lake bled hike
Take in the lovely scenery of Lake Bled aboard a boat, with a cream cake.
With its beautifully blue waters and picturesque surroundings, Lake Bled is a travel photographer's dream. Its painterly scenery really has to be seen to be believed, though.
The Alpine lake is situated in the Julian Alps in northwest Slovenia and lies next to the town of Bled. The postcard-perfect spot is surrounded by mountains and forests, and the medieval Bled Castle sits above the lake on the north shore, adding to the stunning scenery.
The focal point of this beautiful location is Bled Island, which is situated in the middle of the water. There are a few buildings on the island, but the main one is the pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. Built in the 17th century, the church has a 52-metre-high (170-feet-high) tower and 99 baroque steps leading up to it from the water's edge. On the island you can listen to the church bell ring and even ring it yourself, which, if legend is correct, will make all of your wishes come true!
If you only have time for one activity when you get to Bled, we'd highly recommend that you visit the island on a traditional Pletna boat. These wooden boats have been taking visitors to the petite, pretty island for centuries and are operated by standing oarsmen. Even if you don't really fancy exploring the island, the journey to and from the island will give you a wonderful, alternative view of the area. Just getting out on the water - especially on a sunny, calm day - is a wonderful experience.
It might not sound like a traditional Slovenian food, but the Bled cream cake (kremšnita) is a culinary must for any visit to the area. Kavarna Belvedere is a café situated in the most stunning location on the edge of the lake. You'll need to hike up quite a few steps to reach it, but once you get there you'll be fruitfully rewarded. Order a generous slice of the cream cake and enjoy it with an utterly breathtaking elevated view of the lake.
If cream cakes and boats aren't really for you, take a relaxing stroll around the tree-lined water's edge or hop in a horse-drawn carriage for a guided tour from one of Bled's coachmen, also known as fijakers!
For an another view of the world-renowned lake, take a trip up to Bled Castle, where you can get a stunning look at the lake, its island and the surrounding peaks. The 12th-century castle boasts impressive architecture as well as a museum collection. You can learn about traditional manual printing in the castle printing works; visit the castle's cellar to bottle wine and seal it with wax, and in the summer you can experience an archery tournament and even meet the castle lord.