BLED CASTLE
Entrance fee
This picturesque castle dating back to the year 1004 commands the lake below and the countryside around it. On top you will find a medieval wine cellar, a print shop with a replica of the world’s first print press, a restaurant and a museum about the natural and geological history of Bled and the surroundings. The view of Lake Bled from the top platform is amazing!
If you approach by car, you can park your car at the castle’s designated car park that is located next to Bled football pitch and right next to the main road Bled-Gorje.
OSOJNICA VIEW POINT
The view is known as the best and most scenic view of Lake Bled, where you can get an amazing snapshot of the lake with the island, the castle and the high mountains as the backdrop. This is a short hike from lake Bled, the footpath begins about 300m away from camping Bled and is marked with a number 6 sign. The hike takes about 30 minutes of steady ascending. Do not go on this hike without walking shoes/sports shoes. Not suitable for babies or children less than 3 years old. The hiking path is only accesible on foot, the nearest parking is in Camping Zaka (expensive at 5 eur/hour) or next to Bled train station.
BLED ISLAND
Entrance fee
The only real island in Slovenia is the small island in the middle of Lake Bled. It is of glacial origin, on the island you can visit the church (entrance fee), a caffee or a well stocked souvenir shop. Access is possible via Bled’s own wooden boat called pletna. Starting points are at different locations around the lake with no fixed itinerary. The boats leave when enough people gather for the next trip.
The alternative is renting a boat from one of three locations. First one is under a glass tower in Camping Zaka bay. Second one under Villa Bled and the third one a large boat house under Bled Castle. The boats are wooden and do require some minimum manouvering skills and strength. Boats seat 3pax (small) or 5pax (large).
VINTGAR GORGE
Entrance fee
The Vintgar gorge is a beautiful river canyon, carved in the limestone by the Radovna river. Most of the hike can be done right beside the river with parts of it on a wooden construction over the river. At the end of a 2km hike you can admire the Šum waterfall. The hike takes anywhere between 2-3 hours of easy walking on mostly flat terrain. It is easily accessible on foot from Apartments Perla, the hike to the entrance only takes 20 minutes. Next to Bled castle, this is the most visited tourist attraction in Bled and surroundings. As of 2022 the entrance is only possible with previously on-line purchased timed tickets. Parking with a free shuttle for Vintgar is available next to the main road Bled-Gorje, besides the Lip Bled factory signposted P+R Vintgar.
RADOVNA RIVER VALLEY
The Radovna river valley begins in the heart of Triglav National Park and offers some breathtaking scenery. You can reach the Radovna river from Apartments Perla if you walk from the apartments to the main road, cross the road and descend for about 5 minutes. When you reach a wooden bridge, cross it and go left. The road is either next to the river or very close to it. You can visit the Radovna river on foot, by bike or by car. The best way to explore it is by bike. About 8km from the valley start by the bridge you will find Kreda lake, a small lake only 50m in diamater located in the fields of the Radovna river valley. You can swim in the lake or just relax in the fields next to it. If you continue up the road from Kreda lake in about 5km you will reach a traditional restaurant called Psnak, offering a variety of traditional Slovene dishes as well as some home produce such as diary and meat. The restaurant offers a great view of Krma valley, where the source of the Radovna river is hidden in the mountains.
POKLJUKA PLATEAU
Pokljuka is a plateau located about 20 minutes away from Bled. The route goes through the village of Gorje where the road starts to ascend more rapidly. About halfway up the road in the village of Zatrnik you will find a local restaurant offering Slovene dishes with a selection of drinks and a salad buffet bar. At the top of the plateau the road gets flat once again. If you continue driving for another 3km you will see a sign Sport hotel and a road turning left. Next to the hotel thare are two short ski runs perfect for beginners/intemediate skiers. At the end of the road on Pokluka plateau you will find a large parking area and next to it the Pokljuka sports centre with a restaurant and cross country ski hire service in winter.
Pokljuka is the perfect place to start your hiking trips into the mountains. Two of the most popular peaks are Debela Peč 2014m (3 hours to the top) and Viševnik 2050m (also 3 hours to the top). They offer amazing views of the Julian Alps and are relatively easy. Mountain footwear and a rain jacket are a must! Not suitable for trainers or ordinary shoes.
HIKE THROUGH GORJE
This is a short hike only 3km long. You start by walking to the main road and crossing it, immediately you will see a narrow hiking path, follow it down to Radovna river and cross the bridge. After bridge turn right and walk uphill for about 300m, there you will turn right on a small gravel road. Follow it and walk downhill until you reach a nice wooden bridge next to and old mill house. From there walk uphill again till you reach the main road. From there you can return by main road or walk across the fields to get back to the apartment.
POKLJUŠKA LUKNJA
This is a lovely hike of about 12km that will take you through a dry river canyon. Start by walking to the main road, there cross it and follow the asphalt road downhill for about 200m. There go left and keep walking for about 1km till the aspahlt road turns to gravel. Follow the road for another 1km when you reach a car parking. This is the start of the hike through Pokljuška Luknja. The hike is easy and takes you through very lush vegetation and parts of a dried river canyon formed in the last ice age. Look for signs to lead you back to the parking. The hike takes about 1,5 hours.
POGLEJSKA CERKEV
This is another short hike of only 3km where you will see a natural limestone cave shaped like a semi-dome. The place is now occasionaly used for gatherings and outdoor events, but in ancient times it was inhabited by people. Start the hike by turning right immediately from the apartments and follow the road for about 1km. There be careful not to miss the sign that takes you right through the forrest and only 2min from the road you will reach Poglejska cerkev.
DEBELA PEČ (2014m) - 5 hours
This is a moderate hike to a peak with some of the best views of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps. Drive to Pokljuka plateau and park your car next to Šport hotel. Continue on foot to the main road, cross it and follow a gravel road through the forrest. Cross the scenic pastures and continue through the forrest. About 1,5 hours from the start you will pass the Lipanca mountain hut (1630 m). The hut serves a few simple dishes as well as drinks. From there the Debela peč peak is another 1,5 hours away. Look for signposts and footpath markings on rocks to lead the way. Only do this hike with hiking shoes and always check the weather forecast before visiting the mountains as the weather there changes very fast. Total hiking time is 5-6 hours.