Lake Bled: a fairytale swim

One of the most beautiful swim destinations in the world, Lake Bled plays host to an exciting swim event for swimmers of all levels. We spoke to X-Waters organisers Mikhail Belyanin and Vlad Litvinchuk about this late-summer celebration for water lovers

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Lake Bled in Slovenia is like something out of a fairytale picture book, with a medieval castle on its shore and an island crowned with a church, backdropped by forest and misty mountains.

No wonder, then, Bled is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe and plays host to an array of exciting swim events throughout the year. A highlight of the open water calendar is X-WATERS Slovenia powered by IFEELSLOVENIA, an impeccably run swim event with distances to suit swimmers of all levels. There are even distances for children.  

With the event taking place every September (this year 5-6 September), the lake promises to be warm and calm, and the weather ideal for participants to explore Bled and surrounding Triglav National Park.

We spoke to one of X-Waters organisers Mikhail Belyanin about what swimmers can expect when signing up to the event, and how to make the most of exploring this wild and enchanting region of Europe.

Mikhail, what’s your own swimming story?

When I moved to Slovenia, I realised very quickly that this country is truly unique. It combines remarkable nature with a genuinely strong sports culture, and that combination inspires you every single day.

My partner Vladislav is an entrepreneur in the sports industry and someone who has spent years developing mass-participation sporting initiatives. When he first brought me to Lake Bled, we both felt the same thing instantly: this is a place where people from all over the world should be able to dive into Slovenian culture and “BLEnD” with its nature – quite literally turning Bled into a blend. #BLEnDit

We also believe that swimming is an underrated sport — less mainstream than running or cycling, yet uniquely meditative, powerful for endurance, and deeply connected to nature. Today we are proud that athletes and amateurs from almost 40 countries come to participate in our event.

What makes X-Waters Slovenia so special?

Lake Bled isn’t just scenic — it is visually unforgettable. The island, the clifftop castle, the turquoise clarity of the water, and the surrounding Julian Alps create a setting that feels almost unreal.

But the experience goes far beyond the swim itself. We create a celebration:

– a host and music

– photo zones

– delicious food from local chefs

– recovery and massage areas

– stretching and post-swim support

– family-friendly activities

After the swim, Bled is the perfect place to spend the day — walking around the lake, enjoying viewpoints, cafés, and nearby natural attractions, especially with the carefully curated guides we provide to all participants in collaboration with Bled Tourism.

What’s your favourite thing about Slovenia?

Slovenia is a place where everything feels balanced. It is compact yet incredibly diverse. What inspires me most is its strong sporting culture — people here truly live through movement and the outdoors. It’s motivating and energising.

Describe your perfect day in or around Bled.

For me, the ideal day starts with a sunrise swim — when the lake looks like pure glass.

Then comes a quiet coffee by the water and a walk around the lake. During the day, I like to hike up to Ojstrica, Bled’s most famous viewpoint with the iconic panorama of the lake, the island and the mountains.

Just a few minutes away is Vintgar Gorge, one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural landmarks — a beautifully carved turquoise canyon that is well worth the visit.

In the evening, nothing beats a slow stroll along the lakeside as the town lights up and the atmosphere becomes calm and magical.

Why do people come back to this event?

Because Bled leaves an emotional mark. Many swimmers say it feels like “swimming inside a painting.” Others say the clarity of the water feels unreal.

Another key reason is that my partner and I put personal attention into every detail. We’ve participated in many international races ourselves, so we know how an athlete should feel — safe, welcomed, supported and inspired. We aim to deliver that level of care in every aspect, and I believe participants feel this — and that’s why they return.

What’s your top tip for first-timers?

Arrive in Bled a little earlier. Stroll through the town in the evening — there are often concerts, cultural events and a friendly atmosphere that helps set the mood.

On the registration day, we host an organised training swim, which allows everyone to get comfortable with the water, ask questions and build confidence.

And during the race itself — make sure to lift your head and look around. You’re swimming in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

X-Waters Slovenia 2026 takes place 5-6 September. Choose from distances 500m, relay 2x500m, 1 mile, 5k or 10k. Find out more at x-waters.com