WINTER ROAD TRIP TO LAKE BLED
4 Days of Castles, Wine, Waterfalls, and Alpine Charm
Day 1: Ljubljana — A Charming Start to the Journey
Our road trip began with excitement and caffeine, cruising down scenic highways toward Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. We left early and decided to break up the drive with a lunch stop in Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city. It’s the perfect halfway point and offered a relaxed vibe for stretching our legs and grabbing some traditional Slovenian food in the old town.
By early afternoon, we were in Ljubljana, and this compact, walkable city had me enchanted from the first moment. We explored:
Congress Square – Historic and peaceful, perfect for a quick coffee and people-watching.
Central Market – A sensory delight! I grabbed some local cheese and fruit.
Ljubljana Castle – We took the funicular up and enjoyed panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops.
Preseren Square & the Christmas Market – Festive lights, mulled wine, and cheerful crowds made this a highlight.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas – We popped inside briefly — the baroque details were stunning.
Triple Bridge & Dragon Bridge – Iconic and whimsical. A must-see in Ljubljana.
After soaking in the city’s charm, we drove 45 minutes to our hotel near Lake Bled: Ribno Alpine Hotel, a peaceful retreat nestled just outside the town center. On the way, we made a short detour to Škofja Loka, one of Slovenia’s oldest towns. With its cobblestone streets and medieval flair, it felt like stepping back in time — even if just for a quick wander and a photo stop.
We freshened up at the hotel, then headed to Old Cellar Bled at 8:00 PM for a cozy dinner. The ambiance was rustic and romantic, and the food was phenomenal — local flavors, homemade bread, and a wine list that didn’t disappoint.
Day 2: Lake Bled – Fairytales Do Exist
Waking up in Ribno to a view of snow-dusted pines and crisp mountain air felt like something out of a winter storybook. Our first stop: Bled Castle, just 10 minutes away by car. Perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake, this medieval fortress offered postcard-perfect views. Entry was €17 per person, and it was worth every cent.
From there, we took a peaceful stroll around Lake Bled. Even in winter, the trail around the lake was alive with beauty — swans gliding on the water and mist hugging the treetops.
Next, we boarded a traditional pletna boat (a hand-crafted wooden rowboat) to Bled Island (€12 per person). The ride was smooth and scenic. On the island, we visited the Assumption of Mary Church, climbed the bell tower, explored the small museum, and grabbed a treat at the Potičnica Bakery, famous for Slovenia’s traditional potica cake.
Later in the afternoon, we drove to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, just 10 minutes from the hotel. It’s a short but steep 20-minute hike to the lower viewpoint (or 45 minutes to the very top). The reward? One of the best panoramic views of Lake Bled — perfect for those iconic photos you see on postcards.
At 5:00 PM, we joined a Slovenian wine tasting at Hotel Triglav Bled (€39 per person for 5 wines + appetizers). It was intimate, informative, and delicious — a real highlight of the trip.
Dinner that night was at Restavracija Šobec at 8:30 PM — elegant and modern!
Day 3: Lake Bohinj & Savica Falls – Nature Day
We set out after breakfast for Lake Bohinj, about 35 minutes from our hotel. More rugged and wild than Bled, Bohinj is a nature lover’s paradise. The mountains reflected in the still lake water made for some surreal photos.
We booked a horse riding session through Ranch Mrcina, and it was a dream. The friendly staff made sure that we are comfortable and secure while we rode through meadows and forests with views of Triglav National Park all around us.
In the afternoon, we headed to Savica Waterfall, a short 15-minute drive from Lake Bohinj. From the parking lot, it’s a 20-minute walk (with a €3 entrance fee). The waterfall itself was a stunning cascade of icy blue water tumbling into a mossy gorge. Despite the chilly air, it was energizing and peaceful.
We returned to Lake Bled for a relaxed final evening, soaking in the Alpine beauty one last time.
Day 4: Graz – A Bonus City Adventure
On our way back toward Austria, we made a full-day stop in Graz, and I’m so glad we did. This underrated city blends historic charm with creative energy. Here’s how we spent the day:
Schlossberg Hill – We took the funicular up for views over the red-roofed city and the iconic clock tower.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur) – A modern architectural gem, perfect for a coffee break.
Graz Old Town – A UNESCO site filled with Renaissance courtyards and baroque facades. We walked Luna through narrow lanes and stumbled on local markets.
Kunsthaus Graz – The contemporary art museum (nicknamed “the friendly alien”) is worth seeing even from the outside.
Eggenberg Palace – A quick drive from the center, but so grand and beautiful, especially with winter sunlight on the gardens.
Graz surprised me with how dog-friendly, vibrant, and walkable it was. A perfect cultural finish to our nature-heavy trip.
Final Thoughts
This Slovenia-Austria road trip was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and beauty. From castles and wine tastings to horse rides and lakeside strolls, every day offered something magical.
If you're planning a winter escape packed with scenic stops, and filled with authentic local experiences, this route is hard to beat. Just remember to pack good walking shoes, layers, and an appetite for mountain air and good wine.
Next time: More time in Bohinj… and maybe a summer version of this trip? 🌲🇸🇮