Mala Osojnica and Osojnica trail is a popular hike featuring stunning panoramic views of Lake Bled and the surrounding Julian Alps. It arguably has the best view of Lake Bled.
Mala Osojnica and Osojnica Trail Information
Both Mala Osojnica and Osojnica viewpoints are linked together by a single trail. It’s a short 2.3 mile (3.7 km) loop hike, but don’t be fooled, the path is moderately strenuous due to its steep grade and rocky terrain. It will take approximately 1-2 hours, depending on how fast you go and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
- Length: 2.3 mile (3.7 km)
- Elevation Gain: 670 ft
- Difficulty: moderately strenuous
- Duration: 1-2 hours
My husband and I took about 1.5 hours, spending time at each scenic viewpoint to take take photos and rest on the wooden benches.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to hike Mala Osojnica and Osojnica is during the spring, summer and fall when weather is pleasant and the trail is accessible. Hiking in the winter can be challenging due to snow and ice.
Sometimes it can get extremely hot during the summer (it was hot and humid when we went), so I suggest hiking in the early mornings during cooler temperatures. Early mornings also mean less crowds!
Since the trail is steep in some areas, have stretches of loose rock on the north side of the trail and plenty of tree roots throughout the entirety of the trail, I do not recommend hiking it during extremely wet conditions. If you do, be extra cautious. It can get very slippery!
Location of the Hike
Mala Osojnica and Osojnica are located on the west side of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Both viewpoints are connected by a quick, loop-style trail.
Lake Bled is about a 45 minute drive from the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. If you are traveling from Ljubljana, leave early in the morning to avoid traffic jams getting into Bled. It’s a popular destination and traffic is fairly common during the busiest parts of the day, especially during the summer months.
Where to Park
The closest car park is Velika Zaka next to Kamp Bled on the west side of Lake Bled shoreline; however, when we visited, the road leading to this parking lot was closed.
Velika Zaka Parking (if open)
GPS Coordinates: 46°21’44.9″N 14°04’53.1″E
Cost: 6 EUR per hour (as of 2024)
The next closest car park is Pristava on the south side of the lake. This is where we parked.
Pristava Parking
GPS Coordinates: 46°21’24.9″N 14°05’29.0″E
Cost: 5 EUR per hour (as of 2024)
Walking to the Trailhead
To get to the trailhead, follow the signs on Kidriceva cesta street. After a 15 minute walk, you’ll reach a sign marking the trailhead.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 46°21’31.7″N 14°05’07.3″E).
Should I Hike it Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise?
When we hiked the trail, we saw a mix of both, but I’ve read many reviews suggesting counter-clockwise is better. We hiked it clockwise.
If you go counter-clockwise, you’ll have a gradual ascent but a steep descent.
If you go clockwise, you’ll have a steep ascent, and a gradual descent.
We chose clockwise because we wanted the downhill section to be easier on the knees. Retrospectively, it was actually tougher on the knees because there were large stretches of loose rock that increased risk of slipping. However, going clockwise was great to avoid descending very steep paths.
Mala Osojnica and Osojnica Trail Guide
This trail will take you to two viewpoints. The first viewpoint is Mala Osojnica, and the second is Osojnica. Both vistas give you a view of Lake Bled from an elevated perspective at slightly different angles. In between Mala Osojnica and Osojnica, there are a couple unofficial viewpoints with the same general view as Mala Osojnica and Osojnica, but they are slightly obscured by trees.
As you begin, the trail takes you up several switchbacks under the shade of trees. You’ll trek over lots of tree roots and steep grade.
Eventually, you will come across a long metal staircase. It is very steep, but there is a metal handrail to help you ascent safely. At the top of the staircase, there is a small bench with a viewpoint.
Shortly after this viewpoint, you will reach the main viewpoint, Mala Osojnica. The summit of Mala Osojnica viewpoint is distinguished by three benches and is protected by a metal fence (for safety reasons).
For the duration of the trail to Osojnica, you’ll find several trail split offs. Follow the well-labeled signs for Osojnica. Additionally, there is a detour for a viewpoint called Velika Osojnica between Mala Osojnica and Osojnica. It takes about 30 minutes, but it’s not necessary. The view isn’t the best because it’s obscured by trees.
As you continue the loop, you’ll reach Osojnica viewpoint. Osojnica is similar to Mala Osojnica, but it is at a hilltop with a more expansive view of the surrounding landscape.
I neglected to take a photo at Osojnica, but feel free to Google Search away to compare with Mala Osojnica!
Which is the better view of Lake Bled?
Personally, I enjoyed Mala Osojnica better, but both views are stunning. Mala Osojnica, in my opinion, is better for photography, but both provide a different angle.
What time of the day is the best for photography?
Sunrise is the best time of day for photography of Lake Bled.
Sunset is the second best time of day, but Bled Island will be in the shadows and appear dark.
Helpful Tips and Additional Information
- Panoramic Viewpoint: After you end the hike, take a short walk to Panoramic Viewpoint on the boardwalk to see Bled Island at lake level.
- Wear proper shoes: The trail can be rocky and steep at times. Wear sturdy shoes with grip!
- Bring enough water: Even though the trail is fairly short, it is moderately strenuous so it is important to have enough water. There are no water sources on the trail.
