Probably no trip to Bled is complete without watching the sunrise from one of the hills surrounding Lake Bled.
That means you would need to get up early in the morning; however, all the efforts would be paid off when seeing the green-blue lake with the island from above, being illuminated by the golden morning light.
One of those hills is Ojstrica.
Most popular hill by Lake Bled
Ojstrica [pronounced “oystreetza”] is one of the most frequently climbed hills near Lake Bled. That is not surprising as it offers a rewarding view of Lake Bled and Bled Island after a short, but intensive hike that will most probably make your heart beat faster.
Some hike to Ojstrica Hill to enjoy the view and take pictures of Lake Bled from a bird’s-eye view, others climb to the top for recreational purposes.
A short hike to Ojstrica could be a good addition to six-kilometre (three miles) walk around the lake.
During the summer months when many people come to enjoy holiday in Bled, you will most likely meet others climbing to Ojstrica early in the morning, intending to capture the sunrise above the lake.
The hiking trail that runs towards Ojstrica continues further towards Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica, two other hills rising above the western side of Lake Bled.
Mala Osojnica is another popular viewpoint which lies slightly higher than Ojstrica.
- PRACTICAL INFORMATION -
LOCATION: Ojstrica Hill stands at 611 metres (2004 feet) above sea level and rises above western side of Lake Bled and Camping Bled. The starting point of this hike is in the settlement of Velika Zaka by Lake Bled.
REACHING THE STARTING POINT: If you walk from Bled`s centre (where the main bus station is located), you will need approximately half an hour to reach Velika Zaka. You will be walking on the road by the lake called “Veslaška promenada” (“Rowing Promenade”).
When you are in Velika Zaka and you have passed by Camping Bled, look for the signposts marked Ojstrica, pointing to a trail in the forest.
Coming by bike or car: Near Camping Bled there is a parking area where you can leave your bike or car (you need to purchase a parking ticket).
Bike sharing: Next to the entrance to Camping Bled, there is a self-service terminal where you can rent Bled Green Ways bikes (or return a bike). Read more about Bled Green Ways here (Get around).
HIKING TRAIL: Starting your hike in Velika Zaka, you will need around 20 minutes to reach the top where you will find a bench. The difference in latitude is 130 metres (420 feet).
The hiking trail to Ojstrica is short but intensive and becomes steeper and narrower when you are almost on the top (that is why I would recommend you to wear walking or hiking shoes with good grip). When it is raining, the hiking trail becomes moody and thus slippery.
HIKING ROUTE TO OJSTRICA IN PICTURES
GEOCACHING: There is one cache (advanced) hidden at Ojstrica and another one (traditional) at Camping Bled.
Do you have any questions about hiking Ojstrica? Please contact me through Twitter (@bledoscope) or Instagram (@bledoscope) where you can also follow my day-to-day exploits.