Scenic hike between the villages of Selo pri Bledu and Kupljenik
Selo pri Bledu (Selo near Bled in English) and Kupljenik are two quiet villages in the Gorenjska countryside, 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: traditional Slovenian architecture, open meadows and the charm of village life.
This hike begins in Selo pri Bledu (Selo near Bled), 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.
Walking through the countryside 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.
If you are looking for a quieter hike, especially during the busy summer season, this tral leading through the Bled countryside is a wonderful alternative.
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 (if arriving from Mlino, turn right at the crossroads). 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 village of Ribno.
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.
I would suggest you to make a stop at the wayside shrine at Koren to enjoy the view over the countryside below.
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 at the village, spread 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.
Kupljenik will appeal to those who enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of rural life.
As you walk along the narrow road winding through the village, the quiet atmosphere can make it feel as if time moves a little slower 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 in the heart of the village. Every year on St. Stephen’s Day, horses are traditionally blessed here.
Kupljenik also offers opportunities for further exploration. From the village, you can continue towards the cave beneath Babji zob or hike up to Babji zob, 1,128-metre peak, rewarded with wide views over Lake Bled and the surroundings. 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. It is a hike best enjoyed slowly, with time to notice the small details along the way.
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, 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.
- 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.
