Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica viewpoints

The starting point for this hike is on the opposite side of the lake from Bled town centre. It is right next to the Restavracija Camping in Bled, on the lakeside.

(S/E) The start of the hike is marked by a signpost indicating walking times to the various viewpoints. Take this path which leads into the undergrowth. Continue climbing steeply until you reach another path. Turn right at this junction.

After about 200m, the path splits in two. You can choose to go left or straight ahead (choice of route). The path on the left allows you to bypass a steeper, gravelly climb. Continue for 50m until you reach the sign for Ojstrica.

Turn right onto a small path that climbs steeply and begin the more challenging ascent to the first viewpoint. The path is winding and rocky. Towards the end, cables provide handholds on either side. After this short but intense climb, you’ll reach the Ojstrica viewpoint.

(1) Head back down the same way to rejoin the main path, taking care not to slip or trip on the descent. Turn right and continue along the path, which climbs increasingly steeply.

(2) After climbing for about 500 m, you’ll reach a crossroads on a plateau. There’s a bench there next to signposts where you can take a break. Turn left to continue along the path towards Mala Osojnica. Follow the path to the right for a final climb and reach the second viewpoint after a left-hand bend.

(3) The climb ends at this second Mala Osojnica viewpoint. Take the path leading down opposite the one you arrived on (to the left as you face the lake). Watch out for tree roots to avoid slipping. Continue along the marked path, which descends steadily after a final short climb.

On the descent, you’ll come to a short, very steep flight of steps; you can hold onto the handrail to help you down. Continue the steep descent along the path; there are barriers or handrails at certain points to assist you.
You will reach a junction. Turn right to continue down towards the lake. You can also turn left to return to the starting point.

Continue to follow the path, which descends for a further 300 m and ends with a few steps. You’ll reach the road that runs alongside the lake. Turn left, then immediately right to stay as close as possible to the lake and return to the starting point (S/E).

There are several ways to get to the starting point.

• If you’re travelling by car, I recommend parking in Bled in one of the many car parks. They don’t all cost the same; generally, the closer you get to the lake, the more expensive they are.

Some can also be paid for using the EasyPak app, which is very handy for extending your parking time. You can then walk around the lake to reach the other side (see the walking section).
There are also car parks next to the hotels and campsites on the same side as the starting point, but they are much more expensive.
You’ll find all the information about car parks in Bled via these links:
https://www.bled.si/en/information/getti...
https://map.e-bled.si

• If you’re cycling, it’s very easy to cycle around the lake whilst staying on the shore. There is, however, a stretch of road in the south. You can lock your bikes by the roadside near the campsite. You’ll need to walk a little further after the hike to collect them, though. But you’ll come across the section of the lakeside path where you can walk above the lake on wooden walkways.

• If you’re on foot, there’s nothing simpler than walking along the lakeside on the coastal paths. It’s a very pleasant stroll by the water’s edge, with various viewpoints. The north side is nicer than the south side, as the latter has a section running alongside the road. The start of the hike is a 35-minute walk from Bled. Allow 1 hour 15 minutes to walk around the lake.

The walk can be done in either direction. Be careful, though: you should know that going the other way makes the climb even harder. It’s very steep getting to Mala Osojnica if you take the path marked here in the opposite direction, so I don’t recommend it.

You can easily visit both viewpoints or just one of them. Therefore, for Mala Osojnica, I recommend following the direction indicated. The walk can take just as long in either direction, given the difficult climb when going the other way.

I recommend wearing hiking boots (the paths are rocky, with roots and loose soil). This can help prevent you from slipping on both the ascents and the steep descents.

Remember to take water with you; there are no drinking fountains at the viewpoints or along the paths.

During the hike
Of course, the two viewpoints are the main highlights of this hike.

At Lake Bled
Shuttle boats take you to the island in the lake so you can walk around it and visit the church.
You can also hire small boats or take part in water sports on the lake.

A picnic by the lake is also very enjoyable: please be mindful of litter – bins are provided.

At Café Belvédère, you can sample Bled’s local pastry, the ‘kremsnita’, perfect for afternoon tea with a lovely view of the lake.

It’s also a great spot for swimming at the many beaches all around, or in more secluded spots (note that swimming is prohibited in some areas).

Bicycle hire is also readily available to help you get around more quickly.