Situated in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia, just about 55 km northwest of the capital, Ljubljana, you will find Slovenia’s turquoise jewel. The glacial lake, with tectonic origins, is over two kilometres long and almost 1.4 km wide with a maximum depth of almost 30 m. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the lake is located in a very picturesque setting.
An island-church floating in the middle of a lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and an 11-century medieval castle balancing on the edge of a cliff… this is fairytale Lake Bled.
To the north of the lake lies the Julian Alps and the impressive Triglavski Narodni Park, famous for Mount Triglav (2,863 m), the highest peak of the Julian Alps, and the stunning Vintgar Gorge.
However, the pearl of the jewel of Slovenia is located almost in the middle of the lake. Bled Island (Blejski otok) is a small, oval-shaped island most famous for its pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and built near the end of the 17th century. Its Gothic frescos date back to around the 15th century. It is popular for weddings, and legend has it that it is good luck for the groom to carry his new bride up the steps before ringing the bell and making a special wish.
To reach the island, take a traditional “pletna” (wooden boat), the way it’s been done for centuries. Once you arrive, climb the 99 steps to the church door, ring the bell, and make your wish.
PHOTO ABOVE: Lake Bled, with Bled Island (Blejski otok) and its 17th-century pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, is located in a very picturesque part of Slovenia, northwest of its capital, Ljubljana. The nearby Julian Alps which are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, tower over the lake. Quaint villages surround the lake. From here it is an invigorating hike to the streams and green fern trees of the Vintgar Gorge, located in the Triglavski Narodni Park.
PHOTO ABOVE: To the left, located on Bled Island, is the 17th-century pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary with its 99 steps clearly visible. To the right, perched 130 m above the northeastern shores of Lake Bled, is the medieval Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia. First mentioned in the history books of the 11th century, the Romanesque tower is the oldest part. During the 16th-century the chapel was added, as well as the courtyards, drawbridge, and more towers. Nowadays the castle houses a museum with a large collection of armour, weapons, and jewellery found at the early Slav burial pits at Pristava.
PHOTO ABOVE: Just 4 km to the northwest of Lake Bled lies the Vintgar Gorge inside Triglavski Narodni Park, known for its 1,600 m wooden walkway built in 1893. The walkway crosses the Radovna River a few times, and goes past waterfalls and crystal-clear pools all the way to the 13 m-high Šum Waterfall. The waterfall is the largest river waterfall in Slovenia. At times, the canyon walls are 50 to 100 m high. A truly spectacular area.
The scenery to the north and northwest of Lake Bled towards Vintgar Gorge inside Triglavski Narodni Park is lush, and dotted with villages and farming communities.
Look out for several small churches in the area, including the ancient pilgrimage Church of St Catherine (signed ‘Katarina Bled’) just north of Zasip.
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Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.