Mala Osojnica — Attraction in Bled

PLEASE NOTE: MY REVIEW IS AS LONG AS THE CLIMB, so if you tire easily, perhaps read what others have to say. Don't consider trying this in anything other than sturdy footwear. I wouldn't advise anyone to go solo, and the climb isn't suitable for young children. For the record, my visit was in the middle of May, 2019.

If you still want the most sublime view of Bled, this is THE location. Before raising your expectations, you need to factor in the following: the signage at the foot of the pathway indicates that the climb takes around 30 minutes. I am far from the fittest figure of a man, and though I made it up there in around 30 minutes, the pathway was wet due to a fair amount of rainfall.

The lower reaches consist of steps that have been maintained, with heavy wooden caps to each tred. Due to the fairly steep ratio of incline, the pathway meanders. After a short distance, the steps yield to a well trodden path which is kept in shape by regular usage, and a good network of tree roots, making it extremely stable. Before too long you will reach a large disused alpine villa. If you have managed well so far, bear in mind that this has probably taken about 25% of the energies that you will need to just reach the ultimate vantage point that is your aim.

At this stage of my journey I looked up to what awaited me and decided that my umbrella would have to give way to my walking pole, and it wasn't a bad exchange to make. For what I would estimate is the next 25% of your energies, the pathway becomes more intensive, and for some of this section, there are portions of step, and other stretches of basic ramped incline. Whilst the path remains in relatively good order, you will need to consider your energy reserves; some of the tree roots could be a trip hazard, so you will need to lift your feet well.

For the vast majority of the pathway, the canopy keeps any view of the lake largely concealed. You should though eventually reach a stretch of relatively straightforward pathway, and partway up this stretch is a very visible clearing. Here you will see a good view of the Island of Lake Bled (This vista is on a par with the view from Café Belvedere, but that has a climb of around 250 steps from the path alongside the lake.) If you are still with me ascending Mala Osojnica, if you have reached the first good view, then by my estimate, this is where the second of the three legs of the journey that I took ended.

If you are feeling the climb, then take a look at what is still to go. Whilst I describe the next leg as the last of three (and I didn't go to the highest peak) you may well find that this will take much more energy, and nerve. The pathway continues in a similar vein to what you may already have traversed, but whereas the incline was not always so steep, and the path was relatively achievable, what remains can be much more demanding, and as you may find, for much of the route, everything is very much down to your own means of support, which is why I really valued my walking pole.

If you choose to keep going, you will eventually reach a portion of pathway where a provision has been made for the intrepid lover of good views. A metal cable has been fixed as something substantial to keep a grip on as you ascend - and with good reason - there is next to nothing to prevent you from falling on the stretch with the cable. Once you have gotten past this stretch, before long you'll see among your final goals - quite a steep metal staircase.

If you make it to the top of the stairs, then you have made it! There is a wooden bench waiting for you to take the weight off your weary feet, and there before you is the view you have been awaiting. You might notice that this is not the actual peak of the hillside, but the attached photo was the result, and as I was on my own, I didn't attempt going higher.

I was a tad nervous about the journey down. I took a good few minutes to catch my breath, take a photo and then descended, taking particular care on the upper reaches. If I haven't disuaded you, then take care, and...

The hike to Mala Osojnica is a bit longer and more challenging than the hike to nearby Ojstrica. It starts from the same general area near the Zaka parking lot or Bled Camping. You'll follow the trail to Ojstrica initially, but then you'll need to continue further up the hill to reach Mala Osojnica. The trail can be steep and involves some rocky sections, so wearing proper hiking shoes is essential.

The hike typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trail is well-marked, but be prepared for a bit of a workout, especially in some steeper sections. Once you reach the top, you'll find a few benches where you can rest and take in the stunning views.

The view from Mala Osojnica is nothing short of spectacular. You can see the entirety of Lake Bled, the iconic Bled Island with the Church of the Assumption of Mary, and Bled Castle perched on its cliff. The surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the serene lake. The perspective from Mala Osojnica is higher and offers a wider view than that of Ojstrica, making it an excellent spot for...

As others have said, it is steep. I hike and trek pretty often back in the U.S. so this wasn’t crazy hard. I got up in about 20 mins going at a pretty good pace. Didn’t need hiking or trekking shoes either, my white pumas did fine. What also makes it slippery aside from if it has rained, are the leaves on the trail. There are some spots you have to pick your footsteps carefully. If you don’t want to go all the way to the top, there was a spot that has a really nice and open viewpoint about 10 mins in, otherwise everything else throughout the hike is pretty much covered in the trees.

The view itself on the top is nice but don’t expect what you’ve been seeing in professional photography pictures unless you go during sunset and have just the amount of clouds to give you good color. I went during sunset on a Saturday and there were about 10 people at the top. The top also isn’t very big to fit a lot of people.

I definitely think if you’re not use to hiking, out of shape, or don’t like going uphill, then this hike will be very challenging. But overall doable for the...