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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Julian Alps, Slovenia

Nearby Destinations

Several captivating destinations are within a short distance of Bled, ideal day trip opportunities. Many visitors book day trips for ease and convenience. Consider organized tours for a seamless experience via GetYourGuide.

Lake Bohinj: Distance: Approximately 30 minutes drive (25 km / 15 miles) from Bled. Transportation: Regular bus service connects Bled to Lake Bohinj, specifically to the villages of Ribčev Laz and Stara Fužina on its eastern end. The bus journey is scenic.

Attractions at Lake Bohinj

  • Slovenia's largest permanent natural lake, located entirely within Triglav National Park.
  • Hiking around the lake, swimming, kayaking.
  • Visit the Savica Waterfall (a short hike from the lake's western end).
  • The Vogel cable car, ascending from the lake's southern shore, offers panoramic views and access to ski slopes in winter and hiking trails in summer.

More Day Trip Options

Extend your exploration with diverse experiences.

Radovljica

Distance: Approximately 10 minutes drive (6 km / 3.7 miles) east of Bled. Transportation: Frequent bus services connect Bled and Radovljica. A short taxi ride a choice.

Radovljica Highlights

  • A beautifully preserved medieval old town with a charming main square (Linhart Square).
  • Medieval defensive walls.
  • Various museums including the Gingerbread Museum (Lectar House) and the Beekeeping Museum.

Vintgar Gorge

Distance: Approximately 10 minutes drive (4 km / 2.5 miles) north-east of Bled. Transportation: Accessible by walking (about 1 hour from Bled), cycling, or a seasonal tourist bus that operates from Bled. Parking available near the entrance.

Vintgar Gorge Features

  • A spectacular 1.6 km (1 mile) long gorge with wooden walkways built along the Radovna River.
  • Leads to the Šum Waterfall.
  • A stunning natural wonder for a moderate walk.

Further Slovenian Cities

Ljubljana

  • Distance: Approximately 45-60 minutes drive (55 km / 34 miles) south-east of Bled.
  • Transportation: Frequent and reliable bus and train services connect Bled (or Lesce-Bled train station) to Ljubljana.
  • Attractions: Slovenia's charming capital city. Explore Ljubljana Castle, the Ljubljanica River, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and old town.
  • Organized tours from Bled to Ljubljana are bookable via GetYourGuide.

Kranjska Gora

  • Distance: Approximately 40 minutes drive (40 km / 25 miles) north-west of Bled.
  • Transportation: Regular bus services connect Bled to Kranjska Gora. Driving offers greater flexibility.
  • Attractions: A popular alpine resort town, starting point for hiking and cycling, major ski destination in winter.
  • Visit Lake Jasna, the Russian Chapel (a memorial to WWI prisoners), and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Travel Times & Options

  • Ljubljana travel time:45-60 mins
  • Radovljica travel time:10 mins
  • Vintgar Gorge travel time:10 mins
  • Lake Bohinj travel time:30 mins
  • Kranjska Gora travel time:40 mins
  • Kobarid/Soča Valley travel time:1.5-2 hours
  • Recommended for Soča Valley:Car
  • For multiple sites, consider:Rental car

Tip for Regional Exploration

When visiting multiple attractions like Vintgar Gorge, Bohinj, and Ljubljana, consider renting a car for a day or two for maximum flexibility.

Natural Escapes

Beyond Lake Bled, the surrounding Julian Alps and Triglav National Park present extensive opportunities for natural escapes, from serene valleys to imposing peaks. These excursions highlight Slovenia's dedication to preserving its pristine environment.

Triglav National Park

Slovenia's only national park, encompassing a large portion of the Julian Alps, a strictly protected area. Visitors must adhere to park rules.

Pokljuka Plateau

A vast, forested high-alpine plateau within Triglav National Park, known for its serene spruce forests and meadows.

Vršič Pass

Slovenia's highest mountain pass, offering spectacular winding roads, panoramic viewpoints, and numerous trailheads.

Triglav Park Activities

The park a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore a vast network of trails leading to alpine pastures, through lush valleys like Krma or Kot, or to various peaks.

Park Activities

  • Hiking: Vast network of trails.
  • Waterfalls: Visit Peričnik Waterfall (walk behind cascade) or Savica Waterfall.
  • Scenic landscapes: Seven Lakes Valley (challenging multi-day hike) and Vršič Pass.

Pokljuka & Zgornjesavska

Pokljuka Plateau is ideal for cross-country skiing in winter and pleasant hiking and cycling routes in summer and autumn. It a good starting point for less strenuous hikes into the national park.

