Lake Bled

Discover the magic of the lake that attracts travellers from near and far.

Formation of the lake

The current unique shape of the year did not emerge coincidentally. A tectonic hole made by the Bohinj glacier through the years, was once at the location of the present lake. Its path was obstructed by a huge rock which was so persistently scraped that the only thing that remained was the present island. The ice melted and the basin was filled with water, thus Lake Bled emerged, which is in some places up to 30 metres deep and quite popular amongst divers. 19 species of fish live in the lake, including carp, sheatfish and lake trout. Ducks and swans as well as diverse plants also swim and thrive on its surface.

Thermal springs

The tectonic structure of the lake has not only shaped the lake itself, but has also contributed to the emergence of many thermal springs on the east side of the lake, where temperature does not drop below 20°C. Thermal springs are now used in three hotel pools of Grand Hotel Toplice, Hotel Park as well as Rikli Balance Hotel. Water is additionally heated at Hotel Park and Rikli Balance Hotel, while the Grand Hotel Toplice enables you to refresh in original thermal water at 22°C. You can also feel the healing effects of water by pouring it in a glass and drinking it. The temperature of the lake in summer reaches 25°C, in winter it can drop to 4°C. If winters are very cold, the lake surface also freezes.

© Aleš Krivec

The legend about the origin of the lake

In the past, there was not water at the location of Lake Bled, but a meadow valley with a small hill and a rock, where mountain fairies danced at night. Shepherds grazed their sheep in the valley, which ate grass around the fairy rock. The fairies asked the shepherds to put a fence around their dance area, so that the grass would remain soft. The shepherds did not consider their request and one day, the youngest and most beautiful fairy broke her leg while dancing. The angry fairies called upon the springs and brooks to storm into the valley and fill it with water. Only the hill with the rock remained as an island in the middle of the lake, where fairies could dance in light starry nights. Although fairies left these places a long time ago, a beautiful fairy lake and an island below the mountains were left behind. This is Lake Bled.

Experience

  • Rest on one of the benches and enjoy the view of the lake.
  • Walk 6 kilometres around the lake or enjoy in a horse-drawn carriage ride.
  • In summer, you swim or enjoy in other offered water sports on the lake.
  • Ride to the island on pletna boat or rent a boat and paddle.
  • Take photos of charming sunsets, pletna boats, the island with the church, castle and swans.
  • The lake freezes in very cold winters, so you can skate or walk on lake surface (if the ice is deep enough and at your own risk).

*WARNING: During the construction works of the pedestrian pavement in Mlino, a complete closure is in force on the part of the circular route around Lake Bled, on the section between the Mlino harbour and the Villa Beli dvor by the tunnel.  More >

Worth visiting

Attractions