Bled

The location of Bled at the foot of the Julian Alps, bordering the Triglav National Park, is unique and simply beautiful. No wonder that the spa town of Bled is so popular with holidaymakers, hikers and cyclists. The region has almost everything to offer that the outdoor heart desires: swimming in Lake Bled, exploring the island, hiking through gorges or taking a trip to the unique national park. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of the lake on a short tour up one of the many hills around Bled, such as Straža or Ojstrica. Bled is also a great place to relax: best of all in the town’s famous thermal waters.

Bled is as varied as it is enchantingly beautiful – and always worth a visit.

Lake Bled (also called Lake Velda) is probably the most distinctive recognition feature of the region. At the site of the lake, there was once a tectonic basin formed by the Bohinj glacier – a remnant of the original rock can still be admired today as an island. The lake is about 30 m deep and invites you to swim and dive. But you can also go around the lake on an easy hike, on foot or by bike.

Of course, the small island with St. Mary’s Church is particularly impressive on the idyllically situated lake. In former times, a temple dedicated to a pagan goddess of fertility stood on its site. After the Christianisation of the region, however, a church was built, which can still be visited today. The church bells are particularly attractive to visitors: when the so-called wishing bell rings, you can make your requests and wishes.

The island is an extremely popular excursion destination. Visitors can get to the island by traditional open wooden boats called pletnas. However, you can also hire a boat and paddle yourself – and the more athletic can simply swim across.

Another highlight of Bled is the castle with the attached chapel of Saints Alboin and Ingenuin. The castle's location is similarly impressive to the island: built on a 130-metre-high freestanding rock, it rises above the lakeshore. Bled Castle is one of the oldest buildings in Slovenia. The origins of the castle date back to 1004 AD, when the German Emperor Heinrich II gave the property as a gift to the Bishop of Brixen, Albuin.

In the following centuries, the building was frequently extended and rebuilt. Today it houses, among other things, a museum, a souvenir shop and a restaurant.

Just a few kilometres northwest of Bled lies the impressive Vintgar Gorge, which is not to be missed. The 1.6 km long gorge leads along the Radovna River between the Hom and Boršt mountains. You follow a narrow path over wooden bridges to the 13-metre-high Šum waterfall.

The name Vintgar probably comes from the German word Weingarten – or also from the Slovenian word for wine glass (vinski kozarec), possibly based on the shape of the gorge. The gorge was already a tourist highlight in the 19th century.

Near Bled lies Triglav, Slovenia's only national park. The national park covers a large part of the Julian Alps and the highlight is the eponymous Mount Triglav, which at 2,846 metres is the highest mountain in the country. The landscape in the national park is varied: glacial valleys, green meadows and forests, clear mountain lakes and refreshing streams next to steep mountain peaks. Hikers and other sports enthusiasts will find an impressive nature experience here. It is therefore essential to follow the local advice on nature conservation and proper visitor behaviour to ensure that this unique nature is preserved.