Lake Bled is a glacial lake in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It is 2,120 m long and 1,380 m wide, with a maximum depth of 30.6 m. The lake is nestled in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. The lake is 2,120 m long and 1,380 m wide, with a maximum depth of 30.6 metres. The lake is situated in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. A medieval castle stands above the lake on the north shore. The lake surrounds Bled Island (Sln. Blejski otok), the only natural island in Slovenia. The island has several buildings, the main one being the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (Slovenian: Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja), built in the 15th century, where weddings are held regularly. The church has a 52-metre tower and there is a stairway with 99 steps leading up to the building. The lake is also well known among rowers because it has very good conditions for the sport. It hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, and 1989. It will host the World Rowing Championship again in 2011. The lake is 35 kilometers from the Ljubljana International Airport and 55 km from the capital city Ljubljana.
Bled's scenery is almost impossibly romantic, with a little white church on an island in the center of an emerald green mountain lake, Bled Castle perched high above and the peaks of the Julian Alps all around — and it is consequently often packed with honeymooning couples and the like. The town is also a popular access point for Triglav National Park and offers numerous possibilities for an active holiday, including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, rafting and skiing in winter or a relaxing spell in a modern wellness centre. Bled is small enough to cover on foot; a walk around the lake won't take much longer than an hour. The traditional way to reach the lake's island is by pletna boats, although those feeling fit can also swim (take an air mattress in any case) or rent rowboats. As of 2008, the round-trip fair is a fixed 12 EUR per person, and the rowers will typically wait to get at least 3-4 people on the boat (max capacity is about 10 people), so leave plenty of time for the trip to the island. Once on the island, the boat will wait 30-60 minutes, so the total trip time will be about 90 minutes. These pletnas depart from various locations around the lake. If the departure point is far from the island (thus more rowing time), that means you will get to spend less time on the lake, because the total round trip time will be 90 minutes. Horse drawn carriages are available for rides around the lake, to the castle and further afield. Call 00386 41 710 970, Tony!
Bled Castle is a picturesque white and red castle, perched on a rock on the northern side of town. There is a little museum inside with an exhibition on the castle's history and the usual array of medieval pomp, pageantry and weaponry. There is also a small wine center run by Andre, the monk. There, for the price of a champagne bottle (15€) Andre will teach you how to perform Sabrage, or Sabree, the art of cutting the top of the bottle off with a blade. You can also bottle, label, and wax stamp your own wine right in the cellar with Andre. Very fun. By taking the wooden steps near the wine cellar above the courtyard, you can find a small shop that sells various herbs and oils. Go in here for the smell if anything. The little island on Lake Bled. The small church on the island dates back to the 10th century, but the present building was built in the 17th century. According to local tradition, a husband who can carry his newly married bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage, and ringing the bell in the church will fulfill one of your wishes. The way to reach the island is by a special boat called Pletna +386-41-948-168. An alternative to taking the Pletna to the island is to rent a kayak and explore Lake Bled yourself. With a kayak a person can easily reach the island, tie up, and go exploring by foot, and also explore the hidden shorelines of the lake, otherwise inaccessible without a small boat. Your hotel or hostel can give you information on where to rent a kayak. A fairytale castle high on a bluff, with a crystal clear lake underneath, snow capped alps in the background: Bled has all the ingredients for becoming a major tourist spot. Located in the Julian alps, a bus ride of about an hour takes you from Ljubljana to this mountain resort. The main sights in the area are the Bled castle which has a pricey restaurant and a mediocre museum but the best views imaginable of the lake and the island with the Church of Sv Marija Bozja on it. The island can be visited by gondola, or by canoe from the Park Hotel. It is approximately 4 miles around the lake, which makes it a nice after dinner stroll. And you can't miss stopping at Vila Bled along the lake. Now a hotel, Vila Bled was once Tito's summer home. The Vintgar Gorge is an excellent day trip. It's just 10 km north of town and the hike there is great.
