As I packed for my weekend getaway to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, I felt a mixture of excitement and anticipation. I’d long heard about the fairy-tale setting of Bled, with its picturesque island church and the imposing medieval castle perched on a cliff. Bohinj, on the other hand, was said to be wilder and less touristy, a natural retreat tucked away in the heart of the Julian Alps. The thought of exploring both places in a single weekend made my heart race with joy.
My journey began early on a Saturday morning. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I boarded a train from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, heading north toward the Gorenjska region. The scenic train ride was an adventure in itself, with views of rolling hills, thick forests, and distant mountain peaks. In just over an hour, I arrived at the enchanting town of Bled, ready to immerse myself in its beauty.
Day 1: Exploring the Magic of Bled
As soon as I stepped off the train, I could feel the crisp mountain air invigorating me. The town of Bled greeted me with its relaxed atmosphere, small cafes, and charming lakeside streets. But the real star of the show was the lake itself. I made my way toward Lake Bled, and as I approached, I saw it: the emerald-green water with Bled Island sitting peacefully in the middle, its iconic church and steeple rising toward the sky.
A Walk Around Lake Bled
I started my exploration by taking a leisurely walk around the lake. The path is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long and offers a variety of viewpoints to admire the lake and the surrounding Julian Alps. It was a serene and peaceful experience, with the sound of water gently lapping against the shore and the sight of swans gliding gracefully across the surface.
Halfway through my walk, I couldn’t resist stopping at one of the lakeside cafes to try Bled’s famous dessert: the kremšnita, or cream cake. With its layers of fluffy cream, rich custard, and flaky pastry, it was the perfect sweet treat to enjoy while overlooking the shimmering lake.
Pletna Boat to Bled Island
No trip to Bled would be complete without a visit to the island. Traditional pletna boats, operated by local boatmen, ferry passengers across the lake to the island. I hopped aboard one of these wooden boats, and as we glided across the water, the view of the island and the surrounding mountains became even more magical.
Once on the island, I climbed the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption, which is said to bring good luck if you ring the church bell three times and make a wish. Naturally, I gave it a try—because who doesn’t need a little extra luck in life?
Bled Castle: A Journey Through History
After my boat ride, I headed up to Bled Castle, which is perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake. The hike up was steep but rewarding, offering stunning panoramic views of the lake, island, and distant mountains. The castle itself is a fascinating mix of medieval architecture and history. Inside, there’s a small museum where I learned about the history of the region, as well as a traditional wine cellar where visitors can bottle their own wine.
As the afternoon sun began to cast golden hues across the lake, I found a quiet spot to sit and soak in the view. The stillness and beauty of the moment made me feel as though time had stopped.
Day 2: The Wilderness of Lake Bohinj
On Sunday morning, I woke up early, eager to explore Lake Bohinj. Located just a 30-minute bus ride from Bled, Bohinj is part of Triglav National Park and is known for its untouched natural beauty. As soon as I arrived, I could tell that Bohinj had a different vibe than Bled—more rugged, quieter, and truly off the beaten path.
A Boat Ride Across Lake Bohinj
I started my day with a boat ride across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bohinj. The boat was small and intimate, with just a handful of other passengers. As we cruised across the lake, I was struck by the tranquility of the surroundings. Towering peaks of the Julian Alps framed the lake, and the water was so clear that I could see fish swimming beneath the surface. It felt like I had stepped into a postcard.
Vogel Cable Car: A View from Above
After my peaceful boat ride, I decided to get a different perspective of the lake by taking the Vogel cable car up to the Vogel Ski Resort. As I ascended, the views became more and more spectacular. At the top, I was greeted with panoramic vistas of the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj, and the expansive Triglav National Park.
Though it was the off-season for skiing, I spent some time hiking along the mountain trails, breathing in the fresh alpine air and marveling at the sheer beauty of the landscape. If you’re into winter sports, I can only imagine how incredible the skiing would be here during the winter months.
Hiking to Savica Waterfall
One of the highlights of my time in Bohinj was the hike to Savica Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most famous natural wonders. The trailhead is located at the far end of the lake, and after a short hike through the forest, I arrived at the falls. The waterfall plunges from a height of 78 meters (256 feet) into a beautiful emerald pool below, and the sound of the rushing water was both soothing and invigorating.
Standing there, surrounded by the lush greenery and the sound of the waterfall, I felt a deep connection to nature. It was the perfect reminder of how rejuvenating time in the wilderness can be.
Relaxing by the Lake
After my hike, I returned to the shores of Lake Bohinj and found a quiet spot to relax. Unlike Lake Bled, Bohinj feels more untouched and wild, with fewer tourists and a more tranquil atmosphere. I spent the afternoon simply sitting by the water, watching kayakers paddle by and listening to the sounds of nature.
As the sun began to set behind the mountains, casting a soft pink glow over the lake, I felt a profound sense of peace. Bohinj’s beauty is subtle but powerful, and it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Reflections on My Weekend Escape
As I made my way back to Ljubljana, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible experiences I’d had over the weekend. Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are both stunning in their own ways—Bled, with its storybook charm and more tourist-friendly atmosphere, and Bohinj, with its raw, untouched beauty and serene surroundings.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that combines natural beauty, adventure, and a touch of history, Bled and Bohinj are the perfect destinations. From hiking and boating to simply sitting by the water and soaking in the views, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
For me, this trip was a reminder of how much beauty there is in slowing down and appreciating the world around you. Whether you’re marveling at a centuries-old castle or listening to the sound of a waterfall deep in the forest, both Bled and Bohinj offer experiences that touch the soul and inspire a sense of wonder. I left with memories that will stay with me forever and a longing to return to this magical corner of Slovenia.
