Things to see and do Bled

To access this superb natural site, you need to book your tickets online. We also recommend that you wear suitable footwear and, if necessary, warm clothing, as it's rare for the sun to penetrate deep into the gorge. It's best to visit at off-peak times, early in the morning in summer, and avoid dark days. At first glance, there's nothing exceptional about this busy spot. One might even tire of the sheer number of tourists, a rarity in Slovenia. But ignore all that! Take to the trail and discover the incredible beauty of the Vintgar Gorge. The noisy river drowns out all noise. The trail runs alongside the river, stunning in its transparency and purity, and impressive in its white-foamed waterfalls. Small wooden footbridges allow you to meander along the river. The walk lasts around 1h30. Despite the turbulence, you'll appreciate the calm spots where the riverbed is at its best: many trout swim upstream! Anglers will regret the restrictions imposed. You'll arrive near a stunning waterfall (beware of vertigo), overlooked by a small wooden bridge that you can cross to admire the power of the waterfalls. This timeless landscape will make you realize that you were right to go beyond your first impressions and continue on your way.

Legend has it that the lake was created following a dispute between fairies and local shepherds. In retaliation for the latter's mockery, the fairies had their fertile valley flooded. If you are more down to earth, you will learn that the island was formed following the melting of the Bohinj glacier during the last ice age. With a maximum depth of 30 m, its length reaches 2.12 km, its width 1.38 km. Today it hosts many sporting events.

A short stop before continuing on to the castle. It is a neo-Gothic church dating from 1905 erected on the site of a 15th century Gothic church. The plans of the building are by the architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who also designed the town hall of the Austrian capital. The sculptures were made by Ivan Vurnik, a native of Radovljica. The frescoes (1932-1937) by Slavko Pengov depict the Last Supper and the Last Judgement with a portrait of Lenin in place of Judas. Sculpture from Plečnik in front of the entrance.

A pearl not to be missed under any circumstances. Admittedly, the climb is steep and can sometimes be obstructed by many tourists. A piece of advice: get over it and continue your ascent. You won't be disappointed! You will gain height on this dreamlike landscape and feel yourself sprouting wings, 190 m above the lake. Every photography enthusiast knows this place. Well marked out, the path allows you to reach Ojstrica in about twenty minutes and the view of the lake of Bled is quite simply, by itself, one of the must-see in the country.

Seeing the castle is like spotting Bled. When Henry II offered the city to the bishops of Brixen in 1004, the castle did not look like this. It then consists of a Romanesque tower and an enclosure wall. Over the centuries, the work was completed. The small chapel dates from the 16th century, the frescoes are made in the 18th century. The restoration of the castle was undertaken in the 1950s. From the terrace, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. The museum traces the history of Bled from the earliest times to the present day.

It is the only real island of the country, constituting its most beautiful postcard. Disembarkation is by pletna, the local gondola. Departures take place near the Park Hotel as well as in Mlino, the regatta center (opposite the Park Hotel). The first inhabitants of the island are thought to have lived here around 1100 BC. On the site of the present church, there was a cult of the goddess Ïiva, who was worshipped by the Slavs in the Middle Ages and was sung by the poet France Prešeren.

Beautiful documentation on the cultural and natural sites to be discovered in the city and its surroundings. The agents are good counsellors and will provide you with several ideas for itineraries according to your desires. They will also inform you about the many water activities to be done in the region such as rafting or canyoning, as well as the accommodation and catering on site. Brochures in many languages, some in French.

The first church, a Romanesque basilica with three naves, was consecrated in 1142. It was renovated in the 15th century but a few decades later, an earthquake made further alterations necessary. It is on the island of Bled. The statue of the Virgin dates from the Gothic period. The present altar with its rich gilding dates from 1747. The bell tower has had an eventful history. Two earthquakes and lightning (1688) damaged him.

Straža (translate: sentinel). It is the highest point closest to the city. In fact, the inhabitants lit a fire there to warn the neighbours of the arrival of the Turkish enemy. Thus, from hill to hill, smoke messages were used as SMS at the time. Today, you can ski there and admire the dominant view of the lake from the hostel "Kuća na Straži" or climb the trees, toboggan... Be careful it is closed in the off-season, but nothing prevents a wonderful walk because it is only at 642 meters altitude.