Bled

Bled is a picturesque little town in an even more picturesque surroundings. The lake that was formed trapped between high mountains, is visited by tourist throughout the year. You can cool of in the lake in the summer and in the winter, the town Bled and the Bled lake turn into a ice skating heaven.

Bled has a unique history and it was first founded more than 1000 years ago. It was already known by the German emperor Henrik the 2nd, and was at that time managed by the Brixen bishop.

Although Bled was a place, mostly visited by pilgrims, all this changed in the 19th century, when it became known as a tourist place, mostly because of the thermal springs, that were found around Bled. Even more, Bled received the title as the "most beautiful SPA" of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was often visited by the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy.

Every visitor is fascinated by the Bled lake and the Bled castle, but the most known tourist site is the small church on the island in the middle of the lake. You can sit back and relax in a boat that will take you to the island, or rent your own boat and row with the bare power of your hands. After you return to the mainland, you can also drive around the lake with a romantic coach.

While you enjoy the drive around the lake, or enjoy the beauty of the lake on a boat, you will be accompanied by ducks and beautiful white swans. Don't forget to share your bread with them. After a great day at the lake, do not forget to visit one of the city's pastry shop or a restaurant, and try a "kremna rezina", a vanilla and custard cream cake, or a "Blejska grmada", another local cake.

Bled will inspire you as your destination, or as a great starting point for a trip to the mountains. Relax at a game of golf, or test your luck in a casino. All throughout the year different congresses take place in Bled, and no one ever looks for an excuse not to go to bled. Bled is a unique place.

* Bled Castle is a picturesque white and red castle, perched on a rock on the northern side of town. There is a little museum inside with an exhibition on the castle's history and the usual array of medieval pomp, pageantry and weaponry. There is also a small wine center run by Andre, the monk. There, for the price of a champagne bottle (15%u20AC) Andre will teach you how to perform Sabrage, or Sabree, the art of cutting the top of the bottle off with a blade. You can also bottle, label, and wax stamp your own wine right in the cellar with Andre. Very fun. By taking the wooden steps near the wine cellar above the courtyard, you can find a small shop that sells various herbs and oils. Go in here for the smell if anything.
* The little island on Lake Bled. The small church on the island dates back to the 10th century, but the present building was built in the 17th century. According to local tradition, a husband who can carry his newly married bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage, and ringing the bell in the church will fulfill one of your wishes. The way to reach the island is by a special boat called Pletna +386-41-948-168.
* An alternative to taking the Pletna to the island is to rent a kayak and explore Lake Bled yourself. With a kayak a person can easily reach the island, tie up, and go exploring by foot, and also explore the hidden shorelines of the lake, otherwise inaccessible without a small boat. Your hotel or hostel can give you information on where to rent a kayak.