When travelling as a family we love a view. There is just something so magical about almost stepping back from the noise and really taking it in. Reminding us of how small we are and how beautiful the world we are exploring is. I’ll do pretty much anything for that view and when it’s as iconic as this one of Lake Bled. Why wouldn’t you?
Slovenia
Our 12 day road trip around Slovenia gave us truly some of the most epic of views. And we had travelled to the Norwegian Fjords just a few short months before so that is saying something. The Soča Valley in particular is just one of the most beautiful places we have ever experienced. A sentence often quoted from the teenager to anyone that will listen.
Where To Get “The View”
Lake Bled is beautiful there is no denying that. From pretty much anywhere you stand, the island in the middle of the lake featuring the 17th century Church with a 52 meter bell tower, wishing bell and 99 stone steps from the dock is picture perfect surrounded by enigmatic water and the undulating mountains of the Julian Alps and Karavanke mountain range.
But. If you want the best, elevated, panoramic, iconic view of the lake from above there is a little more effort to be made.
People often think that you have to go up to Bled Castle to get a birds eye view of the lake. Paying the €18 per person entrance fee and an additional €3.50 per hour parking. And if you are already visiting, or would like to add the Castle to your itinerary then the view from there is beautiful. Or so I hear and see from my research that is. We didn’t actually go to the castle ourselves.
However, alternatively there is a free way to see this iconic view.
Viewpoints
There are three main viewpoints of Lake Bled.
Ojstrica – the one I will be talking about here that we hiked with children. Mainly due to the time that we had and the fact it is the quickest.
Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica which are a further hike higher up. You can actually hike them in a loop and visit them all in one epic viewing hike which I think would be incredible.
They can all be accessed on the western side of Lake Bled.
Getting There
The start of the hike is about 2 miles outside of Bled town centre to the western side of the Lake by Velika Zaka Beach swimming area. You can walk around the lake, take a bus, taxi or even a horse carriage ride if you’re feeling fancy.
When not staying in Bled itself, like us, and driving to the hike the closest car park is Zaka Car Park next to Camping Bled, though it can cost around €5 an hour.
On foot you head towards Camping Bled near the Velika Zaka Beach swimming area where the entrance to the hike is located opposite the lake to the right of Camp Bled (keeping the lake in front of you) just look for the green signs.
The Hike – Ojstrica
Ojstrica is a short but very steep 20 minute hike up to the 611m high viewpoint on the western shore of Lake Bled.
After the signpost follow the trail through the trees, up the hill and there will be an another few signs as you go. These will also give you estimated guide times. You can keep going up to the next viewpoint or turn right when you are prompted for Ojstrica.
Walk right behind the sign up through the trees. It goes back and forth up to the viewpoint navigating a way through the rocks and tree roots. The steepest, as you approach the viewpoint itself, does have a steel cable wire fixed into the rocks.
At the top it is quite a small space made of just rocks, bushes, trees and nature.
The View
The reward for the scramble is of course The View. It is 100% worth it.
Panoramic views of Lake Bled, Island Bled with the Karavanke mountain backdrop. There is an information board and a bench at the top aswell as this iconic view with beautiful framing from the trees. Although we had the mistiest and brightest morning which was so incredibly enigmatic. It also meant over exposed looking photos! A clear sky would be even more amazing.
From the top, due to the Skydive World Cup Series in the area we spotted parachutes floating giving off such a serene feeling. For the onlooker that is. Having done a couple of skydives myself I would say serene isn’t exactly how I would describe the feeling of doing it!
It really is as beautiful as the pictures make it look.
A note that I absolutely could have edited these photos to replace the sky. However I will always lean into authenticity. Honesty and integrity is really important to me. Whilst it might not be popular or make me ‘big’ it does mean that on this blog and my social media you will never find ai generated images or inauthentic information. What I experience is the truth, so you can trust what you see here is in fact what you will see there. Good, bad, or ugly. That blown out sky and plastic carton on the ground? Seen with my own eyes. No catfishing here!
Best Time To Visit
Time of Day
Given the easterly outlook it is a popular spot for sunrise. Though I would say ensure you have well lit torches for that one! With it being popular and small at the top definitely arrive with plenty of time.
Sunrise or early morning I would say is the best time for the calm soft light but of course as long as it is clear it could be enjoyed all day long.
We visited around 9am at the beginning of September and whilst we weren’t alone there were perhaps only a handful of people coming and going. If you take the time to sit and soak it all you’ll see that most people come and go quickly after taking a photo. As usual patience pays off.
Time of year
I truly think that every season would have its own unique charm and all year round could be enjoyed. Having said that look out for a clear day, as that is really all you need to appreciate this amazing view.
Can You Hike The Ojstrica With Children?
As usual; it depends. I mean yes you can. We did. Whilst it is very steep in places, you absolutely can with some know how. Mine were 13 & 9 at the time. I also hiked it in sandals (though sturdy ones) due to a back injury though I wouldn’t recommend that and the children did wear trainers!
Let me be frank here. It is a steep rocky hike, which I am sure most children would be able to manage if they are used to walking or parents are willing to carry them through. Whether that be physically or motivationally.
At the top however it is just a viewpoint, a hill made of rugged rocks with no guide or safety fences etc. Personally I might feel on Edge around there if they were very small. So just bear that in mind and make your own judgement as after all you know your children, your situation and your comfort the best.
Be Responsible
Lastly this hike and view is purely the beautiful outdoors. It is lovely to share it here, to enjoy it with others but crucially to keep it that way. Always leave nothing behind, be respectful to the nature and other people to ensure that it can be open and free to be experienced by many others in the future. A little responsibility goes a long way.
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