The Julian Alps, which stretch from Friuli, Italy well into the nation of Slovenia, have long held many secrets, most notably in the form of lush valleys and flawless little hamlets. One small town in the Alps however, while a wonderful surprise discovery for many, has been a popular vacation retreat for quite some time. Forget the macabre name: Bled, Slovenia is magic.
Built around the emerald, fairy tale-like, glacial Lake Bled, the town of 6,000 people really looks like a Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson creation. The area in and around Bled has been a desirable place of settlement since the Mesolithic Age, incredibly enough, while the first mention of the town in official records dates back to the early 11th century. Suffice to say, the picturesque gem has a long and rich history.
Here are some landmarks and attractions to look out for in and around this stellar Slovenian treasure.
With verdant hills and mountains and dense forests around a pristine shoreline, Lake Bled is the backbone of Bled’s charm and allure as a tourist destination. Popular as a vast recreation space, most notably as repeat host of the World Rowing Championships, Lake Bled is impossible to ignore.
Within close proximity to Bled, Triglav National Park contains the most iconic natural landmark in Slovenia in Mount Triglav. The summit of the dramatic peak feeds two river systems that flow into the Adriatic and Black Sea. The park is a phenomenal conservation area with almost 900 km2 of land to explore.
Bled Island and Assumption of Mary Pilgrimmage Church
Tiny Bled Island, in the middle of Lake Bled, is a wonderful oasis in the expansive green waters. Home to one of the most important pilgrimmage sites in Central Europe, Assumption of Mary Church, the island draws scores of visitors who arrive on traditional wooden boats.
Bled Castle soars above Lake Bled from a beautiful cliffside perch and is among the most popular landmarks in the country. More than one thousand years old and with design elements from the Medieval and Baroque eras, today the castle is a superb museum. The views of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps are unforgettable.
Open to visitors since 1893, Vintgar is a terrific 1.6 km gorge with a spectacular footpath that provides access to waterfalls and the Radovna River.
For panoramas unlike any you have ever seen, the foothills around Lake Bled are the place to be. Whether you hike up trails or travel by rail, the Stra?a, Osojnica and Kuhovnica hills are a photographer’s dream.
Bled has a long history as a spa destination. Today, the tradition endures with a surfeit of Turkish baths, saunas and wellness resorts, most of them located in some of the more posh hotels in and around the city. Imagine a soak at a hillside summit spa with views of Lake Bled below: priceless.
With simple access from Bled, the caves of Iglica offer a special attraction to outdoor lovers. Just above the tiny village of Bohinjska Bela, the 18 m high waterfall that stems from the caves falls over a wall of sheer limestone.
A mere 7 km from Bled, Pokljuka Ravine is above the Radovna River Valley and was the spectacular result of glacier water erosion over time. With waterfalls, natural bridges and dense foliage, numerous paths wind in and around the remarkable ravine landscape.
If dramatic stalactites are your bag, Slovenia is the place to visit. The country is replete with crazy cave formations. The “Babji zob” is no exception and at 300 m long, is rather impressive. Paths and electric lights make it easy to observe the fine details of the vast interior.
Bled provides Slovenia with one of the most beautiful lakeside towns in Europe. Discover some great hotel options before you make your travel plans.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
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