When we started planning our week in Lake Bled, Slovenia, the brief was simple: somewhere beautiful, somewhere active and somewhere that would keep two energetic older teenagers/young adults entertained. We wanted adventure, fresh air and experiences we would all remember - but we also wanted time to slow down, switch off and enjoy being together as a family.
Lake Bled turned out to be exactly what we were looking for.
The journey there couldn’t have been easier. Just 30 minutes from Ljubljana Airport, we were soon driving through stunning alpine scenery, with mountains rising around us and glimpses of the famous turquoise lake appearing through the trees. It felt like we had arrived somewhere truly special.
Our home for the week was Pension Mayer, a lovely family-run guesthouse that was the perfect base for our adventures. It was beautifully maintained with an alpine feel, potted geraniums on the balconies and was comfortable, welcoming and within walking distance of the lake. Breakfast was plentiful and served in the pretty gardens each morning. After busy days exploring, it was a pleasure to come back to somewhere relaxed and friendly. The guest house also offered bikes that we could borrow – something we took full advantage of!
Our Week of Adventure
One of the things we loved most about Lake Bled was that every day could be different. There was always something to do but never any pressure to rush.
We quickly discovered that the best way to appreciate the lake was from the water. We hired paddleboards and spent time gently making our way across the lake, taking in those famous views of Bled Island and the church sitting perfectly in the middle. It was peaceful, beautiful and one of those moments where you have to remind yourself to put the camera away and simply enjoy being there.
We also took a small wooden boat out on the water. As a family of rowers we were keen even though our only option was a wooden skiff type rowing boat. There was plenty of laughter, some pretty good steering and a definite reminder that teamwork is important, even if there was a battle for the oars! Still, we made it around the lake and over the explore Bled Island and created another great family memory. Legend has it that if you ring the wishing bell in the church at the top of Bled Island, your wish will come true.
Flying Through the Trees
One of the absolute highlights of the week was our zipline adventure. Zipline Dolinka offers the longest zipline in Europe – 7 ziplines, 4km of skyline and 2.5 hours of adventure. Zipline Dolinka is an exceptional organisation with young, professional and personable guides who made the adventure even more fun. It the perfect activity for those looking for a little adrenaline and excitement.
Flying through the forest with the stunning views of Lake Bled and the surrounding mountains stretching out below was unforgettable. There was a real sense of adventure, and it was one of those experiences that had everyone smiling afterwards - even those who were slightly nervous beforehand!
Racing Down the Mountain
Of course, no family adventure would be complete without a little competition!
We headed to Straža Bled for some tobogganing, where we raced down the hillside overlooking the lake. The views were spectacular — although I suspect everyone was more focused on beating each other down the track! It was great fun and proof that you are never too old to enjoy a bit of adrenaline and a little bit of friendly rivalry.
Exploring on Two Feet and Two Wheels
Lake Bled is a wonderful place for walking and cycling. We spent time cycling around the lake, stopping whenever we fancied to enjoy the views, take photos or simply sit and watch the world go by.
Walking became part of our daily routine too. Whether it was wandering into town, exploring paths around the lake or heading out into the surrounding countryside, the scenery was always breathtaking. The mountains, forests and fresh alpine air made every walk feel like a mini adventure.
One of our favourite excursions was the Vintgar Gorge. Just a short distance from Lake Bled, this spectacular natural wonder is a must-visit. Walking along the wooden walkways above the crystal-clear river, surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls and lush green forest, felt like stepping into another world. It was one of those places where everyone — teenagers included — stopped talking for a moment and simply took it all in.
Discovering Slovenian Traditions
It wasn’t just the scenery and activities that made the trip special. We also enjoyed experiencing some local culture, including watching traditional Slovenian dancers perform. The music, costumes and energy gave us a wonderful insight into the country’s heritage and reminded us that travel is about connecting with places and people, not just ticking off attractions.
The Moments Between the Adventures
Although the zipline, paddleboarding, cycling and tobogganing were fantastic, some of our favourite memories came from the quieter moments.
Evenings back at Pension Mayer often involved nothing more complicated than sitting together, chatting about the day and playing cards. With teenagers, those moments where everyone is genuinely present and engaged are precious. There was laughter, a bit of competitive arguing (all very friendly, of course!) and plenty of stories from the day’s adventures.
Why We Loved Lake Bled
Lake Bled gave us exactly what we hoped for: adventure, beautiful scenery, culture and time together as a family.
It was a place where we could spend the morning cycling, the afternoon paddleboarding, the evening enjoying many of the plentiful and excellent restaurants in Bled.
For families with active teenagers, it is hard to think of a better destination. There is enough excitement to keep everyone happy, enough natural beauty to make parents fall in love with it and enough peaceful moments to remind you that sometimes the best part of a holiday is simply being together.
We left Lake Bled with tired legs, hundreds of photos and a collection of memories that will stay with us for a very long time.
