Lake Bled (Blejsko jezero), the most visited resort in Slovenia, is located in a deep depression surrounded by the rocky, snow-capped Julian Alps, 50 km north-west of Ljubljana. The pearl of this idyllic setting is the emerald green Lake Bled with a small island, church and mountain castle.
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| Lake Bled |
Tourism began to develop here in 1855. European aristocrats began to come to the lake for the sake of local thermal springs and the purest alpine air. Today tourist buses from all over Europe flock here, but the lake and its surroundings still retain their unique beauty. On the lake you can find hotels for every taste and budget. You can swim or ride a boat in the lake by renting it. Cycling is just as enjoyable. Recently, wedding ceremonies have begun to take place in the castle.
What to see
Although the resort is very popular, tourists rarely get out of the city, so it will be easy for you to find a secluded corner, bypassing the lake along a path laid among lindens, chestnuts and weeping willows (6 km).
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| Lake Bled |
The best view of the lake opens from the fortifications of the Bled castle (Blejski grad; daily April - October 8.00–20.00, November - March 8.00–18.00, entrance fee, www.blejski-grad.si), built on a rocky ledge 100 m above the water level... The castle was built in the 11th century, but acquired its modern look in the 17th century. The castle houses a museum (Grajski muzej), where archaeological finds, antique furniture and armor are exhibited.
In the center of the western part of the lake is the island of Bled (Blejski otok). An elegant church and bell tower can be seen through the treetops. To visit the island, rent a boat or take a tour of the wattle fence (pletnja - a bit like a Venetian gondola)... Boats leave from the pier opposite Villa Preshern near the city center. A staircase of 99 steps leads from the island's embankment to the 17th century Baroque Church of the Assumption. Weddings are often held in the church - and this is not surprising: in ancient times, this place was the site of the temple of Zhiva - the Slavic goddess of love and fertility. As part of the ceremony, the groom is invited to carry the bride into the church in his arms, without stopping to climb 99 steps - not an easy task. Next to the church there is a 15th century bell tower. It is believed that her bell brings good luck - you just need to ring it.
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| Lake Bled |
On the northern shore of the lake, near the castle, there is the Castle Beach (Grajsko kopalisce; mid-June - end of September daily 8.00-19.00, entrance fee), and on the west - the Veslaski center, where an international regatta is held every year in mid-June. involving world-class athletes. There is a free swimming area nearby - green lawns descend directly to the water. This is a great place to swim or sunbathe.
On the southern coast, 20 minutes walk from the city, surrounded by a magnificent park, there is a luxurious villa "Bled" (Vila Bled). The villa was built at the beginning of the 20th century. for the Yugoslav royal family. Tito received here the heads of foreign states, including Indira Gandhi and Nikita Khrushchev. Since 1984, the villa has been a luxury hotel.
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| Lake Bled |
The Bled Golf Club is located 3 km east of Bled and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Old steam locomotive
In summer, an old steam locomotive departs from Jesenice (12 km north of Bled). The route passes the Bled and Bohinj lakes with stops at the Bled and Bohinjska Bystrica stations. Then the train goes through the Bohinj tunnel, the length of which is 6.3 km. Mount Bohinjsko Sedlo (1277 m) rises above the tunnel. Outside the village of Podbrdo, the path leads to the narrow Bacha valley and ends at Most na Soča, almost at the Italian border.