A morning walk through the forest to two of Lake Bled’s best-known viewpoints
There are several hills around Lake Bled where you can watch the day begin, but Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica are among the best known.
Although these viewpoints are popular with visitors to Bled, especially during the summer months, I still enjoy walking up here in the early morning, before the paths become busy. There is something about being in the forest at this time of day, listening to the sounds of nature and watching the first sunlight reach the lake below.
And even though I have seen these views many times, they never look quite the same. The changing seasons, the weather and the morning light always bring something different.
Early morning at Ojstrica: A sunrise above Lake Bled feels like a peaceful beginning to the day.
Both hills rise above the western side of Lake Bled, in Velika Zaka, where Camping Bled is located. You can visit Ojstrica on its own or continue through the forest towards Mala Osojnica.
Heading into the forest above Lake Bled
The hike begins near the lakeshore at Velika Zaka. Even during the busy summer months, early mornings by Lake Bled can be surprisingly quiet, before the first visitors arrive and the lakeside paths become busy.
Lake Bled still resting in the silence of the early morning.
From here, the trail leads uphill through the forest.
I enjoy this part of the hike as much as the viewpoints themselves. The smell of the forest, the sounds of birds and the occasional movement among the trees are all part of the experience.
The path towards Ojstrica becomes steeper and rockier as you approach the top, but the climb is relatively short. After about 20 minutes, the trees give way to an open view of Lake Bled.
As you make your way through the forest towards the viewpoints, take the time to enjoy the hike itself, not just the view waiting at the top.
Watching the first morning light reach Lake Bled fom Ojstrica
Ojstrica is one of those places where I like to stop for a while, especially in the morning.
From up here, you can see almost the entire lake, with Bled Island resting in the middle. On the opposite shore, Bled Castle rises above the water, while the hills and mountains stretch into the distance.
An early morning view of Lake Bled from Ojstrica Hill.
Depending on the season and the weather, the view can be very different.
On some mornings, the lake is clear and the first sunlight gradually reaches the island and the surrounding hills. On others, mist lingers above the water, sometimes hiding parts of the landscape. And I find that these little changes are what make returning to the same place worthwhile.
Continuing through the forest towards Mala Osojnica
If you feel like walking a little further, you can continue towards Mala Osojnica, another hill rising above the western side of Lake Bled. The hike takes you deeper into the forest, with some steeper sections along the way.
One of the things I particularly enjoy about this part of the trail is the possibility of encountering wildlife. I have come across chamois here several times in the early morning. These mountain animals seem surprisingly curious at times, and I have found them less easily startled than deer.
Of course, there is no guarantee that you will see them, but knowing that they live in these forests makes the walk even more interesting. If you do encounter wildlife, it is best to keep your distance and allow the animals to continue undisturbed.
A different view from Mala Osojnica
After another stretch of uphill walking, you reach Mala Osojnica. The view of Lake Bled from here is different from the one at Ojstrica. Being a little higher, you can see more of the surrounding landscape, with the lake, Bled Island and the mountains beyond. The Karawanks mountain range stretches along the border with Austria, while beyond it the Kamnik–Savinja Alps remain partly hidden in the morning mist.
A wide view opens from the hill of Mala Osojnica above Lake Bled.
But there is another view here that I particularly appreciate. Looking away from the lake, towards the valley below, you can see the Sava Bohinjka River winding through the countryside beneath the forested Jelovica Plateau.
I enjoy observing how this landscape changes throughout the year.
In spring, when the snow begins to melt in the mountains, the river can take on a particularly vivid colour. In autumn, mist sometimes rises above the valley, creating a completely different atmosphere.
In spring, as the snow melts high in the mountains, the Sava Bohinjka River, visible from the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, takes on a more vivid colour.
In autumn a soft mist above the Sava Bohinjka River creates a different kind of atmosphere.
These are the kinds of details that are easy to overlook when the main reason for visiting is to photograph Lake Bled. For me, they are part of what makes this hike worth returning to.
More than just the view of Lake Bled
Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica are certainly among the most photographed viewpoints around Lake Bled. And I can understand why. But if you decide to walk up here, I would encourage you to leave a little time for the forest itself.
Listen to the sounds around you, notice how the morning light changes between the trees, and perhaps stop somewhere along the way simply to enjoy being outdoors.
You don’t necessarily need to visit both viewpoints, either. Sometimes a short hike to Ojstrica and a few moments looking out over the lake are enough.
Sometimes, the morning views make getting up early worthwhile.
After all, there is no need to rush from one viewpoint to the next.
Below, you will find a few practical details to help you plan your hike up to Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica viewpoints. If you would like to explore Lake Bled and its surrounding hills with a local guide, I’d be happy to take you on a guided walk, sharing some of my favourite places and local stories along the way.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Location: The hills rise above the western side of Lake Bled, Ojstrica (Google maps) at 611 metres and Mala Osojnica (Google maps) at 685 metres above sea level. The elevation gain is modest (130 metres and 200 metres).
- Starting point: Both trails begin in Velika Zaka, on the western shore of Lake Bled, close to Camping Bled.
- Getting there: You can reach the starting point on foot or by bicycle. Parking is available at Velika Zaka (Google maps).
- Walking time: It takes around 20 minutes to reach the top of Ojstrica and about 40 minutes to reach Mala Osojnica. You can return along the same trail or follow a circular route, which includes a steep section of steps.
- Hills nearby: You can also reach the hill of neighbouring Velika Osojnica (756 m) via the same trail.
- Safety: Some sections are steep, rocky and uneven. They can become slippery after rain, so I recommend wearing suitable hiking shoes with good grip. If you plan to set off before sunrise, remember that the forest trails may still be dark. Bring a headtorch, check the weather and trail conditions here, and stay on the marked paths.
