Lake Bled

Lake Bled is the picture-postcard heart of Slovenia, a small emerald-green alpine lake cradled by mountains, with a tiny island crowned by a baroque church at its centre and a medieval castle perched on a cliff above. Rowed out to the island in a traditional pletna boat, with the Julian Alps beyond, it is one of the most romantic scenes in Europe.

History

The lake was an important cult centre in the Bronze Age, when gold appliqués of the 13th-12th century BC were left in a deposit on the shore. Emperor Henry II conferred Bled as an estate in 1004, and the medieval castle on the north shore now holds a museum (Wikipedia, Lake Bled).

Highlights

• The island church - the tiny island with its church and wishing bell, reached by pletna boat.
• Bled Castle - the medieval castle on the cliff above the lake.
• The lakeside walk - the path around the shore with ever-changing views.
• Bled cream cake - the famous kremsnita custard slice at the lakeside cafes.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn for the lake, boats and mild weather; it is beautiful year-round, with snow-dusted peaks in winter. Early morning gives the calmest water and reflections.

Good to know

It is extremely popular, so the lakeside and the island can be busy in season. It is small, so it pairs well with nearby Bohinj and the gorge for a fuller day. The pletna boat and castle charge, though the shore walk is free.

Nearby

Lake Bohinj and the Vintgar Gorge are close; Triglav National Park spreads west.

Key facts