Bled, Slovenia readily conjures idyllic and serene images, allowing for peaceful thoughts to take hold of one’s mind and spirit. The town of Bled, situated aside Lake Bled, is found within the Julian Alps, not far from the nation’s capital of Ljubljana (50 km/ 31 m northwest). It’s not surprising that this area is easily recognizable with Lake Bled, its Island, and the picturesque surroundings drawing people to discover the area.
The town of Bled allows for convenience of enjoying both the lake and the surrounding area. Nestled amongst tree covered mountains, Lake Bled shimmers as a jewel as its natural beauty beckons to be explored. Within the lake is Bled Island, noticeable with the church and its tower rising 52m / 170 ft, that can be visited by a traditional Plenta, a style of boat that has been used since the 16th century.
The surrounding area offers an abundance of nature and culture. Nearby Triglav National Park, the country’s only park, covers the majority of Slovenia’s Julian Alps. It is home to Vintgar Gorge, which runs for over 1.5 km traversing natural pools and stunning waterfalls, all accessible by a network of bridges. The Pokljuka Plateau is also found in the park. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy walking, hiking, skiing, and more all year round. The plateau also offers traditional dairy production where you may stop by and have some samples.
A European town wouldn’t be complete without a castle nearby and Bled is no exception. Castle Bled dates back to 1004 CE with various additions and repairs made over the following centuries. Today it hosts numerous cultural events, is home to a museum dedicated to the castle’s history, and features something rather special: a vine descended from the world’s oldest grapevine. No doubt an interesting feature to see, particularly because there is a wine cellar where you can samples wines from a nearby village.
These appear to be just samples of the many offerings in this corner of Slovenia, all with an unhurried simplicity of connecting to both culture and nature. My brief yet memorable encounter in the capital of Ljubljana many years ago has had me pondering further wanderings in this Central European country. If I make a return trip, I intend to add Bled to the itinerary. Would you visit this area? Please comment below.
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