Walk up the cliff with 1000 years old Bled Castle

When strolling by Lake Bled, you can see the white cliff with the castle very well. Actually, it is visible from many corners of Bled and even surrounding villages. That is why it is not surprising that the town got its name after it.

The town of Bled was once known as Veldes which was derived from the word fels, meaning cliff in German. Why German, you might ask.

Bled was under the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the year of 1918, and German was one of the two official languages of the empire.

The cliff has been home to the medieval castle for hundreds of years. From Bled Castle that is probably the oldest castle in Slovenia you can admire the view of Lake Bled from above.

At the castle – that is a popular tourist and wedding destination today – you can also learn about the history of Bled (in the castle’s museum). Or you can dine at a high-end restaurant, try Slovenian wine, taste Slovenian honey and buy honey products, have your name printed on an old press, and so on.

The cliff with Bled Castle is one of several viewpoints from which you will see the lake with the island from a bird’s eye view. However, you will need to enter the castle to be able to truly embrace the beauty of the scenery below.

If you would like to explore other viewpoints and do not mind hiking for around half an hour or so, then you can climb one of the hills that are scattered around the lake (Straža, Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica).

Many years ago, that is in the Middle Ages, people lived on the cliff. They built their homes there because the cliff offered them good protection from invaders.

When the cliff’s inhabitants did not feel endangered any more, they started to settle in the area beneath the cliff. Soon they formed a village called Grad that literally translates to Castle.

LOCATION: The cliff with Bled Castle rises above the northern side of Lake Bled and is easily accessible on foot from Bled’s centre. If you decide to walk around Lake Bled, you can walk up to the cliff just in the meanwhile. Look for the walking paths in the forest below the cliff going up.

The cliff with Bled Castle

WALKING PATHS: The walking paths (there are several) leading from above Lake Bled to Bled Castle are well-arranged and mostly shaded. Along the paths, there are wooden benches where you can rest if you feel the need.

You will need approximately 15–20 minutes to get to the castle’s entrance. Just before reaching the top, there are some steps to conquer.

One of the walking paths running towards the castle starts at Slovenian Square (Slovenski trg), close to St. Martin’s church that lies below the castle. That is actually the oldest path to the castle.

WALKING PATH IN PICTURES (starting above Lake Bled)

BLED CASTLE: There is admission for the castle (13 EUR; discount is available for children, students, groups and the Julian Alps Card holders). The castle is open every day while the opening hours vary according to the time of the year.

CARS AND PARKING: You can drive to Bled Castle. The road for cars and buses (Grajska cesta) runs on the other side of the cliff than the walking paths. That means that you will not be disturbed by the traffic while walking up to the castle from above Lake Bled.

Right below the castle there is a parking area where you can leave your car.

Would you like to explore Lake Bled and nearby places in the Julian Alps with me? Follow my day-to-day on Instagram (@bledoscope) and Twitter (@bledoscope).