Easy Hike to Lake Bled Viewpoint - the Most Photographed Attraction of the Slovenian Alps

Don’t let the size of Slovenia fool you. This small country, bordered by four neighbors (Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Italy) and the Adriatic Sea, packs a good punch when comparing the impact the wonders of nature have on people who decide to explore it. Take for example the little church in the middle of a small island on a lake surrounded by mountains. It looks even better than it sounds, and with the help of Mountain Moments, your can see for yourself: see our hiking description to the 2 best viewpoints and photo locations.

Lake Bled is probably the most photographed place in Slovenia and certainly in the Slovenian Alps. This relaxing hike provides a dreamlike view of Lake Bled, the island and Bled Castle. At the easily accessible viewpoints, the Karavanke (Karawanks) Mountains and the Gorenjska Plain (formerly Upper Carniola) greet you in the background. Ideally, the excursion is rounded off with a walk around the lake and a traditional Bled cream cake in one of the many romantic cafes on the lake.

If you are in the mood for more of an alpine challenge, you can also aim for an ascent of Slovenia’s highest peaks from here.

The rope-secured ascent to Triglav/Three Peaks (2864m) is possible from Jezero, but often the shortest route is chosen from Mojstrana (shelter "Aljažev dom") in the picturesque Vrata valley. — We can’t decide which one of the two viepoints to Lake Bled is the best one. *The viepoint* Mala Osojnica – seen here – is easy to reach and offers a great view to the Church in the small island on Lake Bled. Same as Ojstrica it is for both viewpoints just a 20-30 minute hike from the parking. Make sure to be there on time for sunset or sunrise and don’t miss the Bled Creme cake after your hike.

Route description – this is how your adventure in the Slovenian Alps looks like on a map

The easy hike starts at the parking lot Camping Bled (475m, alternatively train station Bled Jezero). On the shore south along the lake until the path “No. 6” branches off to the right. Follow this and after about 20 minutes turn right and walk a short distance uphill to the viewpoint Ojstrica (610m).

The last meters lead over stony terrain and require some concentration. Here is the first photo spot. Then return to the crossing, continue along the path (no. 6) and turn right again uphill towards Velika Osojnica (756m), the second viewpoint follows.

Again return to the trail crossing and continue to follow the original trail “No. 6” briefly uphill to the third viewpoint Mala Osojnica (685m). Now from here zigzag down to the lake.

Once at the lake, either return to the starting point or start the leisurely lake circuit hike. The first café is just a few minutes away. This easy hiking route is 3.5km long and can be finished in under two hours. — Start your Lake Bled viewpoint hike with this map. Park at Camping Bled and follow the hiking signs. After the hike you can continue with a leisurely lake circuit hike. The first café is just a few minutes away. This easy hiking route is 3.5km long and can be finished in under two hours *(Difficulty level 1 out of 5)*

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – Ojstrica, Velika Osojnica and Mala Osojnica – the best Lake Bled viewpoints for the Island

*Viewpoint Ojstrica with a perfect view to the island with its little church on Lake Bled.* The viewpoint is just a rock in the woods and can be missed easily (by 2021 there is no sign). Come on our photo workshop to learn what it takes to find such outstanding photo locations and everything else that makes mountain photography so rewarding.

It is recommended to start the tour about 1 hour before sunrise. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the first viewpoint. The three viewpoints Ojstrica (685m), Velika Osojnica (756m) and Mala Osojnica are similarly beautiful, we find the best perspective at the first two.

Along the lake walk, the boats (pletnas) are recommended as a motif during a boat ride, as well as the ascent to Bled Castle. For everyone that wants to be fully prepared photography-wise, connect with us, as Mountain Moments can help you plan your next mountain photography adventure. — *Along the lake walk, the boats (pletnas) are recommended as a motif during a boat ride, as well as the ascent to Bled Castle.* For everyone that wants to be fully prepared photography-wise, connect with us, as Mountain Moments can help you plan your *next mountain photography adventure*

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

Enjoy Lake Bled on a boat ride on these traditional and handmade wooden boats. Just go there and ask for a ride – no reservation necessary but plan some time on busy sunny weekend days in summer.

More information about your hiking adventure in Slovenia

How to get there by public transport: Arrival by train via Jesenice to Lesce-Bled. Continue by bus, bus stop opposite the train station, 4km to the center of the lake.

How to get there by car: From Austria through Karavanke tunnel to Hrušica exit (no SLO vignette required), via Jesenice towards Koroška Bela and Bled. Alternatively via Wurzenpass/Korensko sedlo

Hike difficulty level: easy

Start/finish: Camping Bled/Lake Bled

Distance: 3,6km

Duration: 1.40h

Ascent/descent: 270m/270m

Highest point/lowest point: 756m/475m

Requirements: Short and simple. Only the last meters to Ojstrica are stony and slippery when wet. There is a steep staircase on the descent from the Mala Osojnica viewpoint.

Other tips: Hiking in the Vintgar Gorge/ Bled gorge (photo tip for bad weather), canyoning in the Grmečica Gorge, excursion to the Soča Valley), canyoning in the Grmečica Gorge, excursion to the Soča Valley.

Meals: Camping Bled

Contact: www.bled.si/de/

How to get there by public transport: From Jenbach train station by bus or Zillertalbahn to Mayrhofen. Here change to bus 4102, www.christophorus.at.

Marius

Hi, i am Marius, i love exploring the mountains and nature. Friends say, i know the mountains better than most locals, but actually i get lost all the time while photographing ;). Read more about the Mountain Moments Team.