Bled, Slovenia
Bled is a year round destination and thanks to its fairytale setting has long been a popular holiday resort for skiers, hikers, romantics and families alike. A laid back town with stunning scenery all around, Bled is set beside a beautiful lake amidst dense pine forests and surrounded by the Julian Alps.
Lake Bled is the heart of the resort, and at its centre is an island with a charming baroque church whose bell when rung is said to make wishes come true. Overlooking the lake set on a steep cliff is Slovenia's oldest fortress; Bled Castle.
Things to do
Bled has plenty of outdoor activities for its visitors to enjoy; walking trails around the lake, mountain trails, tennis, golf courses, fishing, diving, kayaking, summer tobogganing, bicycles and rowing boats for hire; and of course skiing in the winter.
Take a trip across the lake in a Pletna boat (a wooden gondola) to Bled Island and the small Church of the Assumption of Mary which is accessed by 99 steps and like all visitors to this small church ring its bell and one of your wishes will be fulfilled.
The 11th century Bled Castle is perched 100m on a steep cliff directly above the lake; here you can visit period rooms, a 16th century chapel, the wine cellar, herbal gallery and a small museum with an exhibition on the castle's history.
The Vintgar Gorge is around 5km from Bled and a must see whilst staying in the area, the gorge is 1.6km long carving its way through the rocks. A trail runs along the Radovna River ending at the Sum waterfall, Slovenia's highest waterfall.
Out and about
Getting around the small town of Bled is easily done by foot, and if you don't fancy the 6km walk around the lake there is a regular tourist train which takes you the whole way round while you sit back and enjoy the surroundings.
Bled has a good selection of restaurants with local and international cuisines available, dinner in Bled Castle offers something a little different, you get a tour through the castle alternated with an eight course dinner, each course is served in a different part of the castle.
The town has a number of bars, and just a couple of nightclubs, there is also a casino open till the early hours.
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