Bled Castle
History with an inspiring view
THE STORY OF BLED CASTLE
The Oldest Castle in Slovenia
Bled Castle, the oldest in Slovenia, dates back to the 11th century, while its current appearance was shaped by renovations led by architect Anton Bitenc in the 20th century. He preserved the medieval charm while ensuring modern functionality. Thus, Bled Castle combines historical heritage with a contemporary conservation approach.
Events that bring history to life
Nativity Scene at Bled Castle
At Bled Castle, one of the most beautiful symbols of the Christmas season will come to life once again this year – the nativity scene, evoking the warmth of the holidays and the memory of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Story of Potica – At the Festive Table
The exhibition Hands that Knead Time connects two seemingly distant, yet fundamentally related crafts – pottery and the baking of potica. Both stem from a tradition of patience, precision, and respect for the material and for the time it takes to mature.
Old postcards of Bled Castle
The exhibition showcases postcards that, over more than a century, document historical changes, artistic styles, and technological development.
Explore the castle
What should you not miss at the castle?
THERE IT STANDS, BLED CASTLE
A New Exhibition by the National Museum of Slovenia
In the past, the area of Bled consisted of five villages: Grad, Mlino, Rečica, Zagorice, and Želeče, interconnected by paths. Throughout history, people were drawn to settle here due to its natural beauty and favorable conditions, and gradually, the villages merged into one settlement known today as Bled, renowned worldwide. A crucial landmark of this region, Bled Castle, has stood on a steep cliff above the lake for over a thousand years. It houses a museum displaying numerous archaeological finds that reflect the area's exceptional heritage and offer insights into the life and culture of its inhabitants, who significantly influenced the development of the landscape and the town itself.
ART AND KNOWLEDGE OF PAST CENTURIES
The Castle Printing Works
The Castle Printing Works at Bled Castle houses a replica of Gutenberg’s 15th-century printing press, which enabled the spread of knowledge across Europe. A similar press was used to print the Abecedarium, the first book in the Slovenian language. In it, Primož Trubar used Slovenian orthography and laid the foundation for the use of Slovenian instead of Latin and German. Visitors can watch a printing demonstration on handmade paper and learn about the significance of this groundbreaking invention.
STRATEGIC LOCATION AND STUNNING VIEW
The Castle Terrace
Built on a 130-meter-high cliff, Bled Castle once served as a strategic lookout point. Its spectacular view inspired France Prešeren, who described it as a “vision of paradise” in The Baptism at the Savica. Today, the castle terrace draws visitors with its breathtaking view of Bled, the lake with its island, and the Julian Alps with Mount Triglav.
Opening hours
Summer working hours
(April–October)
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Winter working hours
(November–March)
8:00 AM – 6:00
Access and parking
Access to the castle is possible in several ways, and parking is available nearby – we recommend a pleasant walk through nature.
Tickets
Check the current ticket prices and special discounts for families, children, high school students, university students, and groups. For faster entry, we recommend purchasing tickets online.
Frequently asked questions
Browse the answers to frequently asked questions and get all the key information to help plan your visit more easily.