Tours in Croatia by Secret Dalmatia

Duration: full day

Difficulty: easy

Location: Zagreb, Ljubljana

Available all year round

Slovenia’s Lake Bled

Slovenia's National Treasure

Welcome to one of the most ‘storybook’ settings in Europe where the natural beauty and romantic ambiance of Slovenia put on a spectacular show – the magical Lake Bled! An emerald green lake with Slovenia’s only island is surrounded by alpine forests, a castle perched high on the ridge and the snowcapped peaks of the Julian Alps in the backdrop. A picture – perfect church occupies the small island, awaiting traditional hand propelled gondola style boats to make the short trip across the lake and bring curious visitors over. Discover the legends that surround the lake and ring the church bell for good luck, although you will already feel fortunate enough to be there!

  • This tour is fully private and on request only.
  • Tour includes collection from your hotel or private accommodation in Zagreb region by our professional English speaking chauffeur in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van, local guide, entrance tickets and pletna boat ride.
  • Bring your camera, comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen in the summer months. If travelling from Croatia, make sure to bring your passport and travel documents for the border control!
  • OPTIONAL: On your way back to Zagreb, a visit to the Trakošćan Castle can be a wonderful addition to this day and an insight into the glory days and stormy past of the region.

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Tour description

What you'll see on this tour

A scenic two hour drive from Zagreb, the fairy tale of Slovenia’s Bled Lake enchants with unparalleled serenity, fresh alpine air and a picture-perfect combo of nature and romance. This corner of the Earth, where time seems to linger between emerald waters, mountain peaks and celestial blues, inspires romantics, nature lovers and families alike.

Your private English speaking chauffeur will meet you at your Zagreb hotel to drive you to Bled. As you leave the bustling city behind, see the capital of Croatia slowly melt into green landscapes of rolling hills, hilltop castles and small villages. The drive to Bled takes around two hours and crosses EU border between Croatia and Slovenia.

Slovenia is tiny but charming and very attractive, with its meticulously tendered landscapes and picturesque villages. You will drive through most of this small country but count on falling in love with Bled’s glacial lake almost instantaneously.

Your exploration starts with a highlight: a ride in the traditional wooden pletna boat, propelled very much like a gondola. Head over to the tiny islet capped with an exquisite 17th century Church of the Assumption, sitting on top of 99 stairs. On the lakeside, enjoy a pleasant promenade or hike up to the Bled Castle, sitting some 100 meters above the lake and promising breath-taking views. Enjoy a lunch of Slovenian specialties on your own and do not miss tasting the signature Bled cake at one of the many cafés or patisseries along the waterfront.

Quick Info

AIRPORT NEARBY

Zagreb

Distance to attraction

DISTANCE

Zagreb: 198 Km

Zagreb

Bled

Ljubljana

The Legends of Bled

It is only fitting that legend and myth surround magical Lake Bled. The lake itself is believed to have been created by fairies who once lived in the valley. When shepherds did not heed their warning to leave, and moved their grazing flocks of sheep into the valley, the fairies brought on a violent storm and flooded the land, leaving only one islet of rocks in the center of the lake. Later, a young widow who lived in the Bled castle had a bell cast for the chapel in honor of her late husband. During transport, a storm sank the boat taking the bell and the crew down with it. Legend states that one can hear the bell ringing from the lake’s depths. The widow spent the rest of her life as a nun in Italy, when she passed away, the Pope had a new bell cast and delivered to Bled. It is rung by visitors for good luck and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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The Lake Bled full day trip from Zagreb is a unique opportunity to explore one of Slovenia’s most picturesque landmarks. You will be transported from Croatia’s bustling capital, Zagreb, to the tranquil beauty of Lake Bled. This tour includes a visit to the iconic Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff above the lake, and a traditional ‘pletna’ boat ride to the charming island in the middle of the lake. You will also have the chance to taste the famous Bled cream cake. This tour is designed to provide a full day of exploration, relaxation, and indulgence in the natural and cultural treasures of Lake Bled.

The Bled tours are packed with exciting activities and breathtaking sights. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the visit to Lake Bled, a stunning alpine lake renowned for its emerald-green waters, the picturesque island in the middle, and the medieval castle perched on a rocky cliff. Other highlights include a visit to the charming town of Bled, a boat ride on the traditional ‘pletna’ boat, a visit to the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island, and a chance to taste the delicious Bled cream cake.

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most iconic natural landmarks and a key part of the country’s natural heritage. Nestled in the Julian Alps, the lake is renowned for its stunning emerald-green waters, the picturesque island in the middle, and the medieval castle perched on a rocky cliff. The lake and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Lake Bled is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. The summer months (June to August) are perfect for boat rides on the lake, swimming, and other water activities. The spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for hiking and sightseeing, with fewer crowds and mild weather. The winter (December to February) turns the lake into a snowy wonderland, ideal for winter sports and romantic walks.

The Lake Bled full day trip from Zagreb typically lasts about 10 to 12 hours. This includes the travel time from Zagreb to Lake Bled and back, which is about 2 hours each way. The rest of the time is spent exploring Lake Bled and its surroundings, including the Bled Castle, Bled Island, and the town of Bled. Please note that the exact duration of the tour can vary depending on traffic and other factors.

The Lake Bled tour package includes round-trip transportation from Zagreb, a guided tour of Lake Bled and its surroundings, a visit to Bled Castle, a ‘pletna’ boat ride to Bled Island, and a taste of the famous Bled cream cake. The package also includes all entrance fees, and you will be accompanied by a professional, English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

Yes, the Lake Bled tour is suitable for people of all ages, including children and elderly people. The tour involves some walking, but it is generally not strenuous. The ‘pletna’ boat ride to Bled Island is a gentle and enjoyable activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. However, please note that the island is accessed by a staircase with 99 steps, which may be challenging for some elderly people or those with mobility issues.

For the Lake Bled tour, it is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, as there will be some walking involved. Depending on the weather, you might also want to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views of the lake and its surroundings! If you plan to swim in the lake during the summer months, bring your swimsuit and a towel.