It’s difficult to snap a photo of Lake Bled – by far one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia – that doesn’t warrant a place on Instagram. However, there are a few places that certainly deserve a spot on your feed.
If you are looking for the iconic view of Lake Bled where you are standing on top of a rock, you are likely looking for Ojstrica hill.
At 611 metres above sea level, Ojstrica rises above the western shore of the lake and features jaw-dropping views of the famous Alpine lake and surrounding snow-capped mountains. The hike to the top takes about 20 minutes and ranges between easy and moderate.
If you have already researched Lake Bled on Instagram, you have probably seen at least one of the two famous benches with the perfect viewpoint.
After reaching Ojstrica, you can continue your journey and hike even higher to Mala Osojnica hill where you will find even more stunning views over the landscapes. At 685 metres, it is a 15-20 minute hike from Ojstrica.
Those who feel adventurous can keep walking from Mala Osojnica for another 25 minutes to reach the next summit, Velika Osojnica (756m). Here you’ll find the iconic heart-shaped bench and the most romantic views of Lake Bled and its surroundings, the Karavanke, Kamniško-Savinjske Alpe mountain ranges and the Ljubljana basin.
The best way to get a complete view of Lake Bled is to take a walk around the lake. The path is about 6 kilometres (three miles) long and if you walk at a leisurely pace, it will take you approximately 75 minutes to get around.
Walk in the fresh alpine air and take some spectacular shots of charming sunsets, pletna boats, the island with the church, the castle and swans.
One of the most iconic photos you can take of Lake Bled is from the traditional pletna boats. You can either snap a few gorgeous shots of these boats from the shore (we suggest taking them in Mlino, close to Vila Alpina) or hop into one and enjoy the scenic trip to Bled Island.
Foodgrammers will appreciate the Belvedere Pavilion, a notable building set on 30-meter pillars in Vila Bled’s park. The edifice was designed by Jože Plečnik, one of the greatest Slovenian architects, as the reception area of a new royal residence, the plans for which never came to fruition. Later, it was used by President Tito for relaxing tea parties with other heads of state.
Nowadays, the Belvedere makes for an incredible setting for a relaxed afternoon, enjoying a good cup of coffee or tea and a slice of the delicious Bled cream cake (kremšnita) with inspiring panoramas of Lake Bled.
Placed on a wooden pier on Lake Bled, lying just below Lakeside Promenade the red Insta-heart frame is a popular spot, especially among the romantics, for taking photos with the lake and the island serving as the perfect backdrop. Love padlocks decorate the fence around the pier.
A stay at Vila Lipa is the perfect opportunity to discover Slovenia's charming Lake Bled, fairytale castle and lush surroundings. Let us inspire you with our insider knowledge and start discovering the picturesque Lake Bled.