Bled Castle, known locally as Blejski Grad, sits on a steep cliff overlooking the stunning Lake Bled in Slovenia. The castle's strategic position offers visitors panoramic views of the lake, including Bled island in the center of the lake and surrounding Julian Alps. The Bled area is one of the most visited regions in the country and its medieval castle is part its draw. The picturesque surroundings of Bled castle, its interesting history and many sights all make it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia and a symbol of Bled. Let's go over everything you will need to know for your visit to this iconic landmark.
A little history
Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia, with records of its existence dating back to the early 11th century. In 1004 the German King Henry ii deeded the land of what is now the castle hill and the surrounding area to Bishop Albuin of Brixen as a sign of gratitude for support. Probably the only building on the land at the time was a Romanesque tower. The tower is the oldest part of the present day castle. The bishops built the castle for defensive purposes with the first castle being mentioned in written documents in 1011. The bishops who owned the area did not live there, and rarely visited. Instead, it was the residence of feudal lords or, governors of the castle and its lands.
There is an especially famous legend about one of these governors. It is said that in the 1500s there was an extremely cruel administrator named Hartman Kreigh. After the peasants repeatedly complained about his treatment of them, and nothing was done, he went missing without a trace. Heartbroken, his wife (Poliksena), collected all her gold and silver to have a bell cast for the bell tower on the island of lake Bled. On the way to the island, the ship sunk. People say they sometimes still hear the bell ring from the bottom of the lake. The widow left the castle and went to live in a convent. Moved by her story, the Pope ordered a new bell to be made and placed in the tower.
The castle has a double structure with a fortified main part surrounding an upper court yard. This are was home to the feudal lords with their residences and a chapel. The outer part surrounding the lower court yard consists of the castle wall, servant's quarters and castle outbuildings. There was also a drawbridge and moat. Many of the buildings have been built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. The castle is decorated with the fresco technique, images of coats-of-arms as well as stone carvings. Throughout the centuries, the castle has been damaged by earthquakes, lightening (being hit twice) and age, but has been renovated many times.
Getting There
The town of Bled is a quick drive from the Slovenian capital of Ljubjana, taking around 40 minutes. If you don't have a car, you can take a direct bus from the Ljubljana main bus station to the Bled station. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes. You can also take the train from Ljubljana to the Lesce Bled railway station in the town of Lesce. It is a bit too far to walk from the railway station so I would suggest catching a taxi for the very short drive to Bled. It will only take about 10 minutes.
Once in the town of Bled, visitors can access the castle by hiking up the well-maintained main path. It will take about 25 minutes. It is a moderate walk, but manageable for most visitors and you get to enjoy spectacular views along the way. There are also busses available to get you to the top. There is a car park near the entrance of the castle if you are driving. If you want a special experience, you can even get to the castle in a horse-drawn carriage. This can be arranged at the Bled Fiaker Coachmen at the lakeside promenade in town.
Ticket prices and schedules
Entrance to the Bled castle is €17 for adults €11 for students and €7 for children. Children under 4 are free. From April to October, it is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. From November to March, it is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is open every day, including public holidays. There is a free audio guide you use on your phone with a QR code. The entire visit takes between 1-2 hours depending on how interested you are in the sights and how many pictures you want to take.
What to See and Do at Bled Castle
Bled Castle is not just a visual spectacle; it's an interactive museum that tells the story of the region. Here’s what you can expect to explore:
The Castle Museum
Upon entering the castle, one of the first stops should be the permanent exhibition in the small museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the castle's long history. It houses archaeological artifacts and exhibits that trace the region’s development from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages, the early modern period, and into the 20th century. The museum is located in the upper courtyard of the castle and is designed to give visitors a sense of how the area evolved, blending ancient history with modern displays. One of the treasures of the museum collection is a 6th century peacock-shaped brooch found beneath the castle.
The Castle Chapel
The Gothic chapel, dedicated to the bishops of Brixen, is one of the most beautiful parts of the castle. Built in the 16th century, the chapel features frescoes and other religious artwork, including depictions of the coat of arms of the King of Germany, Henry II.
The Printing Works
For those interested in old-world crafts, the castle also has a printing workshop where visitors can see how the ancient art of printing was done. Here, craftsmen demonstrate the use of a Gutenberg-era wooden printing press, and you can even try your hand at making prints, a wonderful keepsake from your trip. A room above the printing press is dedicated to Primož Trubar who was the leader of the Slovenian protestant movement and known as the author of the first books written in the Slovene language. He is said to have visited the castle in 1561.
