The Best Lake Bled Viewpoint, All You Need To Know

Slovenia is a treasure trove if you are like us and love to explore the nature of the new country you come to. It offers pristine landscapes, emerald lakes, and breathtaking viewpoints. Among its many waddling opportunities, Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica are two scenic vantage points that overlook the world-famous Lake Bled. Choose this hike if you only have time for one activity while at Lake Bled. Read on to learn why and everything you need to know. 

Where is Mala Osojnica?

Mala Osojnica is near Lake Bled in northwestern Slovenia. It is a popular viewpoint on the lake’s western side, offering a panoramic view of Lake Bled, Bled Island, Bled Castle, and the surrounding Julian Alps. The trail to Mala Osojnica starts from the western shore of Lake Bled, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top. This spot will let you capture the iconic postcard-like view of the area. 

Our waddle:

• • Waddle duration: 2 hours 26 minutes (because we took a lot of pictures 😅)
  • Distance: 5.62 km (3.50 miles)
  • Route: Red
  • Map: link
  • Things to see: Lake Bled, Julian Alps, Bled Castle, Bled Island

What Makes This Waddle Unique?

The waddle to Mala Osojnica is unique because it offers one of the most iconic and breathtaking views in Slovenia, with a relatively short and accessible trail that leads to a stunning vantage point overlooking Lake Bled, its picturesque island, and the surrounding Julian Alps. The trail winds through a serene, dense forest, providing a peaceful escape into nature before you are rewarded with a postcard-perfect panorama. And that is not the only viewpoint – you can then continue to Velka Osojnica, where you can sit on the love bench and enjoy another epic view. It’s unique because it’s short but offers an unforgettable view. 

Best Times to Hike

The best time to hike Mala and Velika Osojnica is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the trails are less crowded.

• In spring, the landscape is lush and green, with blooming flowers adding vibrant colors to the scenery. Fall offers a spectacular display of autumn foliage, with the trees surrounding Lake Bled turning shades of gold, orange, and red, creating a breathtaking contrast against the blue waters of the lake.
• Summer (July to August) is also a good time to hike, with longer daylight hours, but it can be more crowded and warmer. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal during summer to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
• Winter (December to February) could be better due to snow and icy conditions, which can make the trails slippery and challenging. However, for well-prepared people who enjoy winter hikes, the snow-covered landscape offers a magical and serene experience.

Ultimately, it depends on your preference when you want to go. However, we recommend early morning or even waddling up to the sunrise. 

Our Waddle up to Mala Osojnica

If you’re staying in Bled as we did, you can waddle to the trailhead. Starting from Bled’s main promenade, head west along the lakeside path, following signs toward the Zaka area and the Mala Osojnica trailhead. The waddle takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on where you’re starting from around the lake.

The initial way up will be steep right from the start, so brace yourself. But the higher you go, the better the view becomes. And then you reach the top of Mala Osojnica. There are two benches up there where you can relax and have a break, but to enjoy the view, you have to stand next to the fence, which is there for security so that you won’t fall. The informational table about the surrounding area is also enjoyable to discover. 

Continue the Adventure Waddling to Velika Osojnica

The journey doesn’t end at Mala Osojnica if you crave even more spectacular views. From here, you can waddle on to Velika Osojnica, a slightly higher peak that offers an equally stunning, yet distinct, perspective of the area.

The path between the two peaks is a bit more rugged and can be challenging sometimes, but it’s something a determined waddler can handle. The forest thickens as you make your way up, and the trail narrows, giving you a sense of true immersion in nature. On the way, there is a bench where you can rest and enjoy a view of the valley.

Overall, it is about another 15 to 20 minutes before you reach Velika Osojnica. You can easily spot it by the Love Bench—a wooden bench with a heart in the middle. From here, the view is spectacular as well, and this spot is visited much less, so you can enjoy a moment of peace here. 

We brought our travel tea set and enjoyed a cup of Sencha tea. 

After taking in the views from both Mala and Velika Osojnica, it’s time to waddle back down to Lake Bled. The descent is a bit quicker but equally scenic. As you make your way down, you might notice how the forest seems even more vibrant, with sunlight filtering through the trees, casting a warm glow on the trail. We ended up at the pub for a nice cold beer and drink before jumping into Lake Bled. 

Waddling to Mala Osojnica and Velika Osojnica is more than just a hike; it’s an experience that brings you closer to Slovenia’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone who loves a good view, these trails offer something special. So don’t miss the chance to waddle up these scenic peaks and capture some of the most stunning vistas the country has to offer. It is the picture you see when you google Slovenia. 

Enjoy Mala and Velka Ososjnica, and waddle on!

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