Lake Bled is one of our all-time favourite photography locations. Everything about it is special – from the world-famous island in the middle of the sparkling waters to the dramatic mountains that loom large in each photo.
We’ve got very fond memories of exploring Bled and its surroundings during a recent trip to Slovenia. We were particularly keen to make the most of the beautiful weather and put the camera through its paces. Here are 7 of the best photo spots we loved whilst exploring Lake Bled.
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1) The waterfront park in the town of Bled
Best for: Long-distance views of Bled Island and the traditional plenta boats.
Perfect for anyone staying in the busy town of Bled, the small waterfront park gives you direct access to the eastern shores of the lake. We loved strolling along the lakeside path, which tightly hugs the water and offers spectacular views of the picturesque Bled Island.
One of the most popular photo spots for couples is the small “Heart of Bled” sculpture. Here, you can pose with your partner, framed by a red love heart with the lake stretched out behind you. A small queue of couples formed an orderly line. However, this isn’t why we’ve chosen this spot as one of our favourites.
No, our favourite thing about this viewpoint was watching the colourful wooden pletna boats sail towards the island. These traditional flat-bottom vessels are an icon of Lake Bled and have been ferrying tourists around the lake for generations.
At one point, we could see 6 or 7 of them heading to and from the island. With a long lens, it made for a lovely sight, particularly against the backdrop of the forested hills and mountains on the opposite shore.
Recommended lens: 70-200mm or similar telephoto.
Best time of day for photos: Late morning or early afternoon when most of the pletna boats will be in action.
How to do it: Click here for a Google pin of the waterfront location in the town of Bled. There is a car park with electric vehicle chargers nearby. The nearest train station is Bled Jezero, which is on the opposite side of the lake. However, Bled bus station is nearby.
2) Down by the pletna boats at Bled Mlino
Best for: Admiring the handicraft of the traditional pletna boats.
To get up close and personal to Lake Bled’s famous pletna boats, head to the southern shores. Next to the Bled Mlino bus stop, a small port offers shelter for a large group of the colourful wooden vessels.
Early in the morning is the best time to check out the pletnas. Their captains have not yet arrived. There are no tourists around. The boats bob silently up and down in the gentle waves of the lake.
It makes for a marvellous scene. If you’re lucky, you may see families of ducks swimming between the vessels, or even spot a fish or two close to the shore. In the distance, just after sunrise, strings of mist may hang over the lake or float between the trees.
Recommended lens: Wide-angle, to capture the boats up close.
Best time of day for photos: Early morning, when all the boats are moored and before the tourists arrive.
How to do it: You can walk to Mlino Port from the town of Bled. Alternatively, you can catch the bus to Bled Mlino bus stop, right next to the boats.
3) The famous Bled Island
Best for: An alternative view of Bled from the heart of the lake.
No trip to Lake Bled would be complete without taking a pletna trip out to Bled Island. Whilst the island is so often the focus of photos, a visit here can give you a fresh perspective on the scenery around the lake.
Unsurprisingly, the island is a favourite among wedding photographers, with sweeping steps and a perfect backdrop. We saw two wedding parties during our short time on the island. One of the couples had spared no expense, with three photographers and a videographer. Their wedding guests waited patiently in a couple of boats tethered to the shore.
Our favourite photo spot on the island was the steps on the southern side. They were perfect for capturing a classic walking shot, with Lucy’s yellow coat standing out against the impossibly blue waters of the lake.
Aside from the steps, a trip to the lake offers a great chance to get up close to the famous Assumption of Mary Church, whose tower stands tall above the tree-covered island.
Recommended lens: Wide-angle for capturing shots of the island and church. Telephoto for picking out details of the distant shores of the lake.
Best time of day: You may have little a choice on this, as it depends on when you can catch a boat. However, early morning or late afternoon is best.
How to do it: The best way to visit Bled Island is to take a trip on one of the traditional pletna boats. A return trip costs 18 euros, and you can catch the boat from Bled Mlino. During busy periods, you may need to wait for a boat that has space.
4) The beautiful boardwalk at Lake Bled
Best for: Sweeping views of Bled Island and Bled Castle
On the western shores of Lake Bled, the short, wooden boardwalk is one of the best places to get a classic photo of the Bled Island. In fact, it’s probably one of the best photo spots anywhere on Lake Bled, with the island directly in front of you, Bled Castle on the left and the dramatic mountains behind.
Of course, you’ll need to visit on a clear day to get the full effect of the mountainous backdrop. However, even on moody days – with low clouds and poor visibility – the island provides a stunning focal point for a dramatic image.
If you visit on a sunny summer day, keep an eye out for kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists. Watersports are incredibly popular on this stretch of Lake Bled, and you could look to organise your own kayaking or paddleboarding trips if the weather is kind. You may even spot people swimming, with the nearby Velika Zaka bay a favourite area for hitting the water.
Recommended lens: Wide-angle, to help capture the full majesty of the scene. A 70-200mm is a great addition for zooming in on the castle or the island.
Best time of day: Early morning before the crowds appear. The boardwalk can get quite busy during the summer months.
How to do it: Entry to the boardwalk is free; simply look for the signs as you follow the trails around the lake. If in doubt, you can find one of the best viewpoints on the Lake Bled boardwalk here.
5) A small stretch of grass on the southwest shore of Lake Bled
Best for: The ideal photo spot for capturing both Bled Island and Bled Castle in one dramatic image.
