Thursday May 8th ~ Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled with castle high on a rocky cliff
Located in the northwestern portion of Slovenia, the city sits on the bank of glacial Lake Bled. Any one of the major tourist attractions in the area would make this a favorite destination. When you combine the crystal clear lake dotted with white swans, Bled Castle, the tiny island with the Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage Church, the snow-crested Julian Alps in the background and nearby Triglav National Park this wins in all categories ~ scenery, natural beauty, history, charm, and variety.
And did I mention crystal clear water?
Fish, colorful boats, clear water
Bled Island (picture taken from the castle)
Our Park Hotel was situated right on the lake shoreline. The national sport of Slovenia is rowing and you can watch individuals and teams practice, feed the many ducks and swans, sit and people watch from a well placed bench, walk or ride a bike around the 4 mile pathway that circles the lake. It you want a break, stop in at one of several cafes for a cappuccino and try the famous local cream pastry.
Built on a high rocky precipice overlooking the lake, this medieval castle was first mentioned in a deed back in 1011.
Bled Castle
Bled Castle with Julian Alps in the background
How would you like to have a drink at the castle and enjoy this view?
An optional excursion started with taking a special row-boat called a pletna out to the island.
Pletna boats
One strong rower with over a dozen passengers
We were welcomed by a nesting swan
Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage Church
Leading up to the church are 99 steps. Long a favorite place for couples to marry, the groom traditionally carries the bride up the steps, while she must remain silent. If that can occur, the odds are in favor of a successful marriage.
In the church another tradition is to make a wish and then ring the church bell three times. It takes a bit more strength than you might think, and I almost landed on the floor after a few mighty pulls. I later found out I rang it about a dozen times!
Lush green fields and snow-covered mountains
Less than an hours drive past emerald fields and snow-capped mountains brought us to our next stop…
Mount Triglav sits in the middle of the National Park and is the highest peak in the Julian Alps.
Triglav National Park
Church and bridge
Fishing or playing in the water =’s having a good time!
And a couple more pictures today, just because…
Almost close enough to touch
Strutting his stuff
Reflections in the water
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for digital cameras. I have been a prolific photographer for many years. With the constant improvements in cameras, lenses, size of cards, and photo editing tools, I am able to snap to my heart’s content without “wasting” film and money to develop each trial.
A Note From Abroad 
An ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh…awe…experience.
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I’m spoiled rotten by all the amazing places we are getting to see, but this place knocked my socks off.
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Wow! Beautiful indeed!
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Thank you Steve. I finally had a chance to take a look at your link. Very interesting info.
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Wow… I had seen images of lake Bled before but nothing like these…
Even without being there I could tell that, this place will rank in the top 5 or 10 in any traveler’s list 🙂
Incredible images and as always beautiful write up.
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
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There was truly no way to completely capture all the beauty there. I hope that my pictures will inspire others to go to Bled and the surrounding area to see it with their own two eyes. I know I was caught unaware of how stunningly scenic it is.
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This post is truly inspirational, no doubt about it, hope one day I’ll make it to lake Bled 🙂
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Just can’t wait to go back again in July for Bled Days
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OK, I’m jealous!
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Your pictures are beautiful! Have you been to Vintgar Gorge, near Bled as well?
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Hello 2 Tickets to Wonderland,
No, we have not been to Vintgar Gorge but you made me curious so I looked it up. OMG, it looks amazing! One more reason for us to return to this area as this looks like a MUST SEE destination. Thank you for bringing it to my attention and thank you for following our adventure as well.
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Yes, I definitely recommend visiting, if you get the chance. In summer, when it’s hot, it’s really pleasant walking there, because the temperatures are lower then elsewhere.
You have a beautiful blog, I enjoy looking at your pictures.
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I’m glad you are enjoying the pictures. Thank you so much!
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