May it be families with children, energetic seniors, young couples or individuals walking their dogs, everyone feels great after doing another circle (around the lake).
It takes around one hour and 15 minutes to walk around Lake Bled.
If you go walking by the lake as well, you will see many interesting sights on your way, like Bled Castle and Bled Island.
Walk in every season
Some activities that you can do at Lake Bled are seasonal, like swimming or standup paddleboarding, while there are things you can do in any season, like walking. — Except when it is heavily snowing or pouring rain or when the walking paths are icy and slippery, but that does not happen often.
Walking as a healthy way to exercise
Walking outside in the fresh alpine air was also part of the natural healing therapy introduced by Swiss natural healer Arnold Rikli who set up a health resort by Lake Bled in the mid-19th century.
Being thrilled by geographical characteristics and the natural beauty of Bled, Arnold Rikli or „Sun Doc“ as locals called him told the patients who participated in his therapy to walk every day. Therefore their daily routine included early morning walk, among other outdoor activities.
You can walk around the entire lake (there are macadam and wooden paths, and pavements) or just go for a short stroll.
The entire route around Lake Bled is approximately six kilometres (three miles) long. It is possible to come around the lake on a wheelchair or with a stroller.
Sights around the lake
While walking around the lake you will spot several historical sights, such as Bled Island, a natural island that is crowned with the church famous for its wishing bell.
On your way around the lake, you might want to visit Bled Castle (you will need to climb up the path that leads from above the lake) or Slovenian Square with St. Martin Parish Church and Old Parish House that lie beneath the cliff with the castle.
Near the lake, you will find many imposing historic buildings and some long-standing hotels, such as Grand Hotel Toplice and Villa Bled with a beautiful park.
In the park below Villa Bled, you will pass by a local painter who regularly puts his paintings on display. Do not hesitate to speak to him if you appreciate local art. He will be more than happy to have a word or two with you.
If you wish to make a stop during the walk around the lake, you may have a meal or just a drink at a restaurant or café nearby or take a rest on a wooden bench placed on the lakeshore.
And one suggestion for those who are a bit superstitious — look for the rock in the lake while walking on the wooden path above it and throw on a coin for good luck! (*Note: Sometimes, the coins on that rock mysteriously disappear).
A suggestion from a local: If you are to walk by the lake during spring or summer months and would like to enjoy nature’s peace, then I would advise you to go for a walk (early) in the morning. When the weather is warm enough, you can combine walking with swimming in the lake.
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