Have you always wanted to admire the magnificent castles and fortresses in Slovenia or spend time in the nature of this impressive country? Then you should definitely keep the municipality of Bled in mind.
High above the lake rises the cliff crowned by the magnificent Church of the Assumption. You can reach the island traditionally by the Pletna boat, which has been crossing Lake Bled since 1590. The rowboat will safely bring you to the destination of your dreams. Once on the island, you can admire the Church of the Assumption, which has been showcasing its beauty since the 15th century and is adorned with shining gold. Also worth seeing is the free-standing bell tower of the Church of the Assumption, which offers the perfect opportunity for you to take in a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature. Dare to venture into this fairytale setting and follow the traces of a different time. Give this wonderful place the chance to enchant you. Admire the majestic Alps towering above the lake, watching over Bled Island. Let the beauty of this nature captivate you and experience a scene like you've never seen before.
But it’s not only the view that is particularly tempting! On the island, next to the church, is the old building of the sacristan, the Mesnerei. This was connected to the Provost's House in the 20th century, and since 2012, it has housed the Potičnica, a venue offering traditional Slovenian potica that will surely make your culinary heart skip a beat. Potica is made of yeast dough filled with various fillings, rolled up, and baked in a clay model called a poticnica. If you want to learn more about the culinary specialties of Slovenia, feel free to browse our advisor.
The history of Bled Castle dates back far into the past. It was a gift from German Emperor Henry II to the Bishop of Brixen and originally consisted of just a tower with a protective wall. The first castle was built in 1011 by the bishops and served as a defensive fort. Today, the oldest castle in Slovenia does not look as it did back then. Between 1951-1961, it was renovated, and now the castle houses a building for servants, a courtyard, a castle printing press, and a castle wine cellar. Particularly appealing for children could be the castle's printing press! Not only can you learn about traditional printing methods, but you can also print your own souvenir certificate! A guaranteed success for the little ones among you! Wine lovers will also find something to enjoy. Dive into the wonderful world of wine and fill a bottle at the castle's wine cellar, which you can seal with wax!
Additionally, you can visit a fountain carved into the rocks, the Stolp Gallery, the memorial room of Arnold Rikli, and the memorial room of the museums of the Gorenjska region. If you'd like to purchase a keepsake, the castle also has a beehive with bee-related souvenirs (a different kind of souvenir!).
At Bled Castle, you'll have the opportunity to explore the oldest history of Bled and learn about the living cultures of past epochs. Admire the picturesque architecture of the historic castle and get familiar with the history and culture of Bled in the museum collection. If you decide to visit Bled in the summer, you will also have the chance to attend cultural events at the castle, such as Medieval Days, where knights reenact life in the Middle Ages, bringing the castle back to life.
Particularly charming is the Gothic chapel in the upper courtyard, built in the 16th century and dedicated to the bishops St. Albuin and St. Ingenuin. Since the 17th century, a Baroque statue and wall paintings have adorned the chapel. The wall paintings depict figures from long ago, such as the founders of the Bled estate, German Emperor Henry II, and his wife. You can also find additional portraits of the imperial couple in the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island. But not only the historic buildings offer a reason to explore the castle. Enjoy the wonderful view of Bled Island, the town, and the Alpine mountains of Gorenjska.
If these sights spark even more curiosity about Bled, explore the surrounding mountains by taking part in one of the many outdoor activities.
Vintgar Gorge is located about 4 kilometers northwest of Bled. The gorge blends beautifully into nature and is nestled between the majestic cliffs of the Hom and Boršt mountains. Vintgar Gorge was formed by the Radovna River, so you can admire rapids and waterfalls during your hike. A natural spectacle that everyone will appreciate! Want to see more nature? Then don't just visit Vintgar Gorge in the Triglav National Park, but plan a few days to explore the Triglav National Park as well. As you pass through Vintgar Gorge, two unique man-made landmarks will catch your eye: a dam and the stone arch bridge of the Bohinj Railway. With a bit of luck, you might even see one of the trains crossing the bridge.
If you're not interested in the architectural wonders of past times, this place offers so much more. Become part of the picturesque scenery and swim in the clear water of the seemingly endless lake. Dive into this magical place and explore the lake more closely. For diving enthusiasts, the lake, with a depth of 36 meters, also offers a wonderful experience.
Bled is especially known for its adventures! Take on the challenge of canyoning and take the plunge into the cold water. Explore the waterfalls in the nature of Bled, and if that's not enough, you can even try climbing them with professional help in the winter. An experience that could not be more unique!
If you prefer to discover nature in a more peaceful way, without the adventurous but physically demanding activities, that's definitely not a problem! You can explore the forests around Bled with geocaching, take a guided tour of Bled, float above the fairytale scenery in a hot air balloon as if you're on cloud 9, or even go fishing. Bled offers you a wide variety of adventures and activities that are enticing for both young and old. Horse enthusiasts can explore nature on horseback, while hiking fans can follow the countless trails around Bled. Experience the summer or winter of your life in Bled!
When traveling to Slovenia, make sure to purchase a digital vignette before or at least during your journey. With our digital vignette, which you can easily and conveniently order from home, you're covered for your entire trip! Choose between different durations and enjoy the immediate validity of the digital vignette. With us, you don’t have to wait 18 days for the vignette to be valid!
