Lake Bled: Guide to Hiking Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica
With its deep sapphire lake, tiny island church, and forest-covered mountains, Lake Bled is one of those places that looks like it's out of a dream. While the lakeside walk is beautiful, the best views are found above the lake, where the full landscape unfolds beneath you.
The viewpoints of Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica, and Velika Osojnica each offer a different perspective over the lake, island and surrounding Julian Alps.
I ended up hiking to all three of them 🙃 Here's what to expect from each trail and which one I think offers the best view of Lake Bled.
Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica trail details
When researching things to do in Lake Bled, one of the first questions I asked was: Where are the best views?
The same three names kept appearing: Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica, and Velika Osojnica.
Each one offers a slightly different perspective of Lake Bled, with varying levels of effort needed to reach the top. Whether you're looking for a short but steep climb or a longer forest hike, there's an option to suit nearly everyone.
Looking out onto the lake
Bled Island
Ojstrica
Trail details:
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Length: 1.6km
Trail type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 113 metres
Ojstrica Map: AllTrails
Trailhead: Near Velika Zaka
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
There are several trail entrances in this area, so make sure you're starting from the correct one. Otherwise, you may find yourself on a much more challenging and longer route than expected!
The Ojstrica trail begins just above Velika Zaka, a popular swimming area around Lake Bled.
The final incline to the top is the steepest part of the hike and can feel a little challenging, but ropes are provided to help. Thankfully, this part is relatively short.
For me, Ojstrica not only offers the shortest hike of the three… it also has the most picturesque views overlooking Lake Bled and the surrounding mountains.
Handy Note: There’s also a second trail entrance for this hike closer to where the Mala Osojnica starts.
Mala Osojnica
Trail Details
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.2 km
Trail Type: Circular (via Ojstrica)
Elevation Gain: 217 metres
Mala Osojnica Map: AllTrails
Trailhead: Near Velika Zaka
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
There are a couple of ways to hike to Mala Osojnica.
The first option is to start from the trail entrance, around a 10-minute walk further along the lakeside path from Velika Zaka and tackle the steepest part of the climb first. You then continue to Ojstrica and descend from there. Keep in mind the ascent up to Mala Osojnica is somewhat of an uphill battle 😅
The second option, and the route I'd recommend, is to hike to Ojstrica first and then continue to Mala Osojnica before looping back down.
I found Mala Osojnica a little quieter than Ojstrica, with stunning panoramas over Lake Bled.
Velika Osojnica
Trail Details
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Length: 4.5 km
Trail Type: Circular (via Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica)
Elevation Gain: 300 metres
Velika Osojnica Map: AllTrails
Trailhead: Near Velika Zaka
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
This trail is the longest and most demanding of the three hikes, combining Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica, and Velika Osojnica into one circular route.
As with Mala Osojnica, you can choose to hike via either trail entrance and decide which viewpoint you'd like to visit first. For this one, I'd recommend wearing proper hiking boots, as some parts can be steep and rocky.
The trail continues deeper into the forest than the other two hikes, and the route can be a little confusing if you’re following the signposts. I’d suggest using navigation on your phone for this one.
When I visited Velika Osojnica, I was the only one there, which made the experience feel very different from Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica. Being higher up, it feels like Bled Island is floating distantly on top of the lake.
In my opinion, Ojstrica offers a postcard view of Lake Bled, while Velika Osojnica feels more remote and secluded.
Ojstrica Viewpoint
My experience hiking to Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica
After a beautiful morning at Vintgar Gorge, I strolled down to Lake Bled and followed the lakeside path towards the start of the hike.
What I didn't realise was that there were multiple trail entrances. Instead of starting at Ojstrica, I accidentally found myself on the trail to Mala Osojnica.
The climb is steep from the outset and can be slippery in places. After the first lookout through the trees, I noticed many people turning back. Good hiking shoes are definitely needed if you're taking this route.
As I continued upwards, I caught sight of what can only be described as the most vertical staircase I've ever encountered on a hike.
Hold on tight…
At this point, you’re committed…
The good news is that once you've conquered the staircase, it's not long before you reach Mala Osojnica.
And it’s beautiful!
Bled from Mala Osojnica
Bled Island and Bled Castle from Mala Osojnica
Continuing onto Velika Osojnica
Most people either head back down from Mala Osojnica or continue towards Ojstrica.
