Hike the scenic trail from Selo pri Bledu to Kupljenik
Selo pri Bledu (meaning “Selo near Bled” in English) and Kupljenik are two alpine villages not far from Lake Bled, where traces of rural life can still be felt. This two-hour hike (around one hour in each direction) invites you to slow down, take in beautiful views and notice details often missed in a hurry: for example, traditional Slovenian architecture, the charm of village life, the sound of the river flowing below the trail and the smell of forest accompanying you along the way.
This hike begins in Selo pri Bledu, a quiet village on the edge of the Bled countryside.
If you wish to explore the village of Selo pri Bledu before setting off on the hike, consider taking a moment to visit one of the tourist farms or learn more about beekeeping, a tradition deeply rooted in Slovenia. You may also have the chance to taste local honey at a traditional beehive.
Hiking from Selo pri Bledu to Kupljenik
Selo pri Bledu is a small village that can be reached on foot from the eastern side of Lake Bled, walking through the settlement of Mlino. It rests beneath Dobra Gora (“Good Mountain” in Slovenian, which is actually a small hill) and above the left bank of the Sava Bohinjka River, in a quieter corner of the Bled area.
The hike towards Kupljenik, an even smaller village above Sava Bohinjka River, begins at the main crossroads in Selo pri Bledu. From there, follow the side road descending downhill. The road gently leads you towards Selo Bridge, where you cross the river.
Continue along the macadam road below the village of Selo pri Bledu towards Selo Bridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the path to the right.
After crossing the bridge, turn right. Passing the Zabriše pasture, where horses can sometimes be seen grazing, continue along the macadam path as it leads into the forest. As the trail gradually becomes steeper, the views slowly begin to open up.
As the trail begins to climb, views open towards the villages below.
As you continue uphill, you will pass a small shrine (wayside shrine at Koren) on your left. Beside the shrine you will find wooden benches where you can have a rest and take in the views of Bled Castle, a glimpse of Lake Bled, the Sava Bohinjka River and the villages below.
Make a stop at the wayside shrine at Koren to enjoy the view over the countryside.
View of the Sava Bohinjka River from the hiking trail.
Continue uphill and, after a while, you will reach the Ravan Plateau, resting just below the village of Kupljenik. From there, the path leads gently onwards until you arrive in the village, spreading across the hillside.
Before reaching the village of Kupljenik, the trail crosses a peaceful meadow.
Arriving in the village of Kupljenik
Kupljenik, with its mountain-village feel, is a picturesque place where traces of rural life remain clearly visible. The village is home to just 16 houses and the Church of St. Stephen, standing quietly on the hill above.
In Kupljenik, you’ll see examples of traditional Slovenian architecture, including the kozolec, a wooden structure used for drying hay.
As you follow the narrow road winding through the village, it can feel as though time moves a little more slowly here. People are believed to have settled in Kupljenik around 1380, if not earlier. Today, this small village beneath the northern edge of the Jelovica Plateau is home to around 30 people.
The church stands at the heart of the village. Every year on St. Stephen’s Day, celebrated on 26 December, the traditional blessing of horses takes place here.
Kupljenik also offers opportunities for further exploration. From the village, you can continue towards the cave under Babji zob or hike up to Babji zob, 1,128-metre peak, where wide views over Lake Bled and the surrounding landscape await. There is also a local rock climbing area for those drawn to steeper terrain.
Finding beauty in simplicity
The hike between Selo pri Bledu and Kupljenik is not about dramatic peaks or demanding climbs. Its charm lies in its simplicity: peaceful villages, forest paths, open meadows and gentle views, with the soothing sound of the river flowing below the trail.
Below, you’ll find a few practical details to help you prepare for the hike between the two villages.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Location: Kupljenik lies at 640 metres above sea level, overlooking the village of Bohinjska Bela, while Selo pri Bledu rests lower at 455 metres, closer to Lake Bled.
- Starting point: This hiking route begins in Selo pri Bledu (Google map), a small village around two kilometres from the centre of Bled. If you are staying near Lake Bled, the village can be reached on foot or by bicycle. For those choosing to walk, I would recommend starting in Mlino, on the eastern side of Lake Bled.
- Getting there: There is no official parking near the starting point of the hike. Some visitors leave their cars by the Selo Bridge, but it is best to reach the trail by bike. The nearest official parking is in Bled.
- Walking time: This hike takes approximately two hours.
- Hills nearby: If this hike feels too short, Kupljenik also offers opportunities to continue further. From the village, you can hike to Babji zob (1,128 m) or to Talež (883 m), a less demanding option than Babji zob. There is also a mountain hut on Talež, where you can stop for a rest and something to eat or drink.
- Safety: This is not a demanding hike and the paths are well-beaten and easy to follow. One section of the route, passing via Koren Pass, becomes quite steep, though still not technically difficult. Some even choose to run or mountain bike along this trail. Despite this, wearing appropriate hiking shoes and clothing is essential.
