Probably the most famous destination in all of Slovenia, Lake Bled – and the main town on its shores (called Bled) – is a picturesque, outdoorsy gem of a place that’s also oozing with history: think castle and old town. Perfect.
It’s kind of like Centre Parcs but 100% natural – no artificial vibes here. This is pure, unfiltered nature with locals who live for the great outdoors. And it’s not just the lake that’s the star attraction. The Julian Alps are practically on your doorstep, ready to blow your mind.
But the lake itself is pretty big, so where on earth are you going to stay? Are you trying to get your hike on, unwind in style, sleep cheap, or find a comfy spot to call your office?
Fear not, my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Lake Bled will sort you out. The sooner you book a bed, the sooner you can focus on the real task at hand – soaking up all that jaw-dropping scenery.
Are you ready? Let’s get this hostel hunt started.
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Lake Bled
- Best Overall Hostel in Lake Bled – 1A Adventure Hostel Lake Bled
- Best Hostel in Lake Bled for Solo Travelers – Ace of Spades Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Lake Bled – Bled Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Lake Bled – Castle House 1004 Bled
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lake Bled – Second Station Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Lake Bled
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Lake Bled’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring ASAP.
1. 1A Adventure Hostel Lake Bled – Best Overall Hostel in Lake Bled
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $35
- Address: Begunjska cesta 5, Lesce, Bled, Slovenia
Housed in a former monastery, this place instantly ranks as one of the coolest hostels. It’s got that laid-back charm perfect for backpackers in Slovenia, with a big, welcoming vibe and a communal kitchen that feels like home.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Chill Vibes
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Bike Rental
The location’s a winner too – super close to the international train station so getting to Ljubljana is a breeze. While it’s not smack bang in Bled, that free shuttle makes it a breeze to get into town. True to its name, this place is all about adventure: you can sign up for canoeing, rafting, and more, then kick back with a cold beer on the terrace afterwards.
The kitchen facilities are great, and the outdoor area is a gem. And yes, the church bells start ringing at 7 am every morning, but think of it as the best kind of alarm clock – just in time to catch that shuttle and start your day!
2. Ace of Spades Hostel – Best Hostel in Lake Bled for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Private Room: From $46
- Address: Prešernova Cesta 41a, Bled, Slovenia
This hostel nails the perfect location and social scene – spot on for solo travellers exploring Lake Bled. The place is incredible: rooms are spotless, everyone’s super friendly, and the staff are beyond welcoming and accommodating.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Friendly Staff
- Super Social
- Great Location
From the moment you arrive, the team hooks you up with all the must-do activities in Bled and the best ways to tackle them. Within 15 minutes, you’ll be geared up and heading out for a big hike and a refreshing swim in the lake.
But it’s not just about the staff; the whole vibe here is chill but social. The hostel boasts modern, ultra-clean rooms. Just remember to bring your own shower gel – it’s a bit no-frills, so expect the basics! But hey, they do offer free cereal, so you can save a bit on breakfast.
The social scene is buzzing, and the location couldn’t be better. Making friends is a breeze, especially if you’re keen to team up for hikes. There’s plenty of space to hang out, a supermarket right around the corner, and the bus station is just a couple of minutes away. As far as Slovenia hostels go, this one is a solid choice.
3. Bled Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Lake Bled
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Address: Grajska cesta 22, Bled, Slovenia
Looking to stick to your backpacking budget while exploring the Balkans, then this cheerful little hostel in Lake Bled is where you want to be. It’s cheap, clean, and has everything you need – parties, chill vibes, adventure – you name it.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Super Social
- On-site Bar
The place is cosy, clean, and perfectly located near the lake. Dennis and Spela are absolute gems, super welcoming and full of local tips to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a comfy stay. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to meet other travellers, and the vibe is crackin’. The kitchen’s solid (a bit snug at times), the bar is excellent, and everything else is just as you’d hoped.
With guests from all over the world, you’ll have no trouble striking up some interesting conversations. For value, this is hands down the best budget hostel in Lake Bled. Bonus tip: ask the bar staff for a treasure map, rent a car, and prepare yourself for one of the best travel days EVER. I’m talking anything from trips to Triglav National Park to fun days out to Adventure Mini Golf Panorama. But keep it hush – it’s a secret!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Castle House 1004 Bled – Best Party Hostel in Lake Bled
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: Grajska Cesta 24, Bled, Slovenia
Set in the charming old part of town, right by the castle, this is hands the liveliest place in Lake Bled. Comfy beds, clean spaces, and a chilled vibe are just the start. There’s even a massive sundeck where you can crack open a couple of beers, all while soaking in epic mountain views. Pretty dreamy, right?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Cosy Dorms
- Great Location
The vibe here is unbeatable, thanks to the awesome staff and volunteers who make sure you’re clued in as soon as you arrive, setting you up for the perfect Bled experience. The rooms are clean, the mattresses are solid, and the showers are on point. By day you can explore the amazing lake and at night you can play cards with your newfound friends.
They’re all about treating people with kindness, which is something I can definitely get behind. The goal here is to create a totally stress-free environment so you can fully enjoy your trip. And if you need to get some remote work done? Even better – this place is perfect for it.