Valley & Plateau Exploration

  • Pokljuka: Cross-country skiing in winter.
  • Pokljuka: Hiking and cycling in summer/autumn.
  • Zgornjesavska Valley: Picturesque villages like Mojstrana and Gozd Martuljek.

More Natural Wonders

Triglav Park activities include:Hiking, Waterfalls, Scenic Drives
Pokljuka Plateau activities:Cross-country skiing, Hiking, Cycling
Vršič Pass features:Winding roads, Panoramic viewpoints
Zgornjesavska Valley:Villages, Hiking, Martuljek Waterfalls
Seven Lakes Valley:Multi-day challenging hike
Peričnik Waterfall feature:Walk behind cascade

Hiking Safety Note

  • When hiking in Triglav National Park, always carry sufficient water.
  • Carry layers of clothing.
  • Carry a detailed map.
  • Weather changes quickly in the mountains.
  • Always stay on marked trails.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Bled's immediate charm, several nearby cultural sites and traditional areas offer a dive into Slovenian heritage, providing context to the country's past and local way of life.

Bohinj Villages

The villages surrounding Lake Bohinj (e.g., Ribčev Laz, Stara Fužina, Studor) offer a glimpse into traditional alpine village life. They feature charming old churches, traditional farmhouses, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Bohinj Village Significance

  • Explore the architecture.
  • Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist in Ribčev Laz with its medieval frescoes.
  • See the traditional hayracks (kozolci) in Studor.

Iron Forging Museum Kropa

Location: In the historic village of Kropa, famous for its centuries-old tradition of iron forging and nail making. About a 20-minute drive from Bled.

Kropa Museum Experience

  • The museum showcases the unique industrial heritage of the region.
  • Displays old tools, products, and a working forge.
  • Learn about the lives of the ironworkers and the craftsmanship involved.

Škofja Loka

Location: A beautifully preserved medieval town located southwest of Kranj, about a 45-minute drive from Bled.

Škofja Loka Highlights

  • One of the oldest and best-preserved medieval town centers in Slovenia.
  • Features Loka Castle, the Capuchin Bridge, and charming squares.
  • An open-air museum of medieval architecture, a rich history lesson.

Pilgrimage Sites

While Bled Island's church a prominent site, Slovenia has numerous other pilgrimage sites. The Church of St. Mary of the Lake in Bled itself another local religious landmark.

Spiritual Journeys

  • Explore smaller, often remote churches and chapels in the Julian Alps.
  • These sites provide a sense of peace.
  • Offer historical connection.

Cultural Excursion Insights

Cultural excursions complement natural attractions, creating a richer understanding of Slovenia's history, traditions, and local character.

Bohinj Villages

Glimpse traditional alpine village life and architecture.

Kropa Iron Museum

Showcases unique industrial heritage and craftsmanship.

Škofja Loka

A medieval town for stepping back in time.

Kropa Museum Recommendation

Visit the Iron Forging Museum in Kropa. It a fascinating insight into Slovenia's industrial past and skilled craftsmanship.

Multi-Day Extensions

Expand your Slovenian journey beyond Bled with these multi-day itinerary additions.

Extended Itinerary Options

1

Adriatic Coast

Piran, Portorož, Koper. Combine Julian Alps with charming coastal towns.

2

Logar Valley

Logarska Dolina. Stunning glacial valley, popular for hiking, cycling, tranquil escape.

3

Karst Region

Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle. Explore Slovenia's famous underground world.

Next Destinations

  • Croatia (Istria, Zagreb): Explore Croatian Istria for 2-3 days.
  • Austria (Villach, Klagenfurt): Just over the border, pleasant stops.
  • Slovenia & Croatia: Bled to Ljubljana, then to Zagreb, followed by Croatian Istria or Plitvice Lakes National Park.
  • Central European Loop: Slovenia with Vienna, Budapest, or Prague via train or bus.
  • If extending to the coast, staying a night in Piran is memorable for its sunsets.

Transportation Connections

  • Rental car: For multi-day extensions, this provides the most flexibility.
  • Buses: Generally reliable for intercity travel within Slovenia.
  • GoOpti shuttles: An option for direct point-to-point transfers between major tourist hubs.
  • Consider booking tours via GetYourGuide for structured explorations.
  • For compensations on flight issues, visit Compensair.
  • Get Priority Pass for airport lounge access.

Multi-Day Extension Tips

Consider Car Rental

For greater freedom and access to remote areas.

Coastal Stays

A night in Piran offers memorable sunsets.

Explore Neighboring Countries

Croatia and Austria are nearby.

Coastal Stay Insight

Consider an overnight stay in Piran on the coast for memorable sunsets.