This spot might take some finding, but once you arrive, you’ll almost certainly recognise the scene. A small patch of grass on the southwestern shores of Lake Bled, this is the iconic location for one of the most famous Lake Bled compositions.
Bled Island stands directly in front of you. Behind it, a little to the right, Bled Castle looms high above the water, perched atop dramatic cliffs. Overlooking Bled Castle, a rugged mountain range adds an extra layer of drama. With a long lens, you can bring each of these elements into one unforgettable image.
Depending on the time of year, you can also find interesting compositions nearby using the foliage to frame the island. It’s little wonder that we saw plenty of photographers heading here with their tripods, particularly as the sun began to set and the island’s lights started to twinkle. For such an unassuming patch of grass, this is a special spot.
Recommended lens: 70-200mm or similar, to help pick out the three elements of island, castle and mountains. To use the foliage, you will want a wider lens.
Best time of day: Sunset, when the clouds above the mountains begin to catch the changing colours.
How to do it: You can find this photo spot here on the southwest edge of Lake Bled. Bled Jezero train station is a 25-minute walk away. The walk from the town of Bled should take around 35 minutes.
6) Halfway up the Mala Osojnica trail
Best for: Tantalisingly good views of Lake Bled.
Mala Osojnica is one of the best viewpoints at Lake Bled, perched atop a hill above the western shores. If you can, it’s worth heading all the way to the top. However, if you’re short on time or do not want to complete the full, steep climb, there is another viewpoint around 10-15 minutes into the hike.
After following the route from the trailhead and hiking through thick woodland, you will eventually reach a small clearing. The viewpoint is not signed, but you’ll know it when you arrive. Most of the trees disappear, and you’ll catch your first glimpse of the lake.
There are a few trees blocking the full, wide view, but it’s still a lovely spot. For those heading up to the main viewpoint, it offers a wonderful preview of what awaits you at the top.
Recommended lens: The trees block the full view, so we recommend a 70-200mm lens to pick out the island, castle or other features in the landscape.
Best time of day: Early morning or early evening. Not only will the light be better, but you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day.
How to do it: From the Mala Osojnica trailhead, follow the path as it tracks past an old house. You’ll walk through some woodland, and eventually, the view will reveal itself. Click here for our full guide to the Mala Osojnica hike.
7) The top of the Mala Osojnica trail overlooking Lake Bled
Best for: Epic, unbeatable views across Lake Bled.
This is one of the best photo spots in Lake Bled. In fact, it’s probably our favourite. Sure, you’ll need to be prepared for a steep hike, but trust us – this is worth it. The views are simply breathtaking.
Follow the Mala Osojnica trail through thick woodland, stopping to admire the “preview” views referenced above. Then, carry on through the woods, tackling a very steep set of stairs before eventually reaching the viewpoint.
Here, 685 metres above sea level, you can enjoy amazing views over Lake Bled. A small information board helps identify key landmarks – from the island and castle to the mountains of the Karavanke range in the background.
We were lucky enough to time our visit with the end of a storm after heavy rain during our visit to nearby Lake Bohinj. After the storm passed, dramatic lighting flooded the landscape and eventually led to a spectacular double rainbow. It was an unforgettable experience and the perfect way to sign off a tour of the photo spots of Lake Bled.
Recommended lens: Wide-angle, to allow you to capture the full beauty of the landscape beneath you. A longer lens may be helpful to pick out details in the distant mountains.
Best time of day: Sunset, when you stand the best chance of dramatic lighting.
How to do it: You will need around 30 minutes to complete the steep hike from the Mala Osojnica trailhead to the viewpoint. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared to work up a sweat.
Accommodation with amazing views of Lake Bled
Of course, sunrise is often the best time of day for photos. However, not everyone wants to set their alarm at the crack of dawn and head out with their camera. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to stay that offer spectacular views of Lake Bled straight from your room. These include:
- The Grand Hotel Toplice stands on the waterfront on the edge of Bled town, directly opposite Bled Castle. The hotel offers 5-star luxury, with some rooms boasting balconies with views directly across the lake. The hotel’s signature eatery, Restaurant Julijana, has a sublime terrace right on the water’s edge. Rooms from £219 a night, including breakfast. Expect to pay more for a lake view.
- Sovica Bled is a self-catering villa on the southwest shores of Lake Bled. The house is furnished in a traditional, unassuming style, but its main attraction is the view. The small terrace offers direct views across to Bled Island, whilst Bled Castle is also visible in the background. There can be few finer places to enjoy a morning coffee. From £256 per night, with room to sleep six people.
- Adora Luxury Hotel is a stone’s throw from the pletna boats at Bled Mlino. Only the road separates the hotel from the waters of the lake. Not all rooms offer views of the lake, but those that do will guarantee an unforgettable stay. Rooms from £160 a night, including breakfast. Expect to pay more for a lake view.
The best photo spots at Lake Bled: Our final thoughts
Lake Bled is a photographer’s dream. From the picture-perfect Bled Island to the sublime alpine surroundings, everything about this popular corner of Slovenia is wonderful. It’s certainly one of our favourite places, and we would happily spend weeks exploring the villages, hiking trails and forests nearby. No matter how long we were staying around Lake Bled, one thing is for sure – we would keep returning to these seven photo spots time and time again.