Bled
Bled is a stunning natural wonder, filled with amazing scenery, old world charm and amazing people. Bled is so full of amazing attractions making it a difficult decision what to see. This fairytale like place has some of the most stunning views from most vantage points and is an easy stroll around, from the town centre. Bled is encompassed by Mountains and Castles with a beautiful Church, which sits on an island in the middle of the lake.
The Church of the Assumption of Maria is located on an Island in the centre of Lake Bled. It was built in the middle of the 5th Century. The Church features an impressive Baroque style architecture with 99 steps, which leads up from the water to the Church. Visitors come from all over the world just to see the Church in the Lake. You can hire paddleboats and kayaks to see it up close or take a professionally guided tour.
Bled Castle is a Medieval Castle perched atop a cliff towering 130 metres above Lake Bled. The views extend across the Straža and Babji zob hills, the Karavanke Mountains and even further towards Lesce and Radovljica. This incredible Castle is full of history and is the town’s most noted attraction. Please be aware that it can get very overcrowded in the height of the summer season.
In the Bled Island Gallery, you will find many works that show the beauty of Bled including the Churches, the Lake and Bled Castle. The Gallery houses both historic and contemporary pieces.
While in Bled take a ride on the Bohinj Steam Railway. The Bohinj Steam Railway winds its way through forests and mountains and offers guests unobstructed views over many of the area’s most noted features and attractions. It will make for a very memorable experience while staying here.
Hiking is a fantastic way to enjoy Bled’s many attractions including a hike to the bluff that overlooks the lake, often referred to as Ojstrica. It is also accessible to those who are physically challenged however, during the winter season, parts of the trail can get a bit hazardous. From the main trail below, the hike takes just under an hour and is a favourite viewpoint to capture a spectacular sunrise or sunset.
Other areas, which are easily accessible when visiting Bled include Vintgar Gorge, Straža Ski Resort, Triglav National Park and Postojna Caves.
Vintgar Gorge is another of the town’s jewels. It was carved from the surrounding rock over countless years of water erosion from the Radovna River. It is a great place to spend a spring or summer day enjoying the most impressive natural surroundings.
The Straža Ski Resort is Bled’s winter wonderland. It is the perfect place for that winter escape, especially for those whose alpine skills aren’t exactly up to the best skill level. The resort’s mountain stretches a few thousand feet above the town below offering fun runs, amazing scenery and powdery snow. There are a number of restaurants and bars and a variety of programs offered for beginners. Lift tickets are inexpensive, and toboggan rides are also popular.
Located in the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s highest peak, a great area for those who are nature lovers and hikers. The park is full of well-marked hiking trails and incredible landscapes including the Savica Waterfall. Triglav National Park is easily accessible by car, by bike or on foot.
Postojna Caves is situated just outside of Bled. The Subterranean Caves are brimming with Stalactites and Stalagmites and are especially popular with families and children. Most visitors spend hours at the caves before continuing on to see Predjama Castle, which is only a few kilometres away.