5. Second Station Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lake Bled
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $93
- Address: Bohinjska Bela 133, Bled, Slovenia
With a laid-back vibe, great facilities, and hassle-free check-in and check-out, Second Station Hostel is a winner for digital nomads. The cosy communal area is perfect for getting stuck into some work, and the friendly crowd makes it easy to turn this place into your temporary office.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cosy Communal Spaces
- Lovely Hosts
The atmosphere is warm and homely, and it feels like the space is set up to spark conversations between guests, which is a huge plus. The hosts are incredibly welcoming, and the free breakfast hits the spot every morning.
While it’s a bit outside of Bled, which means fewer evening options, it’s ideal if you’re after some peace and quiet. And what it lacks in nightlife, it more than makes up for with jaw-dropping mountain views and access to beautiful hikes.
The hostel itself is a gem – beautifully decorated, with super comfy beds and spotless bathrooms. It’s got a great social vibe, and for anyone with a love for design, it’s an absolute dream. The homemade breakfast, lovingly prepared by the hosts, is another highlight. All in all, it’s a perfect home away from home.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Lake Bled Hostels
So, now that I’ve talked about the best, let’s talk about the rest! (Of the best). These are some more picks from the top Lake Bled hostels to rest your weary head at when exploring the lake.
Want a funkier experience? There are some insane eco-resorts in Slovenia that are deff worth checking out for something unique.
Traveller’s Haven
- Address: Riklijeva cesta 1, Bled, Slovenia
Is it an actual traveller’s haven though? Yeah. It’s not a party hostel, sure, but not everyone wants to go crazy in the same place they have to sleep – plus there’s a pub down the road that’s open till late. It’s also one of the best Lake Bled hostels for solo travellers.
The staff are super friendly and helpful and make that magic atmosphere happen that’s great for meeting and mingling with fellow travellers. You know the drill. There’s a kitchen, which is great for keeping your Lake Bled costs down. And for anyone worried about cleanliness, the showers at this budget Lake Bled hostel are sparkling.
Hostel Smolej
- Address: Riklijeva cesta 3, Bled, Bled, Slovenia
Hostel Smolej is a freshly renovated gem in Bled’s residential/hostel district, and the location couldn’t be better. Just steps from the cliffside castle, the lake, St. Martin’s Church, and the local grocery store, plus close to the bus station and all the bars and restaurants – this spot has you covered.
The hostel itself has a cosy, homey feel, with a great kitchen and a charming balcony. It’s on the quieter side, with a touch of social atmosphere thanks to the kitchen being the main hangout spot. Barbara, the host, is incredibly kind and always quick to respond to emails. The place is spotless, and the beds are super comfy. The kitchen has everything you need and is always open, which is perfect if you’re an early riser. The laid-back vibe makes it easy to meet other travellers and settle in for a relaxed stay.
Bus Station Beds
- Dorm (mixed): From $33
- Address: Cesta Svobode 4a, Bled, Slovenia
It might lack some of the hostel charms that some of the other Lake Bled hostels seem to have, but it does offer a clean, warm and safe place to sleep. It’s compact and pretty basic, however, it’s also located in the centre of Bled meaning you’ll get to explore this charming town easily. It’s close to fun things to do like Sports Hall Bled and Vintgar Gorge.
The staff here are professional but also welcoming, which is a definite plus especially if you’re travelling by yourself. There’s also a communal area where you can meet other backpackers. Pretty solid choice. Cheap, too.
Garden House Bled
Oh man, the rooms at this top hostel in Bled are super cute. Decorated in repurposed wood, clean muted tones, cute slogans on the wall, old desks, parquet floor – you get the gist. It’s pretty much one of the coolest Lake Bled hostels, design-wise.
Even though this place is super chic, it still has a fun hostel atmosphere. There’s even a private Finnish sauna to try out here. Like, seriously. How cool does that sound?! Just a word of warning: it’s a lil’ pricey for a backpacking budget though so be prepared to splash the cash.
Hostellier
This award-winning place is run by hosts who put in literally so much effort to make sure guests have a great time. The location is perf, just 10 mins from the lake itself, and comes complete with a garden that you can enjoy some serious R&R in. The rooms consist of cute, wooden floors, rustic decor, and views of mountains across the treetops. Staying here is so much more than just staying in a Lake Bled backpackers hostel, that’s for sure.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Lake Bled
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Lake Bled.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Lake Bled
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Lake Bled hostels.
What to Pack for your Lake Bled Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Lake Bled?
Hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect the average price to start from $26 and $34+ per night.
What are the best cheap hostels in Lake Bled?
Bled Hostel offers excellent value for money – you wouldn’t even know it’s cheap! It’s a short walk from town and the lake and features its own onsite bar and terrace. Additional perks include organised day tours, a games room, and movie nights.
How many days in Lake Bled is enough?
If you’re trying to figure out how long to spend in Lake Bled, I’d say give it at least 2 full days (and 3 nights) to really soak up the vibe and explore the area properly.
Final Thoughts on Lake Bled’s Hostels
So why do backpackers keep flocking to Lake Bled? It’s simple: this place is the full package. Stunning scenery, adrenaline-pumping activities, and enough chill vibes to balance out all that adventure.
Whether you’re here to hike the trails, paddle on the lake, or just kick back and soak in those killer mountain views, Lake Bled delivers the kind of experience that sticks with you.
And an experience this special warrants a special hostel. My favourite? Ace of Spades Hostel! It’s got a great social scene, tons of activities to dive into, and let’s not forget the location – I still dream about those views.
Happy travels! And if you stumble upon any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment. I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing by the lake!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Slovenia for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the National Parks in Slovenia covered.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Europe to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Balkans backpacking guide.
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