Lake Bled lies in North West Slovenia nestled in the Julian Alps, and just 35km from the capital Ljubljana. A fairy-tale city of  mountainous peaks, glacial waters, and traditions rooted in centuries of history, that belongs firmly on your European bucket list.

When I first arrived, folklore said the lake was formed by fairies, and honestly, it wasn’t hard to believe. Despite its small size, Lake Bled is brimming with activities, so here are six experiences you shouldn’t miss.

I first visited Lake Bled back in September 2019 during a long weekend in Slovenia, and it left such an impression that I’ve been longing to return ever since. On our visit we stayed at the eco friendly Garden Village Bled booked through Booking.com. This unique resort offers tree houses glamping tents and riverside lodges surrounded by nature.

 I’ve updated this guide for 2025 with fresh tips, updated prices, and recommendations for where to book tours and stays. Please forgive the ads, it helps me cover the running costs of the blog. This post may also contain affiliate links.

1. Get a Honey Massage

Slovenia is home to the Carniolan honey bee and beekeeping is a proud tradition here. Honey is used not just as food, but as a therapy practice known as apitherapy. At Živa Wellness Spa, treatments still include honey exfoliations from around €20 in 2025 and warm honey massages from around €55.

Or visit a local apiary

If you’d like the full bee experience, local beekeeper Blaž Ambrožič has built an apiary in Selo pri Bledu. Just a short twenty-four minute walk or five-minute drive (according to google maps) from Lake Bled, you can learn all about this Slovenian form of agriculture.

2. Bathe in the Thermal Waters

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Bled is a spa town. Thermal springs feed into luxury hotels such as Grand Hotel Toplice and Živa Wellness Spa where the pools overlook the Alps and lake. The thermal waters are said to relieve stress fatigue and muscle pain and while the science may be debatable soaking while gazing out over Bled certainly feels therapeutic.

Day passes for the pools are often available so you do not need to be a guest to visit. You can also enjoy smaller pools in Hotel Bled Rose and Hotel Kompas.

3. Eat As Much Cream Cake As Possible

No trip to Lake Bled is complete without Kremšnita, the famous Bled cream cake. Created at Hotel Park in the 1950s it is made of puff pastry custard whipped cream and icing sugar. It is rich but surprisingly light and still the best excuse to indulge in dessert for breakfast. While you will find it all around Bled, the original at Hotel Park Café remains the must try.

4. Ride on a Pletna Boat

A tradition dating back to the 16th century Pletna boats are still rowed by oarsmen whose skills are passed down through generations. No motors are allowed so the serene journey to Bled Island feels timeless. You can book Pletna rides directly at the lakeside or pre-arrange a guided tour with GetYourGuide for around €15 to €20 per person.

5. Swim in the Lake

If you are visiting in summer join the locals and swim in the crystal clear waters. The best spot is still Velika Zaka near Camping Bled where grassy areas lead down to the pebbly shore. Be prepared for refreshing temperatures even in July the lake hovers around 22°C. There is also a small pier if you want to take the plunge in true Alpine style.

Velika Zaka, Lake Bled

 6. Watch the Sunrise from Ojstrica, Lake Bled

This was the highlight of my first visit in 2019 and still remains unforgettable. A 20 minute uphill hike to Ojstrica viewpoint rewards you with one of the most famous sunrise views in Europe. Watching the sun rise over Bled Island is a memory you will carry forever. You can find more details on how to reach it here. Wear sturdy shoes and start early.

The Rikli Method of Wellness

By indulging in massages swims and long walks in the Alpine air you will have unknowingly embraced the Rikli lifestyle. Arnold Rikli the Swiss hydropath who promoted natural healing in Bled in the 19th century encouraged waking early drinking fresh water barefoot walks swimming and sunbathing. It is a reminder that sometimes the best wellness practice is simply living slowly and connecting with nature something Bled still offers in abundance.

Final Thoughts on Lake Bled

When I first wrote this article in 2019 I knew Lake Bled was special. Whether you are here for wellness nature or simply to eat your bodyweight in cream cake Lake Bled is a destination worth returning to again and again.

Plan your trip with >Booking.com for stays, GetYourGuide for activities and Notino EU for a little honey inspired wellness to bring back home.