The Best Amateur Chess Tournament in the World

Where you will be treated like a Grandmaster.

Only players with a FIDE rating of 2300 or below are eligible to participate in the tournament.

BLED CHESS

FESTIVAL

2027

MARCH

8th - 14th

2027

Play.

Explore.

Enjoy.

Play chess with stunning views of Lake Bled and its castle – in conditions worthy of Grandmasters.

Enjoy nature, fresh air, and a taste of Slovenian cuisine.

Make the most of our side programme – with chess content and relaxing activities for players and companions.

Win in Your Group

Multiple rating groups. More prizes. More chances to win.

Exceptional prize

€6,000 prize fund for an amateur tournament.

Lonely Planet Must-See

Bled is listed as a Lonely Planet must-see.

View Past Editions →

NO ACCOMMODATION

You arrange your own accommodation and we take care of your place at the tournament. Ideal for anyone living near Bled or preferring to book a stay of their own choice.

START

SAVE 73 €

Early Bird 30% off

171 €~~244 €~~

START WITH OUR ESSENTIALS

Entry for main tournament
Entry for 3 side tournaments

More info

♕ Late night blitz tournament ♕ Blitz tournament ♕ Free style chess (rapid tournament)
Surprise Event with a Grandmaster
Festival Gift

START+

SAVE 133 €

Early Bird 30% off

311 €~~444 €~~

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

EVERYTHING IN START

Evenings with a Grandmaster

More info

After a day of intense play, unwind in the company of our ambassador grandmasters, WGM Laura Unuk and GM Markus Ragger. Over a pleasant conversation, game analysis, and a good drink, you’ll get the rare opportunity to meet and connect with the greats — sharing your passion for the game in a friendly atmosphere.
Seminar "Psychology in Chess"

More info

A seminar with Woman Grandmaster and author Dr. Jana Krivec, who wrote the book “Improve Your Life by Playing a Game.” She explores the mental side of chess — focus, confidence, and emotional balance — and how these skills can enrich your everyday life.
Get Your Game Reviewed by a GM

More info

After the tournament, have your favorite game personally analyzed by a grandmaster — gain insights, discover missed opportunities, and learn from your own play.

4 STAR HOTEL

You will stay at Hotel Park, just a short walk from the main festival venue.

Package prices are per person (shared double room).

View accommodation

BASIC

SAVE 341 €

Early Bird 30% off

795 €~~1.136 €~~

MULTIPLE BENEFITS

EVERYTHING IN START

Accommodation in a double room
Half-board (breakfast and dinner)
Optional morning walk around Lake Bled with participants, organizers and special guests (including GMs)

More info

Enjoy a relaxed morning walk, meet fellow participants and guests, and start the day with fresh inspiration.
Swimming pool included
Free parking infront of the hotel

SILVER

SAVE 427 €

Early Bird 30% off

995 €~~1.422 €~~

EXTENDED EXPERIENCE

EVERYTHING IN START

Accommodation in a double room
Half-board (breakfast and dinner)
Optional morning walk around Lake Bled with participants, organizers and special guests (including GMs)

More info

Enjoy a relaxed morning walk, meet fellow participants and guests, and start the day with fresh inspiration.
Swimming pool included
Free parking infront of the hotel
Evenings with a Grandmaster

More info

After a day of intense play, unwind in the company of our ambassador grandmasters, WGM Laura Unuk and GM Markus Ragger. Over a pleasant conversation, game analysis, and a good drink, you’ll get the rare opportunity to meet and connect with the greats — sharing your passion for the game in a friendly atmosphere.
Seminar "Psychology in Chess"

More info

A seminar with Woman Grandmaster and author Dr. Jana Krivec, who wrote the book “Improve Your Life by Playing a Game.” She explores the mental side of chess — focus, confidence, and emotional balance — and how these skills can enrich your everyday life.
Get Your Game Reviewed by a GM

More info

After the tournament, have your favorite game personally analyzed by a grandmaster — gain insights, discover missed opportunities, and learn from your own play.

4 STAR SUPERIOR HOTEL

You will stay at the Rikli Balance Hotel, where the entire festival takes place.

Package prices are per person (shared double room).

View accommodation

GOLD

SAVE 611 €

Early Bird 30% off

1.425 €~~2.036 €~~

FULL EXPERIENCE

EVERYTHING IN SILVER

Entry in the VIP simul with our Grandmaster ambasadors
Slovenian culinary tasting experience
Bled lake boat trip
Guided tour of the Bled castle
SPA Wellnes access (up to 3 hours daily)

IM / wGM LAURA UNUK

I’d love to invite you to the Bled Chess Festival

one of the most special amateur tournaments out there. It’s not just about great chess, but also about fun moments, new friendships, and the beautiful setting of Lake Bled.

