Bled 2026: World Rowing Masters Regatta

Discover the famous rowing venue in Slovenia, which in September 2026 will again host rowing masters from all over the world.

Bled – the cradle of Slovenian rowing and great rowing competitions

Bled, the Slovenian Alpine gem, with its iconic image of the lake with an island, the castle on a cliff and the breath-taking mountain backdrop also has a sporting side. Lake Bled is the traditional venue of great rowing competitions in Slovenia.

The first rowing competition was held here in 1905, but it was only in 1950s that Bled really experienced a boom in rowing and international rowing competitions. To date, Bled has hosted four world championships, three European championships, two world cup competitions and several under 19 and masters championships. Traditional international regattas are also well-attended.

Rowing in Slovenia has recorded many achievements. The first two Olympic medals for the independent Slovenia were won in rowing.

Lake Bled is 2,120 metres long, which is just the right length for a rowing course. Its geographical position also provides the most fair conditions for all competitors.

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In 2026, Bled will host another great international competition – the World Rowing Masters Regatta, which will bring many rowing masters from all over the world to the Gorenjska region. In masters regattas, the number of participants is more important than the competition itself. This year, roughly 5,000 rowers and their team members are expected to attend the competition. This is the fourth world masters regatta to be held in Bled. It will take place from 9 to 13 September.

More about the regatta

Before you come cheer on the rowers, learn some interesting facts about the competition and its venue, useful information and experiences awaiting you in Bled and the surrounding area.

World Rowing Masters Regatta in numbers

Here are some indicative data on attendance and interest in the new rowing event in Bled.

Number of participants

around 5,000

Number of countries

Stopwatch icon with a green top and a grey dial.

Number of race days

Number of races

942

Number of volunteers and officials

400

Rowing teams on Lake Bled beside a wooden pier, with Bled Island, its iconic church and forested hills in the background. — Photo: Nejc Vurnik

Tradition of rowing masters competitions in Bled

Rowing masters competitions might be less important in terms of competition itself than senior and under 19 competitions but they are very important for bringing former rowers together and for tourism. To date, rowing masters have competed in Bled at three world regattas. The first was held in 1986, the next in 1995 and the most recent one in 2017. The first two regattas had about 2,000 participants, while at the third regatta the number more than doubled and reached a record for this type of championships.

In addition to world rowing masters championships, Bled also hosted three Euro Masters regattas, the informal European masters championships, with roughly 2,000 participating rowers each.

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Photo: Nejc Vurnik

Useful information for your visit to Slovenia

How to travel to Slovenia, where to stay and eat, what is particularly worth visiting when there are no races. Here is some useful information for visiting Slovenia.

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Getting to and around Slovenia

You can get to Slovenia in different ways – by car or train, by air, bicycle or boat.

Facts about Slovenia

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Slovenia is in the Schengen Area, which means that, in general, there are no checks at the border crossings with Italy, Austria and Hungary. To enter Slovenia from Croatia, it is sufficient to have a passport or an identity document, if the visit does not last more than three months.

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From luxury hotels to tourist farms, from private rooms to camping grounds. An exclusive offer of glamping accommodation or staying at the vineyard cottages. In Slovenia, you will find accommodation to suit every budget and every taste.

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In 2027, the European Rowing Championships will return to Bled

In addition to the World Rowing Masters Regatta, Bled is awaiting another great international rowing event. From 28 to 30 May 2027, the European Rowing Championships will once again take place in Bled. The best rowers will compete for European titles for the third time in Slovenia – the first European Championships held in Bled were in 1956, the second in 2023.

Discover the charm of Lake Bled

Let Bled's rowing heritage inspire you to take to the water. Row below Bled Castle, get close to the island and see the famous Bled scenery from a different perspective.

Rowing with Olympians on Lake Bled

Try your hand at rowing, a legendary discipline with one of the longest traditions in the world of sports. Your guides will be top athletes and Olympians and you will row in real racing eights. With this experience you will get an invaluable behind-the-scenes glimpse of the workings of top sports teams.

Rowing with Olympians on Lake Bled

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Take a ride on Lake Bled with a pletna boat

The pletna is a traditional boat from Bled, propelled and steered by pletnarji (boatmen), whose craft is passed down from generation to generation.

Row across the lake

At various locations, you can rent handcrafted wooden boats and row across the lake, which is also renowned as an excellent venue for rowing regattas and international competitions.

A ride on the lake with a SUP

The calm Lake Bled is ideal for a leisurely paddleboarding with a wonderful view. If you don’t have your own board, you can rent one from providers by the lake.

Discover other experiences in Bled and the surrounding area

Due to its location, Bled is an excellent base for various sporting activities. In addition to water activities, you may want to feel an adrenaline surge or relax playing golf. Bled is also a good starting point for hiking trips.

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Explore the surroundings of Bled

Although Bled is a magnet for visitors in its own right, it is worth exploring its surroundings, near and far. Discover the nearby towns, home to many top rowers, including the most successful, Olympic medallists Iztok Čop and Luka Špik. Both the capital Ljubljana and the Kranjska Gora alpine resort are close by – both destinations are just half an hour away.

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Slovenia outdoors

For outdoor activities in all four seasons, Slovenia is the perfect choice. Here, your favourite ways to stay active can take you from towering mountains to the seashore, from river valleys to rolling vineyard hills. All across Slovenia, excellent outdoor activity centres await. No secret corner is ever too far to explore. Discover Europe's green playground and choose activities that promote your health and well-being.

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Find your inspiration for an active discovery of Slovenia

When you are in Slovenia, it will be difficult to find an excuse not to be active. There are so many opportunities for active holidays that you simply will not be able to stay still. You will also be encouraged by the beautiful scenery and the sporting enthusiasm of Slovenians, which can be felt in both recreational and competitive sports.

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Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

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Largest sporting events in Slovenia and the world in 2026

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Bled 2026: World Rowing Masters Regatta

Bled – the cradle of Slovenian rowing and great rowing competitions

World Rowing Masters Regatta in numbers

Tradition of rowing masters competitions in Bled

Useful information for your visit to Slovenia

In 2027, the European Rowing Championships will return to Bled

Discover the charm of Lake Bled

Discover other experiences in Bled and the surrounding area

Explore the surroundings of Bled

Slovenia outdoors

Find your inspiration for an active discovery of Slovenia

Stories from Slovenia

Share with friends

This content is not available in Russian language.

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Bled 2026: World Rowing Masters Regatta

Bled – the cradle of Slovenian rowing and great rowing competitions

World Rowing Masters Regatta in numbers

Tradition of rowing masters competitions in Bled

Useful information for your visit to Slovenia

In 2027, the European Rowing Championships will return to Bled

Discover the charm of Lake Bled

Discover other experiences in Bled and the surrounding area

Explore the surroundings of Bled

Slovenia outdoors

Find your inspiration for an active discovery of Slovenia

Stories from Slovenia

Share with friends

This content is not available in Russian language.

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