Bled

High-end alpine holiday resort next to Lake Bled (a glacial lake), with breath-taking views of neighbouring Triglav mountain chain, Karavanke and Kamnik Alps, one of the most picturesque and stunning parts of Slovenian soil, described as “the image of paradise” by the greatest Slovene poet, Prešeren. Bled, with its outstanding natural beauty, has its own signature symbol: a small island on the lake with 99 stone steps leading up to the church (from 1465) with a “wishing bell” (from 1534). Bled has been continuously praised by many tourists and tourist organisations, which is noted by famous media agencies around the globe. Due to its rich cultural heritage the island has the status of a natural landmark and a cultural monument. The Bled castle, settled on a rock cliff rising over the lake, is a baroque structure with medieval fortress features.

Lake Bled extends over 2.1 x 1.3 km. It gets as deep as 31 m. Water temperature gets up to 24°C (swimming safe) in the summer, while in harsh winters the lake can freeze. The lakeshore boasts with welcoming beaches and it is surrounded by a circular pathway (of 6 km) where you can enjoy a carriage ride or a tourist train. Lake Bled offers rowing, which is very popular. Bled has its own rowing club and a long tradition in the field; it even hosts international rowing competitions.  

To reach the island we can take a traditional wooden boat: “Pletna”, which is paddled by a local boatman. 

The Bled hollow was shaped by a glacier moving during the ice age. Thermal springs, which make the water reach the pleasant 24°C, are a testament to the tectonic design of the lake. The springs are also contained in indoor pools of Grand Hotel Toplice, Golf and Park hotels. 

The credit for early development of health tourism intended for affluent tourists is attributed to the prominent Swiss natural healer Arnold Rikli, who came to Bled in 1852 to heal his ailments and then stayed for more than 50 years. His enthusiasm led him to the foundation of first-rate European centre for disease treatment and health care. Arnold Rikli is known for his air, sun and steam therapies based on bathing in cold water, nude sunbathing and walking. In his books Rikli introduces a wide variety of service of the natural spa in Bled associated with water, sun and clean air – a source of health. Straža, which is nowadays a well-maintained ski slope in the winter, used to be an ideal location for nudity and walks in pristine nature with striking views. Bled was renowned as the most beautiful spa in the former empire. 

In a natural park (right next to the lake, with a view of the island and the castle) remains a state protocol residency Vila Bled – a tourist destination – a synonym for hospitality, comfort, timeless elegance, culinary pleasures and unforgettable experience. 

Bled castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia and the most popular viewpoint! In 1000 years it has survived earthquakes and fires, and it has kept its current shape for 300 years. You can reach the castle by car, carriage or tourist train, or you can take a stroll up to the top from the boathouse next to the lake. The castle holds a permanent exhibition on the historical development of Bled. There is also a restaurant (which will leave you with a distinct mark and offers unconditional quality), castle wine cellar, a print shop, a forge, a chapel and a herbal gallery. 

Another thing that has to be mentioned is the notorious culinary symbol of Bled: the famous “kremšnita” or the Bled cream cake, made according to an old original recipe – You absolutely have to try it! 

Bled with its many legends is a truly unforgettable destination: this natural world wonder can change one’s life. The castle is an ideal location to make a loved one happy, you can even get married here! Or get engaged – in one of the most beautiful castle cafes in the world, in the castle’s courtyard surrounded by a stone wall across from which you can enjoy an endless fairy-tale view of the Alps and the island on the lake with a church and a wishing bell. Come, ring the wishing bell and make a wish…

The wishing bell is accompanied by a legend of the sunken bell: The bell was made in 1534 by Franziskus Patavinus in the Italian Padova. The legend says that at that time a young, inconsolable widow lived in the Bled castle. Her husband had been killed by bandits and his body was thrown into the lake, which is why she gathered all her silver and gold and had it mould into a bell for the island chapel. However, the bell never made it to the chapel – it had sunk down during a heavy storm together with the boat and all the boatmen. They say that on a clear night one can still hear it making sounds from the depths of the lake. The desperate widow sold her entire estate after this tragedy and left for a convent in Rome. After her death the pope consecrated a new bell and sent it to the Bled island. A wish is granted to anyone who rings the bell and tells their wish to the merciful “lake lady”.

In addition to the bell, your photo record absolutely cannot miss the charming lake swans, the traditional means of transportation – pletna, the reflection of the mountains on the lake surface, the picturesque image of the island with its baroque staircase and the church, and a romantic sunset. 

Bled is famous for another unique beauty: the Vintgar canyon

1.6 km long canyon cuts in between vertical mountain walls and boasts a river with waterfalls, pools and rapids. The view stretches across to another landmark: a mighty stone one-arch bridge. The Vintgar canyon is connected with wooden bridges and galleries, which create proximity: its majestic reality, which takes everyone’s breath away with every gaze. Take the museum train at Bled train station, which takes you over the stone bridge and past the Vintgar canyon on the colourful Bohinj trail, over 110 years old. It is a journey to old times, with panoramic views that you absolutely have to experience in Bled. 

Last but not least, Bled is in all seasons an ideal starting point for hiking and mountaineering in intact nature of the Julian Alps – the protected territory, covered by Triglav national park (one of the oldest national parks in Europe). Its central sight is the popular and highest Slovenian mountain, Triglav (2864 m). 

Bled has the largest golf course (with 27 holes) in Slovenia with amazing natural features and beautiful views – it is classified as one of the most stunning Alpine destinations in Europe. In addition to two courses (Kraljevo with 18 holes and Jezersko with 9 holes) it also offers exquisite complementary services. 

Bled has a shorter, well maintained ski slope – Straža. Out of season a sledding ground is situated on the slope (from the top of the hill along the double chairlift). The slope offers breath-taking views of the castle and the lake. 

Bled and its surroundings offer camping – Camping Bled, Camping Šobec.

You can enjoy ice-skating on the Park café terrace or even on the frozen lake on a cold winter.

Bled also has an adventure park, which offers fun for the entire family. 

Visiting Bled should absolutely be accompanied by a tour of the neighbouring town of Radovljica. This is how Radovljica was remembered by British tourists: “A charming, peaceful town with a stunning medieval market and a couple of quirky and brilliant museums.”

Radovljica manor (with a renovated baroque hall) hosts many different events: concerts, receptions, weddings. 

The Lect (gingerbread) hearts workshop (which is also a museum) you can witness first-hand the making of red-coloured lect (gingerbread) hearts according to the traditional method. This process is one of the rare artistic crafts. The product is made from special honey dough. A commemorative ornament: “the Lect heart” (which shows off unique paintings and different inscriptions – messages) is meant to show love for your loved ones. 

Contact information: Bled Tourist Association +386 4 5741 122  info@td-bled.si