The Castle Wine Cellar
Wine lovers will appreciate a visit to the castle's wine cellar. The cellar offers a selection of Slovenian wines, and visitors can partake in a wine-tasting session. An interesting feature here is that you can also bottle your own wine that has been aged in oak barrels. This is done under the guidance of the cellar master, making it a personalized and unique souvenir to take home.
The Castle Forge
Another highlight of Bled Castle is the blacksmith’s forge, where you can observe skilled artisans at work. The traditional blacksmith techniques are on full display, and visitors have the chance to purchase handmade metal souvenirs such as horseshoes.
Gallery Stopl
The Gallery Stopl is located in the round tower of the castle. It houses temporary exhibits regularly featuring photographers, painters and other artists.
Arnold Rikli's Room
In the 19th century, Bled became known as a thermal spa resort when the doctor Arnold Rikli began treating his patients here. This permanent exhibit is dedicated to him and his work as a naturopath. Wealthy patients from all over the continent came to this area to undergo his treatment which included fresh air, a healthy diet and spending time in nature.
Castle Restaurant
Bled Castle also features a restaurant located in the lower courtyard. The restaurant offers traditional local dishes with a modern twist, and dining there is an experience in itself. From local specialties like Carniolan sausage to fresh trout from Lake Bled, a meal at Bled Castle allows you to savor the flavors of Slovenia while taking in one of Europe’s most majestic vistas.
Castle coffeeshop
The coffeeshop offers lemonade, ice-tea and other drinks, along with ice-cream blends. Make sure to try the famous Bled cream cake made of puff pastry and pastry cream.
Souvenir shop
The Castle Beeshop is a boutique shop offering honey products and other locally made souvenirs. There are free honey tastings with over 20 types of honey. You can also learn many interesting facts and the history of beekeeping in Slovenia.
The Castle Terrace and Panoramic Views
The views from Bled Castle are, without a doubt, one of the main reasons visitors flock to the site. The castle’s terrace offers a sweeping panorama of Lake Bled along with the small island which houses the Church of the Assumption. Sunrise and sunset views are particularly stunning, and a perfect way to enjoy the evening.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Bled Castle also hosts various cultural events, including medieval reenactments, concerts, and special exhibitions. These events provide a unique way to experience the castle’s history and atmosphere. In October, for example, there are Halloween events such as a witches and wizards school for children. One of the most popular events is the annual medieval festival, where the castle comes alive with knights, jesters, and artisans showcasing their skills in traditional costumes.
Best Time to Visit
Bled Castle is open year-round, but the experience can vary depending on the season. In the summer months (June to August), the area is vibrant and bustling with activity. Warm weather allows for outdoor dining, hiking, and the best possible views. Autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a breathtaking display of fall foliage. Winter (December to February) provides a quieter, more intimate experience, with the added bonus of snow-covered landscapes and the possibility of ice skating on the lake. Spring (March to May) brings the castle grounds to life with blossoming flowers. The month with the most rainy days is June with an average of 11.5.
What to do in the surrounding area
After visiting the castle, be sure to explore the rest of Bled. A traditional Pletna boat ride to the island in the middle of the lake is a must, as is ringing the bell in the Church of the Assumption for good luck. Many wedding ceremonies take place in this church. Tradition states that the groom has to carry his bride up the 99 steps to the church where they ring the bell for good luck.
Hikers might also enjoy the trek up to the nearby Mala Osojnica viewpoint for a postcard-perfect view of the lake. There are many other outdoor activities available in the area such as biking, rock-climbing, paragliding and zip-lining. There are also waterfalls, caves, gorges and the nearby Triglav national park to explore. Besides the church in the middle of Lake Bled, there are many other churches worth a visit. The Church of St. Martin, the Church of St. Jacob and the Church of St. Margaret and the Church of St. George are just a few. They are all small but quaint churches in beautiful settings. If picturesque towns are what you are looking for, try Zgornje Gornje, Bohinjska Bela and Zasip.
Bled Castle is much more than just an architectural wonder perched above one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It’s a portal into Slovenia’s past, where visitors can immerse themselves in history, culture, and natural beauty all in one place. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a serene spot to take in the majesty of the Alps, Bled Castle offers an unforgettable experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left.
Ready to travel to Slovenia? Contact me at stefanie@eurotravelsbydesign.com and I will custom design your perfect itinerary.
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