We ended up at Lake Bled on our way back from our roadtrip by Croatia. . The idea was to rest for a few days, but it soon became clear that Bled was much more than a convenient stopover. It turned out to be one of the places that we remembered most during this trip.
When you think of Slovenia, you quickly think of Bled. You have undoubtedly seen the lake in photos: clear blue water, an island with a church in the middle and the Alps behind it. But no matter how many times you have seen it, it is still impressive to be there yourself.
In this article I will show you why Bled is such a special destination, share my most beautiful images and give you some tips for your own visit to this photogenic place.
Cinematic drone video of Lake Bled
After a refreshing morning swim, I let the drone take off. The sun was just breaking through the mountains and the town was slowly coming to life. The lake was still and mirror-smooth, with wisps of morning mist between the hills. The perfect conditions to capture this special landscape.
Click on the video below, set your screen to full screen and choose the highest quality for the best effect.
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DJI Mavic Air 2 & HDR Photos
For the drone footage and photos in this article I used my DJI Mavic Air 2: a compact travel drone with 4K camera, ideal for taking with you on the go. The combination of image quality and size makes this a nice companion for traveling.
Many travellers nowadays opt for a mini-drone – handy and light. I myself prefer a slightly larger model: more powerful, more stable in wind and with slightly better image quality. Especially in places like Bled, where the wind from the mountains can unexpectedly pick up, this is an advantage.
The photos in this article were taken in HDR (High Dynamic Range)The drone shoots multiple images with different exposures in rapid succession, which are merged into one photo with bright colors, deep contrasts and lots of detail in both light and dark areas.
Tip: Do you use Google Photos? It often automatically recognizes HDR shots and makes a balanced version of them. Ideal if you don't feel like editing yourself.
- 100% success rate
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- online training
Also read: The Azores | Breathtaking destination for drone photographers
Hiking and swimming at Lake Bled
There is a beautiful, flat walking path of about six kilometers around Lake Bled. You can walk it in an hour and a half, but it is worth taking your time. Along the way you have views of the island, the castle and the surrounding mountains at several places.
Taking a dip in the lake is also definitely worth it. In several places you can easily enter the water from a jetty or lawn. The crystal clear mountain water is refreshing, especially on hot days.
Also read: Drone images scooter safari | Murchison Falls
Accommodation and tips
Do you want to stay overnight at Lake Bled? You have a wide choice of hotels, apartments, campsites and guesthouses. Keep in mind that the area is quite popular. Especially in high season, prices are on the high side. Tips for staying around the lake:
- Camping Bled
One of the most popular campsites in Slovenia, right on the lake. Suitable for tents, campers and glamping. Expect many facilities and a top location. - Hotel Triglav Bled
Small-scale hotel overlooking the lake, within walking distance of hiking trails and sights. Stylish and personal. - Apartments & guesthouses
In the surrounding villages (such as Mlino of Ribno) you'll find more affordable options, often within a 10–20 minute walk of the lake.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around the lake; try the famous Bled Cream Cake or dine with a view at the castle. The area is best visited between May and September. Arrive early if you are driving, as parking can be difficult during high season. Bled is also easily accessible by bus from Ljubljana.
Closing comments
Lake Bled is one of those places that stays with you, not just because of the photos, but especially because of the feeling it evokes. You walk along the water with a view of the iconic island church, jump into the fresh lake on a summer morning or enjoy the mountain landscape in peace and quiet as the sun sets. The combination of nature, tranquility and photogenic details makes Bled one of the most memorable places you can encounter along the way. A nice way to end your roadtrip, or even a destination in itself.
