love the outdoors. It’s a peaceful, nature-filled spot that’s still within walking distance of the lake.

Map of Lake Bled

Tips for Visiting Lake Bled

Getting there: Lake Bled is just a 40-minute drive from Ljubljana, making it an easy day trip from the capital. There are plenty of options to get there—you can drive yourself, take a bus, or join a guided tour. For all the details, check out our guide on how to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled.

Parking tip: There’s a parking lot near the lake with EV charging, but it fills up quickly, especially in summer. We ended up parking a few blocks away near the supermarket—which was convenient for grabbing snacks and just a short walk to the lake.

Bring cash: Most places in Lake Bled accept credit or debit cards, but there are a few exceptions—like some of the pletna boats—that only take cash. There are plenty of ATMs in town, including one near the lake, so you can easily withdraw cash if you need it.

Best time to visit: Early morning or evening is ideal—it’s quieter, and the light is beautiful. If you’re taking a tour from Ljubljana, expect more crowds in the middle of the day.
Lake Bled is popular year-round, but it’s especially busy in the summer months. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, June and September are great times to visit—the weather is still warm enough for swimming and outdoor activities, but it’s a bit quieter.

What to bring: If you’re visiting in the warmer months, don’t forget to pack a bathing suit—you’ll definitely want to take a dip in the lake after all the walking and hiking. And if you plan to hike to the viewpoints, comfortable hiking shoes are a must, as the trails can be steep and slippery in places.

A peaceful lakeside scene at Lake Bled, with a wooden bench under a tree framing the view of Bled Island in the distance. The island, home to the iconic Church of the Assumption, sits in the middle of the lake, surrounded by calm, turquoise waters. In the background, majestic mountains rise beneath a cloudy sky, adding to the tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Lake Bled

With its fairytale island, medieval castle, and stunning mountain backdrop, Lake Bled lives up to all the hype—and then some. Whether you’re paddling to the island, hiking to a viewpoint, or just relaxing by the water with a slice of Bled cream cake, it’s a place that’s easy to fall in love with.

While Lake Bled wasn’t our favourite spot in Slovenia, it’s absolutely worth visiting. The scenery is beautiful, even if it’s pretty touristy, we’re glad we took the time to explore the lake.

If you’re planning a trip to Slovenia, be sure to check out our other posts on Postojna Cave and Ljubljana, which are both easy day trips from Bled, or the beautiful coastal town of Piran, if you’re looking for more places to explore.

10 Best Things to Do at Lake Bled with Kids