A Self-Driving Tour of Ljubljana’s Scenic Bled and Škofja Loka

If you’re looking for an adventure-filled day out of the city, a self-driving tour of Ljubljana’s picturesque Bled and Škofja Loka is the perfect way to do it. Located in the heart of Slovenia, these two stunning locations offer a range of activities, scenery, and cultural experiences sure to keep you entertained.

In this guide, you’ll find the best attractions and routes to explore in this area of the country, as well as all the information you need to make your self-driving tour a success. So whether you’re an experienced driver or a first-timer, let’s get ready to create some lasting memories in these spectacular places.

Where is Bled and Škofja Loka?

Bled and Škofja Loka are two picturesque villages located in Upper Carniola, a region in the northwest corner of Slovenia. Bled is an Alpine resort town known for its emerald-green lake and the iconic Bled Island with its baroque church. Just south of Bled is Škofja Loka, a historic town set on the banks of the Sora River with plenty of beautiful medieval architecture.

The two towns are both easily reached by car from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital and largest city, with a highway that connects them to the city center. The journey should take approximately an hour and a half each way if you leave from the city center.

What to Do in Bled and Škofja Loka

The best way to explore both Bled and Škofja Loka is to take a self-driving tour – you’ll be able to cross off all the best attractions from your list and take control of your schedule. That said, let’s take a look at some highlights for each of these locales.

Bled

Bled is best known for its stunning lake, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides and connected to a small island with a baroque church. This makes it the perfect place for photography enthusiasts – ensure that you make time for boat rides around the lake to capture some amazing shots. Other attractions in Bled include a castle perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake and town, extensive gardens and pathways around the lake, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and stores catering to visitors.

Škofja Loka

Škofja Loka is a beautiful 7th century town with plenty to see and do. The old town centre is particularly charming, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and monuments, museums, and plenty of excellent restaurants. On the outskirts of town, you’ll find the ruins of an old castle that’s set on top of a hill with terrific views across the valley – it’s one of the most popular attractions in Škofja Loka.

Best Scenic Driving Routes Near Bled and Škofja Loka

Once you’ve explored both these towns, it’s time to hit the open road. Here are three of the best scenic driving routes in this region:

Vintgar Valley

This valley gives you one of the best views in the region, passing though dense forest and over bridges to reach an observation point with breathtaking views over the waterfall.

Vršič Pass

Drive up to this mountain pass located near Bovec, passing by dramatic torrents, waterfalls, and gorgeous views of the valley and surrounding hills as you ascend to its peak.

Triglav National Park

This park is one of Slovenia’s most well known sites, with dramatic peaks and deep valleys carved by glaciers. It offers plenty of activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and fishing, as well as plenty of excellent scenic drives.

Safety Tips for Your Self-Drive Tour

Self-driving tours offer plenty of freedom and scenery – but it also means taking extra care when on the road. Here are some important tips that you should keep in mind:

• Drive carefully – roads in this region can be narrow or uneven at times.
• Allow additional time for rest stops – it’s important to take regular breaks so you don’t become fatigued on long drives.
• Bring navigational tools like a GPS or maps – since GPS coverage can be spotty in remote areas.
• Check rental car rules – familiarize with rental regulations before driving.
• Take extra care in bad weather – driving conditions can quickly deteriorate at high altitudes or during snow or rain.

Conclusion: The Perfect Way to Explore Bled and Škofja Loka

A self-driving tour is one of the best ways to explore Bled and Škofja Loka – breathtaking scenery, plenty of attractions to choose from, and more freedom than a guided tour could offer. Just remember to drive safely following the tips above so the experience can be 100% enjoyable. And when you’re ready to take on this awesome experience, book your perfect self-driving tour right here. Happy travels!