I decided to carry on to Velika Osojnica.
Almost immediately, the trail became quieter. I think I passed four or five people the entire way. It feels much more remote than the other two, and at one point, I even managed to lose the trail. 🫣
Thankfully, after retracing my steps, I bumped into another hiker who assured me I wasn't far away.
There are two lookout points at Velika Osojnica. One faces towards the forest, while the other overlooks Lake Bled. Naturally, I headed straight for the lake views.
And the views over Bled were stunning!
From here, Bled Island seemed so small, sitting perfectly in the lake. I spent some time taking photos and soaking up the scenery, but I was also conscious that sunset was approaching and I didn't fancy navigating the forest in the dark.
I backtracked and found the trail that loops around towards Ojstrica.
Velika Osojnica
Hiking to Ojstrica
By now, much of the route was downhill, so it wasn't long before I reached the short climb up to Ojstrica.
And wow!
Looking out over the lake, island and castle, it's the kind of place where you could easily bring a picnic and spend an afternoon just soaking it all in.
I stayed here longer than anywhere else on the hike, watching the evening light settle across the lake.
It's easy to see why Ojstrica is the most popular viewpoint in Lake Bled. If I had started from this trailhead instead, the hike would have been a lot easier too.
I felt completely content sitting there. I really didn't want to leave 🙃
Ojstrica during sundown
Hiking back to Lake Bled
Thankfully, the rest of the hike was downhill.
As I walked back around the lake, I bumped into a few people I'd crossed paths with earlier on the trail. Looking out across the water, Lake Bled seemed like the perfect place for a swim, and I couldn't wait to come back another day for a dip in the water.
Top tips for hiking the Lake Bled Viewpoints
Prioritise Ojstrica
If you're short on time, head to Ojstrica.
It offers the classic postcard view of Lake Bled and is also the easiest of all three to reach. You definitely don't need to hike all of them unless you enjoy a challenge. 🙂
It's more crowded than the others, but it’s definitely worth it!
Best time to visit
Sunrise, morning, or early afternoon are the best times to go.
During late evening, much of Lake Bled falls into shadows. Earlier in the day, you'll see more of the lake's vibrant colours.
Wear good hiking shoes
Especially if you're planning to continue beyond Ojstrica.
The trails can be steep, rocky, and slippery, whether from recent rain or loose stones.
Bled Castle framed by roses
Other places to see a beautiful view of Lake Bled
Bled Castle
If you're not looking to hike, Bled Castle offers one of the best views over Lake Bled.
Perched high above, it's one of Slovenia's oldest castles and has a museum to learn about its history dating back over a thousand years.
Bled Castle restaurant is also a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. However, there is a fee to enter and park your car.
Straža
I had planned to visit Straža after my swim on my final day in Bled, but a looming afternoon thunderstorm changed my plans.
The trail begins near the summer toboggan run and winds through the forest to viewpoints overlooking the lake. At around 646 metres above sea level, it offers more stunning scenery across Bled.
Where to stay in Lake Bled
For my visit, I stayed within walking distance of the lake, which worked out as a convenient base for nearby day trips.
Here are some accommodation options to consider for your stay in Lake Bled.
Apartments & Rooms Aleksandra
I loved my stay here! Zdenka, the host, was really communicative and provided a lot of detailed information. She even gave me a lift to the train station on my departure.
The property is located in a quiet residential area of Bled, about a 15-20 minute walk from the main bus station and approximately 45 minutes on foot from Vintgar Gorge. It worked well as a base for exploring both Bled and the surrounding area.
Castle way Apartments Tamy
In a great location very close to the lake and within a few minutes walking distance to all the bars and restaurants, the apartments are spacious and well-equipped.
Lakeview Villa Bled
Lakeview Villa Bled offers apartments with terraces or balconies and is conveniently located closer to the lake. Amenities include a spa and wellness centre, sauna, and fitness centre.
Summary of hiking to Lake Bled Viewpoints
Overall, hiking to Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica, and Velika Osojnica was one of the highlights of my trip to Slovenia!
The panoramic views over Lake Bled were incredible! Although. If I were to do it again, I would start with Ojstrica rather than the Mala Osojnica, as the ascent is more gradual.
Whether you choose one viewpoint or all three, it’s an amazing hike and worth it!
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