I’ll be there too, and I’m really looking forward to spending this unforgettable chess week together.

Hope to see you there!
Laura Unuk

GM MARKUS RAGGER

It is a great pleasure for me to be the ambassador

of the Bled Chess Festival 2027. Bled is a place with an exceptional chess tradition and a magical atmosphere that continues to inspire both players and visitors alike. This time I will not participate as a player, but rather as a companion and supporter. I look forward to spending time with the participants, following the games, and enjoying the unique spirit that only chess in Bled can offer.

I believe the festival will be a wonderful opportunity for inspiration, friendship, and a true celebration of the game that unites us all. See you in Bled!
Markus Ragger

Play great games, meet new people, and create memories you’ll want to relive year after year.

In Bled, chess comes to life in an environment where peaceful nature and genuine hospitality create unforgettable moments.

Slovenia is one of the safest and most beautiful destinations in Europe, and Bled is its jewel, where the tranquility of nature meets a long tradition of warm welcome. Chess players have always been embraced with open arms in Bled – the local community knows how to create a pleasant, homely atmosphere in which every visitor feels welcome.

To host a chess festival where top-quality organization meets the beauty of Lake Bled.

You’ll find a friendly community and a varied side programme that blends chess activities, social gatherings, and optional extras like spa time or other ways to relax and enjoy the setting.

The tournament is also perfect for bringing a partner, friend, or parent—someone who may not play chess but can still enjoy everything Bled has to offer while you compete. This isn’t just a tournament; it’s a chess holiday.

A Place Like
No Other.

Set beside a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by mountains and steeped in history, Bled is one of Europe’s most magical destinations. The town itself becomes part of the festival atmosphere – peaceful, inspiring, and full of charm.

Bled has been ranked in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List of the top ten must-see global destinations.

Bled Island

Bled Castle

More
Than
Chess.

We’ve created a program that lets players and their companions enjoy much more than just the tournament.

Relax between rounds, explore the local culture, and connect with fellow chess lovers in meaningful ways.

Guided tours

Scenic boat rides to Bled Island and Guided tours, including Bled Castle

Wine taste

Wine tastings and traditional culinary evenings

Relaxation

Access to wellness and relaxation facilities

Activities

Activities for companions, families, and children

Social evenings

Social evenings, cultural moments, and time to simply enjoy

Evening events

Evening events with Grandmasters – analysis, conversation, and fun

What you need to know .

The Bled Chess Festival will be held from March 8 to 14, 2027, at the Rikli Balance Hotel Congress Centre, which offers a stunning view of Lake Bled. The playing hall and the official hotels are just a short walk from the center of Bled and the lake. Free parking is available for chess players staying in either of the official hotels.

The main tournament of the festival is open to all chess enthusiasts – regardless of age or experience – with a rating of up to 2300. This means that only players with a FIDE rating of 2300 or lower may participate, with the rating being considered at the time of registration and payment of the entry fee. Important: Players holding official chess titles are also eligible to participate. The main tournament will be played in a single section, and prizes will be awarded to the best players in various categories: overall, women, seniors, juniors, teams, and others.

Registration is completed through the online booking form on our website. Choose your package in the festival packages section and follow the registration and payment steps. The entry fee and included services depend on the selected package; the price is shown before payment.

All main tournament boards will be equipped with electronic chessboards, allowing games to be followed live on our website and partner platforms. The festival’s special atmosphere will be enhanced by IM / wGM Laura Unuk and GM Markus Ragger, who serve as the festival ambassadors, promoting the event and engaging with players and guests daily.

Absolutely! In addition to the main tournament, you can take part in blitz and rapid side events, evening gatherings with Laura Unuk, simultaneous exhibitions against a grandmaster, and enjoy discovering Bled’s natural and cultural beauty. You can look forward to a traditional pletna boat ride to Bled Island, a visit to Bled Castle with its unforgettable view, lakeside walks, culinary experiences, and many other activities designed to make your festival stay truly memorable.

Accomodation

For a pleasant festival experience, we have selected two top accommodations in the heart of Bled – Rikli Balance Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and Hotel Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐.Just a short stroll from the lake, offering comfort, wellness facilities, and stunning alpine views.

Highlights of the Festival Experience:

★★★★

Rikli Balance Hotel (S)

At Rikli Balance Hotel, the festival comes even closer to you – the hotel features a dedicated playing hall where the tournament will take place.

What does the hotel look like

★★★★

Park Hotel

Hotel Park offers a stylish and relaxing stay, ideal for accompanying guests and families.

What does the hotel look like