Maybe you have never heard of Bled Lake, but you have probably seen a photo of this incredible site somewhere among your screen-saver photos!
Bled Lake is a gorgeous turquoise glacial lake set in the picturesque setting under the snowy Alps with a small island in the middle of it where an old little church stands. It is located in Slovenia, a country you probably never heard of. Slovenia is one of the smallest European countries, with only 2 million people, located on the border of Eastern, Southern and Central Europe.
Bled Lake is without a doubt, one of the top things you need to see in this part of Europe! Located on the edge of Triglav National Park, Bled offers breathtaking scenery in combination with some of the highest-rated tourist infrastructure in the country. It presents a great base if you are into hiking, cycling, winter skiing, whitewater rafting, canyoning or if you simply enjoy spending your time in nature. Bled is also one of the most special mountain retreats if you are among wellness lovers!
Get your adrenaline going with all the adventurous activities around Lake Bled or just take time to breathe in the fresh Alpine air and have a chance to slow down at this fabulous mountain retreat!
Here are 5 things you must do at Lake Bled:
1. Get a boat ride to the island on Lake Bled
The traditional wooden flat-bottom rowing boats that will take you to the island on the Bled Lake are called “Pletna boats”. Enjoy the slow ride, observe the reflection of the snowy Alpine mountain peaks sparkling on the lake’s surface and take it all in.
On the island stands the Church of the Mother of God. Visit the church and ring the famous bell which is said to make your wishes come true!
2. Hike to Ojstrica Hill for spectacular views
Ojstrica Hill is a 611-metre-high hill right next to Bled Lake. Most of the photos of Bled that you see on the postcards and tourist brochures were taken from the top of Ojstrica Hill. You can reach the top with a steep 20-minute climb and appreciate this picture-perfect panoramic view firsthand.
Even if you are not an enthusiastic hiker, I really recommend you make this short hike because the views from there are really incredible!
3. Explore the Vintgar Gorge
Bled Vintgar Gorge is a 1600 m long and 250 m deep gorge located 4 kilometres from Bled. Walk on the wooden walkway running all the way through the gorge and observe the icy cold crystal-clear Radovna river under you. Be amazed by the shapes and features that the river carved in the rocky river bed over millions of years.
Hiking the gorge was definitely one of the top things I did in Slovenia!
4. Visit the medieval Bled Castle
Standing proudly at the top of the cliff 130 meters above Lake Bled, this medieval castle looks like one from the fairy tales. Inside the castle, you will find a great museum, souvenir shops selling locally produced crafts and one of the best-rated fine dining restaurants in Slovenia.
I recommend buying some locally-produced Slovenian honey, yummy!
5. Eat Bled cake
One of the most important things to do in Bled is try the famous Bled cream cake! The cake is a symbol of Bled cuisine and is made from puff pastry (2 layers!), custard, whipped cream and icing sugar.
I highly recommend putting Slovenia and Bled high on your travel list! Let me know if you have any questions or would like help planning your next family or girls trip to visit. Take a look at my website Sunny & Turquoise Travel for upcoming women’s retreats or for a travel consultation to help build your dream trip.
With Love & Happy Trails, Lea
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